Abstract:
A MOSFET-bipolar switching circuit is disclosed which exhibits the characteristics of impedance mismatch between input and output, simple biasing requirements, high speed, and low standby power. In one embodiment, an N channel MOSFET is connected to provide a shunt feedback path from the collector to the base of an NPN bipolar transistor. A similar circuit results in the combination of a PNP bipolar transistor and a P channel MOSFET. In another embodiment, a pair of complementary MOSFET''s are employed to drive a pair of complementary bipolar transistors. The circuit can be used either as a driver or for logic and may be fabricated in high density, integrated circuits.
Abstract:
Apparatus is disclosed which permits the adjustment and stabilization of field effect transistor threshold voltages so that the variation in threshold voltages due to fabrication nonuniformities are reduced to a minimum. This is accomplished by utilizing one of a plurality of field effect devices on a semiconductor chip as a sensor to detect changes in the characteristics of the devices, from whatever cause. A feedback circuit provides a signal which adjusts the voltage applied to the semiconductor chip or substrate and returns the threshold voltage to some nominal value. Several circuit arrangements are shown which accomplish the desired result. A plurality of chips each having a sensor and associated feedback circuitry is also disclosed indicating the environment in which the concept of the present invention is used most advantageously.
Abstract:
Alternating drive waveforms with zero direct voltage content for matrix or multiplexed displays are produced using low voltage, binary-level switching in the selection drive circuitry. Selection drive circuitry, and the breakdown voltage requirements thereof, are minimized by synthesizing the required high voltage waveforms applied to both the X and Y axes of display from lower amplitude components.
Abstract:
A mirror array light valve comprises a plurality of closely adjacent mirror elements (23) each supported by an individual one of a plurality of post members (19p) disposed in a regular array on a transparent substrate (10). The post members (19p) support the mirror elements (23) under corresponding corners thereof so that all the mirror elements are deflectable in the same direction thereby causing light reflected by the mirror elements to be directed to a single quadrant. The post members are preferably hollow straight- sided cylindrical silicon dioxide structures produced by a self-limiting etching process.
Abstract:
A circuit consisting of a pair of bistable resistors connected in series at a node to which current may be applied and from which current may be drawn and having a source of potential connected to each bistable resistor is disclosed. The bistable resistors are oriented physically in the same direction such that current in a given direction which exceeds a threshold and which switches the bistable resistors into a high resistance state can be characterized as the forward direction. Conversely, current in the opposite direction to the given direction which, when it exceeds a threshold, switches the devices from a high resistance state into a low resistance state can be characterized as the backward direction. With appropriately applied potentials to each of the bistable resistors, with one potential more positive than the other, current can be made to flow in the forward and backward directions. In the forward direction, both resistors are switched into or remain in a high resistance or RH state. When current flows in the backward direction through the pair of bistable resistors, they switch into or remain in the low resistance or RL state. By applying the same potentials to the bistable resistors and causing current to flow into or out of the node at which the bistable resistors are connected, it is possible to cause the pair of resistors to assume a low resistance high resistance state and, a high resistance low resistance state, respectively. Thus, by simply controlling the potentials and the direction of current flow through each of the pair of bistable resistors, four, non-volatile, stable states are achievable as opposed to a maximum of two volatile states in similarly arranged tunnel diode circuits, for example. Because the arrangements shown are inexpensive, easy to fabricate and permit high packing densities, circuits such as shift registers which utilize large numbers of similarly arranged logic circuits are most attractive. In addition, the nanosecond switching speeds available in bistable resistors make them superior to other known switching devices of slower switching speed. A shift register circuit incorporating three of the four non-volatile, stable states available with the logic circuits is also disclosed. The shift register utilizes a low resistance-high resistance state to represent a binary "one" and a high resistance-high resistance state and a high resistance-low resistance state to represent a binary "zero.