Abstract:
A method for estimating resistance of a DC motor for positioning read/write heads of a data storage disk is provided. The DC motor is controlled in an open-loop voltage mode through a motor controller input with a first signal for compensating positioning of the read/write heads onto the data storage disk. The first signal is generated based upon a position error signal representing a difference between a position of the read/write heads and a center of a track to be read. The method includes monitoring the first signal during a read operation of data being stored on the data storage disk, and estimating the resistance based upon spectral components of the first signal.
Abstract:
A method for correcting an image from defects and filtering from Gaussian noise corrects each pixel of the image when it is considered defective and filters it from Gaussian noise in one-pass. The one-pass improves the speed for performing the correcting and filtering. The drawbacks associated with choosing incompatible defect correction and filtering operations are overcome.
Abstract:
A bit-line selection circuit for a memory device includes a decoding line and a dummy line. The decoding line is between a regulated voltage node, and a programming voltage node generating a programming voltage for a cell in the memory device. The decoding line includes at least one input transistor connected to the regulated voltage node, and is controlled by an enable/disable signal. The dummy line is identical to the decoding line, and is controlled by the enable/disable signal. An equalization circuit is connected between the decoding and dummy lines for setting a current in the dummy line equal to a current in the decoding line. A regulating circuit regulates the programming voltage generated at the programming voltage node in the decoding line. The regulating circuit has a first input for receiving a reference voltage, a second input for receiving a sensed voltage on the programming voltage node in the dummy line, and an output for providing the enable/disable signal. The regulating circuit compensates for differences between the programming voltage and the reference voltage.
Abstract:
A drive circuit for an emitter switching configuration of transistors having a cascode connection of a power bipolar transistor and of a power MOS transistor control the saturation level of the configuration in applications which provide highly variable collector currents. The drive circuit includes a circuit operable to apply a varying voltage value to the control terminal of the bipolar transistor. A current/voltage converter senses a collector current flowing in the power bipolar transistor and controls conduction of a first transistor responsive thereto, the conduction of the first transistor controlling the conduction of a second transistor so as to vary the control terminal voltage in proportion to the sensed collector current of the power bipolar transistor.
Abstract:
An optical module includes a support substrate, and an optoelectronic device on the support substrate. A coupling device provides optical coupling of the optoelectronic device with an optical fiber. The coupling device is integrated in the substrate, and is a reflection device inserted into an optical path between the optoelectronic device and the optical fiber.
Abstract:
A system controls the speed of a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) in order to perform the ramp loading of hard disk heads with low noise. This system includes a generator for generating a discontinuous PWM drive signal to a power stage. A sampling block is clocked by a synchronization signal issued from the generator and receives as an input a signal related to the electromotive force (Bemf) provided by the VCM motor. An adder node placed at the sampling block output receives a signal related to a reference electromotive force (Bemf_ref). A filtering block placed downstream of the adder node generates a power supply voltage signal to the power stage. The control system further includes a control block having at least one voltage divider and controlled switches. The control block is input the signal issued from the filtering block and control signals from the generator block to selectively operate the controlled switches and set the value of the power-on signal of the power stage.
Abstract:
A process for forming a tapered trench in a dielectric material includes the steps of forming a dielectric layer on a semiconductor wafer, and plasma etching the dielectric layer; during the plasma etch, the dielectric layer is chemically and physically etched simultaneously.
Abstract:
A power conversion device includes a first and second input terminal for connection to a transformer winding and at least an output terminal. A first and second synchronous rectifier are associated with the first and second input terminals, respectively. An inductor within an output stage is connected between the first input terminal and the output terminal. A driving circuit includes first and second output terminals connected to respective control terminals of the first and second synchronous rectifiers. An adjustable threshold control block is connected between the first and second input terminals and is connected to the inductor. The control block is enabled responsive to a control signal on the first output terminal of the driving circuit. The control block operates to clamp the voltage of the first input terminal to a preset value during at least a dead time period of the device operation.
Abstract:
To carry out de-interlacing of digital images there is provided a spatial-type de-interlacing process to be applied to a digital image for obtaining a spatial reconstruction. Furthermore, to the digital image there are also applied one or more temporal-type de-interlacing processes for obtaining one or more temporal reconstructions, and the spatial reconstruction and the one or more temporal reconstructions are sent to a decision module. The decision module applies a cost function to the spatial reconstruction and the temporal reconstructions and chooses from among the spatial reconstruction and the temporal reconstructions the one that minimizes the cost function. Preferential application is to display systems, in particular displays of a cathode-ray type, liquid-crystal type, and plasma type which use a mechanism of progressive scan.
Abstract:
A semiconductor electronic device includes a die of semiconductor material and a support. The die of semiconductor material includes an integrated electronic circuit and a plurality of contact pads associated with the electronic circuit and connected electrically to the support by wire leads. Each contact pad may include a lower layer of aluminum, copper, or alloys thereof, and an upper layer including at least one film of a metal and/or metallic alloy including nickel, palladium, or alloys thereof, and being deposited by an electroless chemical process.