Abstract: The EFFICIENT POWER CONVERSION APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS include circuits for efficiently converting electrical energy to mechanical energy and vice-versa, such as within a multitude of ElectroActive Polymer (EAP) transducers. Embodiment may support a multitude of EAP transducers while also being capable of directing the movement of energy between electrical and mechanical forms in either direction. In another aspect, an efficient mode of transferring mechanical energy is discussed, via one or more strained and paired elastic transducers coupled to a potential energy reservoir.

Abstract: A transformer and filter circuit for reducing common mode noise current in isolated power conversion circuits, comprising a series connection of: a first transformer having an N:1 turns ratio, a common mode current filter, and a second transformer having a 1:M turns ratio. The overall effect being a transformer with N:M turns ratio and with low capacitive coupling from the primary N turns to the secondary M turns thus providing a high impedance to common mode currents crossing the isolation. The series connection of two transformers allows one to be bridged with additional common mode filter components without significant reduction in isolation impedance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for deskewing single-ended signals from different driver circuits of an automatic test system provides enough of a reduction in skew to allow differential signals to cross at or near their 50%-points. In accordance with this technique, first and second driver circuits are respectively coupled to first and second inputs of a measurement circuit through pathways having known and preferably equal propagation delays. The first and second driver circuits each generate an edge that propagates toward the DUT, and reflects back when it reaches a respective unmatched load at the location of the DUT. In response to the edge and its reflection, the first and second inputs of the measurement circuit each see a first voltage step and a second voltage step. The interval between the first and second voltage steps is then measured for each input of the measurement circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for deskewing single-ended signals from different driver circuits of an automatic test system provides enough of a reduction in skew to allow differential signals to cross at or near their 50%-points. In accordance with this technique, first and second driver circuits are respectively coupled to first and second inputs of a measurement circuit through pathways having known and preferably equal propagation delays. The first and second driver circuits each generate an edge that propagates toward the DUT, and reflects back when it reaches a respective unmatched load at the location of the DUT. In response to the edge and its reflection, the first and second inputs of the measurement circuit each see a first voltage step and a second voltage step. The interval between the first and second voltage steps is then measured for each input of the measurement circuit.

Abstract: Improved pin electronics for automatic test equipment are disclosed which compensates for the effects of round-trip delay on signals transmitted by the pin electronics and a circuit under test along the same transmission line. The pin electronics includes a driver and comparator circuitry, both of which are coupled to a transmission line connecting the pin electronics to a node of the circuit under test. Signals produced by the pin electronics and the circuit under test are combined at the pin electronics due to the effects of round-trip delay between the pin electronics and the circuit under test. The comparator circuitry takes a scaled version of the signal produced by the pin electronics and subtracts it from the combined signal, thereby recovering the signal produced by the circuit under test. Other pin electronics are also disclosed that uses the scaled signal for modifying threshold voltages provided to the comparator circuitry, thereby facilitating measurement of the combined signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically testing electronic circuits and performing time measurements, including a time measuring circuit for counting clock pulses provided between stop and start event edges presented to it, two independent input selectors for each selectively connecting one of a plurality of its inputs to the time measuring circuit, and a plurality of local comparators located within the test apparatus near sources of signals to be timed and generating an event edge upon receiving a signal crossing a threshold value. Also disclosed are making time measurements of signals at digital and analog pins using local comparators connected to input selectors over deskewed transmission paths and connecting a local comparator to the filter output of an analog instrument.