Abstract: A device includes a baseband circuit that generates a first digital signal, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that converts the first digital signal into a baseband signal, a first mixer that generates a first mixed signal based on the baseband signal and a first reference signal, a second mixer that generates a second mixed signal based on the baseband signal and a second reference signal, a third mixer that generates a down-converted signal based on the first mixed signal and the second mixed signal, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts the down-converted signal into a second digital signal. The frequency of the first reference signal is different from the frequency of the second reference signal.

Abstract: A phase shifter module includes a base material, a common terminal, and individual terminals, the common terminal and the individual terminals being provided at the base material. Inside the base material, phase shifters that are connected between the individual terminals and the common terminal, respectively, are provided. The phase shifters each include a primary coil and a secondary coil that is coupled to the primary coil by magnetic field coupling and define a transformer phase shifter. With this configuration, a phase shifter module for use with SAW filters while reducing or preventing interference among the SAW filters, a multiplexer/demultiplexer that includes the phase shifter module, and a communication apparatus that includes the phase shifter module, are obtained.

Abstract: A load control system for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to a plurality of electrical load includes a plurality of energy controllers. Each energy controller is operable to control at least one of the electrical loads. The load control system also includes a first broadcast controller that has a first antenna and a second antenna. The first antenna is arranged in a first position and the second antenna is arranged in a second position that is orthogonal to the first position. The broadcast controller is operable to transmit a first wireless signal via the first antenna and a second wireless signal via the second antenna. Each of the energy controllers is operable to receive at least one of the first and second wireless signals, and to control the respective load in response to the received wireless signal.

Abstract: In a handheld communication device capable of a plurality of wireless communication modes, a method of communication begins by receiving, at the handheld communication device, a notification of an available one of the wireless communication modes. Then, in a data communication window of the communication device, a user-indication of an active one of the available wireless communication modes is provided in accordance with the received communication mode indication. The data communication window is configured to facilitate data communication via the plurality of wireless communication modes, and facilitates the data communication via the active wireless communication mode.

Abstract: Various semiconductor chip devices and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a semiconductor chip device is provided that has a reconstituted semiconductor chip package that includes an interposer that has a first side and a second and opposite side and a metallization stack on the first side, a first semiconductor chip on the metallization stack and at least partially encased by a dielectric layer on the metallization stack, and plural semiconductor chips positioned over and at least partially laterally overlapping the first semiconductor chip.

Abstract: Provided is a beam transmission/reception method, which is executed in a wireless communication system in which a terminal and a base station are configured to use a beam to communicate to and from each other. The beam transmission/reception method includes a first step of setting, by the base station, when receiving a random access signal transmitted by the terminal as a connection request, a beam direction group at a time of reception of the random access signal by adding a further outer beam direction to beam directions used at a time of transmission of a notification signal for measuring a signal before the reception.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining a modulation scheme in direct link-based communication. A method implemented in a transmitting (TX) terminal device is provided. According to the method, a link quality of a direct link for transmission of information from the TX terminal device to one or more receiving (RX) terminal devices is determined based on one or more of the following: a context of the TX terminal device, or one or more reference signal received qualities (RSRQs) from the one or more RX terminal devices. A modulation scheme for modulating the information is determined based on the link quality. The information is modulated with the determined modulation scheme and the modulated information is transmitted to the one or more RX terminal devices via the direct link.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting the best beam in a wireless communication system are provided. An operation of a Base Station (BS) includes repeatedly transmitting reference signals beamformed with a first width, receiving a feedback signal indicating at least one preferred-beam having the first width from at least one terminal, determining a direction range within which reference signals beamformed with a second width are to be transmitted and a transmission pattern, based on the at least one preferred-beam having the first width, repeatedly transmitting the reference signals beamformed with the second width within the determined direction range according to the transmission pattern, and receiving a feedback signal indicating at least one preferred-beam having the second width from the at least one terminal.

Abstract: A multi-amplifier power management circuit and related apparatus are provided. The multi-amplifier power management circuit includes a transceiver circuit and an amplifier circuit, which are physically separated (e.g., in different integrated circuits). The amplifier circuit receives a radio frequency (RF) signal from the transceiver circuit and splits the RF signal into a number of RF transmit signals. The amplifier circuit includes a number of amplifiers configured to amplify the RF transmit signals. In examples discussed herein, the multi-amplifier power management circuit can be provided in an apparatus (e.g., a mobile communication device). The amplifier circuit may be collocated with a number of transmit antennas closer to an edge(s) of the apparatus. By collocating the amplifier circuit and the transmit antennas closer to the edge(s) of the apparatus, it may be possible to reduce RF signal radiation distance, thus helping to improve radiation efficiency and reduce heat dissipation in the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for dynamically delaying a calibration of an antenna. It is determined that there is a quantity of user devices above a predetermined threshold on a particular sector of an antenna associated with the base station, or that there is a quantity of user devices above a predetermined threshold in an MU-MIMO group on the particular sector of the antenna. Further, it is determined that there is an upcoming scheduled calibration event of the antenna, and based on the upcoming scheduled calibration event and the occurrence, the upcoming scheduled calibration event of the antenna is delayed or postponed.

Abstract: An envelope tracking (ET) amplifier apparatus is provided. The ET amplifier apparatus includes a number of amplifier circuits that can be activated concurrently or selectively for amplifying a number of radio frequency (RF) signals. Notably, some amplifier circuits may amplify RF signals corresponding to a higher modulation bandwidth (e.g., >80 MHz), while other amplifier circuits may amplify RF signals corresponding to a lower modulation bandwidth (e.g., <40 MHz). In examples discussed herein, the ET amplifier apparatus can be flexibly configured to the amplifier circuits, either concurrently or selectively, to amplify the RF signals corresponding to a wide range of modulation bandwidths, without compromising linearity and efficiency of the amplifier circuits. Moreover, the ET amplifier apparatus may be configured to share a common circuit(s) among a number of circuits, thus helping to reduce footprint of the ET amplifier apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmission of data are discussed herein. Computing devices can sense the signal strength of frequencies on an OFDM wireless channel. The computing device can determine which of the frequencies are fading frequencies failing below a threshold. A transmitting computing device can send artificial data on the failing frequencies and genuine data on the remaining frequencies. Artificial data can be designed to mitigate peak-average-power ratio (PAPR) to have an additional benefit without using extra resource.

Abstract: Various wireless communication methods are provided for controlling two or more wireless devices. In one embodiment, various processes optimize the wireless communication, especially when multiple devices are present in a system or a network. In another embodiment, various controlling devices are accommodated in a network of devices at different points in time. The speed at which the new controlling device comes into a range of the networked devices is improved with existing signatures of different wireless protocols or devices present in the network. In another embodiment, a change in the signal strength of a wireless device can be used to detect an object or person, such as an intruder.

Abstract: An RF tag circuit connected to an antenna and a load is provided. The RF tag circuit includes: a rectification circuit rectifying a radio wave received by the antenna and supplying DC power; a matching circuit having a changeable impedance and disposed between the antenna and the rectification circuit; a control part repeatedly controlling activation and stopping of the load; and an adjustment part changing the impedance of the matching circuit in a predetermined direction, storing a first electric power generated by the rectification circuit when a predetermined time has elapsed after the load is activated, and changing the impedance of the matching circuit based on a magnitude relationship between a second electric power generated by the rectification circuit when the predetermined time has elapsed after the load is activated at a timing after the first electric power is generated and the stored first electric power.

Abstract: An RF tag that includes a limiter and is capable of satisfactorily adjusting an impedance of a matching circuit is provided. The RF tag includes a variable load unit of which an amount of power consumption is changeable and a control unit that is capable of executing an impedance adjusting process of adjusting the impedance of the matching circuit such that an output voltage of a rectification circuit becomes a maximum and executes the impedance adjusting process after reducing the output voltage of the rectification circuit to a voltage less than a limiter voltage by adjusting the amount of power consumption of the variable load unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Fabrication of radio-frequency (RF) devices involves providing a field-effect transistor (FET), forming one or more electrical connections to the FET, forming one or more dielectric layers over at least a portion of the electrical connections, and disposing an electrical element over the one or more dielectric layers, the electrical element being in electrical communication with the FET via the one or more electrical connections. RF device fabrication further involves covering at least a portion of the electrical element with a sacrificial material, applying an interface material over the one or more dielectric layers, the interface material at least partially covering the sacrificial material, and removing at least a portion of the sacrificial material to form a cavity at least partially covered by the interface layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes apparatuses and methods for a configurable wireless communication chip. In some aspects, a wireless communication chip includes multiple radio paths and is capable of operating in a first communication mode that supports communication in non-contiguous segments of bandwidth and a second communication mode that does not support communication in non-contiguous segments of bandwidth. Based on a hardware configuration external to the wireless communication chip, the radio paths can be configured to operate in the first communication mode or the second communication mode. In some cases, the hardware configuration external to the wireless communication chip includes fewer antennas or amplifier paths than radio paths of the chip, such as due to cost or form-factor considerations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are examples of wireless charging transmitters and methods. As one example, a wireless charging transmitter includes a sensor to detect the presence of a receiver device and/or a living being and the sensor generates data according to the presence detected. The wireless charging transmitter also includes an array of antennas configured to transmit power waves to the receiver device and a surface layer that is adjacent to the array of antennas. The transmitted power waves converge to form a constructive interference pattern at a non-zero distance from the surface layer. The non-zero distance being based on the sensor data. Further, the phases and amplitudes of the transmitted power waves are determined based, at least in part, on the sensor data.

Abstract: A bone conduction device includes: an enclosure; and an adhesive applied to a surface of the enclosure, in which the enclosure includes: a bone conduction transducer configured to cause the enclosure to vibrate; at least one sensor configured to sense a non-audible input from a region of the user's skin to which the adhesive adheres and produce a sensor output signal in response to sensing the non-audible input, the sensor output signal being indicative of a current state of the user; and a transceiver coupled to the bone conduction transducer and to the at least one sensor, in which the transceiver is configured to a) receive the output signal from the sensor and transmit the output signal to a remote processor and b) in response to transmitting the output signal, receive the bone-conduction control signal from the remote processor and transmit the bone-conduction control signal to the bone conduction transducer.

Abstract: A communication device of handling system information (SI) comprises a storage device for storing instructions and a processing circuit coupled to the storage device. The processing circuit is configured to execute the instructions stored in the storage device. The instructions comprise acquiring a first SI broadcasted by a base station (BS); initiating a first service after acquiring the first SI; transmitting a SI request to the BS to request a second SI, in response to initiating the first service; initiating a second service after acquiring the first SI; and stopping transmitting the SI request to the BS in response to initiating the second service.

Abstract: A driving circuit for a capacitive load comprises: a demodulator including an inductor; a circuit board supporting the demodulator; and wiring patterns on the circuit board. The wiring patterns include first and second wiring patterns that are separated from each other. In the inductor, a coil and a core are integrally formed and are mounted on the circuit board so that an axial direction of the core around which the coil is wound intersects the circuit board, and part of the core is directly exposed to the circuit board. The first wiring pattern is electrically connected to a first terminal of the coil. The second wiring pattern is electrically connected to a second terminal of the coil. The first and second wiring patterns do not extend between the coil and the circuit board, and also do not extend between the core and the circuit board.

Abstract: A method for retransmission of uplink transmissions, performed by a wireless device with configured uplink grants. The method comprises transmitting a first transmission to a network node with a redundancy version (RV). The wireless device then determines to retransmit the first transmission, and retransmits the first transmission with a retransmission RV based on the type of retransmission. For a non-adaptive retransmission, the retransmission RV value is the same as the RV of the first retransmission. For an adaptive retransmission, the retransmission RV is the RV value received in a retransmission grant.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a communication device programmed to transmit alert signals from a host vehicle to at least one target vehicle. A user interface device is programmed to present a graphical representation of the at least one target vehicle and receive a user input representing a selection of the at least one target vehicle. A processing device is programmed to command the communication device to transmit the alert signal to the selected at least one target vehicle in response to the user interface device receiving the user input representing the selection of the at least one target vehicle.

Abstract: An information provision system includes a first history collection device, a second history collection device, and a specific-information generation device. The specific-information generation device includes a history collector that acquires first history information and second history information, and a specific-information generator that generates specific information regarding an attribute and a preference of a user, based on the first history information and the second history information. The specific-information generator disposes, on a map of a thesaurus prepared in advance, a first keyword obtained from an access history of a Web terminal, and a second keyword obtained from a manipulation history of a household electric appliance terminal, and generates first specific information, based on the second keyword having a distance smaller than a predetermined distance from a disposed position of the first keyword disposed on the map.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system configured for receiving modulated signals operating in a first plurality of frequency bands, and utilizing a plurality of signaling protocols, selectively converting the plurality of modulated signals to a plurality of frequency converted signals, wherein the second plurality of frequency bands differs from the first plurality of frequency bands, selectively assigning at least one of the second plurality of frequency bands to each of a respective one of a plurality of antenna systems, and transmitting a reference signal with the plurality of frequency converted signals for receipt by a respective one of the plurality of antenna systems. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for front-end systems with reactive loopback are provided. In certain configurations, a front-end system includes an antenna port, a transmit port, a receive port, an antenna switch configured to selectively provide a transmit signal from the transmit port to the antenna port, a low noise amplifier having an input electrically connected to the antenna port and an output electrically connected to the receive port, and a loopback circuit including a reactive loopback impedance and a back switch electrically connected in series between the antenna switch and the receive port. The reactive loopback impedance includes a plurality of capacitors in series with the back switch and operable to provide a portion of the transmit signal to the receive port when the back switch is activated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates beyond 4th-generation (4G) communication system such as long term evolution (LTE). A communication method and apparatus using beamforming are provided. The method includes acquiring transmission beam specific, measurement information of a base station (BS) and measuring a reference signal (RS) transmitted through transmission beams of the BS according to the transmission beam specific, measurement information. The measurement information on each transmission beam is determined according to at least one of an elevation angle of the corresponding transmission beam, an azimuth of the corresponding transmission beam, a handover urgency, information on a handover failure, and information on a radio link failure (RLF). A mobile station (MS) may perform a measurement report or a handover process according to a result of the measurement.

Abstract: A beam steering antenna system and algorithm are described where radiation mode selection is made based on communication link quality metrics from multiple clients. Flexibility in both antenna system hardware and the algorithm allow for an optimized communication link as the communication system transitions from single client to multi-client operation. The beam steering system and algorithm are described where beam steering capability can be implemented on one or both sides of the communication link and for single and multi-client operation, and for simultaneous or sequential operation.

Abstract: Field-effect transistor (FET) devices are described herein that include an insulator layer, a plurality of active field-effect transistors (FETs) formed from an active silicon layer implemented over the insulator layer, a substrate layer implemented under the insulator layer, and proximity electrodes for a plurality of the FETs that are each configured to receive a voltage and to generate an electric field between the proximity electrode and a region generally underneath a corresponding active FET. Switches with multiple FET devices having proximity electrodes are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an emergency configuration control device is provided for a communications system that provides wireless RF communication service to a coverage area, wherein the system comprises an RF protection function coupled to at least one power amplifier, protection function configured to disable the power amplifier when the protection function determines that at least one parameter of the power amplifier has deviated outside of an operating specification, the device comprising: an emergency configuration control module executed by a controller, the emergency configuration control module configured to determine when an emergency event is occurring within the coverage area as a function of a first set of input signals; wherein the emergency configuration control module enters phase one operation and inhibits disabling of the power amplifier by the RF protection function and outputs one or more phase one notification signals in response to determining that the emergency event is occurring.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to antenna arrangements. In particular, an arrangement can include at least three antennas. A first and second of the antennas can be positioned such that signals they emit cancel each other out at a physical space comprising a third of the antennas. Additionally or alternatively, an arrangement can include at least two antennas. A first of the antennas can comprise at least two signal-emitting portions positioned such that signals they emit cancel each other out at a physical space comprising a second of the antennas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for wireless electronics using a MEMS switch for a hearing assistance device. The present application relates to a hearing assistance device configured to be worn by a wearer. The hearing assistance device includes a housing for electronics of the hearing assistance device, including wireless electronics. The wireless electronics include a plurality of radio frequency (RF) MEMS switches, in various embodiments. A hearing assistance processor is adapted to process signals for the wearer of the hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the hearing assistance device includes an antenna, and a switchable capacitor bank configured for tuning the antenna, the switchable capacitor bank including one or more of the plurality of RF MEMS switches. The plurality of RF MEMS switches include an electrostatically deformed RF MEMS membrane, in an embodiment. Different configurations and approaches are provided.

Abstract: In various implementations of a load modulated balanced amplifier (LMBA), a control signal is generated (e.g., automatically generated) based at least in part on an input signal. The LBMA generally comprises a balanced amplifier, an input splitter, and a control path. A common theme of the different variants described below is that we use a nonlinear characteristic to generate a power-dependent asymmetry in the relative output power levels of the balanced and control amplifiers. This power-depended asymmetry results in dynamic load modulation of the balanced amplifiers, which in turn provides improved efficiency. In one implementation, for example, an LMBA comprises a pair of primary amplifiers collectively providing a balanced amplifier and a control amplifier coupled to the balanced amplifier and adapted to provide a control signal to the balanced amplifier.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to determination of bandwidth, frequencies, or a set one or more of subbands that carries a downlink control channel. In some examples, a set of one or more subbands that carries a downlink control channel may be determined based on a function of a predetermined reference resource location. The predetermined reference resource location may be a set of one or more subbands that carries one or more synchronization signals and a broadcast channel. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive an initial user equipment message from a target cell, transmit an initial context setup request message to the target cell including one or more service indicators, receive an initial context setup response message from the target cell, and calculate a drop ratio associated with a double S1 connection based upon a number of abnormal radio access bearer releases subtracted from a number of radio access bearer releases associated with the successful double S1 connection divided by a total number of radio access bearer releases. The one or more service indicators are determined based upon the received initial user equipment message.

Abstract: A system for wireless power delivery including one or more transmitters and receivers. A method for wireless power delivery, preferably including: determining transmitter-receiver proximity; determining transmission parameter values, preferably including determining initial parameter values, evaluating candidate transmission parameter values, performing one or more local optimum searches, and/or performing one or more global optimum searches; and transmitting power based on the transmission parameter values.

Abstract: Embodiments include techniques for contextual switch from a wireless communication to human body near-field communication for power savings, the technique includes determining, via a processor, a configuration of devices for a user, the devices include wearable devices and mobile devices. The techniques include identifying a cluster of the devices, and determining a current activity and location of the user based on an indication from at least one of the devices. The techniques also include determining a proximity of the devices to the user, and based on the current activity, the location, and the proximity of devices, switching one or more connections to of the devices from a wireless communication technology to a human body near-field communication. The techniques include storing the configuration and the activity of the user.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media for assigning a real-time clock domain timestamp to sensor frames from a sensor component that operates in a non-real-time time-domain. In some implementations, a real-time component receives capture instances that each indicate capturing of a corresponding sensor data frame by the sensor component. In response to a capture output instance, the real-time component or an additional real-time component assigns a real-time timestamp to the capture output instance, where the real-time timestamp is based on the real-time clock domain. Separately, a non-real-time component receives the corresponding sensor data frames captured by the sensor component, along with corresponding metadata. For each sensor data frame, it is determined whether there is a real-time timestamp that corresponds to the data frame and, if so, the real-time timestamp is assigned to the sensor data frame.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may provide an apparatus and method of controlling and altering the acoustic output of audio devices that are used in conjunction with a computing device. In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods include a wireless speaker communication method and computing device software application that are configured to work together to more easily setup and deliver audio information from an audio source to one or more portable audio speakers.

Abstract: Architectures and methods related to improved isolation for diplexer paths. In some embodiments, an architecture for routing radio-frequency (RF) signals can include an input node and an output node, and a distributed network of signal paths implemented between the input node and the output node. The distributed network of signal paths can include a first path having N switches including a selected switch, with the quantity N being an integer greater than 2. The first path can be capable of routing a first RF signal between the input node and the output node when enabled. The distributed network of signal paths can further include a second path capable of routing a second RF signal between the input node and the output node, with the second path including the selected switch. The second path can include a plurality of open switches when disabled and the first path is enabled.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of wireless communications technologies, and provide a switching method. The method specifically includes: when user equipment is in idle mode, acquiring a 2G/3G base station candidate set; when initiating a voice service, sending a CSFB request message to an LTE base station; receiving a standard and a frequency of a target 2G/3G base station that are sent by the LTE base station to the user equipment; determining, according to the standard and the frequency of the target 2G/3G base station, whether the 2G/3G base station candidate set includes the target 2G/3G base station; and if the 2G/3G base station candidate set includes the target 2G/3G base station, switching, from the LTE base station to the target 2G/3G base station according to the standard and the frequency of the target 2G/3G base station.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device involves providing a transistor device, forming one or more electrical connections to the transistor device, forming one or more dielectric layers over at least a portion of the electrical connections, applying an interface material over at least a portion of the one or more dielectric layers, removing at least a portion of the interface material to form a trench, and covering at least a portion of the interface material and the trench with a substrate layer to form a cavity.

Abstract: A bulk acoustic wave resonator with a mass adjustment structure comprises a supporting layer, a lower metal layer, a piezoelectric layer, an upper metal layer and a mass adjustment structure. The supporting layer is formed on a substrate. The supporting layer has a cavity, and the cavity has a top-inner surface. The lower metal layer is formed on the supporting layer. The piezoelectric layer is formed on the lower metal layer. The upper metal layer is formed on the piezoelectric layer. An acoustic wave resonance region is defined by an overlapping region of projections of the upper metal layer, the piezoelectric layer, the lower metal layer, the supporting layer and the cavity. The acoustic wave resonance region is divided into a peripheral region and a central region. The mass adjustment structure comprises a peripheral mass adjustment structure formed on the top-inner surface within the peripheral region.

Abstract: An antenna system comprises an antenna feed support and a driver. The antenna feed support is configured to mount a circularly polarized antenna feed to an antenna dish to extend outward along a longitudinal axis of the circularly polarized antenna feed with respect to a reflective surface of the antenna dish. The driver is configured to rotate the circularly polarized antenna feed to adjust alignment between the circularly polarized antenna feed and a remote antenna. The driver can rotate the circularly polarized antenna feed mechanically, electrically or both to adjust alignment between the circularly polarized antenna feed and a remote antenna to reduce cross-pol discrimination at the circularly polarized antenna feed.

Abstract: A system for recharging a battery having; memory that stores computer-executable instructions; a processor, communicatively coupled to the memory that facilitates execution of the computer-executable instructions; the instructions having: a battery; a thermal insulating layer; the thermal insulating layer; adapted and configured as the exterior of the battery; the battery adapted and configured with the thermal insulation layer for harnessing heat created by a plurality of solar panels; the plurality of solar panels configured on the exterior of the battery; an application interface unit; the application interface unit adapted and configured to control the plurality of solar panels; wherein the processor transforms heat energy collected by the plurality of solar panels and stored in the thermal insulation layer into energy to power a communication device.

Abstract: Circuits and methods related to radio-frequency (RF) receivers having carrier aggregation. In some embodiments, a carrier aggregation (CA) circuit can include a first filter configured to allow operation in a first frequency band, and a second filter configured to allow operation in a second frequency band. The CA circuit can further include a first path implemented between the first filter and a common node, with the first path being configured to provide a substantially matched impedance for the first frequency band and a substantially open-circuit impedance for the second frequency band. The CA circuit can further include a second path implemented between the second filter and the common node, with the second path being configured to provide a substantially matched impedance for the second frequency band and a substantially open-circuit impedance for the first frequency band.

Abstract: According to example embodiments, a semiconductor device may include a substrate having an upper surface defining a groove and an active region, a device isolation layer in the groove, and a contact structure on the active region. The device isolation exposes the active region and may have a top surface that is higher than a top surface of the active region. The contact structure may include a first portion filling a gap region delimited by a sidewall of the device isolation layer and the top surface of the active region, the contact structure may include and a second portion on the device isolation layer so the second portion overlaps with the device isolation layer in a plan view.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for front-end systems with reactive loopback are provided. In certain configurations, a front-end system includes a transmit port that receives a transmit signal, an antenna port, a receive port, and an antenna switch connected along a transmit path between the transmit port and the antenna port. The front-end system further includes a loopback circuit including a reactive loopback impedance and a back switch electrically connected in series in a loopback path between the transmit port and the receive port. The loopback circuit provides a portion of the transmit signal to the receive port when the back switch is activated. Using reactive loopback impedance in the loopback circuit reduces an insertion loss of the transmit path relative to a configuration using resistive loopback impedance.

Abstract: An electronic device with touch control circuit powered by dedicated power source includes a functional circuit, a plurality of touch sensing electrodes, and a touch sensing control circuit. The functional circuit is powered by a first power source. The touch sensing electrodes are provided for sensing a touch from an external object. The touch sensing control circuit is powered by a second power source which is different from the first power source. The touch sensing control circuit is connected to the touch sensing electrodes for driving the touch sensing electrodes to sense the touch, wherein there is no common current loop between the first power source and the second power source during an operation of touch sensing.

Abstract: Using High-beam and low-beam transmission signals that have different antenna tilts, different beam-widths, and different polarizations than one another may provide performance advantages in wireless networks. The high-beam transmission signal and the low-beam transmission signal may have orthogonal polarizations. For example, the high-beam transmission signal and the low-beam transmission signal may be linearly polarized signals having different electromagnetic field (E-field) polarization angles with respect to the y-axis, e.g., +/? forty-five degrees with respect to a vertically polarized wave. As another example, the high-beam transmission signal may be a vertically polarized signal, and the low-beam transmission signal may be a horizontally polarized signal, or vice-versa. In addition to having orthogonal polarizations, the low-beam transmission signal may have a greater antenna beam down-tilt angle, and a wider beam-width than the high-beam transmission signal.