Abstract:
A ring oscillator circuit, such as a VCO, with a relatively high level of noise rejection for noise originating from both the voltage supply and ground. The ring oscillator circuit is composed of a plurality of differential delay circuits, each differential delay circuit generating a differential output signal that is a delayed (and preferably inverted) version of a differential input signal. ‘Each differential delay circuit includes first and second input transistors for receiving the differential input signal. Each differential delay circuit also includes first and second load transistors coupled in parallel with the respective first and second input transistors. Each differential delay circuit further includes a first current source coupled between the first input transistor and a first power supply terminal (e.g., a voltage supply terminal), a second current source coupled between the second input transistor and the first power supply terminal and a third current source coupled between the first and second input transistors and a second power supply terminal (e.g., a ground terminal). The first and second current sources reduce the coupling of noise from the first power supply terminal to the output. The third current source reduces the coupling of noise from the second power supply terminal to the output.
Abstract:
Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture involving cationic conjugated conformationally flexible polymers are provided. A method for the synthesis of cationic water-soluble polymers with linkages along the polymer main chain structure which disrupt the ability of the polymers to form extended-rod structures is provided. Such polymers may serve in the fabrication of novel optoelectronic devices and in the development of highly efficient biosensors. The invention further relates to the application of these polymers in assay methods.
Abstract:
The method and apparatus have application to the compensation of transient signals produced on reading a data storage device with a magneto-resistive head due to thermal contact with asperities on the data storage medium. Preferably, the data channel employs partial-response maximum-likelihood detection. The method compensates for an additive signal in a data signal and comprises the steps of: detecting the contribution to said data signal by said additive signal; initially compensating the data signal by maintaining a DC offset in said data signal, the initial level of said DC offset being set in dependence on the detected contribution; and while compensating the data signal, detecting when the compensated data signal exceeds a predetermined threshold and varying the set level of said DC offset in dependence upon said detection.
Abstract:
A method for planarizing a high step-height integrated circuit structure within an integrated circuit. There is first formed upon a semiconductor substrate a high step-height integrated circuit structure. Formed then adjoining the high step-height integrated circuit structure is a patterned Global Planarization Dielectric (GPD) layer. There is then formed upon the exposed surfaces of the semiconductor substrate, the high step-height integrated circuit structure and the patterned Global Planarization Dielectric (GPD) layer a reflowable dielectric layer. Finally, the reflowable dielectric layer is reflowed.
Abstract:
A method for photo-exposing a blanket conformal photosensitive layer upon a high step height topography substrate layer. There is first provided a high step height topography substrate layer having a blanket conformal photosensitive layer formed thereupon. The high step height topography substrate layer has a first region having a first step height separated from a third region having a third step height by a second region having a second step height. The second step height is intermediate to the first step height and the third step height. The blanket conformal photosensitive layer is photo-exposed to form a first pattern upon the first region and the second region through use of a first reticle and a first photo-exposure condition. The first photo-exposure condition provides a first depth of focus suitable for at least the first region. In a separate process step, the blanket conformal photosensitive layer is photo-exposed to form a second pattern upon the second region and the third region through use of a second reticle and a second photo-exposure condition. The second photo-exposure condition provides a second depth of focus suitable for at least the third region. The first pattern upon the second region and the second pattern upon the second region overlap.
Abstract:
The development of fluorescent bioprobes comprising organic fluorescent compounds that exhibit aggregation induced emission (AIE) properties, methods of producing the same, and their practical applications for in vitro and in vivo bioimaging.