bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Device and interconnect structures suitable for ultrahigh‐speed LSIs
Authors: Ohmi Tadahiro , Imai Shigeru , Hashimoto Takashi
Published: July 2007

For realization of ultrahigh‐speed LSIs, devices with large current driving capabilities and interconnects with small parasitic resistances and small parasitic capacitances are desired. When a high‐speed signal propagates along the conventional metal‐insulator semiconductor (MIS) interconnect, the signal is subject to waveform distortion due to the power consumption by the current induced in an Si substrate. On the other hand, an interconnect‐ground capacitance with a certain magnitude is required for suppression of cross talk. For these reasons, an interconnect of the metal‐oxide‐metal structure is proposed.

Next, in regard to devices, it is considered that the MOS transistor is an induced charge control device and hence the speed increase can be accomplished with superposition of the potential control function of the bipolar transistor. This objective is accomplished in the current overshoot transistor in which the floating potential of the channel formation region of the SOIMOSFET is used intentionally. If the base width of the bipolar transistor is made extremely small, the carrier velocity is saturated so that the current value becomes independent of the base width. In addition, the difference between the uniform base and the graded base disappears. In the ultra‐high‐speed LSIs, the load to the interconnect increases due to the cross‐talk suppression. Therefore, the importance of these devices with large current driving capabilities becomes even more significant.
Measuring the opening arc duration between the punched and/or nonpunched contacts
Authors: Kubono Takayoshi
Published: July 2007

Since 1984, various kinds of experimental data on the punched contacts were gathered to confirm their efficacy. In this paper, the duration data of the opening arc which causes the damage of relay contacts are collected and investigated in every production lot of specimens.

The production lot number in all specimens is seven. The specimen contacts are four kinds of external forms and mounted on three kinds of relays which differ in the driving mechanism for movable contact.

AgCd012 wt% contacts are mounted on three kinds of relays. Also, AgCd012 wt%, Ag and AgSnO29.3 wt% contact pairs are mounted on one kind of relay.

In the 1985 and 1986 production lot, a few specimens showed a wide scatter of data under the same experimental conditions. Even though specimens were made by three companies and differed from production lots in the same company, all specimens show that the opening arc duration between the punched contacts becomes long together with the increase of switching operations. Also, the opening arc duration is nearly equal to that of the nonpunched contacts in experiments over a five‐year period.
Analysis of rotationally symmetric resonators by the finite element method
Authors: Matsuhara Masanori , Goto Seiji
Published: July 2007

This paper proposes an analysis method based on the finite‐element method that can be applied to such rotationally symmetric structures as circular cylindrical resonators.

In general, the main drawback associated with the finite‐element methods for electromagnetic eigenvalue problems is the mixing of the nonphysical or spurious solutions with the physical solutions. However, in the method proposed in this paper, all the spurious solutions have zero eigenvalues and can easily be separated from the physical solutions, thereby eliminating the problem of spurious solutions. Moreover, the computation can be treated as two‐dimensional, thus a large saving in computer time and storage is obtained compared to three‐dimensional computations.

Theoretical equations are derived and by using a numerical example the rightness of this method is demonstrated.
Evaluation of ion‐implanted silicon substrate by photothermal deflection spectroscopy
Authors: Horita Susumu , Miyagoshi Eiji , Yago Ken'Ichi , Hata Tomonobu
Published: July 2007

It is important to evaluate the crystalline quality of an ion‐implanted layer after annealing. The evaluation method must be simple and nondestructive. In this study, a silicon substrate was implanted with various doses of P+ of Si+ at various acceleration energies and the crystalline quality of the implanted layer after annealing was evaluated by photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS). The results were compared with those obtained by cross‐sectional TEM observation, RBS, resistivity and ESR measurements.

Hence it was found that the PDS method can evaluate the amorphous layer thickness formed by ion implantation and the quality of crystalline defects as a change of additional absorption. The PDS method can detect microcrystalline defects and changes in crystalline structure due to annealing which are not observed by the RBS and resistivity measurements. Because the PDS method is relatively simple and nondestructive, it is effective in evaluating the crystalline quality of an implanted layer.
Approximate analysis of dielectric gratings with multiple reflection by boundary
Authors: Mori Shizuo , Teraguchi Hirofumi , Yamakita Jiro , Rokushima Katsu
Published: July 2007

Approximate two‐wave analysis of planar dielectric gratings with boundary reflection is presented. The analysis is derived from previous rigorous theory [2] by neglecting the higher‐order waves and the second derivatives of the field amplitudes but taking into account the effect of boundary reflection. The pulsation phenomena of the diffraction efficiency due to the multiple reflection usually ignored in most of the approximate analysis can be given clearly by simple 2 × 2 matrix calculations for practical gratings of small index‐modulation type. The analysis can be applied not only to isotropic but also to anisotropic gratings so long as incident waves and only one diffracted wave play a dominant role. Numerical results are given and are compared with rigorous results.
A 72 k CMOS track–free gate array with embedded 1 Mbit DRAM
Authors: Sawada Kazuhiro , Iizuka Tetsuya , Uchino Yukinori , Kobayashi Teruo
Published: July 2007

A 72 k CMOS track‐free gate array with embedded 1‐Mbit DRAM has been fabricated using 1.0 μm HC2MOS twin‐well process technology. This is considered to be one of the solutions for the applications of audio/visual signal processing that require high‐density memories of megabit class on a chip.

Based on the evaluation and discussion of the fabricated test devices, this paper reports the possibility of logic LSI's with embedded DRAM that has been assumed difficult. As for the design of the DRAM part, several kinds of optimized design were introduced considering the process compatibility and noise immunity against the gate array. For example, the substrate bias‐free design, the virtual/pseudo SRAM mode and the cell within the isolated P well were considered.

The high noise immunity in the real usage is confirmed by the evaluation utilizing the emulated noise generator circuit fabricated by the evaluation utilizing the emulated noise generator circuit fabricated in the gate array part. The delay time in the gate array is 0.4 ns and the worst case access time in the DRAM is 60 ns.
An architecture of real‐time video signal processing LSI‐picot
Authors: Yagi Nobuyuki , Yajima Ryoichi , Enami Kazumasa , Mikami Shigemi , Sasaki Nobuyuki , Hoshino Kouji , Harukawa Kazuhiro , Yamada Hideki
Published: July 2007

A real‐time video signal processing LSI‐Picot has been developed which processes dynamic images at video rate. Picot has an architecture which is suited to the image and video signal processing. By employing several internal buses and a new program control scheme, all operations are performed in one cycle 70 ns (=1/14.3 MHz). It has functions of not only addition, subtraction, and multiplication but also the maximum, minimum and absolute value operations, which are indispensable to image processing. Its dedicated addressing units can concurrently perform the memory write/read and operation with a data memory of up to 16 Mw connected, and it can cope with a large‐size static image exceeding that of HDTV. Picot is constructed using 1.5 μm CMOS gate array technology and a 30,000‐gate circuit integrated on a 14.95 mm × 14.95 mm chip, to be implemented on a 223‐pin PGA. It operates on a 5‐V single power supply with the power consumption of approximately 1 W.
4 Gbit/s optical receiver IC's using high‐speed bipolar process “ESPER”
Authors: Deguchi Tatsuya , Tahara Akinori , Takada Tadakazu , Hamano Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

A high‐speed silicon bipolar process (ESPER) is developed using the two‐level poly Si process. The ESPER transistor reduces the collector‐base capacitance by extending the poly Si base electrode onto a thick oxide film. In addition, the base resistance is reduced by forming the poly Si extended base electrode and emitter with the self‐aligned structure. An optical receiver IC was fabricated using the combination of the ESPER transistor and the trench isolation structure. The preamplifier and the decision circuit of the optical receiver IC have been evaluated. The preamplifier frequency bandwidth of 3.6 GHz was confirmed and the decision sensitivity of 90 mV at 4 Gbit/s.
Optical transfer properties of two‐photon‐pumped image upconverter–in the case of gaussian beam pumping
Authors: Okamoto Atsushi , Mishima Teruhito , Sakuraba Ichiro
Published: July 2007

Spatial frequency transfer properties are analyzed for the parametric image upconverter using Gaussian beam pumping. First, the Fourier spectra of the pumping Gaussian beams on the interaction plane are derived by taking account of lateral shifts of the beams and the incident spatial frequency with respect to the upconversion system. The spatial‐frequency transfer equation for thin nonlinear medium is applied to this Gaussian beam system so that the Fourier spectrum of the sum frequency optical response is derived for an infrared plane‐wave input. Specifically, it is shown that the phase matching property of the image upconverter is dependent not only on the directions of the pumping beams but also on the geometric relationship between the two beams, the spot sizes and the radii of curvatures at the interaction plane.

Second, the optical field distributions of the sum frequency response for the unit‐impulse infrared input is derived. From this, the relationship between the overlap of the two pumping beams and the conversion efficiency of the system is derived. Also, the imaging equations of the Gaussian beam pumping system are derived and compared with those available for the plane wave pumping and the point source pumping so that generality of the present imaging equations is confirmed.
Inverse analysis of refractive index profile of optical waveguide from propagation‐mode near field pattern including noise
Authors: Sawa Shinnosuke , Ono Kazuo , Takahashi Seiichiroo
Published: July 2007

To estimate the transverse refractive index distribution of optical waveguides, comparison of the measured light intensity and that calculated from the assumed refractive index distribution is proposed as a new method.

The assumed refractive index distribution is corrected to give the best agreement between the two intensity distributions [5, 6]. This is the reverse procedure of the previous method in which the refractive index distribution is extracted directly from the field intensity distribution [1–4] and, therefore, the present method can be called the “inverse analytical method”.

In this paper, simulated numerical investigations of the inverse analytical method are carried out when the intensity distributions are noise proofed. The true step and graded refractive index distributions of buried and diffused types are assumed and Gaussian noises with two standard deviations are added to their corresponding light intensity distributions.

Then the present method is applied to assess their refractive index distributions. Numerical simulations of the previous differential method [2] also are carried out for buried‐type graded refractive index distribution. As the result of comparison, it is shown that the results do not depend on the smoothing process of the intensity distributions as they do in the case of the differential method. Therefore, it is quite possible to assess the refractive index distribution even without any smoothing process.
Electromagnetic field analysis of waveguide‐microstrip line transition by spatial network method
Authors: Tajima Tatsuhiko , Koike Shoichi , Okubo Naofumi , Kawasaki Yoshihiro
Published: July 2007

The waveguide to microstrip line transition has been used widely in the microwave and millimeter wave bands for several radio communication systems. Since transition from solid waveguide to planar microstrip line is involved, the internal field distribution becomes complicated. Moreover, different types are required for different applications, thus the analysis of the transition is generally very difficult.

The design of the transition till now has been based purely on the trial‐and‐error method. For such complex structures, the best way to find the characteristics is via computer simulation.

In this paper, the spatial network method, which is excellent for three‐dimensional (3‐D) transient analysis, is applied to the transition and the possibility of unified simulation of the overall structure is demonstrated. The model of transition used for this analysis is such that microstrip line is inserted perpendicularly to the window as well as to the H‐plane of the waveguide working in the TE10mode.

As a result of analysis, the dependence of frequency characteristics on various parameters of the transition shape and its relationship with the complex internal electromagnetic field is clarified. In particular, with the help of simulation of the Poynting power flow, the propagation conditions from the waveguide to microstrip line could be shown successively on the time axis. Thus, we have shown that the simulation based on this method can be used for efficient transition design.

The authors wish to thank Mr. Shiomi, Communication Research Lab., of Postal Department, Mr. Kurihara, Fujitsu Research Lab., and Mr. Noguchi, Fujitsu Tohoku Digital Technology, Ltd., for their helpful guidance. Thanks are due also to Associate Prof. N. Yoshida of Hokkaido University for important discussions.
Transient electromagnetic fields due to dipole antennas located near an infinite perfectly conducting cylinder
Authors: Suzuki Toshinori , Uno Toru , Adachi Saburo , Mashiko Takunori
Published: July 2007

For full‐fledged applications of radar imaging of buried objects by using electromagnetic waves, it is important to analyze theoretically and experimentally the fundamental problems such as the scattering of the electromagnetic wave by various objects and the electromagnetic wave propagation from the antenna above the ground into the ground.

As the first step toward such a goal, this paper studies the transient electromagnetic fields scattered by an infinite perfectly conducting circular cylinder placed near a dipole antenna in free space. First, the transient electromagnetic fields are calculated rigorously for the case where one dipole antenna is placed in parallel to a conducting cylinder. Furthermore, geometrical optics approximation also is derived.

From the computed results, it is shown that the transient scattered field can be interpreted as the total sum of the scattered fields corresponding to optical paths. It is shown also that the geometrical optics approximation is extremely accurate in the backscattering region important for the analysis of inverse scattering problems such as the detection of a buried object. Next, the transient transmission and reception responses are analyzed theoretically in the case where two dipole antennas are placed in parallel to the circular cylinder and its validity is confirmed by experiments.
Performance analysis of polycrystalline silicon thin‐film transistor based on a model of depletion layer width modulation at grain boundaries
Authors: Shinohara Toshiro , Asada Kunihiro , Sugano Takuo
Published: July 2007

Although polycrystalline silicon thin‐film transistors (TFT) are now being used widely in many application fields, the detailed operation mechanism is not well understood quantitatively based on the microstructure, the small polycrystalline grain structures.

This paper discusses a new modeling method which is used to analyze TFT dc‐characteristics numerically under wide operation conditions, wide ranges of device temperature, drain current including subthreshold characteristics, source‐drain voltage and channel lengths.

The model is based on the depletion layer width modulation mechanism (corresponding to the grain boundary barrier height modulation) by taking into account the charge conservation law and thermionic emission current theory.

The model requires just two fitting parameters; trap density in the grain boundaries and an effective channel width standing for the grain boundary meandering. Numerically estimated dc‐characteristics showed good agreements with experimental results of P‐channel accumulation model TFT's for a wide range of the device operation conditions and several different channel length devices without changing the fitting parameters, except for strongly saturated current regions.
Compensation for nonlinear properties in a liquid crystal lens with variable focal length
Authors: Nose Toshiaki , Sato Susumu
Published: July 2007

A liquid crystal lens has a unique feature in that its focal length can continuously be varied between the values for the ordinary ray and the extraordinary ray by varying the applied voltage. However, the focal length begins to increase at the threshold voltage and saturates gradually as the applied voltage increases.

In this paper, attempts are made to compensate or linearize the nonlinear properties of the liquid crystal lens. That is, transmission properties of a guest‐host cell or properties of the capacitance of a homogeneously aligned liquid crystal cell are used. Then the compensation is made by using their inverse functional signals as a driving voltage since these liquid crystal cells have properties similar to those of the liquid crystal lens.

The driving voltage for the compensation can be produced by using a simple system with the liquid crystal cell in an electric circuit. Then the nonlinear properties of the lens can be improved. The temperature dependence of the compensation properties of this system and that of the liquid crystal lens show that the compensation is also effective for the temperature dependence. This is because the output voltage from the driving circuit varies to compensate the temperature dependence of the liquid crystal lens.
Electromagnetic wave scattering by a conducting strip—spectral domain analysis
Authors: Uchida Kazunori , Noda Takeaki , Matsunaga Toshiaki
Published: July 2007

This paper discusses rigorously the problem of scattering of an infinitely long strip conductor with an infinitesimal thickness illuminated by a plane electromagnetic wave with an arbitrary incident angle and an arbitrary polarization angle. The spectral domain method is used for the analysis. Numerical calculations are carried out for the scattered far field and the current distributions by discretization based on the sampling theorem.

To reduce the computation time required for numerical integrations, the Weber‐Schafheitlin integral formula is introduced to the principal terms and the convergence is improved. According to the numerical results, accurate results are obtained for the far field and the current distributions for the strip width as wide as 10 wavelengths.
Photochemical vapor deposition of silicon nitride and fabrication of thin‐film transistor
Authors: Suzuki Kazuhiko , Kuroiwa Koichi , Kamisako Koichi , Tarui Yasuo
Published: July 2007

Silicon nitride (SiNx) films were deposited by photochemical vapor deposition using a low‐pressure mercury lamp and the dependence of the film quality on the deposition condition was investigated. In addition, a thin‐film transistor (TFT) was formed by the continuous deposition of SiNx and hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) films.

The on/off ratio of the transistor was about seven orders of magnitude and the field effect mobility was 1.4 cm2/V.s. These results indicate that the photochemical vapor deposition is an excellent low‐temperature method for forming films with an excellent interface property.
Analysis of voltage‐resonant push/pull converter considering leakage inductance in the transformer
Authors: Yaginuma Takao , Onda Kenichi , Matsuda Yasuo , Amano Hisao
Published: July 2007

Conventional analyses of voltage‐resonant push/pull converters do not agree with experimental results, since the analyses give a constant resonant frequency and output voltage independent of the output current while in experiments they change.

This paper analyzes this type of converter taking into account the leakage inductance of the transformer, which has been ignored in the conventional analysis. It was found that the main cause of the fluctuations is parasitic oscillation due to the leakage inductance of the transformer.

This paper describes the changes quantitatively and gives a method for general representation of the fluctuations in relation to the load current. It was also found that these changes can be avoided by choosing either a large coupling coefficient or a large resonant current.
A chip select access time measurement method for high‐speed MOS static RAM
Authors: Nishimura Yasumasa , Tanaka Koji , Ichinose Katsuki , Nakano Takao
Published: July 2007

With the advance of high‐speed LSI memory devices, a longer testing time is required for accurate measurement of the access time. For accurate testing, the accuracy of the access time measurement must be improved. Although the timing accuracy of the memory tester has been improved, the accuracy of the measurement is still insufficient for testing high‐speed devices.

This paper considers the chip‐select access time of the high‐speed MOS static RAM (SRAM), and proposes a method for accurate measurement using a commercial memory tester. The input signal forcing‐time to the SRAM under measurement is corrected considering the GND bounce generated by SRAM.

The transmission line is terminated on the load side by the same resistance as the characteristic impedance of the transmission circuit, so that the ringing is reduced in the pulse transmission from the SRAM output terminal to the memory tester comparator.

Comparing the output data with ringing suppression and the output waveform under the standard output loading, the access time select point is determined. Applying the proposed method to the commercial memory tester, the chip‐select access time is measured with the expected accuracy of 1 ns or less. To realize a further accurate measurement, several points are raised concerning the design of high‐speed MOS SRAM.
Frequency‐domain analysis method using eigenvalues and eigenvectors for switched circuits
Authors: Oota Ichirou , Ueno Fumio , Inoue Takahiro , Eam Tan Sin
Published: July 2007

With the recent development of computers, it has become possible to design a circuit by computer (CAD), which is very convenient and labor‐saving for the circuit designer. It is more beneficial from the viewpoint of time and money in the design stage to examine the operation and performance of the circuit by simulation rather than by experiment.

On the other hand, in the analysis of the switching circuit, different circuit equations in the same number as the number of states must be solved, according to whether the switches are on or off. Consequently, the analytical procedure is very complex and lengthy.

With this background, this paper proposes a new method for the analysis of the switching circuit in the frequency domain, using eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Using the case of analysis of Ćuk converter and a step‐down switched capacitor transformer as examples, the proposed method is compared with the conventional state‐space averaging method.

The validity of the proposed method is demonstrated and has the following features: (1) the strict solution is derived for each state equation through z‐transform. Consequently, a more accurate result of analysis is obtained than by the state‐space averaging method; (2) it is not required to derive an equivalent circuit with state‐space averaging, as in SPICE2; and (3) only the final value of the state is calculated using the eigenvalues and eigenvectors. This reduces the computation time compared with the method by numerical integration.
Optical transient spectrum analyzer (OTSA) with high time‐resolution
Authors: Sato Kiminori , Nagasawa Yoji , Sone Hideaki , Takagi Tasuku
Published: July 2007

To analyze optical sources with time‐varying spectra, an optical transient spectrum analyzer (OTSA) with high time resolution is developed. In the spectrum analyzer, the dispersive light is focused on the CCD by a lens and each pixel of the CCD is made to correspond to one spectrum line.

It is possible to realize wavelength resolutions between 0.2 and 0.63 nm by changing the optical elements. Variations of extraction pixels of CCD allow time resolutions between 23 μs and 1 ms. Therefore, various applications (such as optical source analyzing systems) are expected.

The data from CCD are A‐D transformed and stored in a floppy disk. Therefore, it becomes possible to discuss the characteristics of the optical sources quantitatively. Finally, as an example, the transient mode‐hopping phenomenon of a semiconductor laser is time resolved with high speed and its three‐dimensional (3‐D) observation is presented.
Analysis of coplanar lines utilizing the finite difference time‐domain technique
Authors: Shibata Tsugumichi , Sano Eiichi
Published: July 2007

The full‐wave analysis methods in the time domain including the finite‐difference time‐domain method are promising as general‐purpose analysis techniques for three‐dimensional structures. They have been applied extensively to microstrip line circuits; and, in this paper, they are extended to coplanar line circuits and the finite‐difference time‐domain method is applied to the analysis of coplanar lines considered important as the configuration element for uniplanar monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC).

The analysis results are presented for the transmission line parameters of the coplanar waveguides and coplanar strips, models for open ends and short‐circuited ends, characteristics of the T‐junction and the effect of the air bridges. Using these analyses, the possibility of applications is proven. In addition, the points to be noted and future subjects are studied so that the method can be extended as a tool for the CAD of the MMICs.
Stress control and characterization of tungsten sputtered films for X‐ray mask absorber
Authors: Nikoh Hideo , Hidaka Yoshiharu , Todokoro Yoshihiro
Published: July 2007

The deposition condition of rf‐sputtered tungsten with low stress for an X‐ray absorber and the mechanism of the stress in the film will be described. The stress in the film becomes compressive or tensile, depending on Ar pressure during sputtering. The stress behavior can be explained by the lattice expansion due to the incorporation of Ar, the columnar film structure, and the change of the crystalline structure.

Low stress films suitable for an X‐ray mask absorber can be reproduced by thermally treating a β‐W which is deposited under Ar pressure below 35 mtorr, at temperatures below 400°C.
Fabrication of semiconductor tactile imager
Authors: Esashi Masayoshi , Shoji Shuichi , Yamamoto Akira , Nakamura Katsutoshi
Published: July 2007

To realize a robot with a high degree of functions, pressure sensors are essential. In particular, a tactile imager with a high density of pressure sensors must be developed. To efficiently withdraw information from numerous sensors and to minimize wirings from the sensors, it is necessary to install a switching circuit on each sensor. For these reasons, a semiconductor sensor is the most suitable.

In this study, we fabricated a semiconductor tactile imager with 64 silicon piezoelectric pressure sensors on a flexible substrate. Although all 64 sensors did not function, the basic characteristics and efficiency of the device were evaluated.

The dimensions of each sensor were 2 mm × 2 mm. The sensor contained a switching circuit with diodes and was assembled on a flexible printed wiring board. Therefore, this device could be mounted on a curved surface and have a strong resistance to external force. Because the area of the pressure‐sensitive resistors was air‐tight, the device was resistant to water. This device also could be produced by batch process and did not require any additional fabrication process.
Millimeter‐wave integrated circuits using nonradiative dielectric waveguide
Authors: Yoneyama Tsukasa
Published: July 2007

This paper describes the NRD guide (nonradiative dielectric waveguide) proposed as a new type of dielectric transmission line for millimeter‐wave integrated circuits. After the operation principle and the modes of the NRD guide are explained briefly, the nonradiative and low‐loss nature of practical importance are confirmed experimentally. Next, the behavior of the transmitted wave in a bend is studied. Configurations and characteristics of typical NRD guide circuit elements, such as a matched terminator, a directional coupler, a circulator, a beam lead diode mount and a Gunn diode oscillator also are discussed. Using these circuit elements, a transmitter and a receiver are fabricated at 35 GHz and their performances are evaluated. The dimensions of the transmitter and the receiver are as compact as 68 mm × 66 mm and 85 mm × 75 mm in area, respectively. The output power of the transmitter is 10 mW and the temperature coefficient of the frequency is 0.57 ppm/°C. The temperature coefficient of the receiver also is as small as −0.76 ppm/°C. The noise figure is measured to be 10.6 dB. This value is obtained by using Si diodes in the mixer. Finally, as particular applications of the NRD guide, a filter, a power divider, and a leaky‐wave antenna are described.
A study on a BiCMOS 10‐bit video sample and hold IC
Authors: Sugimoto Yasuhiro , Tsugaru Kazunori
Published: July 2007

This paper discusses the sample‐and‐hold IC to be placed in front of the 10‐bit serial‐parallel analog/digital converter (ADC). The realization of an IC in operation with a +5‐V single supply is discussed, considering the integration with ADC and the system‐on‐chip implementation in the future. The buffer circuit with a configuration based on NPN and PNP complementary elements is employed. The combination of PMOS and NPN elements is newly devised and applied, as a way to realize the high‐speed PNP element.

Applying 1.2‐μm BiCMOS process to this circuit, IC is constructed and evaluated. As a result, the performances of maximum operating frequency 40 MHz, the signal‐to‐noise ratio of 63 dB for the 8‐MHz full‐scale signal input, the acquisition time of 20 ns for 1‐V step input, D.G. of less than 1 percent and D.P. of less than 0.5° are obtained. Thus, the sample‐and‐hold IC with the single voltage supply and 10‐bit accuracy is realized.
Altering the paradigm for theory building and research in human resource development
Authors: Marsick Victoria J.
Published: July 2007

Organizational life is messy, complex, and characterized by multiple causes and effects. It consists also of routine operations in which predictable cause‐and‐effect relationships prevail. What paradigms (unified perspectives that underlie practice, theory building, and research) are correct for studying organizational life, especially human resource development? Many theorists in HRD and other areas are reevaluating the ways in which they explain phenomena. In effect, the paradigms are shifting. Victoria Marsick explains for HRD professionals the traditional paradigm—logical positivism (better known as behaviorism or stimulus‐response theory)—and alternative paradigms, especially naturalistic inquiry (often illustrated by systems thinking, cybernetics, and the organization described as the brain center). She poses the ultimate question: What is more important for HRD—rigor or relevance? Marsick suggests a focus for HRD on paradigms that place a higher value on the effective interpretation of multiple realities, self‐organizing systems for learning that are linked to performance, and the interconnectivity of a learning, working community. Reality is an evolving plan, despite researchers' programmed attempts at predicting and controlling it.
QWL improves worksite quality: Success rates in a large pool of studies
Authors: Golembiewski Robert T. , Sun Ben‐chu
Published: July 2007

Yes, quality of work life (QWL) applications do work, and they continue to work over time. Robert Golembiewski and Ben‐chu Sun studied 231 applications of QWL (from bibliographies, journals, books, unpublished reports, dissertations, theses, and so on) that were conducted over twenty‐two years (1965‐1987). The success rates for four major classes of QWL (human processual, sociotechnical systems, technostructural, and combined), which encompass fifteen separate types, were substantial for hard‐criteria effects as well as for soft changes, such as those in attitudes, opinions, and self‐reports about worksite features. This article explains the outcomes, predictions, limitations, and perhaps the biases of their research. Despite minor inadequacies in design the authors remain adamant about the success of QWL—so much so that they recommend greater reliance on its techniques.
Management perceptions of the benefits of personal computer training
Authors: Ford Donald J.
Published: July 2007

Computers alone do not raise productivity. Computers and people and training do. The management of a large aerospace firm in southern California understood this logic and invested $125,000 in a PC training lab. Did they get their money's worth? Yes, and this article tells how.
Rhetorical rules and organization‐cultures: Identification, maintenance, and change
Authors: Shapiro George L. , Schall Maryan S.
Published: July 2007

What do rhetoric and organizations have in common? Organizations, like rhetoric, can be understood and managed as systems of values and beliefs that underlie the ways members and groups try to influence others. Organizations can be studied as rhetorical cultures, because both are guided by the symbols used to induce cooperation. This article illustrates these and other similarities between rhetoric and organization and suggests ways to identify and manage organization‐cultures.
Strategies for facilitating self‐directed learning: A process for enhancing human resource development
Authors: Manz Charles C. , Manz Karen P.
Published: July 2007

This article combines theories of self‐directed learning, self‐leadership, and self‐efficacy to explore ways of facilitating adult learning and human resource development. The authors propose an integrated framework, open to testing, that combines experiential learning, behavioral modeling, elimination of threat, and persuasion as mechanisms for enhancing self‐efficacy perceptions, self‐leadership skills, and ultimately adult learning and application.
A taxonomy of individual learning benefits from external knowledge‐sharing meetings
Authors: Vance Charles M. , Boje David M. , Mendenhall Mark E. , Kropp H. Richard
Published: July 2007

Several knowledge‐sharing and problem‐solving roundtable groups, composed primarily of marketing executives from Fortune 500 companies, were studied through participant observation, analysis of audiotapes of the meetings, and unstructured follow‐up interviews. Ten categories of potential learning benefit were identified through theme analysis: (1) new knowledge, (2) conditions for discovery and insight, (3) colleague resource networks, (4) awareness of information resources, (5) broad knowledge base, (6) new cognitive skills, (7) definition and clarification of terminology, (8) confirmation of thought, (9) awareness of knowledge deficits, and (10) self‐comparison of professional competence. These ten benefits were then classified into three major domains (information access, cognitive development outcomes, and self‐evaluation) and analyzed for taxonomy development.
The intricacies of training and development in Japan
Authors: Lindberg Karen J.
Published: July 2007

In an attempt to uncover the “secrets” of Japanese training and development, the author discovered that Japan's approach to training has historically been influenced by human resource development systems modeled in the West. To account for differences in Japanese and Western work force productivity, the author identifies several cultural constructs that shape learning and work behaviors in Japanese organizations. These constructs include ideologies, educational systems, government policy, economic systems, and employment practices. The author concludes that Japanese training and development cannot be defined solely by technique; it is intricately related to ideologies and philosophies espoused by the culture in which it is implemented. Though these constructs may also serve as barriers to training, the purpose of this article is to show, from a historical perspective, how they have helped Japanese organizations achieve excellence in manufacturing and service.
Exploring how HRD managers differ from other managers
Authors: Kirk James J.
Published: July 2007

HRD and non‐HRD managers are compared in terms of (1) perceived success, (2) career expectations, (3) perceived marketability, (4) perceived visibility to top management, (5) perceived speed of career advancement, (6) time spent on nonmanagerial duties, (7) career success factors, and (8) work values. Data were collected using a sixty‐three‐item mailed questionnaire. Independent t tests revealed that HRD managers were more visible to top management, spent more time on nonmanagerial tasks, attributed more of their career success to their college degrees, and attached greater importance to a job that allowed them to do different things. The findings have implications for managers thinking of moving into the HRD field.
A unifying definition for the human resource development profession
Authors: Chalofsky Neal
Published: July 2007

The human resource development field has long been struggling to develop an identity as a profession, especially in terms of its applied and interdisciplinary nature. One of the more debated issues in the field has been the need for a unifying definition that would not only provide a focus for the development of the profession but would also set limits on the boundaries of the field. This article presents a justification for a unifying definition, a history of the existing definitions of HRD, and several common themes or patterns found in these definitions and other literature in the field. The author proposes a unifying definition that would provide a vision for the profession and identifies several “next steps” that the field should consider in its quest for professional recognition and growth.
Development and selection of multinational expatriates
Authors: Haslberger Arno , Stroh Linda K.
Published: July 2007

This study examined issues surrounding the development and selection of managers for overseas assignment by surveying twenty‐four multinational publicly held corporations. Findings from the study showed that 54 percent of the companies studied failed to have a program that actively developed potential expatriates. Despite these companies' reliance on international transfer of managers, 50 percent did not assess a person's suitability for a foreign assignment as part of the hiring process. Study findings also note that human resource specialists are often untrained in the global selection process. Recommendations from the study included (1) having a human resource professional trained in international issues supervise the selection process from the start, (2) including the family in the selection process and (3) using psychological tests to measure ability to deal with alienation and isolation, tolerance for ambiguity, and open‐mindedness.
An examination of leadership development in the great outdoors
Authors: Stoltz Paul G.
Published: July 2007

This study examined the efficacy of one particular approach to leadership development: outdoor experience‐based training and development (EBTD). Two sections of Voyageur Outward Bound School's Professional Development Program were selected for analysis. To overcome the methodological shortcomings of previous research in this area, several methods of data gathering were employed. Qualitative data revealed a substantial number of leadership skills that the programs intended their participants to develop. Differences between the two sections in energy level, quality of facilitation, and depth of processing were observed. Quantitatively, neither group demonstrated significant change on the Leadership Profile questionnaire at the .05 level. The two groups, statistically combined, demonstrated a significant negative change in two of the six dimensions of the questionnaire. They did not demonstrate positive change in the areas that Outward Bound suggested they would.
Transforming the practice of management
Authors: Senge Peter M.
Published: July 2007

Traditional resource‐based organizations are giving way to knowledge‐based organizations, a fundamental change that requires a transformation of the practice of management. Knowledge‐creating companies will require distributed leadership built on a four‐level foundation of philosophy, attitudes and beliefs, skills and capabilities, and tools (artifacts).
Employee decisions to enroll in microcomputer training
Authors: Martocchio Joseph J.
Published: July 2007

This study examined (1) factors related to employee decisions to enroll in microcomputer training courses and valence, or anticipated satisfaction, with training, and (2) possible age differences in individual decisions and valence. Thirty‐seven university support staff employees participated. Participants made hypothetical decisions about enrolling in microcomputer training based on course announcements that varied in six factors: cost of training, learning, career advancement potential, job performance impact, personal growth, and course level. Participants were asked to rate their valence for the training based on each description. Substantial individual differences were found in valence and individual decisions to take training. Younger employees were more likely to take microcomputer training and indicated higher valence than older employees.
Invited reaction: Employer training—Is a mandated tax the only solution?
Authors: Lynch Lisa M.
Published: July 2007

A variety of federal options could be pursued to stimulate employer‐provided training. However, relying exclusively on a mandated training tax to meet all of the training needs of new entrants, currently employed workers, displaced workers, and the unemployed seems unrealistic. A broader menu of options and initiatives will need to be created to address the training needs of these groups of workers and of the diverse firms where they work.
Cost‐effectiveness evaluation of decentralized international technical training
Authors: Johnson David A.
Published: July 2007

A cost‐effective approach to upgrading the technical skills of part of its international work force was successfully applied by a major manufacturer of engine‐driven power production equipment. Decentralized training was used by the midwestern U.S. corporation to bring needed product support information to its Latin American distributor service personnel. Postcourse assessment revealed a significant improvement in student knowledge and skill level as a result of the decentralized training. This application primarily involved service technicians, but the decentralized training concept could also be applied to marketing and sales personnel. Other international corporations may benefit from this practical, cost‐effective approach.
Effects of organizational, training system, and individual characteristics on training director scanning practices
Authors: Ford J. Kevin , Major Debra A. , Seaton Felicia W. , Felber Helene Krifcher
Published: July 2007

A training plan identifies which work groups and individuals need training and what types of training are required. The usefulness of a training plan is, in part, a function of the scanning process used by training personnel to acquire information relevant for identifying training needs. For the present study, survey data were obtained from the CEOs and the training directors of 193 manufacturing companies to investigate the scanning process and the factors that might affect that process. Results indicated that training directors differed in terms of the proactiveness of information searched, the sources of information used, and the types (or content) of information considered to identify training needs. Regression analyses indicated that the centrality of training to the top decision‐making body of the firm was a critical factor in obtaining training‐needs information from a variety of sources and content areas. Practical implications of the results are provided and future research needs specified.
Final word: Scanning construct and its relationship to continuous learning
Authors: Major Debra A. , Ford J. Kevin , Felber Helene Krifcher
Published: July 2007

This response has three objectives. The first is to reiterate our conceptualization of the scanning construct and to distinguish it from the potential determinants of scanning. The second is to reinforce Torraco's recommendation regarding the investigation of the antecedents of training centrality. Finally, we present an expanded view of the training function, drawing a link between centrality and movement toward a continuous‐learning philosophy in organizations.
Employer satisfaction ratings of recent business graduates
Authors: Davison Leslie J. , Brown James M. , Davison Mark L.
Published: July 2007

This study examined employer opinions of strengths and weaknesses of business graduates hired during the previous three years. A total of 176 personnel officers from a national sample responded to the survey. In contrast to the literature, the respondents expressed a high degree of overall satisfaction with recent business hires. Employers were satisfied in thirty‐five areas. The eleven areas of greatest satisfaction were (1) punctuality, (2) honesty, (3) professional grooming, (4) ethical behavior, (5) dependability, (6) willingness to work hard, (7) commitment to lifelong learning, (8) pride in work quality, (9) ability to get along well with others, (10) sound academic training, and (11) good work habits. The five areas in which the greatest dissatisfaction existed were rank‐ordered as follows: (1) desktop publishing background, (2) realistic expectations about advancement, (3) realistic expectations about starting salary, (4) a computer graphics background, and (5) writing effectiveness.
Management development programs: The effects of management level and corporate strategy
Authors: Blakely Gerald L , Martinec Cindy Lee , Lane Michael S.
Published: July 2007

In this study of 155 organizations, the relationship between management development programs, managerial level, and organizational strategy was examined. Limited support was established for Katz's theory about skill requirements for managers (1974). Greater emphasis was placed on technical skills at lower management levels and on entrepreneurial skills at senior management levels. A relationship between corporate strategy and the focus of management development programs also was found. Although organizations with growth strategies focused on many management development areas to a greater extent than did organizations with stability or retrenchment strategies, there were no differences in the focus on ethical decision making or technical‐skills training between the three strategies. Implications for management and for future research are also discussed.