Abstract: A system and method of communicating among electronic devices on a platform. The method includes inducing, at a first device coupled to a substrate, mechanical vibrations in the substrate. Then the method further includes receiving the mechanical vibrations through the substrate at a second device coupled to the substrate. The mechanical vibrations are interpreted as a command to the second device. The second device acts on the command.

Abstract: A detection circuit for a diesel injection valve includes a first threshold, a first comparator for receiving a BEMF signal from the valve and compare the BEMF signal to the first threshold, a filter for filtering the BEMF signal thereby providing a filtered BEMF signal, a second threshold, and a second comparator for comparing a difference between the BEMF signal and the filtered BEMF signal to the second threshold, indicating an end of motion of the valve. An output of the first comparator and an output of the second comparator are joined to define an output signal. The output signal is activated only when the BEMF signal is above the first threshold and when the difference between the BEMF signal and the filtered BEMF signal is greater than the second threshold.

Abstract: A fast-response high-order low-pass filter circuit is provided. The circuit includes a plurality of low pass filter (LPF) poles that are connected in series, a forward bypass channel that includes a first delta voltage module that conducts at a first predetermined voltage and a first impedance module that provides a first impedance and is in series with the first delta voltage module, and a reverse bypass channel that includes a second delta voltage module that conducts at a second predetermined voltage and a second impedance module that provides a second impedance and is in series with the second delta voltage module. The forward and reverse bypass channels are arranged to bypass current around at least one of the plurality of LPF poles when a voltage difference across the at least one of the plurality of LPF poles exceeds one of the first predetermined voltage and the second predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A detection circuit for a diesel injection valve includes a first threshold, a first comparator for receiving a BEMF signal from the valve and compare the BEMF signal to the first threshold, a filter for filtering the BEMF signal thereby providing a filtered BEMF signal, a second threshold, and a second comparator for comparing a difference between the BEMF signal and the filtered BEMF signal to the second threshold, indicating an end of motion of the valve. An output of the first comparator and an output of the second comparator are joined to define an output signal. The output signal is activated only when the BEMF signal is above the first threshold and when the difference between the BEMF signal and the filtered BEMF signal is greater than the second threshold.

Abstract: A transistor driven load circuit includes a gate driver transistor includes an internal voltage clamp, a controller providing a gate control signal operable to control a state of said gate driver, a load connected to said gate driver, such that said gate driver allows power to flow through the load when the gate driver is in an on state and prevents power from flowing through the load when the gate driver is in an off state, a clamp assist circuit connected in electrical parallel to the load, wherein the clamp assist circuit is operable to dissipate energy flowing through the load during a high energy event in a recirculating device.

Abstract: A transistor driven load circuit includes a gate driver transistor includes an internal voltage clamp, a controller providing a gate control signal operable to control a state of said gate driver, a load connected to said gate driver, such that said gate driver allows power to flow through the load when the gate driver is in an on state and prevents power from flowing through the load when the gate driver is in an off state, a clamp assist circuit connected in electrical parallel to the load, wherein the clamp assist circuit is operable to dissipate energy flowing through the load during a high energy event in a recirculating device.

Abstract: A fast-response high-order low-pass filter circuit is provided. The circuit includes a plurality of low pass filter (LPF) poles that are connected in series, a forward bypass channel that includes a first delta voltage module that conducts at a first predetermined voltage and a first impedance module that provides a first impedance and is in series with the first delta voltage module, and a reverse bypass channel that includes a second delta voltage module that conducts at a second predetermined voltage and a second impedance module that provides a second impedance and is in series with the second delta voltage module. The forward and reverse bypass channels are arranged to bypass current around at least one of the plurality of LPF poles when a voltage difference across the at least one of the plurality of LPF poles exceeds one of the first predetermined voltage and the second predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A device for detecting synchronization pulses in a video signal is disclosed. The device includes a transistor. The base-emitter voltage of the transistor is maintained below a threshold level in response to receiving active video information. The base-emitter voltage is increased above the threshold level in response to receiving synchronization information, whereby the transistor is turned on to generate an asserted synchronization signal. Accordingly, in response to active video information being received and the transistor being off, the magnitude of the synchronization signal is set to a first level and in response to synchronization information being received, and the transistor being on, the magnitude is set to a second level. The synchronization signal generated by the transistor is processed to provide both horizontal and vertical synchronization signals.

Abstract: An electric field sensor may be used to detect accumulation of frozen material. In one embodiment, an e-field system includes a first electrode, a second electrode located at a distance from the first electrode, the second electrode forming a capacitive element with the first electrode, wherein a gap is present between the first and second electrodes, and an electric field sensor having an electrode terminal coupled to the first electrode and providing an electric field output value representative of an amount of frozen material located in the gap between the first and second electrodes. The system may also include a first insulator adjacent the first electrode and outside the gap, and a conductive layer adjacent the first insulator, where the first insulator is between the first electrode and the conductive layer, and where a shield output of the electric field sensor is coupled to the conductive layer.

Abstract: A device for detecting synchronization pulses in a video signal is disclosed. The device includes a transistor. The base-emitter voltage of the transistor is maintained below a threshold level in response to receiving active video information. The base-emitter voltage is increased above the threshold level in response to receiving synchronization information, whereby the transistor is turned on to generate an asserted synchronization signal. Accordingly, in response to active video information being received and the transistor being off, the magnitude of the synchronization signal is set to a first level and in response to synchronization information being received, and the transistor being on, the magnitude is set to a second level. The synchronization signal generated by the transistor is processed to provide both horizontal and vertical synchronization signals.