Abstract:
An electrically erasable and programmable memory (EEPROM) includes a memory array containing memory cells connected to word lines arranged in rows and to bit lines arranged in columns. The memory array includes a first special zone for storing special bits of a first type, and a second special zone for storing special bits of a second type. The first special zone includes a first row of memory cells connected to a first word line, wherein N1 memory cells are connected to N1 bit lines of a determined column of the memory array. The second special zone includes a second row of memory cells connected to a second word line, wherein N2 memory cells are connected to N2 other bit lines of the determined column. The N1 bit lines are not connected to the second row of memory cells, and the N2 bit lines are not connected to the first row of memory cells.
Abstract:
A class AB amplifier circuit includes a complementary output stage and a biasing circuit for biasing the output stage. The complementary output stage includes a P-type MOS transistor and an N-type MOS transistor, and the biasing circuit includes a bipolar transistor. The emitter and collector of the bipolar transistor are respectively connected to the gates of the P-type and N-type MOS transistors. The bipolar transistor is biased for controlling a bias voltage between the respective gates of the P-type and N-type MOS transistors.
Abstract:
The FAMOS memory location comprises a single floating gate (GR) overlapping an active surface of a semiconductor substrate according to at least two asymmetrical overlap profiles (PF1, PF2) so as to define at least two electrodes in the active region. Memory location programming means (MC, SW) are capable of selectively applying different predetermined sets of bias voltages to the electrodes so as to confer at least three programming logic levels on the memory location.
Abstract:
An electrically programmable and erasable memory includes memory cells, with each memory cell including a floating gate transistor and an access transistor. The floating gate transistor has a first terminal connected to the access transistor. The memory includes circuitry for respectively applying during an erasing phase a first signal, and a second signal on the control gate and on a second terminal of the floating gate transistors of the memory cells to be erased. The circuitry also applies to the gates of the corresponding access transistors of the memory cells to be erased a signal having a voltage that is different from a voltage of the first signal and has a low or zero potential difference with respect to a voltage of the second signal. The memory is protected against the effects from a breakdown of the gate oxide of an access transistor.
Abstract:
A receiver for a digital data transmission device for receiving a digital signal and comprising a free sampler physically taking samples rk of a received signal r(t) at a frequency at least equal to twice the received signal spectrum maximum frequency. A digital interpolator allows to derive a sequence of samples Xk calculated from said physical samples, according to a tuning parameter null. An equalizer adjustable to a set of equalization parameters e allows to process said interpolator output samples Xk. A computing unit simultaneously provides, in a single processing, values of null to the digital interpolator and values of the equalization parameters e to the digital equalizer. The invention also provides a method for digitally processing a received signal in a digital transmission device.
Abstract:
The amount of charge passing through a measurement resistor connected to a rechargeable battery is measured by integrating in an analog manner an overall current. This overall current is equal to the sum of the resistor current and of a reference current that selectively takes one of two opposite values. The results of the integration are compared with a reference voltage, and one of two opposite values of the reference current is selected depending on each result of the comparison. The number of times where the positive opposite value of the reference current is selected furnishes an indication on the amount of charge during the integration time.
Abstract:
Several audio/video streams are recorded in an interleaved manner on logical tracks of variable sizes. These audio/video streams are selected on the basis of an allocation table contained in a random access memory, and which describes the state of occupancy of the logical tracks. The logical tracks include elementary storage portions formed of integer numbers of sectors of the disk. A chaining of the various portions is performed during recording using the index numbers of the preceding and succeeding portions, as well as indications of unknown relationships which will be updated subsequently.
Abstract:
A multilayer semiconductor device includes at least one structure for transmitting electrical signals, and in particular, microwave signals. The device includes at least one electrically conductive enclosure that includes a bottom plate and a top plate in two different layers. Lateral walls connect the bottom and top plates. Electrically conductive connecting strips extend into the enclosure and are in an intermediate layer, and are electrically insulated from the enclosure. The enclosure has at least one passage through which extends electrical connections of the connecting strips, which are also electrically insulated from the enclosure.
Abstract:
A method of illuminating a layer of a material, in particular a photosensitive resin, using a light source, in order to expose an area of that material to a useful dose of light for subsequent etching of that material in that area, consisting in effecting a first exposure through a pattern of a first mask made up of a central hole and peripheral holes with a first dose of light less than said useful dose, and a second exposure through a pattern of a second mask made up of a single hole with a second dose of light such that the cumulative total of said first dose induced through the central hole of the first mask and the second dose induced through the single hole of said second mask produces at least said useful dose over said area.
Abstract:
A pulse-width-modulated signal is generated out of a sampled reference signal. The least significant bits of a sample of the reference signal are stored in a comparison register. At the same time, a check is made in a test circuit to find out if the sample considered corresponds to a maximum amplitude of the reference signal. If this is the case, an overflow bit is given. The overflow bit and the least significant bits of the sample considered are then linked together to obtain a comparison word. The comparison word is compared with a number given by the counter to generate the pulse-width-modulated signal.