Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a touch sensor with one or more meshes of conductive material. Each of the meshes includes multiple mesh cells defined by multiple mesh segments. Each of the mesh cells includes a centroid and multiple vertices. The mesh segments are made of the conductive material, and the centroids or vertices of the mesh cells have a substantially random distribution within an area of the touch sensor. The apparatus also includes one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media coupled to the touch sensor that embody logic that is configured when executed to control the touch sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical sensor integrated on a substrate, the electrochemical sensor including: a field effect transistor integrated on the substrate and having a source, gate and drain connections, said gate of the field effect transistor including: a sensing gate conductively coupled to a sensing electrode; and a bias gate, wherein the sensing gate is capacitively coupled to the bias gate and the bias gate is capacitively coupled to the substrate.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a plug insertion into a plug aperture of a communications connector are provided in which a control signal is transmitted to a control signal input circuit of the connector that includes a reactive coupling element. The control signal is electromagnetically coupled through the control signal input circuit. The electromagnetically coupled control signal is thereafter detected on a first differential pair of conductive paths that are included in the connector. A determination is made that a plug is present in the plug aperture based at least in part on detecting the electromagnetically coupled control signal on the first differential pair of conductive paths.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a plug insertion into a plug aperture of a communications connector are provided in which a control signal is received that is electromagnetically coupled across a plug aperture of the communications connector using a reactive coupling element. A determination may be made that a mating plug (e.g., an RJ-45 plug or a connector on a fiber optic jumper cable) has been inserted into the plug aperture based on this received control signal. Related connectors are also provided.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for loading a printed circuit board (PCB) stack including one or more PCB layers and transferring the PCB stack to an inspection probe includes a movable support unit, a guide unit and a cover. The guide unit is provided on the support unit and defines a depression portion in which the PCB stack is mounted. The cover is configured to cover the depression portion of the guide unit when closed, where the cover has multiple protrusions extending from a lower surface, which press the PCB stack into the depression portion when the cover is closed.

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 probe (1) for measuring biomolecules by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is proposed, having a distal end (2) and a proximal end (3), wherein the probe (1) has the following structure in a cross-section oriented transversely to its longitudinal extent: a base layer (4) of an insulating material, on a first side of the base layer (4) at least one layer (5, 6) of a conducting material, on a second side of the base layer (4), which is remote from the first side of the base layer (4), at least one layer (8) of a conducting material, and on the side of the layers of conducting material that is remote from the base layer (4), on the outside, in each case an outer layer (15) of an insulating material, wherein further the at least one layer (5, 6) of a conducting material on the first side of the base layer (4) is formed into an annular conductor structure (9) in the region of the distal end (2) of the probe, wherein the annular conductor structure (9) is followed proximally by at least one elongate

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: Methods and devices are disclosed for testing an acoustic probe having transducing elements for converting between acoustic and electrical signals. An electrical signal is generated at a frequency with a testing device capable of generating electrical signals over a range of frequencies. The electrical signal is transmitted to at least some of the transducing elements to measure a complex impedance and thereby evaluate a performance of the transducing elements.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for sensing moisture within an electronic device are disclosed. A device may include a housing and a display defining an exterior of an electronic device and an interior of the electronic device. Further, the device may include an integrated circuit (IC) within the electronic device and a control element within the electronic device. The device may also include a moisture sensor such as an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, or both. The moisture sensor, which may be part of the IC, together with the control element may sense moisture within the electronic device.

Abstract: A sensing pad includes a first sensing layer, a second sensing layer and a spacer layer. The second sensing layer has at least one second sparse sensing zone and at least one second dense sensing zone. The spacer layer is disposed between the first sensing layer and second sensing layer, and includes at least one high pressure spacer zone and at least one low pressure spacer zone. The second sensing layer is pressed downwards upon receiving a load to compress the spacer layer and contact the first sensing layer to generate electric connection, thereby detecting the pressed location. Through the dense sensing zone and sparse sensing zone distributed on the second sensing layer whether a person is lay on a bed can be judged to reduce faulty judgments, and the posture of the person can be detected to better understand conditions of the person lay on the bed.

Abstract: A probe sensor has a printed circuit comprising a coplanar transmission line, a ground plane, a plated-through contact via, and a part-circular ring of ground vias surrounding the contact via. The coplanar transmission line and ground plane are formed on a first layer of the printed circuit, and the contact via and part-circular ring of ground vias are plated with a conductive biocompatible material on a second layer of the printed circuit. A system uses a network analyzer with the probe to measure electrical properties of biological tissue. Also described is a method of using the system to determine qualities of stored blood.

Abstract: A method for measuring a capacitance using a capacitance meter. The capacitance meter includes an AC power source with a controllable frequency which is fed to a capacitor to measure its capacitance. A first measurement of the capacitance is performed by the capacitance meter using a first frequency. When the first measurement of the capacitance indicates the capacitance is below a threshold capacitance a lower capacitance measurement is performed in the capacitance meter, using a second measurement of the capacitance using a second frequency. When the first measurement of the capacitance indicates the capacitance is above a threshold capacitance, a higher capacitance measurement is performed in the capacitance meter, using a second measurement of the capacitance using a third frequency, the third frequency being lower than the second frequency.

Abstract: A sensing edge for providing a signal to a controller indicating that a forward edge of a door is obstructed during operation includes an elongated sheath and first and second end plugs. The elongated sheath is mounted to the forward door edge and has a first end, second end and first cavity connecting the ends. First and second spaced apart electrically conductive materials are disposed within the elongated sheath. The first end plug includes an inner end having first engaging structures positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration and an outer end having a first depression for housing an electronic component. The electronic component is electrically coupled to the electrically conductive materials. The second end plug includes an inner end having a sensing component and second engaging structures positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration. The sensing component is electrically coupled to the electrically conductive materials.

Abstract: An instrument (1) and a method for detecting partial electric discharges involve acquiring a discharge signal (10), for example picked up by a direct-measuring impedance device (7) through a broadband HF acquisition channel (18), and acquiring the discharge signal (10) in a narrowband LF acquisition channel (180) complying with regulations, using on the LF acquisition channel (180) a trigger controlled in slave mode by a trigger of the broadband HF acquisition channel (18); they also involve acquiring another discharge signal (32) picked up by an indirect-measuring impedance device (8) through a second narrowband LF acquisition channel (180A) and comparing digital signals (34, 34A) generated in the first and second LF acquisition channels (180, 180A), in order to generate a balanced digital signal (36) without components representative of common mode electrical signals present in the measuring circuit.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system disclosed herein includes a detector circuit that measures a change in value of impedance of an interconnection circuitry. A decoder coupled to the detector decodes the measured value of the change in the impedance of the interconnection circuitry to determine existence of an abnormal condition. In an example implementation of the intrusion detection system, the change in the value of the impedance of the interconnection circuitry is represented by a change in the phase delay on the interconnection circuitry. An implementation of the intrusion detection circuit terminates communication using the interconnection circuitry upon detection of the abnormal condition. The intrusion detection system is further configured to interpret the abnormal condition as a communication signal to the interconnection circuitry.

Abstract: A combination retainer and electrical contact mechanism for a deposition monitor sensor includes a sensor body and a removable flexible electrical contact spanning between a fixed electrical (contact) element in the sensor's body and one face of an associated monitor crystal. A retainer insulates or insures electrical isolation of the spanning electrical contact from unwanted contact to electrically grounded components in which at least one of the retainer and crystal holder include features that maintain the electrical contact with the retainer in order to provide a single mechanism.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device comprises: a circuit block formed on a semiconductor substrate; an electrically conductive pattern formed over a portion to be protected of the block; a resetting unit configured to reset a potential of a portion of the pattern to a reference potential; a connecting unit configured to connect the portion to a current supply line; and a detection circuit configured to determine whether a preset range includes a voltage of the portion when a predetermined time has elapsed since the portion is connected to the current supply line after the potential of the portion is reset to the reference potential is provided. A change in voltage of the portion depends on a circuit constant of the pattern.

Abstract: An AC impedance measuring device includes: a signal generator configured to provide a first signal on which a period signal is superimposed to a DUT; a Fourier transform unit configured to perform Fourier transform on current data and voltage data output from the DUT using a transformation window while sequentially shifting a start time of the transformation window, thereby obtaining a plurality of Fourier transform data strings of the voltage data and the current data; a difference sequence calculator configured to sequentially calculate a first difference sequence of the Fourier transform data strings of the voltage data and a second difference sequence of the Fourier transform data strings of the current data; and an impedance calculator configured to calculate an impedance of the DUT based on a ratio of the first difference sequence and the second difference sequence.

Abstract: A sensor device is provided. The sensor device includes a sensor pad for detecting an object in a detection area by measuring the impedance variation of the sensor pad, the sensor device further including a back focus plate disposed behind the sensor pad relative to the detection area and a first surrounding focus plate arranged around the sensor pad. The sensor device includes a signal generator that drives the sensor pad and the focus plates with a first set of signals having a predetermined constant phase, frequency and voltage amplitude. The sensor device further comprises at least a second surrounding focus plate arranged around the first surrounding focus plate, the second surrounding focus plate being driven with a second set of signals that are different from the first set of signals feeding the sensor pad.

Abstract: A position sensing system including a waveguide, a magnet movable relative to the waveguide, and a compensator configured to compensate for a change in propagation velocity of the waveguide in determining a position of the magnet relative to the waveguide. The compensator coupled to the waveguide and configured to receive a pulse, an end of line pulse corresponding to the pulse transmitted through the waveguide, and a reflected pulse corresponding to a reflection of the pulse at a point in the waveguide. The compensator configured to determine the point based at least in part on the pulse, the end of line pulse, and/or the reflected pulse.

Abstract: The present document discloses an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to: trigger a start of a physical exercise; in response to said triggering, start a measurement mode in which the apparatus receives measurement data of the physical exercise wirelessly from at least one sensor device and analyzes the received measurement data; detect a predetermined event in the received measurement data during the physical exercise; and in response to detecting said predetermined event, cause transmission of a reconfiguration message to at least one of the at least one sensor device to reconfigure at least one parameter of said at least one of the at least one sensor device.

Abstract: A method for measuring for generating a touch capacitance measurement is provided. Gain and offset control signals are generated, where the gain and offset control signals are adjusted to compensate for base capacitance of a touch sensor. The gain control signal is applied to a touch sensor during a first phase of a clock signal, and the offset control signal is applied to an output circuit during a second phase of the clock signal. The output circuit is coupled to the touch sensor during the second phase of the clock signal. The touch capacitance measurement is generated by compensating for the base capacitance with the gain and offset control signals, and a gain is applied to the touch capacitance measurement.

Abstract: Examples of the present invention include apparatus and methods for monitoring aging of an item. A solid-state structure is located within, adjacent to, or otherwise proximate the item, the solid-state structure including nanostructures. The electrical resistance and/or magnetization of the solid-state structure is determined to determine the degree of aging of the item. In representative examples, the solid-state structure includes nanostructures of a metal, such as a ferromagnetic metal, within a non-magnetic matrix, such as a semimetal, semiconductor, or insulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transferring information closely connected to an object. The system is characterized in that it comprises a conductor arrangement, which comprises a number of conductor components, that forms an electromagnetic field, as well as a transmitter associated with the object. The aforementioned transmitter is arranged to connect by means of an electromagnetic field to the conductor arrangement and also to modulate the measuring signal formed by means of the field.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for designing and operating a cell-electrode impedance sensor to detect chemical and biological samples, including biological cells. In one implementation, a method of designing a cell-electrode impedance sensor includes determining a cell free cell-electrode impedance and a cell covered cell-electrode impedance based on a design model for the cell-electrode impedance sensor, wherein the design model is based on one or more factors, the factors including properties and elements of a cell-electrode impedance measurement system, using the cell free cell-electrode impedance and the cell covered cell-electrode impedance to obtain a sensor sensitivity of the cell-electrode impedance measurement system, and choosing one or more design parameters of the cell-electrode impedance sensor in the cell-electrode impedance measurement system to maximize the sensor sensitivity.

Abstract: The electrical properties of particle solutions can be investigated on a single particle basis by using micro fluidic channels. The impedance can be measured across the channel using at least one pair of conductive electrodes, at least one electrode of a pair being a fingered electrode having a plurality of fingers. The pattern of fingered electrodes creates a longer and more complicated measurement signal shape which leads to a significant improvement of measurement sensitivity. An application for the proposed technology is to significantly improve the measurement sensitivity of impedance measurements on blood cells, leading to a better differentiation between different types of white blood cells. Better measurement sensitivity also enables the measurement of smaller particles and higher throughput.

Abstract: Ground Potential Rise (GPR) sensors measure the GPR between the ground grid and the remote earth. A GPR sensor may provide a GPR measurement to an existing distance protection, which may operate based on this measurement automatically. A GPR sensor may comprise a potential transformer configured such that one wire of the high voltage side of the potential transformer is coupled to the ground grid of a substation. The second wire of the potential transformer is coupled to an insulated wire which is coupled to a ground rod or multiple of ground rods bonded together, that is driven into the earth.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in performing impedance measurements on a subject. The apparatus includes a processing system for causing a first signal to be applied to the subject, determining an indication of a second signal measured across the subject, using the indication of the second signal to determine any imbalance and if an imbalance exists, determining a modified first signal in accordance with the imbalance and causing the modified first signal to be applied to the subject to thereby allow at least one impedance measurement to be performed.

Abstract: An active matrix device is provided which includes N array elements arranged spatially in a sequence of first through Nth array elements (where N is an integer ?2); the N array elements each including a write input for receiving a corresponding write input signal which controls operation of the array element, and a sense circuit for sensing a property of the array element and providing a sensor output based on the sensed property; and further including a manipulation circuit including logic circuitry connecting the sensor output from an nth array element in the sequence directly to the write input of an (n+1)th array element and configured to provide the write input signal to the write input of the (n+1)th array element based on the sensor output from the nth array element.

Abstract: A device for conveying thick matter, in particular concrete, including a thick matter pump; a feed line which leads away from the pump; a boom which receives the feed line and which includes at least one boom arm and which is arranged on a swivel bogie that is preferably provided with a swivel ring, wherein the swivel bogie is rotatable for angular orientation of the boom through a drive, in particular a hydraulic motor with a transmission arranged thereon, wherein the swivel bogie is preferably rotatable through a transmission sprocket acting on the swivel ring of the swivel bogie; and a measuring device which includes rotation angle sensors for measuring the rotation angle of the swivel bogie, wherein the rotation angle of the swivel bogie is measured through direct measurement of a rotation angle of the drive or of the transmission arranged between the motor and swivel bogie.

Abstract: A system comprises an enclosure, host logic contained in the enclosure, and intrusion security logic also contained in the enclosure. The intrusion security logic is coupled to the host logic and configured to detect a security intrusion to the system and to respond to a security intrusion with a user-configurable trigger event. The intrusion security logic implements at least two tamper blocks, each tamper block configured to monitor one more input signals and initiate a trigger event when a security breach of the enclosure is detected. At least one of the tamper blocks comprises a state machine whose operation is controlled by way of user-programmable registers.

Abstract: A device and method of determining a capacitance of a device is provided, which in one embodiment includes connecting a first terminal of a capacitor having a known capacitance to the first terminal of the device, applying an AC voltage to the first terminal of the device and the first terminal of the capacitor, measuring a current through the capacitor, measuring a current through the device, determining a first voltage across the device as a function of time, computing a capacitance of the device as a function of time by multiplying the capacitance of the capacitor by the ratio of the current through the device to the current through the capacitor, determining a capacitance of the device as a function of voltage based on the capacitance as a function of time and the first voltage across the device as a function of time, and outputting data of the first capacitance of the device as a function of voltage.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for testing an acoustic probe having transducing elements for converting between acoustic and electrical signals. An electrical signal is generated at a frequency with a testing device capable of generating electrical signals over a range of frequencies. The electrical signal is transmitted to at least some of the transducing elements to measure a complex impedance and thereby evaluate a performance of the transducing elements.

Abstract: A method and a circuit functionally test a semiconductor component. The functional test is performed with galvanic isolation by using a transformer. The test itself is based on determining the frequency-dependent impedance of a series circuit of capacitors and inductors using the semiconductor component itself. The impedance is strongly influenced by the conduction state of the semiconductor component, in other words, by the instantaneous conductivity or blocking capability of the semiconductor component.

Abstract: A comparison circuit for detecting impedance mismatch between pull-up and pull-down devices in a circuit to be monitored includes a comparator operative to receive first and second signals and to generate, as an output, a third signal indicative of a difference between the first and second signals. A first signal generator is operative to generate the first signal indicative of a difference between reference pull-up and pull-down currents that is scaled by a prescribed amount. The reference pull-up current is indicative of a current flowing through at least one corresponding pull-up transistor device in the circuit to be monitored. The pull-down reference current is indicative of a current flowing through at least one corresponding pull-down transistor device in the circuit to be monitored.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus and method for detecting a card connection status. An apparatus for detecting a card connection status is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a switch component operable to change an electric connection status with a contact terminal of a card connector responsive to a change of a connection status between a card and the card connector; a detection circuit operable to generate a detection signal indicating the electric connection status between the switch member and the contact terminal; and a controller operable to determine the connection status between the card and the card connector based on the detection signal from the detection circuit. The corresponding method, detection circuit, and card connector are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring circuit comprising a control block for controlling said circuit, a time base for providing a clock signal (fclk) in order to time said circuit, a sensor block which is designed to provide an output signal, said measuring circuit comprising in addition a first counting block which is timed to the clock frequency and a second counting block which is timed by the frequency of the output signal of the sensor block.

Abstract: An apparatus including a sensor array, configured to produce an array output value in response to an environmental stimulus, and a controller, the sensor array including a plurality of sensors and a common output terminal connected to the respective outputs of the sensors, each sensor having first and second electrodes configured to output a respective sensor output value in a particular environment based on the areas of the first and second electrodes and/or the spacing therebetween, the controller configured to control which of the sensors are connected to the common output terminal using respective switches to vary the effective area and/or spacing of the sensor array such that the array output value at the common output terminal, based on the contribution of the respective sensor output values of the connected sensors, is held at a reference value.

Abstract: Techniques, systems and apparatus are disclosed for detecting impedance. In one aspect, a microelectrode sensing device includes a substrate and an array of microelectrode sensors formed on the substrate. Each sensor includes at least one conductive layer formed above the substrate and patterned to include a counter electrode and multiple sensing electrodes to detect an electrical signal in absence and presence of one or more target cells positioned on at least a portion of a surface of each sensing electrode. The sensing electrodes are spaced apart and arranged around the counter electrode to provide a spatially averaged value of the detected electrical signal.

Abstract: An instrument that utilizes body contact electrodes evaluates the quality of the connections made between the electrodes and the body. An electrode contact quality evaluation circuit performs the quality evaluation, such as by determining contact impedances for the electrodes. The corresponding contact quality of each electrode is conveyed to the user.

Abstract: A method of measuring impedance includes determining a first time constant based on a known impedance and a capacitor, determining a second time constant based on a target impedance and the capacitor, and determining the target impedance based on the first time constant and the second time constant.

Abstract: A remote pulse TDR liquid level measurement system and method may include inserting a probe into a body of water. The probe has a probe/air interface, and the body of water includes an air/water interface. A narrow pulse is remotely transmitted to the probe via a coaxial cable. A first impedance mismatch is received from the probe/air interface in a form of a positive reflected pulse, and a second impedance mismatch is received from the air/water interface in a form of a negative reflected pulse. A time between the positive reflected pulse and the negative reflected pulse is calculated, and the time is converted to a distance, the distance being indicative of the water level.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for using time domain reflectometry to determine the identity of a fluid in a vessel. The method includes transmitting an interrogation pulse into a vessel containing a fluid, receiving a reflection of the interrogation pulse off of a transition boundary, characterizing the properties of the reflection, where the properties include polarity, slope, phase, and amplitude, and comparing the properties of the reflection to a reference boundary transition signature.

Abstract: A detergent supply apparatus, and a washing machine including the same The washing machine includes the detergent supply apparatus which includes a detergent container accommodating housing installed in the cabinet and having an opening in the front portion of the cabinet, a detergent container configured to store the detergent and to be removably inserted into the detergent container accommodating housing through the opening of the detergent container accommodating housing, a pump unit installed outside the detergent container, and configured to pump the detergent stored in the detergent container to the detergent container accommodating housing, and a connector unit configured to supply power to the pump unit, and including a first body attached on an outer portion of the pump unit and a second body attached on the detergent container accommodating housing, the first body is electrically connected to the second body by being removably attached to the second body.

Abstract: A charge detection device includes a dielectric member, a base plate coupled to the dielectric member, and a processing unit coupled to the plate. The dielectric member is representative of at least one material on a location of a vessel and the dielectric member induces an electrostatic potential energy when charged. The plate channels the induced energy through at least a portion of the device. The plate further receives at least one signal that is representative of an electrostatic discharge from a different location of the vessel. The processing unit generates at least one first output of a measurement for the induced energy. The processing unit further generates at least one second output of the presence of the electrostatic discharge to facilitate a correlation between the first and second outputs such that a user is enabled to determine the presence of at least one hazardous charging condition on the vessel.

Abstract: A wear sensor comprising: an insulating substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; a conductive electrode formed on said top surface of said insulating substrate; an insulating wear lining material having a first side secured to said top surface of said insulating substrate and conductive electrode, an opposite second side that will be worn down by relative motion between the wear sensor and a moving component; one or more contact points where the electrical properties between the electrode and the moving component can be measured; and one or more perforations through the thickness of the substrate and electrode, through which an adhesive may flow, thereby increasing the peel strength between the wear sensor and race or between the wear sensor and the wear liner.

Abstract: A wear sensor comprising: an insulating substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; a conductive electrode formed on said top surface of said insulating substrate; an insulating wear lining material having a first side secured to said top surface of said insulating substrate and conductive electrode, an opposite second side that will be worn down by relative motion between the wear sensor and a moving component; and one or more contact points where the electrical properties between the electrode and the moving component can be measured.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and localizing damage on a radome. In one example, the system includes a detection mesh made up of an arrangement of conductive wires integral with the radome structure, and a digital strobe circuit coupled to the detection mesh that measures the detection mesh and reports results. In one example, the system includes a controller coupled to the strobe circuit and configured to assess the results and localize the damage based on measured changes in impedance of individual wires within the detection mesh. The controller may be further configured to provide a damage report to a user interface, the damage report optionally identifying the damaged area(s) of the radome.

Abstract: A method for use in determining the thickness of a layer of interest in a multi-layer structure. A first electrode is positioned in contact with a first surface of the multi-layer structure, and a second electrode is positioned in contact with a second surface of the multi-layer structure. The second surface is substantially opposite the first surface. The first electrode is pressed against the multi-layer structure at a predetermined sampling pressure, and the structure is optionally adjusted to a predetermined sampling temperature. The electrical impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode is measured.