Abstract: A power supply system includes a first energy storage, a second energy storage, a power transmission circuit, and circuitry. An electrical load is connected to the first energy storage and to the second energy storage via the power transmission circuit. The circuitry is configured to control the power transmission circuit such that the first energy storage charges the second energy storage and supplies electric power to the electrical load according to a demand of the electrical load when a charge rate in the second energy storage is lower than or equal to a first threshold. The circuitry is configured to control the power transmission circuit such that at least the first energy storage among the first energy storage and the second energy storage supplies electric power to the electrical load according to the demand when the charge rate is higher than the first threshold.

Abstract: The present invention evaluates the status of discharge or dielectric breakdown having occurred as a result of application of an impulse voltage or current to a test sample by an electrostatic discharge tester. An electromagnetic wave antenna measures a radiation electromagnetic wave signal generated from the electrostatic discharge tester when the electrostatic discharge tester is driven and a radiation electromagnetic wave signal generated from the test sample when discharge or dielectric breakdown occurs. An evaluation section main body obtains and displays a dielectric breakdown occurrence timing TFO after application of the voltage and a dielectric breakdown voltage VFO.

Abstract: A method of ion sensing in a CD ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprises: a) closing the controllable switch in synchronism with the internal combustion engine for a period of time to transfer energy to the ignition coil primary to cause a spark breakdown across the spark plug; and b) observing the current in the secondary winding circuit indicative of ionization in the vicinity of the spark plug electrodes.

Abstract: A device for detecting an electrostatic discharge event by an object, the device comprising: a receiver for forming a first capacitive coupling with the object and a second capacitive coupling with a ground; and a first discharge path for discharging the second capacitive coupling to the ground, such that an electrostatic discharge event by the object charges the second capacitive coupling by an amount in a first time interval ?t1 that is substantially less than a second time interval ?t2 that it takes for the second capacitive coupling to discharge by the same amount through the first discharge path.

Abstract: A capacitance sensing circuit comprises a capacitive device having a capacitance, the device initially being at a first voltage level. The capacitance sensing circuit is capable of applying one or more pull-up currents to the device during one or more corresponding pull-up periods of time, for changing the first voltage level into one or more corresponding pull-up voltage levels; applying a measurement current to the device; and measuring a measurement period of time, during which one of the pull-up voltage levels changes into a second voltage level. A method of sensing a capacitance of a capacitive device comprises applying a first voltage to the device; applying one or more pull-up currents during corresponding pull-up times, for changing the first voltage into corresponding pull-up voltages; applying a measurement current; and measuring a time, during which one pull-up voltage changes into a second voltage.

Abstract: A detector circuit for detecting the presence of a remote capacitive sensor having at least two terminals connected via a protection circuit that includes one or more capacitors, the detector circuit comprising: a current supply for changing the charge on the sensor and the protection circuit, a detector for measuring the voltage on one or more of the terminals; wherein the presence of the sensor is determined by changing the charge on the capacitive sensor and the one or more capacitors of the protection circuit in a predetermined manner such that the voltage measurement on the one or more terminals when the sensor is present is significantly different than when the sensor is absent.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus includes a detection circuit, a filter circuit, an amplifying circuit, a regulation circuit, a delay and charging circuit, and a driving circuit. The detection circuit receives a video signal, and performs an operation to obtain an image signal from the video signal. The filter circuit obtains an average intensity of a luminance signal corresponding to the image signal. The delay and charging circuit charges an input capacitor when receiving a low level regulated signal from the amplifying circuit. The driving circuit activates an alarm when a charging voltage of the chargeable capacitor exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a capacitor bank comprising a plurality of capacitor strings connected in parallel, each capacitor string comprising a plurality of capacitors connected in series is provided. The method includes energizing the capacitor bank. The method includes determining dissipation factors of each of the plurality of the capacitor strings. The method further includes comparing each of the determined dissipation factors with an expected dissipation factor and estimating a health state of the plurality of the capacitor strings based, at least in part, on the comparison of the determined and expected dissipation factors.

Abstract: A method of ion sensing in a CD ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprises: a) closing the controllable switch in synchronism with the internal combustion engine for a period of time to transfer energy to the ignition coil primary to cause a spark breakdown across the spark plug; and b) observing the current in the secondary winding circuit indicative of ionization in the vicinity of the spark plug electrodes.

Abstract: A circuit is configured for testing an inrush current of a power supply. The circuit includes a capacitor module, a voltage meter, a semiconductor switch, and a current meter. The capacitor module is connected to an power source for storing electric charge. The voltage meter is connected to the capacitor module for measuring a voltage across the capacitor module. The semiconductor switch is capable of connecting the capacitor module to the power supply and being closed when the voltage across the capacitor module reaches a predetermined value. The current meter is capable of measuring the inrush current at the time the power supply is powered on.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for self gate pumped NMOS high speed switch have been disclosed.

Abstract: A diagnosis device of a capacitor discharge ignition device for an engine that detects, as a singularity, a leading edge or a trailing edge of a voltage between output terminals of an ignition power supply portion that generates a voltage for charging an ignition capacitor, counts the number of singularities detected while a crankshaft rotates through a measurement section, which is a section of a certain crank angle determined with reference to a pulse signal obtained by a signal generator that generates a pulse signal at a specific crank angle position of an engine, and diagnoses an abnormality of the ignition device and a cause of the abnormality by comparing the count value of singularity with the number of times of normal ignition of the engine performed while the crankshaft rotates through the measurement section.

Abstract: A diagnosis device of a capacitor discharge ignition device for an engine that detects, as a singularity, a leading edge or a trailing edge of a voltage between output terminals of an ignition power supply portion that generates a voltage for charging an ignition capacitor, counts the number of singularities detected while a crankshaft rotates through a measurement section, which is a section of a certain crank angle determined with reference to a pulse signal obtained by a signal generator that generates a pulse signal at a specific crank angle position of an engine, and diagnoses an abnormality of the ignition device and a cause of the abnormality by comparing the count value of singularity with the number of times of normal ignition of the engine performed while the crankshaft rotates through the measurement section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dual charge rate power supply circuit and method for ionization detection. The circuit includes a first diode, first and second capacitors, and first and second current paths. The first diode includes an anode operably connected to a first end of a primary winding. The first capacitor has a second end operably connected to ground and the second capacitor has a first end operably connected to the cathode of the first diode as well as a second end operably connected to ground. The first and second current paths are operably connected between the first and second capacitors and include a second diode, a parallel combination of a first resistor and a third diode, and a second resistor. The first diode is operably connected in parallel with the first capacitor.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition device is provided with a capacitor for storing charge to produce ignition energy; ignition coils that receive charge released from the capacitor on the primary side and generate a high voltage on the secondary side; a switching element for causing the capacitor to release the charge stored therein to the ignition coils; ignition timing control means that receives a signal corresponding to a crank angle of an internal combustion engine and supplies an ignition signal to the switching element; and circuit abnormality detecting means that receives a signal from the ignition timing control means, sets a capacitor voltage measurement time, and judges for a circuit abnormality on the basis of a voltage of the capacitor measured at the capacitor voltage measurement time.

Abstract: A charge pump is used to supply current to the ionization detection circuit. To detect in-cylinder ions generated during the combustion process, a DC bias voltage needs to be applied. There are two ways to generate the DC bias: conventional DC power supply (large electronics) and capacitor charges by primary or secondary flyback voltage (high voltage capacitor). Typically, flyback voltage is used to charge the capacitor which supplies current to the ionization detection circuit. This necessitates the use of high voltage capacitors. Generally, ceramic capacitors are used. However, as temperature fluctuates, the board that the capacitor is mounted on can flex, causing the ceramic capacitor to crack. This invention proposes to use a high voltage charge pump to provide enough DC bias voltage for measuring ionization current. In a preferred embodiment, a model number M1C4827 EL driver is used in the charge pump circuit.

Abstract: A method for detecting failure of a relay operating in a vehicle having an ignition switch, a power supply, a capacitor, and a pre-charge circuit to pre-charge the capacitor with the relay switching power from the power supply to the pre-charged capacitor, the method comprising the steps of: performing a capacitor pre-charge test; and performing a capacitor discharge test. Preferably, the capacitor pre-charge test is performed when the ignition is switched ON and the capacitor discharge test is performed when the ignition is switched OFF.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine (ICE) on-plug ignition coils with transistor drivers located in powertrain control modules (PCM) or other remote locations are prone to high electrical and magnetic interference (EMI) emissions and are subject to interference from other components due to long connecting wires. Ionization detection circuits have even greater sensitivity to EMI because of their very low signal current levels (mioroampere). The present feature of the invention integrates both the coil driver transistor and ionization detection circuits into the on-plug ignition coil. By placing the circuit on top or on the side of the coil, the connection distance from the circuit to the secondary winding is minimized. Thus, the circuit is less susceptible to electrical and electromagnetic noise.

Abstract: In a system for detecting misfire for an internal combustion engine wherein ionization current that flows following the discharge current is detected and integrated during a period (gate) and occurrence of misfire of the engine is detected based on the integrated value, a processing delay circuit is provided which inputs at least one of the discharge current or the ionization current and based on the inputted current, delays starting of the period by a time point which is not earlier than termination of the discharge current. With this, the system is unaffected by fluctuation in ignition coil discharge period, various kinds of noise and the like, and can therefore ensure accurate misfire detection by preventing erroneous detection owing to such causes.

Abstract: In this feature of the present invention a charge pump is used to supply current to the ionization detection circuit. To detect in-cylinder ions generated during the combustion process, a DC bias voltage needs to be applied. There are two ways to generate the DC bias: conventional DC power supply (large electronics) and capacitor charges by primary or secondary flyback voltage (high voltage capacitor). Typically, flyback voltage is used to charge the capacitor which supplies current to the ionization detection circuit. This necessitates the use of high voltage capacitors. Generally, ceramic capacitors are used. However, as temperature fluctuates, the board that the capacitor is mounted on can flex, causing the ceramic capacitor to crack. This invention proposes to use a high voltage charge pump to provide enough DC bias voltage for measuring ionization current. In a preferred embodiment, a model number MIC4827 EL driver is used in the charge pump circuit.

Abstract: A low cost, easy to use, hand held pulse stream analyzer is designed to show, after an engine stops operating, which pulse stream, ignition or injection, quit first. Additionally, the analyzer is capable, using relative time domain analysis to comparatively analyze these pulse streams to the alternator ripple pulse stream, of determining if the fuel flow to the injectors quit, thus causing the engine to quit. This information quickly gives the technician a direction to investigate to find a responsible faulty component for the problem being experienced, and is especially helpful in attempting to diagnose intermittent faults in a much more efficient manner. The inventive device is usable on virtually all brands and types of gasoline powered vehicles.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for distinguishing between compression and exhaust strokes of a four-cycle engine is provided. A first ionization time of a spark plug for a known cylinder is measured on a first engine stoke. A second ionization time of the spark plug is measured on a second engine stroke. The second ionization time is compared to the first ionization time. It is determined that the engine stroke with the greater ionization time is a compression stroke.

Abstract: A firing or ignition state discrimination system for an internal combustion engines having a spark plug which produces spark discharge when supplied with discharge current from an ignition coil to ignite air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. In the system, ionic-current that flows during combustion of the air-fuel mixture is detected at a predetermined first timing and leakage current that flows across electrodes of the spark plug is detected at a predetermined second timing which is later than the predetermined first timing. The firing or ignition state of the engine is discriminated to one from among normal, misfiring, spark plug fouling, and failure in ignition system or in fuel supply system based on the detected ionic-current and leakage current and presence or absence of fuel cutoff to the engine. With this, it becomes possible to accurately discriminates the firing or ignition state of the spark plug and to inform the fact to the vehicle operator if desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining component fault conditions associated with a capacitive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes a number of AC coupling circuits connected to a spark detection circuit, wherein the combination is responsive to a corresponding number of primary coil voltage signals to produce digital pulses indicative of reflected spark events from the various secondary coils to the respective primary coils of the ignition system. A number of level shifting circuits are also included and provide a pulse width circuit with a corresponding number of level-shifted primary coil voltage signals. A pulse width circuit is responsive to the number of level-shifted primary coil voltage signals to produce appropriate digital pulses timed to match the non-zero voltage times of the various primary coil voltage signals.

Abstract: A remaining charge detecting system of an electric double layer capacitor to be usable, for example, as an energy source of a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor separately driving wheels. The system includes a current-voltage sensor which generates an output indicative of a terminal voltage across terminals of the capacitor and an output indicative of charge/discharge current charged into and discharged from the capacitor and an electronic control unit, comprising a microcomputer, which inputs the outputs of the current-voltage sensor indicative of the terminal voltage and charge/discharge current and calculates a remaining charge of the capacitor based on a state equation (mathematical model) having the remaining charge of the capacitor as a state variable and an observer that observes the state equation, thereby enabling simple and accurate detection of the remaining charge of the electrical double layer capacitor without need for a high-precision current sensor.

Abstract: In a system for detecting misfire for an internal combustion engine wherein ionization current that flows following the discharge current is detected and integrated during a period (gate) and occurrence of misfire of the engine is detected based on the integrated value, a processing delay circuit is provided which inputs at least one of the discharge current or the ionization current and based on the inputted current, delays starting of the period by a time point which is not earlier than termination of the discharge current. With this, the system is unaffected by fluctuation in ignition coil discharge period, various kinds of noise and the like, and can therefore ensure accurate misfire detection by preventing erroneous detection owing to such causes.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge engine ignition system that includes an ignition coil having a primary winding and a secondary winding for coupling to an engine ignition spark plug. A first electronic switch has primary current conducting electrodes in circuit with an ignition charge storage capacitor and the primary winding of the ignition coil, and a control electrode responsive to trigger signals for operatively connecting the ignition charge storage capacitor to discharge through the primary winding of the ignition coil. A charge/trigger coil arrangement generates periodic signals in synchronism with operation of the engine. The charge coil generates a charge signal to charge the ignition charge storage capacitor, while the trigger coil generates a trigger signal for triggering discharge of the capacitor through the ignition coil.

Abstract: An ignition coil with an isolated internal lead in proximity to the secondary side can be used in a capacitive discharge ignition system with a microprocessor-based signal-processing module to monitor system performance. The diagnostic lead is fed into a diagnostic signal interface circuit that provides a logic edge to the microprocessor when the spark plug fires. By measuring the time from the firing signal provided by the microprocessor to the logic edge provided by the diagnostic signal interface circuit, the precise energy necessary to fire the plug can be determined. An ignition system that includes an ignition coil with a diagnostic lead can extend spark plug life by automatically adjusting spark energy to minimize wear on the spark plug.

Abstract: A method for generation of a low test voltage is used for the purpose of detecting an ionization current in the spark gap of an internal combustion engine. The voltage is generated by a controllable ignition magneto (5) arranged in order to charge (2) an ignition capacitor (4). The voltage is applied (3) to the primary side of the ignition device after generation of a spark and after the decay of the spark, after which the ionization current is detected (11) on the secondary side of the ignition device.

Abstract: An oil deterioration and contamination sensor includes a housing, a substrate with a first capacitive plate mounted within the housing, a second capacitive plate mounted to the housing close to the first capacitive plate, and a total reference capacitor which includes an external fixed reference capacitor. The second capacitive plate is mounted to the housing such that at least one fluid including oil freely circulates within a gap between the first and second capacitive plates thereby defining an oil deterioration and contamination sensor capacitor. The respective capacitances of the oil deterioration and contamination capacitor and the total reference capacitor provide an indication of a dielectric constant of the at least one fluid including oil within the gap.

Abstract: Provided is a high power ignition system for internal combustion engines with a detection circuit for sensing and measuring ionization in a spark plug gap. The detection circuit utilizes a dual-purpose second energy source to apply the voltage necessary to generate a high current arc and then an ionization current. A signal processor analyzes an ionization signal created by the detection circuit to derive useful ignition system data such as engine misfire, combustion duration, engine knocking, approximate air/fuel ratio, indications of spark plug fouling, and preignition.

Abstract: A compression detection apparatus for determining which one of a pair of phase-opposed cylinders is under compression has a capacitive probe coupled to both ends of the secondary winding of an ignition coil servicing both spark plugs of the pair of cylinders. Phase and magnitude of the voltage signal appearing on the capacitive probe line are processed by a single comparator for determining which on of the pair of cylinders is under compression.

Abstract: In a capacitive discharge ignition system there being a first circuit detecting the voltage across the storage capacitor marking the onset of discharge of the storage capacitor, a second circuit detecting the voltage across the storage capacitor marking the substantially complete discharge of the storage capacitor, a third circuit for measuring the time between the events marked by the first and second circuits, and a fourth circuit for analyzing the measured time to determine conditions in the ignition system.

Abstract: Diagnostics apparatus for detecting operation of an exciter circuit connected to an igniter, includes means for detecting current discharged from the exciter circuit through the igniter, means for detecting current discharged from the exciter circuit other that through the igniter, and means for producing a single output that indicates the type of discharge from the exciter circuit.

Abstract: An adaptor for use in conjunction with an internal combustion engine having a capacitor discharge ignition system provides a substitute high voltage pulse coincident with the high tension pulse of the engine ignition system but having a period which is sufficiently prolonged to enable a conventional engine analyzer to be used to measure the usual engine parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a CD power pack tester adapted for connection to an AC line and to a CD power pack, the CD power pack including a rectifier circuit connected to a charge capacitor and an ignition SCR which allows the charge capacitor to discharge through an engine ignition coil to effect firing of an engine spark gap.