Abstract: A circuit for alternatively controlling a current through a device and permitting measurement of a voltage across the device or controlling a voltage across the device and permitting measurement of a current through the device includes a sense impedance in series combination with the device, an error amplifier selectable to control the controlled current or voltage, the error amplifier providing an error signal for the control, and a floating buffer driving the series combination in response to the error signal.

Abstract: An electronic measuring instrument encompasses a sensor for the acquisition of process variables, a main memory for the operating parameters of the measuring instrument as well as several additional memory blocks for at least part of the operating parameters of the measuring instrument: The additional memory blocks includes a first memory block which serves to store active operating parameters, a second memory block for storing delivered preset operating parameters and a third memory block for storing application-specific operating parameters. An electronic measuring instrument of this design allows the user to access different versions of the operating parameters, enabling him for instance in the event of a failure or upon exchanging a component of the measuring instrument to activate the respectively appropriate version of operating parameters. A method for operating the instrument is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary method and circuit for sensing bi-directional current through a resistive element comprises a sampling unit, a charge transfer unit, and an amplifier. The sampling unit is switchably coupled to the resistive element and samples and stores a voltage corresponding to a current flowing through the resistive element. The charge transfer unit switchably connects the sampling unit to the amplifier such that the charge transfer unit and the amplifier convert the sampled voltage to a ground-referenced output voltage corresponding to the magnitude of the current and in accordance with the direction of the current through resistive element.

Abstract: In a disconnection detecting circuit comprising a control circuit and a sensor circuit, an energizing current is supplied from the control circuit side through an output terminal to the sensor circuit side by energizing a transistor in the sensor circuit side directly in a state where a pull-up resistor or a pull-down resistor having a several k? to several tens k? is provided in the control circuit side. In addition, a current control circuit, a constant-current circuit, a bias circuit and a transistor unit are provided in the sensor circuit side so that, at the occurrence of a disconnection of a power supply line, the impedance of the sensor circuit side is set to be higher by at least one-digit than the resistance value of the pull-up resistor in the control circuit side. This enables detecting a disconnection of connection lines between circuits while preventing an increase in contact resistance of terminal contacts to the utmost.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies that provide for multi-parameter sensing via micro fabricated sensing structures operatively connected to oscillators, each micro-fabricated sensing structure in part defines a frequency of a respective associated oscillator. Output from such oscillators can be combined together, and then AC coupled with an incoming DC voltage that feeds the oscillators. The wiring arrangement includes two conducting paths/wires that carry a direct current to the oscillators as well as outputting the combined signal to external measurement devices. In addition, arrangements for pressure sensors are provided that mitigate errors from temperature variations and the induced stress/strains.

Abstract: An absolute position sensor having a low power mode includes a sensing device for sensing position of an object such as a power door, a power input for inputting power to the sensing device, and an output for supplying an output signal indicative of the sensed position. The sensor also includes a controller that receives the output signal and controls power supplied to the power input. The controller determines when the output signal does not change by a predetermined amount and controls the power input to reduce power when the output signal does not change by the predetermined amount. The controller further reapplies continuous full power to the power input when the output signal changes by the predetermined amount.

Abstract: In order to measure the current in a shunt, the voltage drop in the resistor of said shunt is evaluated as a measurement of the current. Normally, galvanic separation of the measuring device is required for high-potential shunts. A digital measuring signal provides the clock pulse for modulation of the supply current for the measuring device after an A/D conversion. The modulated supply current is also used as a carrier for the measuring information. In the associated evaluation device, an A/D converter and a modulation unit are arranged downstream from an amplifier for voltage signal which is picked off from the shunt. The modulated measuring signal is transmitted to an evaluation device.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing the current through a power MOSFET in both the linear and saturated regions of operation of the power MOSFET comprising a first circuit coupled to the power MOSFET for sensing the current through the power MOSFET in the saturated region of operation of the power MOSFET and a second circuit coupled to the power MOSFET for sensing the current through the MOSFET in the MOSFET's linear region of operation.

Abstract: An exemplary circuit for sensing bi-directional current through a resistive element comprises a sampling unit, a charge transfer unit, and an amplifier. The sampling unit is switchably coupled to the resistive element and samples and stores a voltage corresponding to a current flowing through the resistive element. The charge transfer unit switchably connects the sampling unit to the amplifier such that the charge transfer unit and the amplifier convert the sampled voltage to a ground-referenced output voltage corresponding to the magnitude of the current and in accordance with the direction of the current through resistive element.

Abstract: A moving object detection apparatus in which an oscillating output, from a gate of an FET functioning as an oscillator, is coupled via a resonant line to a transmit-receive antenna, a wave, transmitted from the antenna and returned as a reflected wave, is received at the gate, and a beat signal component output from the gate, due to a phase difference between the transmitted wave and the reflected wave, is taken as a moving object detection signal.

Abstract: A sensor output processing device has an amplifier circuit for amplifying a sensor output signal of a sensor and a buffer circuit for limiting the amplified signal to a high limit level lower than a high side voltage of a power source or a low limit level higher than a low side voltage of the power source. This limited signal is normally produced as an output signal to an external circuit. When a self-diagnosis circuit determines an abnormality in the sensor or in the amplifier circuit and the buffer circuit, the output signal is fixed to a level higher than the high limit level or lower than the low limit level.

Abstract: A current sensing method and circuit for reading out a sensor cell, and a sensing apparatus comprising an array of sensor cells arranged along column lines and a current sensing readout circuit coupled to each column line. The sensor cell is configured to assert a sensor current indicative of a sensed value. In operation, an input node of the readout circuit is coupled to the sensor cell, typically by a column line of a sensor array that includes the sensor cell. Preferably, to read out the sensor cell, the sensor current flows from the sensor cell to the input node and in response, the readout circuit charges a capacitor to a voltage indicative of the sensed value while clamping the input node at a potential that is at least substantially fixed.

Abstract: A proximity detector having a housing and issuing an output signal whose state is a function of the position of a target or of the frequency of passage of a target, where the detector parameters can be set by an operator using operator dialog facilities communicating with the detector by dialog signals. The dialog facilities are separated from the detector housing and can be incorporated into a connection block connected to the detector housing by a connecting cable which conveys the dialog signals and the detector output signal.

Abstract: A verification system for verifying authenticity of a battery used in a portable electronic device includes a battery for supplying a first electrical current, the battery containing a transducer for inducing an analog voltage based on the first electrical current, and a portable electronic device having the battery removably installed therein. The portable electronic device includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) electrically connected to the transducer for converting the analog voltage to a digital voltage value, a lookup table for providing an expected voltage value based on an operating state of the portable electronic device, and a controller. The controller reads the expected voltage value from the lookup table, compares the expected voltage value with the digital voltage value, and determines whether the battery is authorized for use in the portable electronic device according to the expected voltage value and the digital voltage value.

Abstract: A sensing system for a target includes a member with an embedded charge, at least one input electrode, at least one output electrode, at least one common electrode, one or more probes, an input system, and an output monitoring system. The input and output electrodes are spaced from and on substantially opposing sides of the member from the common electrode. At least one of the member and the input and output electrodes is movable with respect to the other. The probes which engage with the target hazardous substance are connected to the at least one of the member and the input and output electrodes which is movable with respect to the other. The input system is coupled between the at least one input electrode and the at least one output electrode and provides an input signal. The output monitoring system is coupled between the at least one output electrode and the at least one common electrode and detects a change in an output signal when the target engages with the movable member or electrode.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor interface circuit is configurable on the fly by an electronic controller such as an engine controller to support oxygen sensors having unique interface requirements, to reliably identify various oxygen sensor faults, and to enable rapid detection of a warmed up sensor. The interface circuit is configurable in a first respect to enable operation with any of a number of different sensors, and in a second respect to enable more reliable fault detection, including measurement of leakage to ground or battery.

Abstract: A sensing device of the present invention includes a first resistive branch having first and second resistors connected in series, a second resistive branch comprising third and fourth resistors connected in series and arranged in parallel with the first resistive branch to form a bridge circuit, first and second feed wiring arrangements connecting the first and second resistive branches to a power source side, respectively, in parallel to each other, and a ground wiring arrangement connecting the first and second resistive branches to a ground side.

Abstract: In a disconnection detecting circuit comprising a control circuit and a sensor circuit, an energizing current is supplied from the control circuit side through an output terminal to the sensor circuit side by energizing a transistor in the sensor circuit side directly in a state where a pull-up resistor or a pull-down resistor having a several k&OHgr; to several tens k&OHgr; is provided in the control circuit side. In addition, a current control circuit, a constant-current circuit, a bias circuit and a transistor unit are provided in the sensor circuit side so that, at the occurrence of a disconnection of a power supply line, the impedance of the sensor circuit side is set to be higher by at least one-digit than the resistance value of the pull-up resistor in the control circuit side. This enables detecting a disconnection of connection lines between circuits while preventing an increase in contact resistance of terminal contacts to the utmost.

Abstract: A method is contemplated. According to the method, capacitances in a first resistance/capacitance (RC) extraction corresponding to a circuit are modified. Each capacitance is modified to estimate Miller effect on that capacitance. A ratio of a total capacitance on a first wire after the modification in the first RC extraction to a total capacitance on the first wire before the modification in the first RC extraction is calculated. Capacitances in a second RC extraction that are coupled to the first wire are modified according to the ratio. The second RC extraction is a reduced extraction as compared to the first RC extraction. A timing analysis is performed for the circuit using the second RC extraction with capacitances modified to estimate Miller effect.

Abstract: A low impedance encoder generally comprises a clock source and a switch. The clock source operates according to a predetermined duty cycle. The switch has a first position, closed, and a second position, opened. The duty cycle controls a current flow the switch. A high current flow through the switch indicates that the switch is closed and that the consumption of a utility as registered by the utility meter has occurred; the switch will continue to open and close throughout the process of metering. A low current flow through the switch indicates that the switch is open.

Abstract: A description is given of a measuring instrument to be connected to a higher-order unit having at least a first and an identical second pair of terminals, which can be connected electrically, very simply and without errors, to the higher-order unit, the measuring instrument comprising: a first pair of lines, to be connected to the first pair of terminals, via which a signal current flows during operation, the signal current being a measure of an instantaneous measured value, and a second pair of lines, to be connected to the second pair of terminals, via which a supply current flows during operation, whose value is greater than or equal to a minimum signal current and less than or equal to a maximum signal current.

Abstract: A temperature controlled high voltage regulator for automatically adjusting the high voltage applied to a radiation detector is described. The regulator is a solid state device that is independent of the attached radiation detector, enabling the regulator to be used by various models of radiation detectors, such as gas flow proportional radiation detectors.

Abstract: A moving object detection apparatus in which an oscillating output, from a gate of an FET functioning as an oscillator, is coupled via a resonant line to a transmit-receive antenna, a wave, transmitted from the antenna and returned as a reflected wave, is received at the gate, and a beat signal component output from the gate, due to a phase difference between the transmitted wave and the reflected wave, is taken as a moving object detection signal.

Abstract: The device comprises a voltage divider (Rv1, Rv2) to whose two terminals the oscillator signal with a phase position that is mutually opposed is supplied until, in the instance of a switched-on probe heating, the voltage (VRpvs) that is proportional to the probe internal resistance (Rpvs) falls below a predetermined set value (set), whereby, at this point in time, the output signal of the oscillator (SZ) is supplied to both terminals of the voltage divider (Rv1, Rv2) with the same phase position (area 1) thus effecting an amplitude change-over (amplitude amplification).

Abstract: A detector with plural variable resistors, each having a resistance member and an elastically deformable element connected to common fixed resistors, and midpoints between the variable resistors and the fixed resistors connected to an A/D converting circuit as common output paths. Connection parts connected to the variable resistors are switched in order to a ground potential, whereby voltage outputs based on changes in resistance values of the variable resistors can be obtained in order from the common output paths.

Abstract: The current invention provides a bus-drivable sensor apparatus (10) having a first and a second bus input (a1, b1) for connecting to a corresponding first and second bus line (B−, B+), which have a corresponding first and second potential in normal bus operation; a control device (100), which is connected to the first and second bus input (a1, b1); a sensor contact (50) with at least two different contact states, which is connected on its first connection to the first bus input (a1); and a sensor contact state detecting device (150), which is connected to the second connection of the sensor contact (50) and the control device (100) in order to detect the contact state of the sensor contact (50) and to transmit this information to the control device (100); wherein the control device (100) is embodied in such a way that it reacts to a certain transmitted contact state by triggering a predetermined control function.

Abstract: A compact and inexpensive sensor sensitivity adjusting apparatus. The sensor sensitivity adjusting apparatus includes a sensor, a current supplying IC and a variable resistor. The current supplying IC has first and second fixed resistors connected in series between two terminals of a power supply, and an operational amplifier. The sensitivity of the sensor changes in accordance with the value of a drive current. The drive current is adjusted by changing the resistance of the variable resistor.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device is provided, which includes a chip enable buffer and an address buffer. The chip enable buffer generates first and second control signals having opposite phases of logic, the first and second control signals enable and disable operations of the semiconductor memory device, respectively. The address buffer includes an input terminal, and a blocking terminal connected to the input terminal, the input terminal receiving an external address signal under control of the first control signal, and the blocking terminal generating an address signal in response to the second control signal. The address buffer further includes a shift detecting circuit connected to the blocking terminal for generating first and second short pulses by detecting shift of the address signal, wherein the pluses are used as signals for reading data of the semiconductor memory device.

Abstract: A gas sensor, comprises a substrate, a sensor unit including a functional layer and an electrode structure, and an electric heating and/or temperature measuring arrangement. An electrically conductive shielding structure is provided between the sensor unit and the electric heating arrangement in order to shield the measurement process at the sensor unit from interferences owing to the heating process, thereby reducing or preventing the effects of electrical fields caused by voltages applied to the heating arrangement from altering or disrupting the measurement process.

Abstract: A sensor circuit detects whether an electrical connection exists between a tractor portion and a trailer portion of a tractor/trailer vehicle. The circuit includes a first chassis electrical ground in the tractor portion and a second vehicle chassis ground in the trailer portion. A first electrical conductor, such as a wire in an umbilical cable, is coupled to the first chassis electrical ground, preferably through a tractor appliance circuit, such as a turn indicator light circuit in the tractor portion. A second electrical conductor, such as a contact in a connector on the trailer portion which mates with the umbilical cable, is operable to electrically connect to and disconnect from the first electrical conductor. The circuit includes a detection circuit for providing an indication signal based upon whether an electrical connection exists between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining a mechanical property of an organ or a body part. The method includes positioning an impedance sensor within a blood vessel. The impedance sensor has at least two electrodes disposed within the blood vessel, which is mechanically coupled to the organ or body part. The method further includes determining the electrical impedance between the two electrodes to obtain an impedance signal correlated with the mechanical property of the organ or body part. The organ may be the heart, lungs, uterus, urinary bladder, part of the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. The impedance sensor includes at least two spaced apart electrodes capable of being disposed within a blood vessel. The sensor is operatively connected to an impedance determining unit which determines the impedance between the electrodes. The impedance sensor may be a part of an insertable or implantable lead or catheter like device.

Abstract: Disclosed is anew technique for measuring the resistivity of ultra-thin carbon films (less than 200 Å). The technique involves using a probe with very smooth surface, a thin layer lubricant (20-30Å)that enables the intimate and stable electrical contact between probe and the thin film, and measurement of I-V curve to determine resistance. Resistivity measurements were conducted on carbon films doped with hydrogen and nitrogen at different mixture ratios and different thicknesses, and the results were compared with those obtained on a commercially available machine that uses a mercury probe. The advantages of the present technique include simple in use, less expensive and quick measurements with reasonably good accuracy.

Abstract: The simplified signal-processing circuit arrangement for processing and evaluating signals indicative of the status of an FSR-foil pressure sensor utilized in a seat-occupancy detection device, makes use of the fact that an application-oriented, integrated circuit, present in a motor vehicle having digital open-loop and closed-loop control functions implemented in a microcontroller MCU, contains a highly precise, switchable test-voltage source. One end of a circuit containing the FSR-foil is connected to a switching output VTA of the ASIC carrying the highly precise test voltage. The other end of this circuit is connected to a port of the MCU. A measuring voltage, which is a function of the status-contingent current intensity through the FSR-foil, drops off across a reference resistor connected in series to the FSR-foil, is fed to an analog-digital converter input of the MCU, and is converted therein into a digital signal indicating the occupancy status of the FSR-foil.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for vapor-phase processing (e.g., plasma-processing) the object to be tested, thereby removing the insulating oxide films at least at portions on the electrodes with which measurement contactors come into contact, bringing the measurement contactors into contact with the portions on the electrodes from which the films have been removed, and testing the electrical characteristics of the object to be tested.

Abstract: A contact resistance check circuit and method for verifying that a sufficient electrical connection is established between a source and a sense lead of a Kelvin connection. The circuit includes a microprocessor for driving a transformer that is connected to the source/sense probe (i.e., contact resistance) with an input pulse. The input pulse is altered in relation to the magnitude of the contact resistance to produce a check pulse. A comparator is used to compare the check pulse with a threshold voltage and for generating a fault indication signal. A flip flop then stores the fault indication signal so that the fault indication signal may be monitored by the microprocessor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a circuit for providing a variable output signal in response to a physical parameter sensed by a sensor in the circuit, preferably a force sensing resistor. The current mirror may consist of two transistors having common bases. Flow of current through the first transistor flows through the sensor and through a parallel resistor. This current is mirrored in a second transistor which provides flow of current which may either be used as an output signal or, more preferably, as a base current for a transistor which is used to control output signal voltage. The circuit uses the current mirror in connection with the sensor to eliminate the need for a negative voltage supply. The circuit may further advantageously contain a voltage limiter module which is used to limit the voltage which may be applied across the sensor if the range of input signals or the desired range of output signals exceeds the sensor's capability.

Abstract: This device determines a quantity corresponding to a linear function of a voltage to be detected, and includes a circuit for charging with a determined time constant a capacitor, and a microcontroller. The microcontroller compares the voltage across the capacitor to a predetermined threshold and then resets the voltage across the capacitor. A counter counts the time duration between the end of a capacitor reset and the time when it reaches the predetermined threshold and calculates the inverse of said duration. This data can then be used to signal the end of a process, such as the proper charging of rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon gas detection device operates by dissociating or electro-chemically oxidizing hydrocarbons adsorbed to a silicon carbide detection layer. Dissociation or oxidation are driven by a varying potential applied to the detection layer. Different hydrocarbon species undergo reaction at different applied potentials so that the device is able to discriminate among various hydrocarbon species. The device can operate at temperatures between 100.degree. C. and at least 650.degree. C., allowing hydrocarbon detection in hot exhaust gases. The dissociation reaction is detected either as a change in a capacitor or, preferably, as a change of current flow through an FET which incorporates the silicon carbide detection layers. The silicon carbide detection layer can be augmented with a pad of catalytic material which provides a signal without an applied potential. Comparisons between the catalytically produced signal and the varying potential produced signal may further help identify the hydrocarbon present.

Abstract: A method for identifying a single fuel vapor in an atmosphere of interest that is selected from the group consisting of at least two fuels and that is the sole fuel component of the atmosphere, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of measuring means that are at least equal in number to the types of fuels that compose the fuel group and which have different sensitivities to the respective fuel vapors; presetting the relationship between the magnitudes of the outputs from the respective measuring means at various fuel vapor concentrations in such a manner that it differs from one fuel vapor to another; placing said measuring means in the atmosphere of interest containing said single fuel vapor as the sole fuel component; measuring the concentration of that fuel vapor; determining the relationship between the magnitudes of outputs as obtained from the respective measuring means; and comparing the thus determined relationship with the preset relationships, thereby identifying the fuel vapor in the atmos

Abstract: A method and a circuit are provided for detecting low level ionic currents. An ionization detection voltage is applied to a spark plug and a resulting output voltage signal is sent to a threshold device. The output voltage signal is developed by a low offset operational amplifier. First and second serially connected Zener diodes carry current in a normal diode direction when a spark event occurs and carry current in their Zener breakdown mode upon recovery from the spark event. A second operational amplifier and its associated feedback circuit generate a guard voltage which is applied to the junction of the two Zener diodes. The guard voltage is regulated to track the input voltage to the circuit at the cathode of the first diode. Because the guard voltage is essentially the same as the input voltage, there is no leakage current flow through the first diode.

Abstract: A method compensates for power supply voltage variation in a sensor output. The sensor output voltage is calibrated by obtaining the sensor outputs for full-scale and minimum offset sensor input signals at two power supply settings. Linear plots are formed from the full-scale and offset sensor output voltages. The sensor input for each sensor output reading is computed by obtaining the power supply voltage at the time of the sensor output voltage reading. The full-scale and offset output voltages for that power supply voltage are computed from the slopes of the linear plots. Finally, the ratio of the difference between the output voltage and offset output voltage divided by the difference between the full-scale and offset output voltages is computed to provide the compensation factor. The product of the computed ratio and the value of the full-scale sensor input is the compensated sensor input value.

Abstract: A salt analyzer is disclosed capable of measuring the conductivity of a saline solution when either contact or non-contact probes are used. In particular, the salt analyzer employs circuitry capable of switchably measuring the various electrical parameters necessary for determining the conductivity of a solution when either contact or non contact probes are used.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to devices for the measurement of signals in the field of wideband phenomena. More precisely, a device is disclosed for the processing of electrical signals coming from a derivative type of sensor designed to measure an electrical or magnetic field, currents, surface charges or other derivative variables, said processing including the computation of the primitive of the part of said signal having a spectral frequency higher than a low frequency f.sub.1, the device comprising:means for the electronic integration of said signal, from a frequency f.sub.2 higher than said low frequency f.sub.1 ;compensation means amplifying and integrating said signal between the frequencies f.sub.1 and f.sub.2. FIG. 2 .

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for testing the response of a stress wave sensor to check that the transducer and amplifier are working satisfactorily.A pulse generator is connected to the stress wave sensor at a point between the transducer and the amplifier. The pulse generator supplies an electrical pulse to the stress wave sensor. A pulse cancelling device prevents the electrical pulse going directly to the amplifier. The electrical pulse causes the transducer to emit stress wave energy into a structure to which the transducer is acoustically coupled. The transducer detects the stress wave propagating in the structure and supplies an electrical signal to the amplifier. The electrical signal is amplified by the amplifier and demodulated by demodulator. A processor measures the peak and area of the demodulated amplified electrical signal and comares them with stored values.