Abstract A resistance ladder having a plurality of resistance branches in an integrated circuit chip, including a layer of resistive material defining a plurality of discrete linear segments and a plurality of connector tabs extending from each of the linear segments at predetermined intervals for defining each resistance branch: wherein the layer of resistive material further defines a number of curvilinear segments for connecting the linear segments to provide a continuous resistive material layer for defining said resistance ladder. Each curvilinear segment is approximately a segment of a circle. The resistive material layer also defines a plurality of connector tabs extending from each curvilinear segment; with the angular separation of the tabs being approximately defined by θ=(R/ρ)ln(r.sub.2,/r.sub.1), wherein R is the resistance required for each leg of the resistance ladder; ρ is the sheet resistance of the resistive material; r 1 is the inner radius of said circle; and r 2 is the outer radius of said circle.
A resistance ladder having a plurality of resistance branches in an integrated circuit chip, comprising a layer of resistance material defining a plurality of discrete linear segments and a plurality of connector tabs extending from each of the linear segments at predetermined intervals for defining each resistance branch; wherein the improvement comprises: the layer of resistive material further defining a number of curvilinear segments for connecting the linear segments to provide a continuous resistive material layer for defining said resistance ladder.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
A resistance ladder having a plurality of resistance branches in an integrated circuit chip, comprising a layer of resistance material defining a plurality of discrete linear segments and a plurality of connector tabs extending from each of the linear segments at predetermined intervals for defining each resistance branch; wherein the improvement comprises: the layer of resistive material further defining a number of curvilinear segments for connecting the linear segments to provide a continuous resistive material layer for defining said resistance ladder.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The resistance ladder of claim 1, wherein the linear segments are parallel and each curvilinear segment is U-shaped.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The resistance ladder of claim 2, wherein each curvilinear segment is approximately a segment of a circle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
77 words
The resistance ladder of claim 3, wherein the resistive material layer defines a plurality of connector tabs extending from each curvilinear segment; characterized by the angular separation of the tabs being approximately defined by θ=(R/ρ)1n(r.sub.2 /r.sub.1), wherein R is the resistance required for each leg of the resistance ladder; ρ is the sheet resistance of the resistive material; r 1 is the inner radius of said circle; and r 2 is the outer radius of said circle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The resistance ladder of claim 1, wherein each curvilinear segment is approximately a segment of a circle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
77 words
The resistance ladder of claim 5, wherein the resistive material layer defines a plurality of connector tabs extending from each curvilinear segment; characterized by the angular separation of the tabs being approximately defined by θ=(R/ρ)1n(r.sub.2 /r.sub.1), wherein R is the resistance required for each leg of the resistance ladder; ρ is the sheet resistance of the resistive material; r 1 is the inner radius of said circle; and r 2 is the outer radius of said circle.