Abstract: An apparatus and a method using no switching elements for multiplexing and reading arrays of sensors whose electrical resistance is modulated by the signals to be measured are proposed. Sensor elements are arranged in groups and columns where each column is fed with a continuous voltage waveform of different amplitude, frequency and phase characteristics which then produce current signals that are modulated by the variable resistance signals to be measured. Modulated currents are summed row-wise and collected at the read-out circuits, either by applying a constant voltage to each row of the array or by connecting a capacitor and converting these current summations into output voltage signals. The read-out circuits de-multiplex each individual sensor signal to be measured by lock-in demodulation according to the frequencies and phases employed for the stimulation of each column.

Abstract: A test and measurement instrument switch matrix including a first cable including a center conductor and a guard connected to a first output of the test and measurement instrument; a second cable including a center conductor and a guard connected to a second output of the test and measurement instrument; a third cable including a center conductor and a guard connected to the device under test; and a fourth cable including a center conductor connected to the device under test and a guard connected to the device under test.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic system including a temperature controller and a thermoplastic microfluidic chip that enables rapid PCR in a PCR chamber of the microfluidic chip. Thermal control of the PCR chamber is achieved by applying voltage to heater electrodes patterned directly onto one layer of the microfluidic chip. The temperature controller adjusts the voltage applied to the heater electrodes by changing temperature controller parameters selected to minimize duration of each PCR cycle. Furthermore, simple operation of the microfluidic chip is provided through using an integrated passive capillary valve, requiring minimum operator intervention and eliminating the need for fluidic interfacing, pumping, or metering during chip loading.

Abstract: A series tee splitter comprises a primary electromagnetic transmission line and a secondary electromagnetic transmission line that is placed in a series path with the primary electromagnetic transmission line, wherein a load is attached to the end of the secondary electromagnetic transmission line and a network analyzer is connected to opposite ends of the primary electromagnetic transmission line to measure a load impedance. This configuration increases the high impedance measurement limit of the network analyzer normally seen for reflection measurements. The series tee splitter can be electrically small to provide broadband impedance information.

Abstract: An imaging device including: a photoelectric converter that generates signal charge; a charge storage region that stores the signal charge; a first transistor that has a gate coupled to the charge storage region and reads out the signal charge; a second transistor that, has a source and a drain, an output of the first transistor being fed back to one of the source and the drain and being supplied to the charge storage region from the other of the source and the drain; and voltage supply circuitry that supplies voltages varying with time. In a reset operation for discharging the signal charge stored in the charge storage region, the voltage supply circuitry supplies the voltages to a gate of the second transistor so that the second transistor gradually changes from an OFF state to an ON state.

Abstract: A fuel cell module includes a stack including a plurality of fuel cells stacked together, at least one dummy cell in contact with the stack at an end portion of the stack in a stacking direction, a reactant gas supply path configured to supply a reactant gas that is either a fuel gas or an oxidant gas to the fuel cells and the dummy cell, and a reactant gas discharge path in communication with the fuel cells and the dummy cell. The fuel cells and the dummy cell each include a reactant gas flow path configured to cause the reactant gas from the reactant gas supply path to flow toward the reactant gas discharge path. Pressure loss of the reactant gas flow path of the dummy cell is smaller than pressure loss of the reactant gas flow path of the fuel cells.

Abstract: A method for establishing a powered link over a transmission line includes providing a constant, predetermined current to a terminal thereby causing a power transistor coupled to the terminal to conduct in a subthreshold region of transistor operation without current flowing between a drain terminal of the power transistor and a source terminal of the power transistor. The method includes estimating a size of the power transistor using a digital time signal indicative of an amount of time the constant, predetermined current is provided before a voltage level on the terminal exceeds a predetermined voltage level. In an embodiment, the predetermined voltage level is less than a threshold voltage of the power transistor.

Abstract: Droplet interfaces are formed between droplets in an electro-wetting device comprising an array of actuation electrodes. Actuation signals are applied to selected actuation electrodes to place the droplets into an energised state in which the shape of the droplets is modified compared to a shape of the droplets in a lower energy state and to bring the two droplets into proximity. The actuation signals are then changed to lower the energy of the droplets into the lower energy state so that the droplets relax into the gap and the two droplets contact each other thereby forming a droplet interface. The use of sensing electrodes in the device permit electrical current measurements across the droplet interface. The sensing electrodes can be used for either (i) applying a reference signal during droplet actuation or (ii) recording electrical current measurements.

Abstract: Detecting user contact with one or more electrodes of a physiological signal sensor can be used to ensure physiological signals measured by the physiological signal sensor meet waveform characteristics (e.g., of a clinically accurate physiological signal). In some examples, a mobile and/or wearable device can comprise sensing circuitry, stimulation circuitry, and processing circuitry. The stimulation circuit can drive one or more stimulation signals on one or more electrodes, the resulting signal(s) can be measured (e.g., by the sensing circuitry), and the processing circuitry can determine whether a user is in contact with the electrode(s). Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, mobile and/or wearable device can comprise saturation detection circuitry, and the processing circuitry can determine whether the sensing circuitry is saturated.

Abstract: Detecting user contact with one or more electrodes of a physiological signal sensor can be used to ensure physiological signals measured by the physiological signal sensor meet waveform characteristics (e.g., of a clinically accurate physiological signal). In some examples, a mobile and/or wearable device can comprise sensing circuitry, stimulation circuitry, and processing circuitry. The stimulation circuit can drive one or more stimulation signals on one or more electrodes, the resulting signal(s) can be measured (e.g., by the sensing circuitry), and the processing circuitry can determine whether a user is in contact with the electrode(s). Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, mobile and/or wearable device can comprise saturation detection circuitry, and the processing circuitry can determine whether the sensing circuitry is saturated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system to measure the specific surface area of a conductive material through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which uses electrodes to analyse a test sample.

Abstract: The present invention is notably directed to methods of fabrication of a microfluidic chip package or assembly (1), comprising: providing (S1) a substrate (10, 30) having at least one block (14, 14a) comprising one or more microfluidic structures on a face (F) of the substrate; partially cutting (S2) into the substrate to obtain partial cuts (10c), such that a residual thickness of the substrate at the level of the partial cuts (10c) enables singulation of said at least one block (14, 14a); cleaning (S4) said at least one block; and applying (S5-S7) a cover-film (62) to cover said at least one block (14, 14a), whereby at least one covered block is obtained, the applied cover film still enabling singulation of each covered block, wherein each covered block corresponds to a microfluidic chip after singulation. The present invention is further directed to microfluidic chips, packing or assembly, obtainable with such methods.

Abstract: Invention biosensor that can be easily manufactured by a printing technique, can be mass-produced, and can measure a large amount of detection factors individually/continuously.

Abstract: A filter whose absorption rate for a radio wave changes depending on a waveform of a radio wave includes: a conductive member; a rectifier circuit that links two locations of the conductive member; and an RL circuit including an inductor and a resistor, the inductor generating an electromotive force using an electric current rectified by the rectifier circuit and the resistor converting the electric current to heat.

Abstract: A tomography device for electric impedance tomography in a measuring volume having at least two measuring ports. The object is to provide a tomography device that allows adaptation to an application with less effort and/or a greater number of measuring ports than the prior art. The object is achieved with a tomography device in that the tomography device has at least two measuring modules, that each of the measuring modules is designed to be controllable via the respective module radio device and module control device and, in each case has a module control device, a module radio device and one of the measuring ports, and the respective measuring port can be arranged at a freely selectable position on a perimeter of the measuring volume, and that each of the module control devices is designed to carry out measurements for electrical impedance tomography using the respective measuring port.

Abstract: A novel input sensor that is highly convenient or reliable is provided. A novel input device that is highly convenient or reliable is provided. A novel input/output device that is highly convenient or reliable is provided. The sensor, the input device, and the input/output device include a sensor element and a sensor circuit which includes first to third transistors. A gate of the first transistor is electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the third transistor and to a first electrode of the sensor element. One of a source and a drain of the first transistor is electrically connected to a second electrode of the sensor element and to a first wiring through which a control signal capable of controlling a potential of the second electrode of the sensor element is configured to be supplied.

Abstract: A method comprises: transmitting, to a server, a request for performance metrics of a utility system; receiving, from the server, the performance metrics; creating a design for a power distribution system based on the performance metrics; obtaining components for the power distribution system based on the design; and installing the components to implement the design. A system comprises: a database server configured to: receive documents associated with components of a utility system, extract equipment rating information from the documents, and store the equipment rating information in a usable form in a database; and a model computer coupled to the database server and configured to: receive the equipment rating information from the database server, create a utility system model based on the equipment rating information, and determine short-circuit parameters for nodes associated with customers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100; 200; 300; 400) for analyzing biological substances in a test solution, comprising a test substrate (101; 203; 303; 401) which is transparent at least in part, having a test region (107a, 108a, 109a, 110a; 211; 411) for receiving the test solution, a plurality of electrodes (111, 106; 201, 202; 301, 302; 402, 403) which are arranged on the test substrate (101; 203; 303; 401) and extend into the test region (107a, 108a, 109a, 110a; 211; 411), wherein in each case, at least one portion of the electrodes (111, 106; 201, 202; 301, 302; 402, 403) is made of a transparent material.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an impedance-matching current sensor (IMCS) is provided. The IMCS has an equivalent sensing impedance and is connected in parallel to an object under test. The method includes steps of: using an alternating-current (AC) current source to provide a first AC current flowing through the object under test and provide a second AC current flowing through the IMCS; designing the equivalent sensing impedance to make the first AC current much greater than the second AC current; proportionally converting the second AC current into a sense voltage; and adjusting a magnitude of the sense voltage to be proportional to a magnitude of the first AC current. Accordingly, it is to significantly overcome problems of unreliability and instability of the DC-to-DC conversion system caused by temperature, aging, DC bias variation, or parasitic effect, thus maintaining correct sensed results of the current sensor in transient response optimization.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a process of powering an electronic device through a cable assembly is proposed. The cable assembly comprises a cable which is connected between a power supply and the electronic device. The method comprises generating a synchronization signal, generating a test signal based on the synchronization signal and applying the test signal to one end of the cable, detecting a response signal at the one end of the cable, the response signal resulting from applying the test signal to the cable assembly, and determining, based on the response signal and the synchronization signal, a first and a second quantity indicative of a real part and an imaginary part of the impedance of the cable assembly, respectively. Further, an apparatus for monitoring a process of powering an electronic device through a cable assembly is proposed.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a pair of contactless electrodes for placement on a coating on a surface of a structure or within or between one or more coatings on or over the surface of the structure. The electrodes function as sensors when activated to generate a current flow through the electrodes at multiple different frequencies. The sensing device also includes contactless control circuitry co-located with or separate from the electrodes that transmits impedance data generated from the activated electrodes. The impedance data is associated with corrosion condition information of the structure and/or the one or more coatings. A data collection system and display system useable with the sensing device are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for protecting data information of an electronic device, comprising the following steps: 1) performing power-on detection on an electronic device of which production and installation are completed, detecting the stray capacitance of a signal line thereof, and recording same as a standard value of the signal line; 2) during a power-on operation, monitoring the stray capacitance of the signal line; 3) comparing the monitored capacitance value with the standard value, and entering step 4) when exceeding the set threshold value, otherwise entering step 2); and 4) erasing significant data in the electronic device. The method uses the manner of monitoring the stray capacitance to monitor the contact of outside foreign matter with the signal line, guarantees the security of data in the electronic device, and has the characteristics that the implementation process is simple and easy, safe and reliable, and the cost is low.

Abstract: A control circuit includes a sweep circuit for supplying a sweep current to a gas concentration sensor, a current detection resistor for detecting a sensor current flowing in the gas concentration sensor, a calculation circuit for calculating an impedance of the gas concentration sensor based on the sensor current and an inter-terminal voltage of the gas concentration sensor, and a protective element for suppressing external noise from being applied to the sweep circuit and the calculation circuit. The sweep current is divided to flow in a first protective element and the gas concentration sensor. The sensor current is divided to flow in a second protective element and the current detection resistor. The calculation circuit calculates a loss current flowing to the first protective element or a second loss current flowing to the second protective element and calculates the sensor current based on the calculated current.

Abstract: A conducted type current probe is provided herein and comprises a plurality of first resistors, at least one second resistor, a first connective port, and a second connective port. The first resistors are connected in parallel to form a resistor with 1? resistance value, and the resistance value of the second resistor is 49?. The first resistors and the second resistor are connected. The first connective port is connected with a test end of a test Integrated Circuit (IC), and the second connective port is connected with a test receiver by a coaxial cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to analyze or identify a cell. The method comprises: providing a cell, stimulating the cell with a stimulant thereby modifying a cell membrane impedance of the cell, monitoring the cell membrane impedance of the cell and identifying the cell based on the monitored cell membrane impedance. A corresponding device is also provided.

Abstract: A novel method for real-time small-signal stability analysis for power electronic-based components in a power system. The method may be used to monitor a power system in real-time by perturbing the source side of an electronic-based component of the power system of about 0.5 to 1 percent of a nominal current of the power system at the source side, and perturbing the load side of the power electronic-based component by varying the voltage at the load side. Time-domain results of the simultaneous perturbations may be transferred to frequency-domain results and the stability of the power system may be monitored by obtaining a Nyquist contour and employing Generalized Nyquist Criterion.

Abstract: A novel method for real-time small-signal stability analysis for power electronic-based components in a power system. The method may be used to monitor a power system in real-time by perturbing the source side of an electronic-based component of the power system of about 0.5 to 1 percent of a nominal current of the power system at the source side, and perturbing the load side of the power electronic-based component by varying the voltage at the load side. Time-domain results of the simultaneous perturbations may be transferred to frequency-domain results and the stability of the power system may be monitored by obtaining a Nyquist contour and employing unit circle criterion.

Abstract: Circuits and approaches for de-initializing memory circuits. In one implementation, a memory circuit includes a plurality of memory cells. Each memory cell includes a pair of cross-coupled inverters and first and second access transistors coupled to the pair of cross-coupled inverters. A first bit line is coupled to the first access transistor, and a second bit line is coupled to the second access transistor. A de-initialization circuit is coupled to the first and second bit lines. The de-initialization circuit is configured and arranged to equalize signal states on the first and second bit lines in response to a de-initialization signal.

Abstract: A measurement auxiliary circuit is configured to form a resonance circuit together with a detection target. An ATAC is coupled with the resonance circuit. A signal generator applies an AC probe signal VS to the resonance circuit. After the impedance measurement apparatus enters a stable state, an impedance detection unit measures a voltage at at least one node and/or a current that flows through at least one current path. The impedance detection unit detects the impedance of the detection target based on the measurement value.

Abstract: A device includes an integrated circuit programmed with an operating surface equation. The operating surface equation may define an operating point as a function of operating voltage, operating frequency, and leakage current. The operating surface equation may be generated by fitting a surface equation to data for operating voltage and operating frequency versus leakage current for a plurality of test integrated circuits. An operating voltage of the integrated circuit at a given operating frequency may be determined by the operating surface equation and a leakage current value fused into the device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a touch sensor that includes a mesh of conductive material configured to extend across a display. The mesh includes first lines of conductive material that are substantially parallel to each other and second lines of conductive material that are substantially parallel to each other. The first lines extend across the display at a first angle relative to a first axis, and the second lines extend across the display at a second angle relative to the first axis. First lines that are adjacent to each other are separated from each other along the first axis by a first separation distance, and second lines that are adjacent to each other are separated from each other along the first axis by a second separation distance.

Abstract: A method and device for impressing a measuring-signal voltage (U) on a power supply network in which a generator signal (Usig) is alternately sampled by two sample-and-hold elements (20, S1, S3), the sampled values are alternately allocated to a first pulse sequence (P1) and a second pulse sequence (P2), the pulse sequences (P1, P2) are separately inductively transmitted and the secondary-side measuring-signal voltage (U) is formed by adding the induced partial voltages (U1, U2) together.

Abstract: An arc flash hazard assessment method includes storing electrical equipment data in memory, defining an arc flash model function based on the data, and estimating the model function based on a weighted average of interpolated and extrapolated values. The electrical equipment data may include an operating voltage, a fault current, and a clearing time. The model function is defined for at least three reference voltages V1, V2 and V3, with the interpolated value at operating voltage V, between voltages V1 and V2, and the extrapolated value from reference voltages V2 and V3. At the arc flash protection boundary, the estimated model function has a predefined incident energy value of 1.2 cal/cm2 (or about 5.02 J/cm2), or less.

Abstract: A receptacle block defines one or more sockets at which plugs may be received. Each socket contains a first set of contacts and a second set of contacts. Each socket also includes a sensing contact that interacts with the second set of contacts to close an electrical switch. For example, the sensing contact can interact with an arm extending from one of the contacts of the second set. Closure of the switch can be detected and interpreted to indicate that a plug has been received at the respective socket.

Abstract: A method of performing transducer self-diagnostics and self-healing on an array of sensor transducers bonded to a structure for health monitoring includes measuring impedance to detect whether a transducer is missing, or a connection is damaged. Pitch-catch signals generated between one or more pairs of transducers are analyzed for detecting defects according to selected criteria of defect size and location to determine whether the sensors are damaged or partially/fully disbonded. Based on the resulting map of operational transducers, signal transmission paths are added/extended between additional pairs of transducers to maintain inspection coverage of the structure according to the selected criteria.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an integrated and automated sample-to-answer system that, starting from a sample comprising biological material, generates a genetic profile in less than two hours. In certain embodiments, the biological material is DNA and the genetic profile involves determining alleles at one or a plurality of loci (e.g., genetic loci) of a subject, for example, an STR (short tandem repeat) profile, for example as used in the CODIS system. The system can perform several operations, including (a) extraction and isolation of nucleic acid; (b) amplification of nucleotide sequences at selected loci (e.g., genetic loci); and (c) detection and analysis of amplification product. These operations can be carried out in a system that comprises several integrated modules, including an analyte preparation module; a detection and analysis module and a control module.

Abstract: A flow-through conductivity sensor assembly comprises a housing (4) having a flow passage with an inlet end and an outlet end. The cross section of at least a section of the flow passage extension between the inlet and outlet ends is divided into a conductivity measuring channel (2) and a parallel by-pass channel (3) of larger cross-sectional area than the measuring channel (2).

Abstract: A sensor array for sensing the magnitude and position of a force in a first direction is provided. The sensor array includes a compressible layer, an electrically grounded layer, and an electrically active layer comprising a plurality of transmitter electrodes and a plurality of receiver electrodes. Each of the transmitter electrodes is configured to capacitively couple to a receiver electrode, and the compressible layer is positioned between the electrically grounded layer the electrically active layer.

Abstract: A method for underground pipeline monitoring in which a continuous alternating electrical current having a current frequency in a range of about 1 kHZ to about 8 kHz is imparted onto a pipeline, producing an alternating magnetic field at the current frequency along the pipeline. Distributed along the pipeline is a network of RFID tag sensors which absorb an amount of energy from the alternating magnetic field. The impedance of the sensors is modulated, producing a modulated sensor impedance which is detected at a location proximate the location at which the continuous alternating electrical current is imparted onto the pipeline.

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: Disclosed herein are optical stacks that are stable to light exposure by incorporating one or more UV-blocking layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medication delivery device for expelling set doses of medicament, the medication delivery device comprising a position determining arrangement for detecting absolute positions of a movably mounted member, such as a dose indicator barrel, relative to a housing of the medication delivery device. The position determining arrangement comprises a plurality of electrically conducting electrodes arranged on an outer surface of the movably mounted member, and a plurality of contacts members fixedly arranged relative to the housing of the medication delivery device. A first and a second contact member are arranged to follow a first path across the electrically conducting electrodes upon movement of the movably mounted member relative to the housing, whereas a third and a fourth contact member are arranged to follow a second path across the electrically conducting electrodes upon movement of the movably mounted member relative to the housing.

Abstract: The invention disclosed enables sensing of the electrical permittivity of an object. A sensor is provided that includes a dielectric layer that presents a surface defining the base of a volume in which a test object may be placed and an electrically active layer beneath the dielectric layer, comprising a first set of electrodes that extend in a first direction and a second set of electrodes that extend in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. By applying a signal to a first electrode in said first set of electrodes, an electric field is generated that extends outside of the sensor. An output signal is then produced in each of the second electrode set by capacitive coupling to the first electrode. The electrical permittivity of the volume above the first receiver electrode is then determined based on the output signals in the said set of electrodes.

Abstract: A biosensor capacitor, including a dielectric layer; a first metal layer in the dielectric layer; a passivation layer over the dielectric layer and the first metal layer; an isolation layer over the passivation layer; a probe DNA electrode connected to the first metal layer; a counter electrode connected to the first metal layer wherein the counter electrode forms an enclosure around the probe DNA electrode; and a bond pad connected to the first metal layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid immersion sensor comprising a substrate (10) carrying a conductive sensing element (20) and a corrosive agent (30) for corroding the conductive sensing element, said corrosive agent being immobilized in the vicinity of the conductive sensing element and being soluble in said liquid.

Abstract: A conductivity sensor, comprising an electrode structure of four concentric electrodes, which are arranged on an end face of a support body. The electrodes are electrically insulated from one another. The electrodes have an equal, constant area in order to claim a space requirement as small as possible for the electrode structure.

Abstract: A bioreactor includes a plastic enclosure for containing a biological medium, the enclosure being integrally formed to have one or more elongate port extensions projecting outwardly from the enclosure and communicating from the exterior to the interior of the enclosure. A biomass impendence monitor probe is provided for use in conjunction with the bioreactor. The probe is pushed into one or more of the elongate ports in order to have an electrode arrangement positioned internally of the container. The probe has an elongate housing having an outer surface extending along and contiguous with the elongate inner surface of the port extension. The housing extends from the electrode end of the probe to a remote end. The housing is provided with an electrical connector connected to the electrode arrangement.

Abstract: An active matrix electrowetting on dielectric (AM-EWOD) device includes a plurality of array elements configured to manipulate one or more droplets of fluid on an array, each of the array elements including a corresponding array element circuit. Each array element circuit includes a top substrate electrode and a drive electrode between which the one or more droplets may be positioned, with an insulator layer being interposed between the one or more droplets and the drive electrode; and write circuitry configured to write data to the array element. At least some of the array element circuits include measure circuitry configured to detect a pinhole defect in the insulator layer.

Abstract: Measurement devices, systems, and methods to measure a high field conductivity of a fluid are provided herein. The measurement device includes a fluid cell, a pair of electrodes, a voltage switch, and a measurement unit. The fluid cell is on an inclined plane to receive the fluid. The pair of electrodes are connected to the fluid cell. The pair of electrodes are spaced apart from one another to receive the fluid therebetween and positioned parallel to one another to pass an electrical current therethrough. The power unit provides a high voltage power supply to one electrode of the pair of electrodes. The measurement unit measures the electrical current that passes between the pair of electrodes through the fluid.