Abstract:
In one aspect, a data communication system includes a modulator, an integrated acoustic data coupler, and a demodulator. The modulator modulates a carrier signal having a frequency in an operating frequency range in response to an input data signal and provides the modulated carrier signal at a modulator output. The integrated acoustic data coupler includes an acoustically resonant structure that has one or more acoustic resonant frequencies in the operating frequency range. The acoustically resonant structure includes a first thin film electro-acoustic transducer electrically coupled to the modulator output, a second thin film electro-acoustic transducer, and a substrate. The substrate supports, acoustically couples, and provides an electrical isolation barrier between the first and second thin film electro-acoustic transducers. The demodulator has a demodulator input coupled to the second thin film electro-acoustic transducer and is operable to generate an output data signal from an input signal received at the demodulator input.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the acoustic galvanic isolator comprise a carrier signal source, a modulator connected to receive an information signal and the carrier signal, a demodulator, and an electrically-isolating acoustic coupler connected between the modulator and the demodulator. The electrically-isolating acoustic coupler comprises series-connected decoupled stacked bulk acoustic resonators (DSBARs).
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for detecting a target environmental variable (TEV). A first film-bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) oscillator that includes a first FBAR with a first response to the target environmental variable generates a first frequency. A second film-bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) oscillator that includes a second FBAR with a second response to the target environmental variable generates a second frequency. A circuit that is coupled to the first FBAR oscillator and the second FBAR oscillator determines the target environmental variable (e.g., changes in the TEV) based on the first frequency and the second frequency.
Abstract:
Embodiments of an acoustically-coupled transformer have a first stacked bulk acoustic resonator (SBAR) and a second SBAR. Each of the SBARs has a lower film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) and an upper FBAR, and an acoustic decoupler between the FBARs. The upper FBAR is stacked atop the lower FBAR. Each FBAR has opposed planar electrodes and a piezoelectric element between the electrodes. The piezoelectric element is characterized by a c-axis. The c-axes of the piezoelectric elements of the lower FBARs are opposite in direction, and the c-axes of the piezoelectric elements of the upper FBARs are opposite in direction. The transformer additionally has a first electrical circuit connecting the lower FBAR of the first SBAR to the lower FBAR of the second SBAR, and a second electrical circuit connecting the upper FBAR of the first SBAR to the upper FBARs of the second SBAR.
Abstract:
A computer system includes a CPU, a memory device, two expansion buses, and a bridge logic unit coupling together the CPU, the memory device and the expansion buses. The CPU couples to the bridge logic unit via a CPU bus and the memory device couples to the bridge logic unit via a memory bus. The bridge logic unit generally routes bus cycle requests from one of the four buses to another of the buses while concurrently routing bus cycle requests to another pair of buses. The bridge logic unit preferably includes four interfaces, one each to the CPU, memory device and the two expansion buses. Each pair of interfaces are coupled by at least one queue; write requests are stored (or “posted”) in write queues and read data are stored in read queues. Because each interface can communicate concurrently with all other interfaces via the read and write queues, the possibility exists that a first interface cannot access a second interface because the second interface is busy processing read or write requests from a third interface, thus starving the first interface for access to the second interface. To remedy this starvation problem, the bridge logic unit prevents the third interface from posting additional write requests to its write queue, thereby permitting the first interface access to the second interface. Further, read cycles may be retried from one interface to allow another interface to complete its bus transactions.
Abstract:
Psychotic symptoms are treated by the administration of drugs which amplify the ability of natural stimulators of AMPA receptors to enhance the mediation of excitatory synaptic response. What is previously known about the activity and effectiveness of these drugs is unrelated to the etiology of psychotic symptoms. The invention finds particular utility in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Abstract:
A continuous method for making starting, lighting and ignition lead-acid battery positive plates and the resulting battery is disclosed which utilizes a direct cast alloy strip wherein the alloy consists essentially of lead, from about 0.02 to 0.05% calcium, from about 0.3 to about 0.5% tin, and from about 0.02 to 0.05% silver, the percentages being based upon the weight of the alloy strip, as well as related alloys utilizing calcium and strontium or strontium in place of calcium.
Abstract:
A pedestal has an S-shaped base and an upwardly extending member to support a furniture component. The S-shaped base provides an open leg envelope for persons seated at the pedestal. Workers at the pedestal's S-shaped table face opposite directions and enjoy independent work spaces.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the acoustic galvanic isolator comprise a carrier signal source, a modulator connected to receive an information signal and the carrier signal, a demodulator, and an electrically-isolating acoustic coupler connected between the modulator and the demodulator. The acoustic coupler comprises no more than one decoupled stacked bulk acoustic resonator (DSBAR). An electrically-isolating acoustic coupler based on a single DSBAR is physically small and is inexpensive to fabricate yet is capable of passing information signals having data rates in excess of 100 Mbit/s and has a substantial breakdown voltage between its inputs and its outputs.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a device for regulating the flow of electric current with high dielectric constant gate insulating layer and a source and/or drain forming a Schottky contact or Schottky-like region with a substrate and its fabrication method. In one aspect, the gate insulating layer has a dielectric constant greater than the dielectric constant of silicon. In another aspect, the current regulating device may be a MOSFET device, optionally a planar P-type or N-type MOSFET, having any orientation. In another aspect, the source and/or drain may consist partially or fully of a silicide.