Abstract: The invention relates to a testable on-chip capacitor cell 10 including a decoupling capacitor (Ci) which can be disconnected from the power distribution network and discharged through a cell internal discharge circuit. An externally controllable switch (Si) connects in a first switching position the decoupling capacitor to the power supply system and disconnects in a second switching position the decoupling capacitor from the power supply system and connects it to a resistor (Ri) which is part of the discharge circuit. An off-chip control unit (16) is provided for toggling the switch with a frequency fT between its first and second position to perform a capacitor test operation. By a current measurement device the averaged power supply current demand of the decoupling capacitor is measured when switch (Si) is toggled. The actual capacity of the decoupling capacitor is determined as a function of the power supply voltage, of the switch toggling frequency (fT) and of the averaged power supply current measured.

Abstract: An adapter circuit PSA includes a comparator module OA, and a regulation module RM for normally adjusting the value of an output voltage Vout intended to be applied to an external circuit to a predetermined nominal regulation value Vreg0. In response to a measuring module SC sensing a reverse current flow at the output which is produced when an external power supply source in the external circuit connected to the output of the adapter circuit PSA includes an effective voltage source Vext which imposes on the output a voltage VDD which has a higher value than the nominal regulation value Vreg0, feedback coupled to an input to the comparator module OA is activated to raise the value to which the output voltage VDD is regulated to equality with the value of the effective voltage source Vext, thereby nulling the output current.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus 10 with circuit load sensor provides an extension cord 20 having first and second ends extending from an enclosure 30. Within the enclosure, a power supply indicator circuit 40 lights an LED in response to the plug of the extension cord being inserted into a live outlet. Also within the enclosure, a power consumption indicator circuit 60 lights an LED in response to consumption of power by a load plugged into the socket of the extension cord. A nominal voltage drop across a TRIAC 70, carried in-line with the neutral conductor within the enclosure, triggers the power consumption indicator circuit when the load draws current.

Abstract: A decoupling capacitor and protection circuit is provided that will assist the power supply network in stabilizing the voltage near circuits that demand short rapid transitions in electrical current. The protection circuit also significantly reduces the amount of electrical current drawn by defective large area decoupling capacitors. An inverter stage controls a switching circuit connected in series with a decoupling capacitor. A feedback circuit is provided from the output of the capacitor to the switching circuit. If the capacitor goes bad, then a voltage is present on the feedback circuit and the switching circuit ensures that the output of the failed capacitor is presented with an open circuit so that the short circuit current flow through the capacitor is eliminated. In this manner, the integrity of the other circuits located near the failed capacitor will operate appropriately.

Abstract: An electronic switch circuit switches out bad decoupling capacitors on a high speed integrated circuit chip. The circuit comprises a control device that operates in the subthreshold or off device state to detect leakage in a decoupling capacitor. This control device operates in a low impedance state if the capacitor is good and in a high impedance sate if the capacitor is bad. A feedback circuit is connected from an internal node of the capacitor to a gate of the control device so that once a state of the capacitor is detected it can be stored on the gate of the control device. A single external signal source shared by a group of capacitors activates the control device to detect leakage in the capacitor. The circuit operates to switch out capacitors that fail during normal operation.

Abstract: A station of a ring network includes (1) a circuit for generating a configuration signal for connecting the station into the network and (2) a load circuit coupled to the first node and ground for receiving a DC component of the configuration signal. The DC component of the configuration signal is transparent with respect to data transmission of the network. A decoupling capacitor is coupled to the first node and ground for bypassing an AC component of the configuration signal at the first node to ground such that only the DC component of the configuration signal is applied to the load circuit. The circuit for generating the configuration signal includes (1) a first switch coupled to a power supply and a second node and (2) a capacitor coupled to the second node and ground. A second switch is provided in the circuit that is connected between the first and second nodes.

Abstract: In a switching circuit for use in a mobile telephone device in controllably transmitting a speech signal to a radio transmission unit through an output terminal (312), a first switch (31) is controlled by a control signal which is supplied to a control terminal (32) with a high level and a low level of putting the first switch in a conductive and a non-conductive state when a second switch (36) is put in its off and on states. A capacitor (35) is connected between the control terminal and the output terminal in order to make the switching circuit have a low output impedance when the first switch is put in its off state.

Abstract: A fail-safe circuit for preventing an inadvertent communication of a signal from an input terminal to an output terminal includes a series switching network electrically connected between the input terminal and the output terminal. The series switching network contains two switching circuits electrically connected in series. One switching circuit is an electrical switching circuit and the other is an electromechanical switching circuit. The switching circuits are chosen such that defects causing the electrical switching circuit to short circuit do not affect the electromechanical switching circuit and defects causing the electromechanical switching circuit to short circuit do not affect the electrical switching circuit. The fail-safe circuit also includes circuitry for preventing inadvertent communication of the signal from the input terminal through the series switching network to the output terminal when one of the switching circuits is in a short circuited state or condition.

Abstract: A terminator apparatus used with a SCSI bus line controls the voltage level of a notch occurring in data and/or control signals transferred on the bus line. The terminator apparatus includes a termination network, a current switching device, and a programmed monitoring circuit. The termination network generates a first current. The current switching device generates a second current. The monitoring circuit controls a programmed length of time that the second current is generated. The current switching device is responsive to the monitoring circuit for disconnecting the second current when the programmed length of time has been exceeded. The second current serves to raise the voltage level of the notch occurring in the signal lines when they are deasserted so as to prevent erroneous data from being transferred.

Abstract: An overhoist prevention system suitable for use on a crane comprises (a) a proximity switch (17), (b) a movable detector plate (10) normally biassed away from the proximity switch, (c) an actuator (5) adapted for use with the hoist wire (4) for moving the detector plate towards the proximity switch and (d) a relay (21). The relay is actuated by a signal from the proximity switch and controls the operation of an alarm and/or the supply of the power to the winding drum of the crane.

Abstract: Positive assurance of correct connection, in supplying electrical utilization equipment from a current source, is provided when it is critical to safety and particularly when receptacle outlets are used or a fixed wiring installation required which may be subject to wiring error. An electromagnetic relay is employed to prevent equipment use and to provide audible indication in the event of hazardous connective error such as reversal of ungrounded and grounded neutral conductors and the omission of a grounding connection. The relay may be one that is also otherwise controlled for on-off power switching.

Abstract: Magnetic gate, including a magnet having a magnetic pole with an at least partly flat surface, a semiconductor chip having an integrated circuit, a mechanically permeable metal piece, and means attaching the semiconductor chip to the magnetically permeable metal piece for minimizing mechanical stresses acting on the chip to eliminate piezo effects and method of production thereof.

Abstract: A high-frequency oscillation type proximity switch comprising a resonance circuit in which a detection coil is used as a pickup for sensing the approach of an object thereto and a resonance capacitor is disposed at a position very close to the detection coil so that the resistance of a cable connecting the resonance circuit to its associated oscillation circuit can be substantially ignored in the resonance circuit.

Abstract: Magnetic gate, including a magnet having two poles, one of the poles having an at least partly flat surfaces, a magnetically permeable metal piece bridging the magnetic flux of the magnet from one to the other of the poles, and a semiconductor chip having an integrated circuit, the semiconductor chip being piezoelectrically unsensitive and being applied to the permeable metal piece, and method of production thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmit/receive switching unit for use between a transmit/receive converter and the transmission line of a transmit/receive device having a voltage source. The unit has transmitting and receiving channels with the receiving channel having a signal amplifier. An energy storage element such as a capacitor stores a part of the transmission energy on a continuing basis for operating the signal amplifier in the receiving channel. This scheme saves having to provide a separate line from a voltage source to the amplifier.

Abstract: A solid state transmit-receive switching element having multiple resonant rcuits connected in a bridge arrangement by back-to-back zener diodes. While receiving, the zener diodes have a high impedance and the bridge arrangement acts as two series tuned circuits in parallel. While transmitting, the zener diodes breakdown and the bridge arrangement appears electrically as two parallel tuned circuits in series.

Abstract: It is herein disclosed a closed circuit alarm system comprising a number of alarm detectors, which system comprises an amplifier coupled through condensers to a first alarm relay and which is further coupled to a second relay the arrangement being such that when an electrical signal is generated in the first relay, in response to the bridging of any of the alarm detectors, such electrical signal is amplified and applied to such second relay thereby producing by said second relay an electrical signal which is applied to the first relay which then operates for putting the alarm device in the circuit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to high gain electrical relays which are operable at very low power levels and which, when arranged in a relay system with impedance matching to an energizing power source, are operable at the low power levels used in energizing integrated circuits. The relays utilize nickel-titanium alloy wires which are conditioned and arranged to display sharp, reversible changes in shape and modulus of elasticity as the wires are heated and cooled through a temperature transition range, the alloy wires being disposed, preferably with impedance matching means between the wires and energizing power sources, to be heated through the noted transition temperature range by directing current from such low power sources through the wires, thereby to initiate relay operation. The relay construction provides unusually high gain so that relay operation from such low power sources is effective for regulating operation of various types of components used in electrical apparatus.