Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes at least one magnetic field sensing element configured to generate a magnetic field signal indicative of a magnetic field associated with a target, an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the magnetic field signal into a digital magnetic field signal, and a controller responsive to the digital magnetic field signal and configured to adjust an offset of the digital magnetic field signal during a first operational phase and to increase a gain of the digital magnetic field signal during a second operational phase following the first operational phase. The first and second operational phases occur during a running mode of sensor operation.

Abstract: Closed loop current transducer includes a fluxgate sensing unit, a compensation coil wound around the fluxgate sensing unit, and a transducer housing mounted around the compensation coil, the fluxgate sensing unit comprising a fluxgate housing, a ring-shaped fluxgate magnetic field detector mounted in the fluxgate housing, and a magnetic shield mounted in the fluxgate housing, the magnetic shield surrounding the fluxgate magnetic field detector. The fluxgate housing includes first and second central parts, each central part comprising a radially inner side wall, a radially outer side wall and a base wall joining the inner side wall to the outer side wall, a sensor housing portion being formed on one side of the base wall and receiving the fluxgate magnetic field detector therein.

Abstract: Sensor devices, systems and methods are provided, including a first magnetic sensor configured to measure a first magnetic field in a first frequency range and output a first sensor signal based on the measured first magnetic field, a second magnetic sensor configured to measure a second magnetic field in a second frequency range and output a second sensor signal based on the measured second magnetic field, and a sensor circuit configured to receive the first and the second sensor signals, combine the first and the second sensor signals, and output a combined sensor signal. The first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor are configured to share a cross-over frequency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a TMR-based sensor having a first magnetic field sensing element comprising a bridge having first, second, third, and fourth legs. Legs of the bridge comprise TMR elements with pillars connected to one or more switch matrixes to adjust total resistances of the bridge legs. Equalizing the resistance of the bridge legs can enhance sensor performance.

Abstract: We provide a Hall effect sensor driven with an AC current where the output Hall signal component is at the second harmonic. More specifically, the drive current is at fA and the relevant Hall signal frequency component is at 2fA. The resulting measurement is of the magnetic field strength at fA. This eliminates the need for switching to suppress the parasitic offset signal. This approach also leads to suppression of the induced signal caused in the Hall sensor by the time varying magnetic field.

Abstract: One example includes a tunable current element. The element includes a first magnetic flux component that is configured to exhibit a bias flux in response to a first control current. The bias flux can decrease relative energy barriers between discrete energy states of the tunable current element. The element also includes a second magnetic flux component that is configured to exhibit a control flux in response to a second control current. The control flux can change a potential energy of the discrete energy states of the tunable current element to set an energy state of the tunable current element to one of the discrete energy states, such that the magnetic flux component is configured to generate a hysteretic current that provides a magnetic flux at an amplitude corresponding to the energy state of the tunable current element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hall electromotive force signal detection circuit and a current sensor thereof each of which is able to achieve excellent wide-band characteristics and fast response as well as high accuracy. A difference calculation circuit samples a component synchronous with a chopper clock generated by a chopper clock generation circuit, out of an output voltage signal of a signal amplifier circuit, at a timing obtained from the chopper clock, so as to detect the component. An integrating circuit integrates an output from the difference calculation circuit in the time domain. An output voltage signal from the integrating circuit is fed back to a signal amplifier circuit via a third transconductance element.

Abstract: An electronic device displays at least one device initialization screen. After displaying the at least one device initialization screen, the electronic device displays an instruction screen instructing a user to pair the external device with the electronic device. The electronic device sends first data via wireless communication, displays a pattern comprising identifying information of the electronic device, and receives second data indicating that the external device and the electronic device have been paired using the first data. After receiving the second data, the electronic device provides an aural or haptic indication that the electronic device and the external device have been paired. In some examples, the electronic device is a wearable electronic device and the external device is a smartphone. Pairing the electronic device and the external device may allow the devices to exchange information and operate interactively with one another.

Abstract: A Hall sensor compensation circuit includes an input node configured for receiving a bias signal for a Hall sensor. A bias node provides to the Hall sensor a compensated bias signal. A compensation network coupled between the input node and the bias node has a gain inversely proportional to Hall mobility, ?n?, wherein the Hall sensing signal is temperature-compensated.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus that measures a measurement target amount generated from a measurement target, includes an additional amount generating section, a sensor, and a deriving section. The additional amount generating section generates an additional amount to be added to the measurement target amount. The sensor measures a composite amount of the measurement target amount added with the additional amount. The deriving section derives the measurement target amount from an output of the sensor. The additional amount is a pulse. The pulse has an amplitude higher than the absolute value of the maximum of the measurement target amount. The maximum of the pulse is zero. The pulse has a frequency high enough to ignore the 1/f noise. The deriving section detects the output value of the sensor to derive the measurement target amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor suite comprising at least one sensor. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sensor suite for measuring absolute and/or relative position, location and orientation of an object on or in which the sensor suite is employed. The present invention further relates to improved, novel sensor types for use in the sensor suite. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved, novel magnetometer that is self-calibrating and scalable. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to such a magnetometer that is miniaturized. Further embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing location and guidance, and more particularly for providing location and guidance in environments where global position systems (GPS) are unavailable or unreliable (GPS denied and/or degraded environments).

Abstract: A comprehensive information detection system for a steel wire rope, having a detection device, a stroke metering device, a data acquisition and conversion workstation, an alarm controller, and a terminal control master station is provided. The detection device further specifically has a steel wire rope electromagnetic detection device, a steel wire rope machine vision damage recognition device, a steel wire rope machine vision diameter measurement device, and a damage location marking device. The comprehensive information detection system for a steel wire rope may perform comprehensive evaluation on the damage situation of the steel wire rope and refine damage data information, thereby comprehensively improving the refinement degree of detection and the detection accuracy.

Abstract: Magnetic field sensors and sensing methods are provided. A magnetic sensor includes at least one magnetic field sensor element configured to generate an analog input sensor signal in response to a magnetic field; an inverting amplifier arranged on an analog signal path and configured to generate an analog output sensor signal having a gained value with respect to the analog input sensor signal; a switchable compensation capacitor disposed in a negative feedback path of the inverting amplifier, where the switchable compensation capacitor is configured to control a bandwidth of the analog signal path based on configuration information; and a digital controller configured to receive at least one measurement parameter, generate the configuration information based on the at least one measurement parameter, and transmit the configuration information to the switchable compensation capacitor for adjusting the bandwidth of the analog signal path.

Abstract: A security screening installation system for use in a controlled environment is described. In an embodiment, a passive detector apparatus does not produce a magnetic field for detection and relies on detecting changes in the local magnetic field. The apparatus is: (i) battery powered; (ii) light enough to be hand carried by hand and set up by one person; (iii) comprises a single elongate housing; and (iv) operable between a packed state inside a protective case and a ready to use state outside of the protective case. The housing supports at least two magnetic sensors that define a gradiometer which is arranged to produce a signal indicative of an ambient magnetic field or gradient over a zone of sensitivity which extends away from the housing, wherein a size of the zone is large enough to contain a whole body of a person.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor comprises a magnetoresistance element with a variable conductivity that changes based on a function of a magnetic field strength and angle of an external magnetic field and a voltage across the magnetoresistance element. A circuit is included to monitor an electrical current through the magnetoresistance element during operation and to apply a constant voltage across the magnetoresistance element based on the monitored electrical current so that the variable conductivity does not change as result of a changing voltage across the magnetoresistance element.

Abstract: A fluid sensor including a guide, a float, a permanent magnet, and a magnetic angle sensor. In one example, the float is constrained at least in part by the guide to move along a vertical axis. The permanent magnet is mechanically coupled to the float. The magnetic angle sensor is configured to measure an angle of a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet and is positioned such that movement of the float along the vertical axis varies the angle of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet through the magnetic angle sensor.

Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) position tracking system identifies the pose of objects based on detected strength values of an EM field. To address distortions in the field, the system employs a pose sensor to provide a second pose of the mobile unit. Under conditions where no distortion in the EM field has been detected, the HMD applies a nominal set of corresponding weights to the EM pose data and the IMU pose data, respectively, and combines the weighted pose value to identify a combined pose of the mobile unit. In response to detecting conditions that indicate distortion in the EM field, the HMD can apply different weights to the EM pose data and IMU pose data to, for example increase the influence of the IMU pose data on the combined pose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device having, as a sensor for detecting an object arranged behind an article that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation, a coil assembly having a first transmitting coil (1.1) and a first receiving coil (2.1) arranged orthogonally with respect to the first transmitting. An evaluation unit evaluates the output signals from the coil assembly. The fact that the coil assembly comprises the first transmitting coil (1.1) and at least one further transmitting coil (1.2, 1.3, 1.4), and the first receiving coil (2.1) and at least one further receiving coil (2.2, 2.3, 2.4), wherein axes (1.5, 1.6) of the first and of the at least one further transmitting coil are orthogonal to each other, and the axes (1.5, 1.6) of the first and second transmitting coil intersect the axis (2.5) of the first receiving coil (2.1) that is orthogonal to the first and second transmitting coils (1.1, 1.2), means that a device is provided that reduces or even eliminates the grating effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting inner defects of a steel plate comprises an all-defect detection unit for detecting all defects including surface defects present on the surface of the steel plate and inner defects present inside the steel plate by intensity of leakage flux, measured by generating magnetic flux in a strike direction of the steel plate; a surface defect detection unit for detecting surface defects by intensity of leakage flux, measured by generating magnetic flux in the thickness direction of the steel plate, for a predetermined detection region including all the defects detected by the all-defect detection unit; and a data processing unit for detecting only inner defects present in a detection region by excluding the detected surface defects from all the defects detected by the all-defect detection unit, for the detection region, thereby detecting only the inner defects of the steel plate.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable medium may include executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to provide for a repository of digital content, and to provide for a store configured to sell a right to use the digital content to a customer and to transmit the digital content to a non-destructive testing (NDT) device, and wherein the digital content is configured to be executed by, used by, or displayed the NDT device, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A magnetic anomaly sensing system and method uses two triaxial magnetometer (TM) sensors arranged in a one-dimensional array with the sensors' magnetic sensing axes being parallel to one another. The sensors are spaced-apart from one another along one of the sensing axes by a distance D with a midpoint between the sensors along the one sensing axis being located a distance Z from a reference datum. A processor implements an iterative process to include generating scalar magnitudes of a magnetic anomaly field measured at each of the sensors where the magnetic anomaly field is associated with a magnetic object. A scalar range from the sensors to the magnetic object is generated based on the distance D, the distance Z, and the scalar magnitudes. A magnetic dipole moment of the magnetic object is generated using the scalar range and the scalar magnitudes.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first substrate and two coils supported by the first substrate and arranged next to each other, the coils configured to each generate a magnetic field which produces eddy currents in and a reflected magnetic field from a conductive target, the two coils arranged so their respectively generated magnetic fields substantially cancel each other in an area between the coils. One or more magnetic field sensing elements are positioned in the area between the coils and configured to detect the reflected magnetic field.

Abstract: An electronic device displays at least one device initialization screen. After displaying the at least one device initialization screen, the electronic device displays an instruction screen instructing a user to pair the external device with the electronic device. The electronic device sends first data via wireless communication, displays a pattern comprising identifying information of the electronic device, and receives second data indicating that the external device and the electronic device have been paired using the first data. After receiving the second data, the electronic device provides an aural or haptic indication that the electronic device and the external device have been paired. In some examples, the electronic device is a wearable electronic device and the external device is a smartphone. Pairing the electronic device and the external device may allow the devices to exchange information and operate interactively with one another.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses and non-transitory computer-readable mediums are disclosed for a self-calibrating system architecture for magnetic distortion compensation. In an embodiment, an electronic system comprises: a magnetometer; a plurality of spaced-apart calibration coils proximate to the magnetometer; first circuitry configured to excite the calibration coils during a calibration phase of the electronic system; second circuitry configured to measure a first magnetic field vector in a vicinity of the magnetometer that is generated by the excited calibration coils; third circuitry configured to: generate sensitivity values based on the first magnetic field vector measurement and a baseline magnetic field vector; and a storage device configured for storing the sensitivity values.

Abstract: Methods of detecting carburization, nitriding or chromium depletion in a non- or weakly ferromagnetic test object using a permanent magnet having a magnet pull force equal to or greater than about 75N and measuring either the adhesive force to detach the magnet from the test object or the attractive force in which the magnet is being pulled towards the surface of the test object.

Abstract: A method for detecting a relative position of a magnetic field source is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of detecting at least two magnetic field components of a magnetic field produced by a magnetic field source using a magnetic field sensor, determining a temperature effect compensation which compensates for a temperature effect on the magnetic field components, and establishing an output signal corresponding to the relative position of the magnetic field source based on a quotient of the magnetic field components, the temperature effect compensation, and an offset correction.

Abstract: A discrete magnetic angle sensor device according to an embodiment includes a first magnetic field gradiometer and a second magnetic field gradiometer. The first magnetic field gradiometer and the second magnetic field gradiometer are of different types of a group of gradiometer types. An embodiment may improve an accuracy of a determination of a rotation angle.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes a magnetic detection element circuit that includes first and second magnetic detection elements, which are connected in series, and an output terminal, which is positioned between the first and second magnetic detection elements; an impedance matching device, which has a prescribed input voltage range and is connected to an output terminal of the magnetic detection element circuit; a first current supply source, which supplies an electric current to the magnetic detection element circuit; and a second current supply source, which supplies an electric current to the impedance matching device. A resistor is provided between the output terminal of the magnetic detection element circuit and the first current supply source and/or a reference electric potential point.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for improving foreign object detection for ferromagnetic wire-like objects. In particular, aspects include increasing FOD sensitivity using at least one inductive sense loop in response to detecting a change in resistance that is substantially equal to the change in reactance of a sense coil. By increasing the FOD sensitivity, objects such as ferromagnetic wire-like objects can be detected that are potentially hazardous objects. Detecting these potentially hazardous objects that were previously undetectable can reduce the chances of damage to surrounding materials or harm to humans.

Abstract: Magnetic field compensation device having a first bar-shaped flux concentrator and a second bar-shaped flux concentrator, wherein the first flux concentrator and the second flux concentrator are separated from one another in a y-direction, and the longitudinal axis of the first flux concentrator and the longitudinal axis of the second flux concentrator are arranged to be substantially parallel to one another. A control unit is in an operative electrical connection with the magnetic field sensor and the compensating coil, and the control unit is equipped to control the compensating current through the compensating coil using a measured signal from the magnetic field sensor in such a manner that, for an external magnetic field formed in the x-direction at the location of the magnetic field sensor, the magnetic field is substantially compensated.

Abstract: In one aspect, a magnetic field sensor is configured to detect a ferromagnetic object. The magnetic field sensor includes a magnet that includes two North regions and two South regions configured to generate opposing directions of magnetization to form a magnetic flux. The magnetic field sensor also includes a magnetic field sensing element configured to generate an is output signal responsive to changes in the magnetic flux caused by movement of the ferromagnetic object.

Abstract: Provided are a magnetic sensor, which is capable of accurately determining abnormalities, such as disconnection and a short circuit, of wiring of a magnetic sensor device, and the magnetic sensor device. An output control circuit of the magnetic sensor includes a voltage divider circuit, which is connected to an output terminal of the magnetic sensor, and an amplifier, which is configured to control a gate voltage of a MOS transistor, which is connected to the output terminal of the magnetic sensor, so that a voltage of the voltage divider circuit and a reference voltage become equal to each other, with the result that an output voltage of the magnetic sensor is determined by the reference voltage and a voltage dividing ratio of the voltage divider circuit.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes a first magnetoresistive element that detects a magnetic field along a first detection axis, a second magnetoresistive element that detects a magnetic field along a second detection axis inclining at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the first detection axis, a first Hall element that detects a magnetic field along a third detection axis, and a second Hall element that detects a magnetic field along a fourth detection axis perpendicular to the third detection axis. This magnetic sensor has both characteristics of the Hall elements and characteristics of the magnetoresistive elements, and has high accuracy and a small size.

Abstract: A method for providing offset compensation in a Hall sensor comprising at least one Hall element having a plate-shaped sensor element made of a doped semiconductor material, comprises using measurements on the Hall element itself. The method comprises obtaining a first readout signal (VH) from the at least one Hall element which is substantially dependent on the magnetic field, obtaining a second readout signal (VP) from the at least one Hall element which is substantially independent of the magnetic field, and using the second readout signal (VP) for obtaining a prediction ({circumflex over (V)}O) of the offset (VO) on the first readout signal (VH).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises one or more substrates and one or more coils. At least one of the coils is configured to produce a first magnetic field that induces eddy currents in a conductive target, which generates a reflected magnetic field. One or more magnetic field sensing elements supported by the one or more substrates detect the reflected magnetic field. A conductive support structure supports the one or more substrates. The support structure includes a gap in an area adjacent to the one or more coils so that the support structure does not generate a reflected magnetic field in response to the first magnetic field.

Abstract: An electronic device displays at least one device initialization screen. After displaying the at least one device initialization screen, the electronic device displays an instruction screen instructing a user to pair the external device with the electronic device. The electronic device sends first data via wireless communication, displays a pattern comprising identifying information of the electronic device, and receives second data indicating that the external device and the electronic device have been paired using the first data. After receiving the second data, the electronic device provides an aural or haptic indication that the electronic device and the external device have been paired. In some examples, the electronic device is a wearable electronic device and the external device is a smartphone. Pairing the electronic device and the external device may allow the devices to exchange information and operate interactively with one another.

Abstract: An eddy-current flaw detector includes a trace data calculator configured to calculate each coordinate with respect to flaw detection points on which an inspection probe is used upon performing an eddy-current testing based on an inputted condition of eddy-current flaw detection and surface shape data of an inspection-object surface measured by a profilometer, and to calculate a normal vector of each flaw detection point; a gap evaluation calculator configured to acquire an evaluation result on a gap between the inspection-object surface and the inspection probe for each flaw detection point; a flaw detection data collector configured to acquire flaw detection data of an inspection object for each flaw detection point; a flaw detection data analyzer configured to evaluate presence/absence of a flaw in the inspection-object surface based on the flaw detection data of the inspection object and the evaluation result on the gap for each flaw detection point.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to sensor systems and methods that can compensate for thermal EMF effects that can cause residual offset and other errors in sensor systems. In one embodiment, a sensor system comprises at least one temperature sensor arranged proximate a primary sensor element, e.g., a Hall plate in an embodiment in which the sensor system comprises a Hall-effect magnetic field sensing system, though other types of magnetic field and sensors more generally can be used in other embodiments. In another embodiment, a plurality of temperature sensors can be used, with each one arranged proximate a different sensor contact or element. In an example in which the Hall plate is operated according to a spinning operation scheme, the at least one temperature sensor can be configured to sense a temperature in each operating phase, and the individual sensed temperatures can be combined and used to provide a temperature-dependent compensation signal.

Abstract: A system comprises at least one magnetic field sensor having a magnetic sense element formed on a substrate. The sense element senses a magnetic field along a sense axis oriented in a first direction parallel to a surface of the substrate. A shield structure is formed on the substrate. The shield structure has first and second shield portions and the magnetic sense element is disposed between the shield portions. Each of the shield portions includes a body and first and second brim segments extending from opposing ends of the body. The body is aligned parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the surface of the substrate. The brim segments are aligned substantially parallel to the first direction. The shield portions are arranged in mirror symmetry with the brim segments of each of the shield portions extending toward one another.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a die and a current generator in the die. The current generator generates a driving current. A Lorentz force transducer is also formed in the die and coupled to the current generator to obtain measurements of a magnetic field based upon the Lorentz force. The magnetic field has a resonance frequency and the current generator drives the Lorentz force sensor with the driving current having a non-zero frequency different from the resonance frequency.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for sensory elements for placement within a probe that includes at least one receiving coil disposed within a pulsed eddy current probe, and at least one sensing element disposed within a pulse eddy current probe. The at least on sensing element may be disposed on a printed circuit board.

Abstract: In a device for determining absolute position of a mobile element in reference to two magneto-sensitive sensors, having a source of a magnetic field fastened to the element, a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal are measured with one magneto-sensitive sensor each. An amplitude ratio of the respective sensor signals and the off-set values about the respective zero point of the sensor signals are determined from the minimum and maximum values of the sensor signals, and from these values, scaled sensor signals are calculated that form a sum signal and a difference signal, which are scaled, with the determination of the minimum and the maximum values occurring by a relative movement of the element over a full range of motion, and an absolute position is calculated via the scaled sum signal and the scaled difference signal.

Abstract: A fruit and vegetable sugar content detector is provided, which includes a measurement electrode unit including two measurement electrodes capable of being inserted into a to-be-detected fruit or vegetable, one end of one of the two measurement electrodes being connected to one end of the other one of the two measurement electrodes, a resistance detection circuit connected to the measurement electrode unit and configured to detect a resistance between the two measurement electrodes, and a processor connected to the resistance detection circuit and configured to determine, in accordance with the detected resistance between the two measurement electrodes, a sugar content of the to-be-detected fruit or vegetable, and generate sugar content indication information.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a plurality of transducer legs coupled together as a first circuit to sense a magnetic field, wherein each transducer leg comprises a plurality of magnetoresistance sense elements. The magnetic field sensor also includes a second circuit including a first plurality of current lines, wherein each current line of the first plurality of current lines is adjacent to a corresponding plurality of magnetoresistance sense elements of a transducer leg of the plurality of transducer legs. When at least one current line of the first plurality of current lines is energized, a magnetization of each magnetoresistance sense element of the transducer leg is aligned in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction. A routing pattern of the at least one current line is configured to generate an equal population of magnetoresistance sense elements with magnetization aligned in the first and second directions.

Abstract: The systems and methods described can reduce high order temperature coefficients on the Hall plate sensitivity. A temperature coefficient circuit may include a first amplifier to receive a first reference voltage generated in conjunction with a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) device and a second amplifier to receive a second reference voltage generated in conjunction with a complementary to absolute temperature (CTAT) device, the second amplifier having a second output node. A plurality of resistors may be disposed in a signal path between output node of the first amplifier and an output node of the second amplifier. The plurality of resistors may be coupled to at least one voltage-to-current converter through one or more resistors taps. The voltage-to-current converter may generate at least one current signal that can be operable to apply a multiplication factor or a division divisor to an amplifier coupled to the voltage-to-current converter.

Abstract: A current sensor includes a primary conductor in which a current flows, a magnetic sensor that detects a strength of a magnetic field produced by the current, and a magnetic body that surrounds a periphery of the primary conductor and the magnetic sensor. Output characteristics of the magnetic sensor include a low-output region in which a measured voltage value lower than a virtual output voltage proportional to a value of the current is outputted. Magnetization characteristics of the magnetic body include a magnetic saturation region in which permeability decreases in ranges where an absolute value of the current is no less than a threshold. An output of the magnetic sensor is corrected such that the measured voltage value increases as a result of a magnetic field leaking from the magnetic body that is within the magnetic saturation region acting on the magnetic sensor that is in the low-output region.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inspection device and method of guiding an inspection probe according to a predetermined inspection plan. The device is couple with a probe which is to be moved according to the inspection plan on the test object, the device including an inspection guide unit having a guide control unit, a position encoding such as a 3-D camera and visual feedback eyewear. The method including facilitating a virtual display of the inspection plan onto the visual feedback eyewear, moving the probe following the virtual display of the inspection plan, sensing sensed probe positions in real time of the inspection using the 3-D camera and validating the sensed probe position against the inspection plan using the control module. Then the information of the step of validating, such as those spots at which the probe is moved out of the tolerance of the inspection plan, is displayed on the feedback eyewear.

Abstract: A push-pull tunable coupler includes a push transformer, a pull transformer and two compound Josephson junctions arranged in upper and lower branches. Absent biasing, the balanced push and pull of current between the branches causes current from a first object to circulate within a loop and not to be coupled to a second object. Biasing of at least one of the compound Josephson junctions unbalances the push and pull of current in the branches to couple the first and second objects. The coupler has reduced sensitivity to differential-mode noise around the off state, is completely insensitive to common-mode noise, and is capable of inverting the coupled signal with appropriate relative biasing of the compound Josephson junctions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for inspecting insulated equipment for corrosion under insulation are provided. The system includes an autonomous unmanned vehicle having aerial and ground locomotive capabilities. The vehicle includes an infrared detector and a pulsed eddy current sensor. In the method, infrared waves emitted from the equipment are detected along the equipment with the infrared detector. Using the infrared detector, at least one image of an inner surface of the equipment is developed based on the detected infrared waves. At least one area that is susceptible to corrosion is determined based on the at least one image. The susceptible area is inspected with the pulsed eddy current sensor, which induces an eddy current in the inner wall of the equipment. Based on a rate of the decay in strength of the eddy current, it is determined whether corrosion exists at the susceptible area using a processor configured by code.

Abstract: In one aspect, an integrated circuit (IC) includes an output port enabling measurement of a performance characteristic of the IC at a first temperature. The performance characteristic of the IC is a minimum value at the first temperature with respect to any other temperature. The first temperature may be room temperature.