Abstract: A control system and method for controlling switching between and among multiple antennas in a diversity antenna system comprising a radio head unit associated with a radio receiver; two or more antennas, either located in separate antenna modules or co-located in the same antenna module; a switch circuit; and a single cable. Control signals for controlling switching are provided as changes in a DC power supply signal carried on the single cable. In the case of multiple antenna modules, the radio head unit and the antenna modules are connected by the single cable using a daisy-chain architecture.

Abstract: A device for varying the capacitance of an electronic circuit is disclosed. The device comprises a flexible membrane located above the electronic circuit, a metal layer connected to the flexible membrane, and bias circuitry located above the membrane. Variation of the capacitance of the electronic circuit is obtained by pulling the membrane upwards by means of the bias circuitry. The disclosed device provides a sizeable capacitance variation and high Q factor, resulting in overall low filter insertion loss. A nearly constant group delay over a wide operating bandwidth is also obtained.

Abstract: A device for varying the capacitance of an electronic circuit is disclosed. The device comprises a flexible membrane located above the electronic circuit, a metal layer connected to the flexible membrane, and bias circuitry located above the membrane. Variation of the capacitance of the electronic circuit is obtained by pulling the membrane upwards by means of the bias circuitry. The disclosed device provides a sizeable capacitance variation and high Q factor, resulting in overall low filter insertion loss. A nearly constant group delay over a wide operating bandwidth is also obtained.

Abstract: A device for varying the capacitance of an electronic circuit is disclosed. The device comprises a flexible membrane located above the electronic circuit, a metal layer connected to the flexible membrane, and bias circuitry located above the membrane. Variation of the capacitance of the electronic circuit is obtained by pulling the membrane upwards by means of the bias circuitry. The disclosed device provides a sizeable capacitance variation and high Q factor, resulting in overall low filter insertion loss. A nearly constant group delay over a wide operating bandwidth is also obtained.

Abstract: A non-contact detection system and method for detecting obstructions in relation to a powered door on a vehicle such that contact with the door may be prevented. The detection system includes an object detection sensor located on the powered door for sensing an object within an adjustable sensing zone. A door position sensor senses position of the door relative to at least one of an open and closed door position. A controller adjusts the sensing zone of the object detection sensor as a function of the sensed door position.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling switching between and among multiple antennas in a diversity antenna system comprising a radio head unit associated with a radio receiver; two or more antennas, either located in separate antenna modules or co-located in the same antenna module; a switch circuit; and a single cable. Control signals for controlling switching are provided as changes in a DC power supply signal carried on the single cable. In the case of multiple antenna modules, the radio head unit and the antenna modules are connected by the single cable using a daisy-chain architecture.

Abstract: A device for varying the capacitance of an electronic circuit is disclosed. The device comprises a flexible membrane located above the electronic circuit, a metal layer connected to the flexible membrane, and bias circuitry located above the membrane. Variation of the capacitance of the electronic circuit is obtained by pulling the membrane upwards by means of the bias circuitry. The disclosed device provides a sizeable capacitance variation and high Q factor, resulting in overall low filter insertion loss. A nearly constant group delay over a wide operating bandwidth is also obtained.

Abstract: A non-contact detection system and method for detecting obstructions in relation to a powered door on a vehicle such that contact with the door may be prevented. The detection system includes an object detection sensor located on the powered door for sensing an object within an adjustable sensing zone. A door position sensor senses position of the door relative to at least one of an open and closed door position. A controller adjusts the sensing zone of the object detection sensor as a function of the sensed door position.

Abstract: A device for varying the capacitance of an electronic circuit is disclosed. The device comprises a flexible membrane located above the electronic circuit, a metal layer connected to the flexible membrane, and bias circuitry located above the membrane. Variation of the capacitance of the electronic circuit is obtained by pulling the membrane upwards by means of the bias circuitry. The disclosed device provides a sizeable capacitance variation and high Q factor, resulting in overall low filter insertion loss. A nearly constant group delay over a wide operating bandwidth is also obtained.

Abstract: A method for detecting a change in capacitance of a capacitive sensing element having a nominal capacitance value is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes coupling the sensing element to a first oscillator, the first oscillator generating a first frequency dependent upon the capacitance value of the sensing element. The first frequency is compared to a reference frequency generated by a second oscillator. The change in capacitance from the nominal capacitance value is detected if the first frequency differs from said reference frequency by a determined frequency value.

Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection system utilizing ultra sensitive capacitive techniques. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a sensing element disposed in proximity to a moveable panel and a proximity detection circuit in communication with the sensing element. The proximity detection circuit generates a differential output signal reflective of whether a foreign object is in proximity to the sensing element. In addition, a central control module is in communication with the sensing element. The central control module determines whether the differential output signal is reflective of a foreign object in proximity to the sensing element. If the central control module determines that the differential output signal is reflective of a foreign object in proximity to the sensing element, and the moveable panel is moving toward a closed position, then the central control module generates a control output signal to stop the moveable panel from moving toward the closed position.

Abstract: A device for varying the capacitance of an electronic circuit is disclosed. The device comprises a flexible membrane located above the electronic circuit, a metal layer connected to the flexible membrane, and bias circuitry located above the membrane. Variation of the capacitance of the electronic circuit is obtained by pulling the membrane upwards by means of the bias circuitry. The disclosed device provides a sizeable capacitance variation and high Q factor, resulting in overall low filter insertion loss. A nearly constant group delay over a wide operating bandwidth is also obtained.

Abstract: A flexible, capacitive strip for use in a non-contact obstacle detection system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the strip includes an elongated body for flexible mounting to a panel along a bottom surface of the elongated body. A first elongated planar conductor is contained within an upper section of the elongated body, and a longitudinal cavity is formed through a central portion of the elongated body, the longitudinal cavity being disposed between the planar conductor and the bottom surface. The first elongated planar conductor forms a first electrode of a sensing capacitor and the longitudinal cavity defines a portion of a dielectric material of the sensing capacitor.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor assembly is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly includes a capacitive strip having an elongated body for flexible mounting to a panel along a bottom surface of the elongated body. A first elongated planar conductor is contained within an upper section of the elongated body, while a longitudinal cavity is formed through a central portion of the elongated body. The longitudinal cavity is disposed between the planar conductor and the bottom surface. A capacitance detector module is inserted within the longitudinal cavity, the capacitance detector module including a capacitance detector circuit therein that is coupled to the first elongated planar conductor.

Abstract: A flexible, capacitive strip for use in a non-contact obstacle detection system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the strip includes an elongated body for flexible mounting to a panel along a bottom surface of the elongated body. A first elongated planar conductor is contained within an upper section of the elongated body, and a longitudinal cavity is formed through a central portion of the elongated body, the longitudinal cavity being disposed between the planar conductor and the bottom surface. The first elongated planar conductor forms a first electrode of a sensing capacitor and the longitudinal cavity defines a portion of a dielectric material of the sensing capacitor.

Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection system utilizing ultra sensitive capacitive techniques. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a sensing element disposed in proximity to a moveable panel and a proximity detection circuit in communication with the sensing element. The proximity detection circuit generates a differential output signal reflective of whether a foreign object is in proximity to the sensing element. In addition, a central control module is in communication with the sensing element. The central control module determines whether the differential output signal is reflective of a foreign object in proximity to the sensing element. If the central control module determines that the differential output signal is reflective of a foreign object in proximity to the sensing element, and the moveable panel is moving toward a closed position, then the central control module generates a control output signal to stop the moveable panel from moving toward the closed position.

Abstract: A method for detecting a change in capacitance of a capacitive sensing element having a nominal capacitance value is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes coupling the sensing element to a first oscillator, the first oscillator generating a first frequency dependent upon the capacitance value of the sensing element. The first frequency is compared to a reference frequency generated by a second oscillator. The change in capacitance from the nominal capacitance value is detected if the first frequency differs from said reference frequency by a determined frequency value.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor assembly is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly includes a capacitive strip having an elongated body for flexible mounting to a panel along a bottom surface of the elongated body. A first elongated planar conductor is contained within an upper section of the elongated body, while a longitudinal cavity is formed through a central portion of the elongated body. The longitudinal cavity is disposed between the planar conductor and the bottom surface. A capacitance detector module is inserted within the longitudinal cavity, the capacitance detector module including a capacitance detector circuit therein that is coupled to the first elongated planar conductor.

Abstract: Transverse-folded antennas arrange a radiator, twist reflectors and a transreflector to generate a radar beam without blocking the beam with a feed element. The arrangement provides signal access at an antenna rear face which facilitates integration of the antenna into an automotive radar system. Different embodiments of the antenna collimate the radar beam with curved twist reflectors and with lenses. Scanning is effected with rotatable twist reflectors and with scanning radiators.

Abstract: A membrane probe (10, 12, 14, 16, 58, 144) for testing integrated circuits (56,138) while still on the wafer upon which they are manufactured includes a flexible visually clear and self planarizing membrane (26) having circuit traces (20) and ground shielding planes (14), terminating resistor (152) and active buffer chips (172) formed thereon. Probe contact pads (36,38) electroplated on areas of the traces, and connector pads (32) plated on the membrane facilitate rapid detachable connection to a test fixture (50). The probe has a configuration, dimension and structure like that of the wafer itself so that automated pick and place equipment (136,142) employed for handling the wafers (138) may also be used to handle the probes (144). An unique test fixture (50) is adapted to receive and detachably secure a selected probe to the fixture.