Abstract: A combination current sensing device comprising a plurality of current measuring sensors, at least one ambience measuring sensor, a voltage measuring device and a computing device; at least a magnetic field concentrator, and a controlled module assembly constraining the magnetic field concentrator and the bar conductor, in a defined position with respect to one another; the combination current sensing device may have a plurality of incoming connections and a plurality of outgoing connections; and the computing device outputs a validated measure of primary current and an auxiliary information according to a plurality of range and a safe value of the primary current, ensuring functional safety. The voltage measuring device determines a voltage, configured functions and health of an electric source in combination with other sensors and the computing device. One or more of the devices may be optional and or external to the combination current sensing device.

Abstract: A robot includes a body on which is mounted a functional head also including a capacitive detector, including: at least one electrical insulator in order to electrically insulate the functional head; at least one apparatus for electrically polarizing the functional head at a first alternating electrical potential (Vg), different from a ground potential; at least one guard polarized at an alternating guard potential (VG) identical to the first alternating electrical potential; and at least one electronics, called detection electronics, for measuring a signal relating to a coupling capacitance, called electrode-object capacitance, between the sensitive part and a surrounding object.

Abstract: A gate driver includes: a timing determination unit configured to measure an on-time of a switching element and configured to determine, based on the on-time, a certain timing during a turn-off period of the switching element as an intermediate timing; and a driving condition changing unit configured to change a gate driving condition of the switching element at the intermediate timing determined by the timing determination unit.

Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a current source to produce a first bias current and a second bias current, a plurality of diodes, and temperature estimation circuitry. The plurality of diodes includes at least a first diode to receive the first bias current and a second diode to receive the second bias current. The temperature estimate circuitry measures a first voltage bias across the first diode resulting from the first bias current and a second voltage bias across the second diode resulting from the second bias current, and estimates a temperature of an environment of the temperature sensor based at least in part on the first voltage bias and the second voltage bias. The temperature sensor further includes error detection circuitry to measure at least one of the first or second bias currents and determine an amount of error in the temperature estimate based at least in part on the measurement.

Abstract: Deployment of a network service pipeline may be automated by defining workflows comprising functions of instances of elements. Workflows may be defined in a graphical user interface including menus for the selection of elements, functions, and predefined workflows. A workflow may be dynamic such that addition or modification of a function invokes a trigger that automatically populates or modifies parameters of the functions of the workflow. Elements may each have a same set of functions that may be invoked by an orchestrator to perform automated implementation of the workflow. Functions of a workflow may be implemented in batches and may retrieve executable. data from a distributed file store. A test platform with hardware and network simulation may be used to develop functions and workflows.

Abstract: One illustrative device includes, among other things, an active device comprising a first terminal, a first bias resistor connected to the first terminal, and a first resistor comprising a first phase transition material connected in parallel with the first bias transistor, wherein the first phase transition material exhibits a first low conductivity phase for temperatures less than a first phase transition temperature and a first high conductivity phase for temperatures greater than the first phase transition temperature.

Abstract: A gate driver includes: a gate drive unit configured to drive a gate of a switching element in accordance with an input signal that commands to turn on or to turn off the switching element; a timing determination unit configured to measure an on-time width from when the input signal is switched to an on-command to when the input signal is switched to an off-command, and configured to determine, based on the measured on-time width, an intermediate timing that is before switch-off surge voltage of the switching element reaches a peak; and a driving condition changing unit configured to change a gate driving condition of the switching element at the intermediate timing determined by the timing determination unit.

Abstract: Current sensing with RDSON correction is disclosed. In an embodiment, a method comprises: measuring an approximate temperature of a MOS transistor switch by a temperature sensor to yield a measured temperature; calculating a corrected temperature from the measured temperature using a stored temperature sensor gain and offset correction function; measuring a gate drive voltage for the MOS transistor; calculating a voltage correction factor using a stored voltage correction function, wherein the stored voltage correction function is a function of the corrected temperature and the gate drive voltage; measuring a RDSON voltage drop across the MOS transistor switch to yield a measured RDSON voltage drop; and calculating the current using the measured RDSON drop and the voltage correction factor.

Abstract: Provided is a temperature detection circuit having less manufacturing fluctuations in detection temperature and capable of easily adjusting the manufacturing fluctuations in detection temperature. The temperature detection circuit includes: a constant current circuit configured to output a constant current; a voltage-controlled current circuit, which is controlled by a voltage output from a heat sensitive element and is configured to output a current corresponding to temperature; and a current comparator configured to compare the constant current and the current corresponding to temperature, and output a detection signal indicating that a predetermined temperature is detected. Temperature characteristics of the constant current circuit and temperature characteristics of the voltage-controlled current circuit have a correlation with each other.

Abstract: Methods and systems for precise temperature and timebase ppm error estimation using multiple timebases may comprise measuring a temperature corresponding to the plurality of timebases. The frequencies of the timebases may be compared to generate error functions for the timebases, and generating a more accurate reading of the temperature based, at least in part, on the measured temperature and the error functions for the timebases. The timebases may be calibrated utilizing the generated more accurate reading. The plurality of timebases may comprise different order temperature dependencies. The models of temperature dependencies of each of the plurality of timebases may be updated based, at least in part, on the fine reading of the temperature corresponding to the plurality of timebases. A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) clock signal may be utilized periodically to improve the accuracy of the calibration of the plurality of timebases.

Abstract: A current sensor includes a die and a shunt resistor having a first temperature coefficient and having a first node and a second node fabricated onto the die, wherein the shunt resistor is for passing the current that is to be sensed. A first compensation resistor is fabricated onto the die and is coupled to the first node of the shunt resistor, wherein the first compensation resistor is proximate the shunt resistor and has a temperature coefficient that is similar to the temperature coefficient of the shunt resistor. A second compensation resistor is fabricated onto the die and is coupled to the second node of the shunt resistor, wherein the second compensation resistor is proximate the shunt resistor and has a temperature coefficient that is the close to the temperature coefficient of the shunt resistor.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant system that includes: a gas turbine operably connected to a heat recovery steam generator; a first controller for optimizing a shutdown operation defined between an initiating shutdown command and a terminating event, wherein the first is controller configured to execute the steps of: receiving the shutdown initiating command; receiving operating parameters measured by sensors for each of a first component and a second component of the combined cycle power plant, and, based thereupon, determining a current state for each of the first and the second component; based on the current state, deriving an optimized shutdown operating mode for transitioning the first component and the second component from the current state to a shutdown state.

Abstract: A time-domain temperature sensing system includes a cyclic delay line, a path selection circuit and a counter. The cyclic delay line includes a plurality of logic components connected. The path selection circuit connects with the cyclic delay line and the counter connects with the path selection circuit. The cyclic delay line is operated to sense and convert a temperature into a time pulse to generate a temperature-related time pulse width signal, and the cyclic delay line is further operated to measure the temperature-related time pulse width signal via the path selection circuit. The cyclic delay line is operated to convert the temperature into the time pulse and the counter is further operated to convert the temperature-related time pulse width signal into a digital signal via the path selection circuit, thereby generating a temperature-to-digital signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for precise temperature and timebase PPM error estimation using multiple timebases may comprise in an electronic device comprising a plurality of timebases and measuring a temperature corresponding to the timebases. Frequencies of the timebases at the measured temperature may be compared to determine differential error functions for the timebases. A fine reading of the temperature corresponding to the timebases may be generated based, at least in part, on the measured temperature and the determined differential error functions for the timebases. The timebases may be calibrated utilizing the generated fine reading of the temperature. The timebases may comprise different order temperature dependencies. Models of temperature dependencies of each of the timebases based may be updated, at least in part, on the fine reading of the temperature. A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) clock signal may be periodically utilized to improve the accuracy of the calibration of the timebases.

Abstract: A washing and/or drying appliance includes a heating circuit (140) for heating a washing liquid and/or a drying air flow, connected to voltage distribution lines (105a,105b) distributing power inside the appliance. The heating circuit includes at least one heating resistor (205) in series to switch means (210a,210b) controlled by an appliance control unit (125) for selectively energizing the heating resistor when required. The switch means of the heating circuit includes a first and a second switch (210a,210b) in series to the heating resistor, the heating resistor being interposed between the first and second switches. A monitoring circuit arrangement is provided, which includes a first resistor (R1) in shunt to the heating resistor and having a resistance substantially higher than that of the heating resistor, and a pull-up network connected between a first terminal (215b;215a) of the heating resistor and one of the voltage distribution lines.

Abstract: A method of controlling a power feed to a load (L), wherein the load (L) can be connected to an apparatus (1) for the power feed and the power fed to the load (L) has clock-controlled signals. The method includes the steps of: detecting a temperature prevailing in the apparatus (1) by means of at least one temperature sensor (13, 14), providing a first safety function if the detected temperature is not greater than a predetermined first excessive temperature, providing a second safety function if the detected temperature is greater than the predetermined first excessive temperature, and again providing the first safety function if the detected temperature falls and reaches the first excessive temperature, wherein the first safety function includes constant cyclic clock control of the power fed to the load and the second safety function includes temporary cyclic clock control of the power fed to the load.

Abstract: In a process for operating an air-cooled mains supply unit for industrial application, temperatures influenced by outer heat sources and by heat sources arranged in the mains supply unit are measured by thermo-elements and reported to a control system. Temperatures measured by at least two thermo-elements arranged at different measurement points are reported to the control system, and the measured temperatures are compared with temperature patterns. The comparison with known temperature patterns makes it possible to sense the totality of the thermal conditions continuously and to derive therefrom ratings for the control system.

Abstract: A temperature-compensated-resistance (TCR) circuit, which may be part of an integrated circuit, is provided. The TCR circuit consists of two resistors and a diode. The two resistors are connected in parallel and the diode is connected in series with one of the resistors. The two parallel legs of the TCR circuit may be connected to a reference voltage source, such as a ground. No specialized devices, such as bipolar transistors, Zener or Schottky diodes, or specially-processed resistors, are required by the TCR circuit. The resistors and the diode of the TCR circuit may be chosen to adjust for temperature variations in the resistance values of the resistor, leading to a negative, zero, or positive temperature coefficient of resistance for the circuit. A phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit is described as an application of the TCR circuit.

Abstract: A controlling device includes a range switch mechanism, range switch operating means, operation frequency monitoring means, and heat generation limit controlling means. The range switch mechanism is adapted to change a shift range using a motor. Through the range switch operating means, an occupant inputs a required shift range. The motor is controlled in accordance with the required shift range such that the shift range is changed into the required shift range. The operation frequency monitoring means monitors an operation frequency of the range switch operating means. The heat generation limit controlling means switches a control of the motor to a heat generation limit control when the operation frequency of the range switch operating means exceeds a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes first and second thermo sensors embedded in a chip, a trimming control circuit which determines a characteristic of the first thermo sensor based on a trimming value, a nonvolatile memory which stores trimming data relating the characteristic of the first thermo sensor in an initial state and a system controller which provides temperature data to the trimming control circuit, wherein the temperature data relates a chip temperature detected by the second thermo sensor, wherein the trimming control circuit updates the trimming value based on the temperature data and the trimming data.

Abstract: A variable capacitance unit is formed between one portion of a human body and an opposed electrode facing it through a casing of a robot toy (electronic device) when the one portion of the human body such as a hand or a finger approaches the surface of the casing of the robot. Since the capacitance of the variable capacitance unit varies according to the facing area and the facing distance of the one portion of the human body and the opposed electrode, it is possible to detect the one portion of the human body approaching or touching the robot toy by detecting this change. Since the opposed electrode forming the touch sensor can be provided within the casing, the touch sensor cannot be seen directly from the outside of the robot toy.

Abstract: A temperature sensor is comprised of a device adapted to provide a first signal having a parameter responsive to temperature. A generator provides a reference signal having a parameter that is substantially consistent over a preselected temperature range. A comparator is electrically coupled to the device and the generator and is adapted to provide a second signal in response to the parameter of the first signal differing from the parameter of the reference signal. A digital filter is coupled to the comparator and is adapted to provide a third signal in response to receiving the second signal for a preselected duration of time.

Abstract: A temperature sensor circuit includes a temperature detecting circuit, a preset value storing circuit, and a current supplying circuit. The temperature detecting circuit is configured to generate a first temperature voltage in accordance with an ambient temperature and a current. The preset value storing circuit stores a second temperature voltage preset for a predetermined ambient temperature as a digital value. The current supplying circuit supplies the current to the temperature detecting circuit. The current supplying circuit supplies the current such that the first temperature voltage generated by the temperature detecting circuit at the predetermined ambient temperature is equal to the second temperature voltage.

Abstract: A humidity-modulated dual-setpoint temperature controller is disclosed in which the two setpoints of the temperature controller are adjusted as a function of measured humidity. Parameters other than humidity could also be used to adjust the dual setpoints of the temperature controller. The controller is particularly useful in controlling the heater element of a clothes dryer in order to improve the energy efficiency of the dryer.

Abstract: A device for monitoring chip temperature of a switch output stage having a switch element (100, 106) that has a first circuit (10) for generating a signal (pv.sub.on) corresponding to the dissipated power of the switch element (100-106) during an on state. The device has a second circuit (20) for generating a signal (pv.sub.1, pv.sub.2 ; pv'.sub.1) corresponding to the dissipated power of the switch element (100-106) during a turn-on and/or turn-off event. The device further has a summer (40) that sums the signals (pv.sub.on, pv.sub.1, pv.sub.2 ; pv.sub.on pv'.sub.1) of the first and second circuits (10, 20) in weighted fashion and outputs a sum signal (pv.sub.sum) corresponding to the dissipated power of the switch element (100-106). The device also has an integrator (60) that responds to the sum signal (pv.sub.sum) and outputs an output signal (th) corresponding to the chip temperature of the switch element (100-106).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temperature measurement especially suited for low cost, low power, moderate accuracy implementation. It uses a sensor whose resistance varies in a known manner, either linearly or nonlinearly, with temperature, and produces a digital output which is proportional to the temperature of the sensor. The method is based on performing a zero-crossing time measurement of a step input signal that is double differentiated using two differentiators functioning as respective first and second time constants; one temperature stable, and the other varying with the sensor temperature.

Abstract: A temperature detection circuit using a threshold voltage of a MOSFET with a further improved detection characteristic. The circuit has first and second lateral MOSFETs formed in a well region of a conductivity type which is formed on a surface of a semiconductor region of an opposite conductivity type, a first power source which drives the first lateral MOSFET at an operation point where a temperature has influence on a characteristic between a gate-source voltage and a drain current characteristic thereof, a second power source which drives the second lateral MOSFET at an operation point where the temperature has no influence on a characteristic between a gate-source voltage and a drain current characteristic thereof, and a comparator which compares a difference between outputs from the first and second lateral MOSFETs with a predetermined set value to detect the temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the clock frequency and voltage supplied to an integrated circuit. First, a signal is sent to the clock, and in response, the clock lowers the clock frequency supplied to the integrated circuit. The clock sends a signal to the voltage regulator whereupon the voltage regulator reduces the voltage supplied to the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A dryness control circuit for a household clothes dryer including a power supply circuit and a moisture sensing circuit. The power supply circuit converts high voltage AC power into low voltage, DC power. The low voltage, DC power is supplied to the moisture sensing circuit. The moisture sensing circuit includes a moisture sensor having a pair of spaced-apart electrodes, a time delay circuit, an electrostatic discharge attenuation circuit, and a motor controller circuit. The motor controller circuit includes a control hysteresis or dead-band in which operation of a timer motor is unaffected. The time delay circuit includes an RC network which slowly charges and discharges to prevent erroneous dryness or moisture readings, which are sensed by the moisture sensor, from causing the motor controller circuit to improperly actuate or deactuate the timer motor. The electrostatic discharge attenuation circuit negates the deleterious effects of static build up.

Abstract: An IC temperature sensor with a programmable offset generates an output voltage V.sub.o over a desired temperature range that is a PTAT voltage V.sub.PTAT shifted by an offset voltage V.sub.off. A band gap cell generates a basic PTAT voltage across a first resistor to produce a PTAT current I.sub.PTAT. A second resistor is connected from the first resistor to a reference voltage terminal to provide voltage gain. A third resistor is connected across the base-emitter junction of a transistor which is connected from the top of the second resistor to an output terminal at which V.sub.o is generated. The transistor's base-emitter voltage provides a portion of V.sub.off. The third resistor reduces the portion of I.sub.PTAT that flows through the second resistor to provide the remaining portion of V.sub.off. A current source is positioned between the transistor's emitter and the reference voltage terminal to supply its emitter current and the current for the third resistor. The offset voltage V.sub.

Abstract: A two-way conductive directional circuit formed in a polycrystalline silicon layer separated by an insulation film from a semiconductive element is one-way biased for sensing a temperature of the semiconductive element. The directional circuit may be provided with a bias in either conductive direction thereof for sensing a temperature of the semiconductive element, before being provided with a bias in the other conductive direction thereof for sensing the temperature of the semiconductive element.