Abstract: A system for localized subscriber control of electric provider billing comprising: a digital assistant in communication with powerline sensors, the powerline sensors configured to detect weather, natural disaster, or other event that compromises the electric grid in a given predetermined region, a smart utility box in operational communication with a subscriber's utility connection and in communication with the digital assistant, wherein the smart utility box is configured to disconnect from a utility and stop incurring charges from the utility if the smart utility box determines that utility prices may exceed a threshold value.

Abstract: A radio-frequency receiver achieves high sensitivity by pumping atoms to high-azimuthal (?3) Rydberg states. A vapor cell contains quantum particles (e.g., cesium atoms). A laser system provides probe, dressing, and coupling beams to pump the quantum particles to a first Rydberg state having a high-azimuthal quantum number ?3. A local oscillator drives an electric field in the vapor cell at a local oscillator frequency, which is imposed on a distribution of quantum particles between the first Rydberg state and a second Rydberg state. An incident RF signal field interferes with the local oscillator field, imposing an oscillation in the distribution at a beat or difference frequency and, consequently, on the intensity of the probe beam. The beat frequency component of the intensity of the probe beam is detected, and the detection signal is demodulated to extract information originally in the RF signal.

Abstract: A method of determining the location and size of a crack in a blade includes measuring a time of arrival of a tip of the blade at an angular position in a rotation, using the time of arrival to calculate a displacement of the tip of the blade, and using the displacements to calculate a first vibration condition and a second vibration condition for the blade.

Abstract: The present exemplary embodiments provide a signal detection circuit and a sensor which improve a quality factor of a resonator by modeling an initial state of the resonator using an attenuator and a phase shifter which are modeling paths and significantly change a transmission coefficient of the resonator even with a small variation of an object to be measured.

Abstract: Devices and methods for testing microelectronic assemblies including wireless communications are disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, a wireless testing system may include a radio frequency (RF) shielded chamber; a device under test (DUT) in the RF shielded chamber, wherein the DUT includes an array of first antenna elements; a testing apparatus in the RF shielded chamber including an array of second antenna elements at a first surface of a substrate to receive a test signal from the DUT, wherein a distance between individual second antenna elements and an adjacent second antenna element is at least half of a wavelength of the test signal, and wherein a distance between the first antenna elements and the second antenna elements is within a near-field region; and an array of electrical switches, wherein an individual electrical switch is coupled to a respective individual second antenna element.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for impedance-based broken conductor detection in electric distribution systems. Upon the detection of a broken conductor, the affected overhead line will be de-energized before it hits the ground. An example method may include determining, during a first time period, a first impedance value measured by a first IED, and may further include determining, during a second time period that after the first time period, a second impedance value measured by the first IED. The method may further include determining a first ratio based on dividing a difference between the first impedance value and the second impedance value by the first impedance value, and may further include determining that the first ratio deviates from a threshold setpoint, and determining that a broken conductor condition occurs based on the first ratio deviating from the threshold setpoint.

Abstract: A method for testing an audio signal system having multiple audio component connection sockets, each socket having at least one audio signal interface connected to a ground interface of the socket via a series circuit including a resistor and a capacitor, including feeding, via a signal processing device, a time domain reflectometry test signal into a wired network of the audio signal system, in which the sockets are connected to the signal processing device via differently lengthed electrical lines, detecting in a temporally resolved manner, via the signal processing device, test return signals reflected at the multiple sockets, comparing the detected test return signals with a temporally resolved reference pattern for test return signals, which reference pattern was created under predefined boundary conditions, and determining a faulty connection of a socket if comparing the detected test return signals with the reference pattern reveals a deviation above a predefined threshold value.

Abstract: Testing device for testing an overcurrent protector, and method of operating the same. First and second switches are provided for connecting the first and second terminals of the overcurrent protector to first and second capacitors, respectively. The first and second capacitors are pre-charged to first and second voltages, where the second voltage is lower than the first. A controller switches the first and second switches to their test positions, which establishes a current path from the first capacitor to the second capacitor through the overcurrent protector. The first and second voltages are selected so that the peak current that would be generated in the current path is greater than the overcurrent threshold of the overcurrent protector.

Abstract: A system for determining at least one characteristic of a transmitting coil generating a magnetic field may include a first measurement coil being wound in a first direction, a second measurement coil being wound in a second direction, a voltage measuring device, and at least one processor in communication with the voltage measuring device. The first measurement coil and the second measurement coil may be adjacent to one another. The voltage measuring device may be configured to measure a first voltage of the first measurement coil and a second voltage of the second measurement coil in response to the magnetic field generated by the transmitting coil. The at least one processor may be configured to determine the at least one characteristic of the transmitting coil based on a ratio between the first voltage and the second voltage at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: Provided is a method of calibrating a microwave radiometer, which eliminates use of liquid nitrogen as a calibration source. The method is applied to a microwave radiometer configured to receive, by a receiver having a primary radiator connected thereto, a radio wave emitted from an object to be measured depending on a temperature of the object to be measured and to measure a brightness temperature of the object to be measured from an output signal of the receiver. In the method, the method a noise temperature Trx of the receiver appearing on an output side of the receiver is calibrated by observing a plurality of calibration sources having known brightness temperatures. The method includes using a radio wave reflector configured to totally reflect noise radiated from an input side of the receiver as one of the plurality of calibration sources.

Abstract: A circuit board including a substrate, a patterned conductive layer, a patterned insulating layer, a conductive terminal, and a dummy terminal is provided. The patterned conductive layer is disposed on the substrate. The patterned insulating layer is disposed on the substrate and at least covers a portion of the patterned conductive layer. The conductive terminal is disposed on the patterned conductive layer and has a first top surface. The dummy terminal is disposed on the patterned conductive layer and has a second top surface. A first height between the first top surface and the substrate is greater than a second height between the second top surface and the substrate.

Abstract: An active split-signal Fo and 2Fo harmonic impedance load pull tuner uses a single signal source, a wideband harmonic amplitude and phase modulator-frequency doubler. The Fo source signal path is divided between input and output of the DUT; the output portion is processed to generate independently controlled synchronous amplitude and phase controlled Fo and 2Fo signals, which are then amplified and re-injected into the output of the DUT after being pre-matched using a passive harmonic tuner. A harmonic receiver is used to synthesize in situ the required Fo and 2Fo load impedances. Passive 3Fo tuning is also possible independently.

Abstract: A method of detecting a vital sign comprising at least one of a heart rate and a respiratory rate of a subject is provided. In one aspect, the method includes transmitting a radio frequency signal towards the subject; and receiving a reflected signal from the subject, wherein the transmitted signal is reflected by the subject and Doppler-shifted due to at least one of the heart rate and the respiratory rate to form the reflected signal. The method also includes mixing the reflected signal with a first reference signal; and providing a vital sign carrying signal based on the mixing to a first input of a phase or frequency comparator. The method further includes generating an adjustable second reference signal and providing the reference signal to a second input of the phase or frequency comparator; and generating an output signal, by the phase or frequency comparator.

Abstract: An active split-signal Fo and 2Fo harmonic impedance load pull tuner uses a single signal source, a wideband harmonic amplitude and phase modulator-frequency doubler. The Fo source signal path is divided between input and output of the DUT; the output portion is processed to generate independently controlled synchronous amplitude and phase controlled Fo and 2Fo signals, which are then amplified and re-injected into the output of the DUT after being pre-matched using a passive harmonic tuner. A harmonic receiver is used to synthesize in situ the required Fo and 2Fo load impedances. Passive 3Fo tuning is also possible independently.

Abstract: Measurement methods are known for determining the concentration of an ingredient in a body of ceramic or glassy material, in which the optical path length or the signal propagation time of a measurement wave penetrating the body of ceramic or glassy material in a measurement direction is determined and evaluated. Starting therefrom, in order to indicate a non-destructive method for determining a concentration of an ingredient in a body of ceramic or glassy material, which is also suitable for measurement in the production process of the body concerned, it is suggested according to one embodiment that modulated gigahertz radiation is used as the measurement wave.

Abstract: A mixed mode vector network analyzer (VNA) system to measure S-parameters and DC parameters of a differential device under test (DUT) is provided. The mixed mode VNA system measures mixed mode S-parameter measurements (i.e., AC measurements) using an independent resistive reflectometer bridge connected to each of the two ports of the differential DUT. The mixed mode VNA system further measures DC parameters of the differential DUT without impacting the measurement of S-parameters. In one embodiment, the mixed mode VNA system is used to measure multi-port differential DUT. Coupling capacitors provide low enough impedance to even the smallest RF frequency of AC measurement (i.e., measurement of S-parameters).

Abstract: A method in conjunction with a passenger guidance system guides a passenger to a passenger seat disposed in a vehicle. In order to guide a passenger quickly and reliably to a passenger seat which corresponds to his needs and is disposed in a vehicle, and to improve the flow of passengers, it is proposed to determine occupation states of passenger seats of the vehicle and to guide the passenger to an unoccupied passenger seat. For carrying out the method, a passenger guidance system is proposed which has at least one device for determining the occupation state of passenger seats arranged in a vehicle, at least one evaluation device which is configured to determine a destination to which a passenger is to be guided, and a transmission device by which data which are suitable for indicating a path to the destination can be transmitted to at least one display device.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting high impedance conditions in an electrical grid are described herein. In one example, impedance is calculated for each of a plurality of locations within the electrical grid, such as at electrical meters. The impedances may be calculated as a change in voltage divided by a change in current, such as between sequential voltage/current measurements. Statistics may be maintained, including the calculated impedances. In three examples, statistics may be used to identify growth in impedance over multiple days, to identify growth in impedance over multiple hours, and to identify a meter for which impedance is higher than impedance for other meters attached to a single transformer. In a further example, instances of impedance over a threshold value may be identified, from among the maintained statistics. The instances of high impedance may be reported for reasons including cost and safety.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for determining the input impedance (ZL) of an AC transmission line used for Power Line Communications (PLC), using a transmitted data packet having a preamble portion. The method comprises, at the analog-front-end (AFE) of the AC transmission line, determining the current through the AFE and the AC transmission line during transmission of the preamble portion of the data packet and determining the voltage during transmission of the preamble portion of the data packet. The method further comprises calculating the total impedance (Zt) from the determined current and voltage. The total impedance (Zt) includes the input impedance (ZL) of the AC transmission line and the AFE impedance (ZAFE). Finally, the method includes determining the input impedance (ZL) of the AC transmission line from the total impedance (Zt).

Abstract: A method is provided for optimizing wireless charging of a mobile device by a wireless charger. The method comprises successively reducing transmit power in the wireless charger until an operating wireless transmit power is reached when a power loss occurring during a wireless transmission of power is caused by magnetic saturation, wherein the magnetic saturation occurs in at least one of the mobile device and the wireless charger, wherein the wireless transmission of power is from the wireless charger to the mobile device, and wherein the magnetic saturation is reduced at the operating wireless transmit power, and disabling charging by the wireless charger when the power loss occurring during the wireless transmission of power is caused by a foreign object is present between the mobile device and the wireless charger.

Abstract: A method for gain control of an active DAS relay unit is disclosed, including: acquiring a downlink output power value of a remote unit accessing the active DAS, and acquiring an uplink maximum gain value of a relay unit of the active DAS; obtaining an attenuation adjustment value required to be set for an uplink where the remote unit is, based on a combination of the downlink output power value and the uplink maximum gain value; and setting an adjustable attenuator arranged in the uplink based on the attenuation adjustment value. A device for gain control of an active DAS relay unit and a relay unit are also disclosed. The present disclosure may be compatible with remote units with different power levels, simplify the complexity of the design of the coverage scheme, increase the flexibility of the network construction, and reduce the cost of the network construction.

Abstract: A method and circuitry for detecting a touch on a device is provided herein. Touch-sensing circuitry comprises two antennas coupled to two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs). A phase locked loop (PLL) is provided coupled to the VCOs. The PLL compares a VCO output with a frequency source (temperature controlled crystal oscillator (TCXO)), and outputs a tuning voltage (steering voltage) for the VCO that is based on the difference between the VCO frequency and the TCXO frequency. The steering voltages for each VCO are compared, and a decision is made as to whether or not a touch has been made to the antennas. If the antennas have been touched, a location of the touch is determined based on a difference in the steering voltages of the two VCOs.

Abstract: A circuit can include a tandem directional coupler comprising a first directional coupler and a second directional coupler connected in tandem. Each of the first and second directional couplers can have a first strip and a second strip. Port 3 of the first directional coupler can be connected to Port 1 of the second directional coupler. Port 4 of the first directional coupler can be connected to Port 2 of the second directional coupler.

Abstract: Disclosed is hybrid communication in which a first message from a guided surface wave probe node is embedded in a guided surface wave, and a second message from a guided surface wave receive node uses a different messaging mechanism.

Abstract: A system for resonance based cable compensation includes a first switch with a first terminal for connecting a first connection of a cable having a resonant circuit on an end of the cable opposite the first switch. The system also includes a second terminal for connecting a second connection of a cable that has its first connection connected to the first terminal. A logic component is operatively connected to control the first switch to selectively apply voltage pulses across the first and second terminals to generate a resonance signal in a cable connected to the terminals in order to compensate for equivalent cable capacitance.

Abstract: A dielectric constant measurement circuit includes a dielectric constant sensor, an oscillator controlling circuit, a waveform converting circuit, and a counting readout circuit. The oscillator controlling circuit generates an oscillation waveform according to the response of the dielectric constant sensor to a dielectric material. The waveform converting circuit converts the oscillation waveform into frequency division square waves. The counting readout circuit includes a switching counter, a switching circuit, a reference current source, and a current integrator.

Abstract: A gauging installation for a tank with a long narrow nozzle providing access to an interior of the tank. The gauging system includes a GWR level gauge with a probe, and a first rigid extension member providing an interior probe mounting position at the end of the nozzle. The probe is configured to guide an electromagnetic transmit signal from a transceiver towards the product inside the tank, and to return the electromagnetic echo signal resulting from a reflection of the electromagnetic transmit signal by a surface of the product. A microwave transmission line connects the transceiver and the probe. With this design the beginning of the probe of the GWR level gauge will be located at the lower end of the nozzle, i.e. at the upper interior of the tank.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a material-under-test includes levitating a free-floating magnet between a material-under-test and a diamagnet and a mounted magnet, such that the diamagnet is positioned between the mounted magnet and the free-floating magnet, measuring a rotation rate of the free-floating magnet over time, and calculating at least one of a conductivity and resistivity of the material-under-test based on the measured rotation rate of the free-floating magnet over time.

Abstract: A passive intermodulation (PIM) measurement device for measuring a PIM in at least one of installation equipments and a distribution network within a distributed antenna system (DAS), the PIM measurement device included in a relay unit of the DAS, the PIM measurement device includes a pulse generation unit, a PIM detection unit and a controller. The pulse generation unit generates a two-tone pulse signal having frequencies different from each other. The PIM detection unit detects intermodulation (IM) signals fed back from the installation equipments or the distribution network in the DAS, corresponding to the propagation of the two-tone pulse signal. The controller detects PIM generation information in the DAS, based on the fed-back IM signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a condition or authenticity of one or more electronic devices includes an enclosure having an antenna integrated therewithin, a fixture mounted within a hollow interior of the enclosure, the fixture being configured to receive the one or more electronic devices and connect one or more signals to each of the one or more electronic devices and a sensor and controller assembly connected to the antenna and configured to process a signature of an emission of a radiofrequency (RF) energy from of one or more electronic devices having the one or more signals connected thereto.

Abstract: An information processing system includes a cable and a first information processing apparatus. The cable connects information processing apparatuses to each other. The cable includes one or more first core wires through which information is transmitted, and one or more second core wires having a shape or component associated with preset information. The first information processing apparatus measures a first parameter that is related to the second core wires and changes with the shape or component, and to identify the cable using the measured first parameter.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing proximity or touch of an object includes a sensing region, an oscillating signal generator for generating an oscillating signal having an oscillation period, a gating signal generator for generating a gating signal having a gating duration, a controller for controlling the oscillation period or the gating duration and a processor for determining a number N of oscillation periods over the gating duration. The number N is indicative of the object's contact with, or proximity to, the sensing region. The sensor is calibrated by determining an optimal value for the oscillation period or gating duration such that an optimal number N over the gating duration is expected.

Abstract: A computing device receives acceleration information from an accelerometer mechanically coupled to a wireless controller, magnetic bearing information from a magnetometer mechanically coupled to the wireless controller, and rotation information from a gyroscope mechanically coupled to the wireless controller. When the wireless controller is primarily vertical, the computing device determines a rotation angle of the wireless controller by filtering the rotation information using the acceleration information. When the wireless controller is primarily horizontal, the computing device determines the rotation angle of the wireless controller by filtering the rotation information using the magnetic bearing information.

Abstract: A fill-level measuring device for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium located in the process space of a container by means of a microwave travel time measuring method. The device comprises a measurement transmitter and an antenna unit, which is constructed at least of a hollow conductor and a radiating element A microwave transmissive, process isolating element is inserted for process isolation into the hollow conductor between the measurement transmitter and the horn shaped radiating element contacting the process space. The process isolating element is embodied as a hollow body having at least one tubular hollow body region matched to the shape of the hollow conductor, and a pointed hollow body region neighboring the hollow body region in the direction of the radiating element and having a wall thickness selected based on reflection, or lack thereof, of the microwave signals.

Abstract: A system for measuring the conductivity of a material-under-test includes a support structure, an upper magnet mounted to the support structure and a free-floating magnet below the fixed magnet. The system includes a diamagnet positioned between the fixed magnet and the free-floating magnet such that the free-floating magnet floats in the air beneath the diamagnet and a rotation detection assembly configured to detect a rotation rate of the free-floating magnet, where the rotation rate is based on a drag torque effect of a material-under-test on the free-floating magnet. The system also includes a conductivity calculation unit configured to calculate at least one of a conductivity or a resistivity of the material-under-test based on the detected rotation rate of the free-floating magnet.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes an array of concatenated sensing nodes, with each sensing node being configured to have at least one of near-field and far-field RF coupling circuitry to interface with an adjacent sensing node. A respective device is coupled to each of the sensing nodes. A reader device is configured to have at least one of near-field and far-field RF coupling circuitry to interface with the array of concatenated sensing nodes to read data from the devices.

Abstract: An antenna system for electromagnetic compliance testing within a frequency range includes a driven element mounted on a boom and including opposed first and second length-adjustable conductors. A length-adjustable passive element is mounted on the boom and spaced apart from the driven element and including opposed third and fourth length-adjustable conductors. An RF input connector is coupled between a feed path to a feed end of each length-adjustable conductors in the driven element. The feed path is configured to minimize stray reactances and stub effects within the frequency range.

Abstract: A guided wave radar transmitter for interface measurement comprises a probe defining a transmission line for sensing level of two immiscible liquids to define an interface therebetween. A pulse circuit generates pulses on the transmission line and receives a reflected signal from the transmission line. The reflected signal selectively includes a level pulse representing material level and an interface pulse representing interface level. A controller operates in an interface mode to determine the material level and the interface level responsive to receiving the level pulse and the interface pulse. The controller operates in a medium identification mode responsive to not receiving the interface pulse, comprising calculating an estimated amplitude of the level pulse for the two immiscible liquids and comparing actual amplitude of the level pulse to the estimated amplitude of the level pulse to identify the medium in the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a coil suspended in a magnetic field, and an optical detector to detect displacement of the coil in response to a stimulus. The apparatus further includes a feedback circuit coupled to the optical detector and to the coil. A coil constant of the apparatus may be configured to a desired value.

Abstract: A dielectric constant measurement circuit includes a dielectric constant sensor, an oscillator controlling circuit, a waveform converting circuit, and a counting readout circuit. The oscillator controlling circuit generates an oscillation waveform according to the response of the dielectric constant sensor to a dielectric material. The waveform converting circuit converts the oscillation waveform into frequency division square waves. The counting readout circuit includes a switching counter, a switching circuit, a reference current source, and a current integrator.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining information on a power variation of a transmit signal comprises a power amplifier module, an antenna module and a power variation determining module. The power amplifier module amplifies a radio frequency transmit signal and the antenna module transmits at least partly the amplified radio frequency transmit signal. The power variation determining module determines a weighted sum of a first feedback signal derived from the amplified radio frequency transmit signal and a second feedback signal derived from the amplified radio frequency transmit signal. The first feedback signal and the second feedback signal comprise different dependencies on a varying impedance at the antenna module. Further, the power variation determining module generates a power variation signal based on the weighted sum. The power variation signal comprises information related to a power variation of the amplified radio frequency transmit signal.

Abstract: Soil water content and bulk electrical conductivity may be determined by time domain reflectometry at multiple depths in the soil such that the entire soil profile from the surface to a user-selected depth may be characterized. A short rise-time pulse is passed into an electrode and the reflected pulse is captured at multiple times. A waveform of reflection coefficient versus time is determined, which may be used to determine the pulse travel time, effective frequency and reflection coefficients at times necessary for the determination of the soil water content and bulk electrical conductivity.

Abstract: An RFID-based sensor is provided with an RFID chip and an antenna electrically connected to the RFID chip. The sensor further includes a sensing material electrically connected to the antenna and a drive element. At least a portion of the sensor is movable between a closed condition in which the sensing material is isolated from the outside environment and an open condition in which the sensing material is exposed to the outside environment. The drive element moves the sensor between the open and closed configurations depending on whether or not it is receiving a signal.

Abstract: A signal distribution structure for distributing a signal to a plurality of devices includes a first signal guiding structure including a first characteristic impedance. The signal distribution structure also includes a node, wherein the first signal guiding structure is coupled to the node. The signal distribution structure includes a second signal guiding structure including one or more transmission lines. The one or more transmission lines of the second signal guiding structure are coupled between the node and a plurality of device connections. The second signal guiding structure includes, side-viewed from the node, a second characteristic impedance which is lower than the first characteristic impedance. The signal guiding structure also includes a matching element connected to the node.

Abstract: An electronic circuit with a plurality of connections for a plurality of sensor elements is provided, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to detect, with at least one multiplexing method, the presence of an object in at least one observation area of the sensor elements and to distinguish between the sensor elements. Also a method for determining the position of at least one object situated in at least one observation area of sensor elements relative to the sensor elements is provided, whereby with a multiplexing method an electric variable for each sensor element is detected, which is indicative for the presence of the object in the respective observation area.

Abstract: An oil-in-water emulsion includes an aqueous phase and an oily phase, the aqueous phase including water and a relaxing agent, and the oily phase including an oil and at least one surfactant. The emulsion has dielectric properties simulating dielectric properties of the human body. A device including the emulsion, a simulated human body part filled with the emulsion; and at least one system capable of measuring a local specific absorption rate when the simulated human body part is exposed to an electromagnetic field are also described. A method for conducting specific absorption rate tests of an apparatus radiating an electromagnetic field including using the emulsion, and a process for manufacturing the emulsion are also described.

Abstract: A test system for testing an antenna tuning element is provided. The test system may include a tester, a test fixture, and a probing structure. The probing structure may include probe tips configured to mate with corresponding solder bumps formed on a device under test (DUT) containing an antenna tuning element. The DUT may be tested in a shunt or series configuration. The tester may be electrically coupled to the test probe via first and second connectors on the test fixture. An adjustable load circuit that is coupled to the second connector may be configured in a selected state so that a desired amount of electrical stress may be presented to the DUT during testing. The tester may be used to obtain measurement results on the DUT. Systematic effects associated with the test structures may be de-embedded from the measured results to obtain calibrated results.

Abstract: A fill level measuring device. On a plurality of different signal paths, microwave signals can be transmitted into a container, and their associated echo signals recorded. The device includes: measuring device electronics having a microwave generator for the successive production of microwave signals; and, connected thereto, a frequency-selective, passive antenna arrangement, which has a number of frequency-selective elements—especially bandpass filters—in each case transmissive for one of the different wanted frequencies. Via the antennas and the frequency-selective elements, for each of the different microwave signals and its echo signal, a uniquely associated signal path is specified, via which a microwave signal is transmitted into the container and its echo signal, reflected back to the antenna arrangement, is received and fed to the measuring device electronics.

Abstract: The specification discloses a simple and effective system for tracking position and rotation of an object or portable device located within an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field may be produced by a primary coil, which inductively couples with one or more secondary coils located within a portable device. The relative strength of this inductive coupling may be used to determine the position, rotation, or both of the portable device relative to the primary coil.

Abstract: A microwave sensor assembly includes a signal processing device for generating at least one microwave signal that includes a pattern of frequencies and at least one probe coupled to the signal processing device. The probe includes an emitter configured to generate an electromagnetic field from the at least one microwave signal, wherein the emitter is detuned when an object is positioned within the electromagnetic field such that a loading signal is reflected from the emitter to the signal processing device.