Abstract:
Oscillator circuitry having a switching inverting amplifier arranged in a ring oscillator configuration of at least two stages. A bias generator for supplying the amplifiers of neighboring stages, is responsive to an enable signal to supply the amplifiers only when the enable signal is asserted. A first pair of transistors, coupled to an input of one of the amplifiers and the other coupled to an output of the amplifier, the transistors being driven in common by the enable signal such that when the enable signal is deasserted the transistors of the pair are turned on to impose conflicting levels at the input and the output such that the amplifier is forced to switch.
Abstract:
Nodes of the network are organized into a tree structure having a plurality of vertices. Each vertex of the tree structure comprises a group having a plurality of nodes. Membership information is maintained at each node. The membership information for a given node comprises information about a group to which the given node belongs and child groups of the group to which the given node belongs in the tree structure. The steps are performed at least in part by a processor.
Abstract:
A circuit board manufacturing system has a paste source, a circuit board processing apparatus, and a controller. The circuit board processing apparatus includes a carrier configured to receive a circuit board having (i) a section of circuit board material and (ii) virgin metallic surface mount pads supported by the section of circuit board material. The circuit board processing apparatus further includes a paste distribution assembly coupled to the carrier and to the paste source. The paste distribution assembly is configured to dispose a paste from the paste source onto a surface of the circuit board. The carrier further includes a surfacing assembly coupled to the carrier. The surfacing assembly is configured to move the paste over the surface of the circuit board to remove a portion of each virgin metallic surface mount pad. The controller is configured to selectively start and stop operations of the paste distribution and surfacing assemblies.
Abstract:
A wood preservative composition which contains poly ethylene oxide along with poly vinyl pyrrolidone is applied to wood in a four-step process. In the first step, moisture and excess resin are removed from the wood. In the second step, the preservative composition is applied to the wood by pressure injection. In the third step, the container for the wood is drained and excess solution is transferred to a holding tank. In the fourth step, a catalyst, either heat or a low-pH composition, is applied to the wood to cause chemical bonding of the preservatives within and with the wood. As a part of the fourth step, excess moisture is removed from the wood by subjecting the wood to a vacuum to draw out excess moisture and then subjecting the wood to a flow of desiccated air which absorbs the moisture.
Abstract:
An electrical energy generation device includes an energy conversion device thermally coupled to an electrical component and configured to convert thermal energy produced by the electrical component to mechanical motion. An electricity generation device is coupled to the energy conversion device and is configured to convert the mechanical motion to electrical energy. At least a portion of the electrical energy energizes the electrical component.
Abstract:
A method of reducing whisker growths includes identifying a solder connection to be treated. The solder connection may contain one or more whisker growths. A heat source is applied at a defined temperature to the solder connection for a defined period of time sufficient to melt at least a portion of the one or more whisker growths. The heat source is removed from the solder connection prior to the melting of the solder connection.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of the present invention provide voltage converters and methods for using such. As one example, a voltage converter is disclosed that includes a transformer with a first winding and a second winding. A voltage is applied to the first winding for a period that is followed by an OFF time. The voltage converter further includes an OFF time controller that is operable to adjust the OFF time based at least in part on a load current traversing the second winding.
Abstract:
A circuit board processing system has a circuit board fabrication stage configured to fabricate a circuit board having a set of circuit board pads, and a solder fusing stage coupled to the circuit board fabrication stage. The solder fusing stage is configured to (i) apply flux and solder concurrently to the set of circuit board pads, and (ii) activate the flux and melt the solder to form a set of substantially flat solder coatings which is fused to the set of circuit board pads. The circuit board processing system further includes a washing stage coupled to the solder fusing stage. The washing stage is configured to remove contamination from a surface of the circuit board having the circuit board pads and from the set of substantially flat solder coatings which is fused to the set of circuit board pads. Such a system is well-suited for lead-free solder.
Abstract:
Circuit board reworking techniques involve removing original solder from the metallic pad, removing an outer portion of the metallic pad to expose an inner portion of the metallic pad, and applying new solder to the metallic pad. Removal of the original solder and the outer portion of the metallic pad exposes the inner portion which has non-corroded and non-contaminated metal. The application of new solder to this inner portion of the pad enables wettability of the pad as well as provides a protective coating to prevent corrosion of the inner portion (e.g., oxidation, reaction with contaminants, etc.). Accordingly, circuit board abnormalities such as “Black Pad” defects can be cured.
Abstract:
Oscillator circuitry having a switching inverting amplifier arranged in a ring oscillator configuration of at least two stages. A bias generator for supplying the amplifiers of neighboring stages, is responsive to an enable signal to supply the amplifiers only when the enable signal is asserted. A first pair of transistors, coupled to an input of one of the amplifiers and the other coupled to an output of the amplifier, the transistors being driven in common by the enable signal such that when the enable signal is deasserted the transistors of the pair are turned on to impose conflicting levels at the input and the output such that the amplifier is forced to switch.