Abstract: The present invention is related to, in general, an output voltage adaptive converting apparatus and method thereof. The invention provides an output voltage adaptive voltage converting apparatus, comprising a clock generating unit that generates predetermined clock signals; a switching amplifying unit that amplifies an input voltage (Vi) and produces an output voltage (Vo) based on the clock signals; a feedback filtering unit that filters the output voltage (Vo) and produces a filtered voltage (VOB); a voltage comparing unit that compares the filtered voltage (VOB) with the input voltage (Vi) and produces a control voltage (Vc); and a voltage switching unit that connects a source voltage (Vdd) of the clock generating unit to the input voltage (Vi) or the filtered voltage (VOB) based on the control voltage (Vc).

Abstract: A current source is provided with two resistor banks, and digital potentiometers are used to control how much each resistor bank affects the resulting output current. Furthermore, when the digital potentiometers are at a particular setting such that a particular resistor bank does not affect the resulting output current (i.e., the resistor bank is “inactive”), the resistance of that resistor bank can be switched without affecting the output current, thus minimizing or eliminating discontinuities in the output current during a current sweep operation. Thus, for example, when a resistor bank meets its threshold and becomes inactive, the resistance of the inactive resistor bank may be switched, and then the digital potentiometer setting may be changed to facilitate smoothly reactivating that resistor bank, with the new resistance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detection of a presence of a load. A method may include, for example, applying and subsequently removing a supply voltage across the pair of nodes, comparing an electrical potential at one of the pair of nodes at a time after the supply voltage is removed with a reference value, and generating a signal having a value that depends upon an outcome of the comparison.

Abstract: More accurate signal detection circuitry in serial interfaces, particularly on a programmable integrated circuit device, such as a PLD, includes a high-speed, high-resolution, high-bandwidth comparator, along with digital filtering, to reduce the effect of process, temperature or supply variations. The comparator is used to compare a direct input signal with a programmable reference voltage, and, in a preferred embodiment, can detect the signal level within 8 mV accuracy. The output of the comparator may then be digitally filtered. Preferably, both a high-pass digital filter and a low-pass analog filter may be used to eliminate glitches and low-frequency noise. Preferably, the digital filters are programmable to adjust the sensitivity to noise. The filtered output is then latched and output to indicate receipt or loss of signal. This signal detect circuitry can operate reliably at data rates as high as 7 Gbps.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a method for monitoring a photovoltaic generator (1) for generating current with a number of solar cells connected between two external connections by repeated feeding of a current with a frequency spectrum into the generator current circuit, detecting thereby a respective frequency response in the frequency spectrum with the supplied current as the input variable and an electric variable of the generator as the output variable, and detecting a change in the frequency response for monitoring the photovoltaic generator (1) in the event of a change during repeated feeding.

Abstract: Delay-locked loops, signal locking methods and devices incorporating delay-locked loops are described. A delay-locked loop includes a forward loop path, a feedback loop path, and a phase detector. A test clock signal is temporarily switched to traverse the forward loop path and the feedback loop path. The phase detector is coupled to both the forward and feedback loop path circuits and is configured to periodically adjust responsive to a calculated loop delay of the test clock signal. The phase detector is thereafter able to stabilize at an improved rate.

Abstract: An optical device includes an optical element, a detector and a controller. The optical element has an optical waveguide. Refractive index of the optical waveguide is controlled by a heater. A temperature of the optical element is controlled by a temperature control device. The detector detects a current flowing in the heater and/or a voltage applied to the heater. The controller controls an electrical power provided to the heater so as to be kept constant according to the detection result of the detector.

Abstract: There is provided a device identifying method for identifying an electronic device including therein an actual operation circuit and a test circuit having a plurality of test elements provided therein, where the actual operation circuit operates during an actual operation of the electronic device and the test circuit operates during a test of the electronic device.

Abstract: A position sensing system includes a plurality of two-axis anisotropic magneto-resistive (AMR) sensors to determine the position of a user interface. A magnetic member is coupled to the user interface, which is movable to a position along a random path. The plurality of two-axis AMR sensors is arranged in a two-dimensional sensor array that is spaced apart from the magnetic member. A signal processor circuit is operable to sense the electrical resistance values of each two-axis AMR sensor, to determine the position of the user interface from the resistance values, and to supply position feedback data representative of the determined position.

Abstract: A motion sensor which has a coil that surrounds a ferromagnetic core and at least one magnet that is longitudinally movable along the coil. The magnet causes a magnetic saturation of the ferromagnetic core in an associated zone that covers a portion of the length of the coil. An evaluation unit generates a position signal in dependence on the position of the movable magnet along the longitudinal extent of the coil. The coil has at least two superimposed winding layers that surround the ferromagnetic core and are wound in opposite directions. The windings of adjacent segments generally have about the same width over which the winding density remains constant. Thus, the winding density of the segments of one of the winding layers increases linearly over the length of the sensor while the winding density of the segments in the other winding layer linearly decreases over the sensor length.

Abstract: An electrical device includes a terminal connected with an electronic component, a pliant member which contacts a part of the terminal in a longitudinal direction of the terminal and covers a whole circumference of the part, and a casing for holding the electronic component and the terminal and the pliant member. The casing is molded by a resin material with the electronic component, the terminal and the pliant member being insert-molded. The end portion of the terminal of an opposite side to the electronic component extends to an outer side of the casing. One part of the pliant member is covered by the casing and the other part thereof is exposed to the outer side of the casing. The pliant member is compressed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the terminal.

Abstract: A magnetized pulsar ring of the invention is a pulsar ring fixed to an outer peripheral surface of a supporting member and including a ring body in which a number of magnetic poles are at predetermined intervals in a peripheral direction. The ring body 11a is formed of a plastic magnet, and has a cushion member made of an elastic body that is interposed between the ring body and the outer peripheral surface.

Abstract: A position detecting device for a vehicle and a seat position detecting device which are compact in structure and low in production cost are proposed, in which the absolute position from the reference point can be always detected. The position detecting device for a vehicle for detecting a position of a mobile object for the vehicle which is moved by a driving force of a rotating driving source includes a deceleration device having a two-stage hypo-cycloid mechanism decelerating the rotation amount of a rotation shaft rotated plural revolutions to one revolution or less by the driving source upon the mobile object being moved and a rotation sensor detecting a rotation output from the deceleration device as an absolute angle, wherein a position of the mobile object is detected based on the absolute angle detected by the rotation sensor.

Abstract: Eddy current sensors and sensor arrays are used for process quality and material condition assessment of conducting materials. In an embodiment, changes in spatially registered high resolution images taken before and after cold work processing reflect the quality of the process, such as intensity and coverage. These images also permit the suppression or removal of local outlier variations. Anisotropy in a material property, such as magnetic permeability or electrical conductivity, can be intentionally introduced and used to assess material condition resulting from an operation, such as a cold work or heat treatment. The anisotropy is determined by sensors that provide directional property measurements. The sensor directionality arises from constructs that use a linear conducting drive segment to impose the magnetic field in a test material. Maintaining the orientation of this drive segment, and associated sense elements, relative to a material edge provides enhanced sensitivity for crack detection at edges.

Abstract: A method for inversion of multiple echo trains with different wait times uses a cutoff times for each of the echo trains for full polarization. Simultaneous inversion is carried out for T2 bins where full polarization exists. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the determination of local deviations of a main magnetic field of a magnetic resonance device from a setpoint value, comprising: loading of a first image data record of an examination region recorded by means of the magnetic resonance device with a first frequency encoding gradient; loading of a second image data record of the same examination region recorded by means of the magnetic resonance device with a second frequency encoding gradient, with the first and the second frequency encoding gradient being different; reception of a transformation displacement field as the end result of a recording of the first and the second image data record; calculation of local deviations of the main magnetic field from a setpoint value on the basis of the calculated transformation displacement field; and display or storage of the calculated local deviations of the main magnetic field.

Abstract: A thermal management system for cooling a heat generating component of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) apparatus includes at least one heat pipe having a portion disposed proximate the heat generating component, such as a gradient coil and/or RF coil. When heat is removed from the component, a working fluid in a relatively hotter end of the heat pipe vaporizes and travels toward a relatively colder end of the heat pipe. The colder end may be operatively coupled to a heat sink for removing the heat from the colder end and increase the overall efficiency of the system. The heat pipe may be disposed along a horizontal, a vertical direction and/or along a diagonal of the heat generating component.

Abstract: A phantom for examination in nuclear spin tomographs comprises at least one test body for abstract imitation of a human or animal body part, and also means for supplying the test body with a liquid during the examination by nuclear spin tomography. Another phantom for examination in nuclear spin tomographs comprises at least one abstract imitation of a human or animal body part, of which at least one abstract imitation is adapted to be an at least partially flexible test body, and a flexible layer surrounding the partially flexible test body to imitate a lipid layer. Methods for producing test bodies include molding the test bodies from plastic material.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a NMR spectrometer includes a NMR probe circuit component (e.g. RF coil insert, capacitor, inductor) in thermal and electrical contact with a cryogenically-cooled NMR probe support through a collet assembly. The collet assembly includes a collet assembly body connected to the probe support, a collet inserted into the collet assembly body, a pin connected to the probe circuit component, and a nut threaded over a back of the collet to secure the pin to the collet. The collet assembly body is connected to the probe circuit component and the pin is connected to the probe support. A heat exchanger may be in thermal contact with the probe support. The collet assembly provides a demountable, compact, reliable, low-resistance, and strong thermal and electrical connection particularly suited for use in NMR probes, which are commonly subject to stringent spatial and other NMR-compatibility design constraints.

Abstract: In one aspect, a magnet comprising a pair of pole supports spaced apart from one another and extending in a generally horizontal direction. The magnet includes a pair of flux return members extending between the pole supports so as to define a frame, each of the flux return members including a first columnar section that extends parallel to the polar axis and a second columnar section that extends perpendicular to the polar axis and projects towards the pole. In another aspect, a magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a ferromagnetic frame that is operative to support an upper pole member and a lower pole member along a vertical polar axis such that a gap is defined between the upper and lower pole members and an access floor that is isolated from the ferromagnetic frame and pole members for providing access to the gap.

Abstract: An electromagnetic logging tool is disclosed that includes a support; and at least one four-coil array disposed on the support, wherein the at least one four-coil array comprises: a transmitter, a bucking coil, a receiver, and a trim coil. A method for balancing an induction array is disclosed that includes applying an alternating current to a transmitter of the induction array that comprises the transmitter, a bucking coil and a receiver; measuring a mutual coupling between the transmitter and the receiver; and adding an extra bucking coil, if the mutual coupling exceeds a selected criterion.

Abstract: Improved receiver antennas are disclosed for long offset tensor induction army logging tools. The disclosed antennas include a bobbin which accommodates a ferromagnetic core. The outer surface of the bobbin is wrapped around a binding so that winding is thicker or includes more turns towards a center of the bobbin and is thinner or includes less turns towards the outer ends of the bobbin. The result is that the primary winding with a curved or parabolic profile that enhances the effective magnetic permeability and magnetic moment of the antenna. A secondary winding may also be utilized for flux feedback compensation. The elimination of winding turns towards the ends of the magnetic coil result in reduced DC resistance and the reduction in parasitic capacitance of the antennas. The disclosed antennas may be used in x-y-z receiver arrays.

Abstract: A wellbore tool for locating a target wellbore containing a conductive member from a second wellbore and directing the trajectory of the second wellbore relative to the target wellbore includes an electric current driver having an insulated gap; a three-axis magnetometer positioned within a non-magnetic housing that is disposed within a non-magnetic tubular, the three-axis magnetometer positioned below the electric current driver; a drill bit positioned below the three-axis magnetometer; a hollow tubular connected between the electric current driver and the three-axis magnetometer; and a measurement-while-drilling tool. The current driver generates an electric current across the gap to the portion of the tool below the insulated gap. In a method a current is generated across the insulated gap to the portion of the tool below the insulated gap to the conductive material in the target wellbore returning to a portion of the bottom hole assembly above the insulated gap thereby producing a target magnetic field.

Abstract: A method for determining electrical properties of a submarine petroleum fluid-bearing formation (1) under overburden geological layers (2) of thickness (s) under a seafloor (3) of a sea. The method includes: *arranging one or more transmitter antennas (9) in the sea, and arranging one or more electromagnetic receivers (8) in the sea, *the sea having a shallow sea depth (d) of 50-350 meters; *using the transmitter antenna (9) transmitting electromagnetic signals (10) of one or more pulses (11) having frequency of very low frequency between 0.01 Hz and 0.

Abstract: For monitoring the operation of a gas discharge lamp operated with an AC voltage, a lamp voltage signal is generated which is dependent on the voltage dropped across the gas discharge lamp during operation. The lamp voltage signal is filtered with an attenuation that is different for a DC component and for a component having the frequency of the AC voltage, whereupon a positive and negative peak value of the filtered lamp voltage signal are determined. For monitoring the gas discharge lamp, an average value of the two peak values is determined and compared with a limit value, and a difference value between the two peak values is determined and compared with a limit value.

Abstract: A measuring device is used in conjunction with a programmable controller for monitoring electrolyte levels in the battery. According to one implementation, the measuring device is located in a battery and is configured to detect when the electrolyte level in the battery falls below a particular level. The controller is in electrical communication with the electrolyte detection device. The controller is configured to: (i) receive a signal from the electrolyte level detection device indicating when the electrolyte level in the battery has fallen below the particular level; (ii) introduce a wait-period after the signal is received; and (iii) enable an indicator to indicate that the electrolyte level in the battery should be refilled when the wait-period expires.

Abstract: It is intended to realize measuring of trace organic components and to render qualitative procedure efficient through imparting of selectivity. Penning gas and dopant gas are ionized in a space isolated from discharge part with the use of metastable helium obtained by direct-current glow discharge, and with the use of thus obtained plasma, the efficiency of ionization of components to be measured is enhanced, so that intensified ion current can be obtained. Further, through selection of dopant gas and Penning gas, selectivity can be imparted. Thus, not only can measuring of trace organic components be performed but also selectivity can be imparted.

Abstract: A method for fault detection in a power transformer/autotransformer and/or interconnected power lines, which are within the zone protected by the differential protection, and particularly suitable for detecting turn-to-turn faults in power transformer/autotransformer windings. All individual instantaneous phase currents of the protected object are measured, individual phase currents as fundamental frequency phasors are calculated, the contributions of the individual protected object sides negative sequence currents to the total negative sequence differential current are calculated by compensating for the phase shift of an eventual power transformer within the protected zone, the relative positions of the compensated individual sides negative sequence currents in the complex plane are compared, in order to determine whether the source of the negative sequence currents, i.e.

Abstract: A system and method to detect changes in composite structures using RF signal pattern data interpretation. An RF signal is transmitted from a composite material manufactured structure and a plurality of sensors are employed to measure the RF signal. The measured RF signal is compared to a stored baseline RF signal for the particular structure. Deviations in the measured RF pattern for the structure, or for a structurally-similar composite structure, are automatically analyzed to detect non-visually-detectable defects or other changes in the composite structure. A baseline RF signature is developed for a structure by transmitting a reference RF signal from the composite structure. RF signals are detected by a variety of methods, and the detected signals are compiled and translated into reference and/or test RF signal patterns for the structure.

Abstract: System and method for detecting a fault in a faulty network element of a bus network comprising two or more transmitters. The method comprises transmitting from one of the transmitter a signal of predetermined parameters to the bus network; receiving the signal; and determining if the first signal is followed by a tail that is an echo indicative of a faulty network element. The location of the faulty network element can be determined by transmitting from a second transmitter a second signal of predetermined parameters to the bus network; the second signal and, determining if the second signal is followed by a second tail that is an echo indicative of the faulty network element; and if tails are detected, determining by an algorithm executer the location of the faulty network element by triangulation.

Abstract: In a receiving-side printed circuit board, a reflected-waveform analyzing unit analyzes a reflected wave generated in a transmission line on a backplane along with transmission of a signal from a transmitting-side printed circuit board, and acquires waveform data that indicates a waveform of the reflected wave. An input signal identifying unit calculates a size of the reflected wave that is currently received based on the waveform data and data on previously received signals. The input signal identifying unit corrects a threshold value by the calculated size, and identifies a state of a bit indicated by the signal from the transmitting-side printed circuit board.

Abstract: A capacitance measuring apparatus which comprises: a voltage source for applying voltage fluctuation to a device under test; a current source for absorbing the current flowing through the resistance component of the device under test; and an ammeter for measuring the leakage current flowing through the device under test before and after voltage fluctuation and the charging current flowing through the device under test as a result of voltage fluctuation.

Abstract: A sensor device for detecting a positional relationship between a first member and a second member, includes a first electrode provided on a surface of the first member and supplied with an alternating signal of a first frequency, a second electrode provided on a surface of the second member and supplied with an alternating signal of a second frequency, and a beat detector which detects a beat frequency component corresponding to a difference between the first and second frequencies indicative of the positional relationship between the first member and the second member, when the positional relationship between the first and second members changes to cause the first electrode to approach the second electrode.

Abstract: A measuring unit applies a dc voltage causing an inversion layer to be formed on an interface between a semiconductor substrate and an insulating film to the semiconductor substrate while changing a change speed of a level of the dc voltage, and measures a current flowing through the insulating film. An arithmetic unit obtains a straight line showing a relationship between the current flowing through the insulating film and the change speed of the dc voltage on the basis of a relationship between the current measured by the measuring unit and the dc voltage, and calculates a slope of the obtained straight line as surface capacitance of the insulating film. The arithmetic unit calculates permittivity of the insulating film on the basis of the calculated surface capacitance, an area of contact between a probe and the insulating film and a thickness of the insulating film.

Abstract: A fluid sensor is constructed to have a pair of electrodes whereas between electrodes there are not additional materials designated to adsorb analytes if their concentrations are high, or there are adsorbents if the analyte concentrations are low. An alternating current voltage of varying frequencies is applied to the electrodes of the sensor by an alternating current device. In return, it detects electrical properties such as impedance and its components, reactance, resistance, and phase angles of the sensor with analytes whereas the analytes reside in or pass through the electrodes at each frequency. Thus a spectrum of electrical properties of the analyte can be established at various applied frequencies. The electrical properties are analyzed by a pattern recognition process, and compared with those of the known fluids. Therefore, the fluid can be detected and identified. A reference sensor is provided with the same configuration of the fluid sensor.

Abstract: A transparent conductive film roll which has a transparent conductive layer on at least one surface thereof and has an excellent distribution uniformity of surface resistance in longitudinal and lateral directions thereof wherein the distribution uniformity D of surface resistance defined by the following expression (1) is 0.2 or less when the surface resistance of the transparent conductive layer is measured at a total of 33 points within the film roll, and therefore, is suitable especially for a large panel, D=(Rmax?Rmin)/(Rmax+Rmin)??(1) where Rmax and Rmin represent the maximum and minimum values of 33 surface resistance measurement values.

Abstract: A testing method for a LED module and its associated elements includes the steps of: providing a LED module on which a plurality of light-emitting diodes is arranged; providing an integration detector, and mounting it above the LED module; providing an electrically conducting means having a plurality of conductive terminals and an electronic signal connector electrically connected to the conductive terminals; electrically connecting the light-emitting diodes with the conductive terminals; using the electronic signal connector to change the ON/OFF states of the electrical signals of the light-emitting diodes and the conductive terminals; and detecting the photo-electrical properties of each light-emitting diode via the integration detector.

Abstract: A circuit in probe card, which includes a signal line, a detection probe and a plurality of switch modules. A plurality of test response signals form a plurality of chips to be tested are transmitted on the signal line. The detection probe is coupled to the signal line for receiving the test response signals from the tested chips. In addition, each of the switch modules is respectively coupled to the signal line and the probes to selectively transmit the test response signals from the chips to the signal line such that the chips are able to be tested without disruption caused by an electrical short.

Abstract: An improved interconnection system is described, such as for electrical contactors and connectors, electronic device or module package assemblies, socket assemblies, and/or probe card assembly systems. An exemplary connector comprises a first connector structure comprising a contactor substrate having a contact surface and a bonding surface, and one or more electrically conductive micro-fabricated spring contacts extending from the probe surface, a second connector structure comprising at least one substrate and having a set of at least one electrically conductive contact pad located on a connector surface and corresponding to the set of spring contacts, and means for movably positioning and aligning the first connector structure and the second connector structure between at least a first position and a second position, such that in at least one position, at least one electrically conductive micro-fabricated spring contact is electrically connected to at least one electrically conductive contact pad.

Abstract: A test device includes a movable mounting table having a temperature controlling mechanism therein; a probe card provided with a plurality of probes positioned above the mounting table; and a first temperature control unit for controlling the temperature controlling mechanism so that a target object on the mounting table can be heated to a predetermined temperature to test electrical characteristics of the target object. The mounting table is provided with a heater facing a plurality of probes protruding from the mounting table in the high-temperature test on the target object.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit is constituted to include a circuit block having a predetermined function, a power switch capable of supplying an operating power to the circuit block, and a current measuring circuit for obtaining a current flowing to the circuit block based on a voltage between terminals of the power switch in a state in which the power switch is turned on and an on-resistance of the power switch. The current flowing to the circuit block is obtained based on the voltage between terminals of the power switch in the state in which the power switch is turned on and the on-resistance of the power switch. Thus, it is possible to measure a current of the circuit block in a state in which a chip is normally operated.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments provide a resilient integrated circuit. An exemplary IC comprises a plurality of composite circuit elements, a state machine element (SME), and a plurality of communication elements. Each composite circuit element comprises an element interface and a selected circuit element which may vary by element type, and which may be configurable. The state machine element assigns various functions based on element type, such as assigning a first configuration to a first element type, assigning a second configuration to a second element type, and providing a first data link for the corresponding assignments. In response to detection of a fault or failure, the state machine element re-assigns the first configuration to another composite circuit element and creates a second data link for performance of the same function.

Abstract: A latch circuit includes a feedback circuit having inverter circuits and at least two input terminals and an input circuit for inputting input signals or signals having the same phase as the input signals to the input terminals of the feedback circuit in synchronization with a clock signal. In the feedback circuit section, only when the input signals or the signals having the same phase as the input signals are input to the at least two input terminals at the same time, positive feedback using a predetermined number of amplification stages is applied to the input terminals.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an array of sleep transistors is provided, wherein a combination of said transistors may be enabled during an active mode to reduce leakage depending on the leakage characteristics of a chip or associated chip.

Abstract: The apparatus for on-die termination of a semiconductor memory includes a first ODT (On-Die Termination) voltage generating unit that outputs a first line voltage by calibrating an input voltage with a resistance ratio according to a first code having at least two bits; a first code calibrating unit that counts the first code according to the result of a comparison between the first line voltage and a reference voltage, stops the code count when the first code reaches a maximum value or a minimum value, and stores a code value based on a final count; a second ODT voltage generating unit that outputs a second line voltage by calibrating an input voltage with a resistance ratio according to the first code and a second code having at least two bits; and a second code calibrating unit that counts the second code according to the result of a comparison between the second line voltage and the reference voltage, stops the code count when the second code reaches the maximum value or the minimum value, and stores a co

Abstract: A programmable logic device having a Logic Element with an N-stage Look Up Table (LUT), dedicated hardware for performing a non-LUT logic function, and an over-ride element configured to selectively force a muxing stage within the N-stage LUT to select either one or more LUT configuration bit inputs or the output of the non-LUT logic function as the output of the LUT. In various embodiments, the non-LUT functions can include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, digital signal processing, memory storage, etc.

Abstract: Transceiver circuitry on a programmable logic device integrated circuit (“PLD”) is preferably provided in a plurality of identical or at least similar modules. Each module preferably includes a plurality of transceiver channels and a clock source unit. Clock distribution circuitry is provided for distributing the signal of a module's clock source to all of the transceiver channels in that module, and also selectively beyond that module to other modules.

Abstract: A high efficiency PLD architecture having adjacent logic elements that can be selectively combined to perform higher order logic functions than can be performed alone by a single logic element. The programmable logic device includes a logic block having a first logic element including a first look up table. The first look up table includes a first pair of sub-function generators and is capable of implementing logic functions of a first order. The logic block also includes a second logic element having a second input look up table including a second pair of sub-function generators. Programmable sharing circuitry is also included in the logic block. The programmable sharing circuitry selectively couples the first pair of sub-function generators and the second pair of sub-function generators so that the first logic element is capable of performing logic functions of either (i) the first order, or (ii) a second order, wherein the second order is higher than the first order.

Abstract: A device for generating k-bit parallel pseudo-random data includes “n” registers, from the first through the n-th registers (“n” is an integer not less than 3), and “k” exclusive-OR gates, from the first through the k-th exclusive-OR gates (“k” is an integer not less than 2). An output of the m-th register is input to the (m+k)th register (“m” is an integer between 1 and (n?k)). Outputs of the first through the (k?1)th exclusive-OR gates are respectively input to the second through the k-th exclusive-OR gates. An output of the first register is input to the first exclusive-OR gate. The outputs of the first through the k-th exclusive-OR gates are respectively input to the k-th through the first registers. Outputs of “k” registers, from the (n?k+1)th through the n-th registers are respectively input to the k-th through the first exclusive-OR gates, and also extracted as the k-bit parallel pseudo-random data.

Abstract: Input transistors have sources which are connected to a first input reference node and gates to which a pair of input signals are input. Input-side voltage relaxing transistors have sources connected to drains of the pair of input transistors and gates connected to a second input reference node. Output-side voltage relaxing transistors have sources connected to output nodes, gates connected to a first output reference node, and drains connected to drains of the input-side voltage relaxing transistors. First and second inverter circuits are in correspondence with the output nodes, and are connected between second and third output reference nodes. Each of the first and second inverter circuits also supplies a voltage at one of the second and third output reference nodes to its corresponding one of the output nodes, depending on a voltage at its non-corresponding one of the output nodes.