Abstract:
A volatile memory including volatile memory cells adapted to the performing of data write and read operations. The memory cells are arranged in rows and in columns and, further, are distributed in separate groups of memory cells for each row. The memory includes a first memory cell selection circuit configured to perform write operations and a second memory cell selection circuit, different from the first circuit, configured to perform read operations. The first circuit is capable of selecting, for each row, memory cells from one of the group of memory cells for a write operation. The second circuit is capable of selecting, for each row, memory cells from one of the groups of memory cells for a read operation.
Abstract:
A process and a device for fabricating a semiconductor device having a gate dielectric made of high-k material, includes a step of depositing, directly on the gate dielectric, a first layer of Si1-xGex, where 0.5
Abstract:
An asynchronous data transmission device includes a data reception terminal receiving data clocked by a sampling signal in synchronization with a local clock signal. A register is connected to the data reception terminal for receiving the data. A clock deviation measuring circuit is connected to the register for determining a number M of periods of the sampling signal appearing during K periods of a synchronization signal received on the data reception terminal, and for comparing the number M to a tolerance margin defined by a lower threshold and an upper threshold.
Abstract:
A circuit is provided for clock recovery from a specified datastream. The circuit includes a reference extraction unit for extracting from the datastream time references defining a reference time base, and a digital Phase Locked Loop coupled to the reference extraction unit. The digital Phase Locked Loop includes a first programmable counter in the guise of a digitally controlled oscillator for overseeing an output time base, a second programmable counter in the guise of a loop divider for overseeing a loop time base, and a dedicated processor capable of executing a program. The program includes a first software module in the guise of a phase comparator for comparing values of the loop time base and the reference time base and generating a loop error; and a second software module in the guise of a loop filter for producing an adaptation value of an increment value of the first programmable counter from the loop error. Also provided are a user terminal for an interactive telebroadcasting system that includes at least one such circuit for clock recovery, and a method for clock recovery from a specified datastream.
Abstract:
A device for protecting a circuit against a polarity reversal of a connection to a D.C. power supply, comprising a controllable switch interposed on said connection between a first terminal of a first voltage of the D.C. power supply and a first terminal of the circuit, and first means for turning-off with a delay the switch in the presence of a reverse polarity.
Abstract:
An integrated inductor comprises a first substantially plane conducting track made on the surface of a substrate and having a shape which defines a predetermined number N of concentric turns. A first pair of access points corresponds to the two respective ends of the said first conducting track. In addition, at least a second pair of access points different from the access points of the first pair, are placed at two respective regions of the first conducting track.
Abstract:
The secure circulation of digital documents to be reproduced includes providing each user with a smart card containing identification information associated therewith, and identifying from a server connected to a digital data transmission network the smart card connected thereto. Information identifying a document to be played back is transmitted to the server from a terminal connected to the smart card. In response, a decryption key specific to the document to be reproduced is transmitted to the smart card for storing therein. The document to be played back is decrypted using an adapted reader connected to the smart card, and includes the stored decryption key for document playback with the reader. Information identifying the readers is inserted into the smart card, and fraudulent use of the smart card is determined according to the reader identification information stored in the smart card.
Abstract:
A method for attaching a first element to a second element is provided. The first element has a surface portion covered with a layer of silicon, and the second element has a surface portion covered with a layer of nickel. The method includes applying pressure so that the surface portions of the first and second elements are in contact with one another. A roughness between the surface portions is less than about 1 nullm, and the first and second elements are heated within a range of about 250null C. to 400null C.
Abstract:
A process for selectively doping predetermined resistive elements on an electronic chip is provided. The resistive elements are arranged in a pattern, and there are three phases in the process. The first phase electrically charges selected elements of the pattern. The second phase adds doping atoms to the charged elements as a function of their state of charge. The third phase anneals the electronic chip to cause penetration of the doping agents and to activate them.
Abstract:
A microprocessor is connected to a first memory space through a first bus and to a second memory space through a second bus. The microprocessor includes a processing unit that includes a program bus and a data bus, and an interface unit connected, on one side, to the program bus and to the data bus and, on the other side, to the first and second buses. The interface includes a switching circuit for connecting the program bus and the data bus, respectively, to either the first bus or the second bus, in accordance with respective requests for accessing the program and data sent by the processing unit.