Abstract:
An oscillator circuit includes an amplifier including at least two terminals for receiving a crystal and an automatic amplitude control loop coupled to the amplifier including biasing circuitry switched between a first operational mode and a second operational mode. The first operational mode occurs during an initial time period and the second operational mode occurs after the initial time period is expired. The biasing circuitry includes first and second PMOS transistor circuits, each transistor circuit including an unswitched PMOS transistor and a switched PMOS transistor. Alternatively, the biasing circuitry can include first and second NMOS transistor circuits, each transistor circuit including an unswitched NMOS transistor and a switched NMOS transistor. The biasing circuitry is under control of an internally generated control signal.
Abstract:
A system and method for plating a contact is provided. An embodiment comprises forming protective layers over a contact and a test pad, and then selectively removing the protective layer over the contact without removing the protective layer over the test pad. With the protective layer still on the test pad, a conductive layer may be plated onto the contact without plating it onto the test pad. After the contact has been plated, the protective layer over the contact may be removed.
Abstract:
An integrated circuit structure having improved resistivity and a method for forming the same are provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a dielectric layer, an opening in the dielectric layer, an oxide-based barrier layer directly on sidewalls of the opening, and conductive materials filling the remaining portion of the opening.
Abstract:
A method for adjusting the trench depth of a substrate has the steps as follows. Forming a patterned covering layer on the substrate, wherein the patterned covering layer defines a wider spacing and a narrower spacing. Forming a wider buffering layer arranged in the wider spacing and a narrower buffering layer arranged in the narrower spacing. The thickness of the narrower buffering layer is thinner than the wider buffering layer. Implementing dry etching process to make the substrate corresponding to the wider and the narrower buffering layers form a plurality of trenches. When etching the wider and the narrower buffering layers, the narrower buffering layer is removed firstly, so that the substrate corresponding to the narrower buffering layer will be etched early than the substrate corresponding to the wider buffering layer.
Abstract:
Testing system and method with wireless transmission tested data function are provided. An electronic device performs self-testing by a testing program or a testing instrument so as to generate tested data and transmits the tested data to a server via a wireless network. A processing device linked to the server via the wireless network obtains and processes the tested data so as to generate processed data. The processing device further transmits the processed data to the server via the wireless network. Accordingly, the processing device immediately and remotely monitors the electronic device, which is located on a production line, thereby effectively reducing manpower and costs.
Abstract:
A centralized account reputation system differentiates between illegitimate users and legitimate users using reputation scores associated with the users' online accounts. The system restricts the access of illegitimate users to certain network services while minimizing its negative effects on legitimate users. The system can manage the life cycle of an online account, considering data about the account that is obtained throughout the account network to compute the online account reputation score and allocating access to network services based on the online account reputation score. For example, a reputation score may be embedded in a security token that can be accessed by multiple services on the account network, so that each service can determine the appropriate level of access to be granted to the associated user account based on the reputation score. Various types of online account behavior over time can improve or diminish the online account's reputation.
Abstract:
Methods for forming a via structure are provided. The method includes depositing a first-layer conductive line over a semiconductor substrate, forming a dielectric layer over the first-layer conductive line, forming a via opening in the dielectric layer and exposing the first-layer conductive line in the via opening, forming a recess portion in the first-layer conductive line, and filling the via opening to form a via extending through the dielectric layer to the first-layer conductive line. The via has a substantially tapered profile and substantially extends into the recess in the first-layer conductive line.
Abstract:
A device includes a top dielectric layer having a top surface. A metal pillar has a portion over the top surface of the top dielectric layer. A non-wetting layer is formed on a sidewall of the metal pillar, wherein the non-wetting layer is not wettable to the molten solder. A solder region is disposed over and electrically coupled to the metal pillar.
Abstract:
Embodiments of authenticating linked accounts are presented herein. In an implementation, an authentication service provides functionality to form links between a plurality of user accounts. A client may then authenticate by providing credentials for one account in a group of linked accounts, and is permitted access to each account in the group of linked accounts based upon the linking. Thus, a single sign-in of a client to one account may permit the client to obtain services for service providers corresponding to multiple linked accounts, without an individual sign-in to each account.