Abstract: A first embodiment of a detection apparatus arranged to detect defects within a flexible pipe body comprises a signal generator, a receiver, a correlator and a processor. A second embodiment of a detection apparatus arranged to detect defects within a flexible pipe at least partially surrounded by seawater comprises an impedance monitor and a processor. Methods of detecting defects within a flexible pipe body, a pipeline apparatus and methods of forming pipeline apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is related to a microstructure apparatus for the measurement of biological membranes, comprising a support substrate having an upper side for supporting the membrane, at least one microcavity of the support substrate for receiving an electrolyte, wherein the microcavity is open upward and ends in a microaperture in the upper side of the support substrate, wherein the microaperture has a first characteristic diameter D1 and has at least one electrode, which is at least partially arranged within the microcavity and which has a contact side for contacting an electrolyte, the contact side being arranged adjacent to the inner volume of the microcavity, characterized in that the contact side of the electrode has a characteristic diameter D2, being larger than D1. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for producing the microstructure apparatus.

Abstract: An array element circuit with an integrated impedance sensor is provided. The array element circuit includes an array element which is controlled by application of a drive voltage by a drive element; writing circuitry for writing the drive voltage to the drive element; and sense circuitry for sensing an impedance presented at the drive element.

Abstract: Advances in a variety of fields such as micromachined silicon in conjunction with MEMS and other devices and attaching biosensors to electrode structures have allowed discrete or continuous monitoring devices to be implemented for biological systems, chemical processes, environmental monitoring etc. However, such devices are typically analysed within controlled laboratory environments due to bulky and large electrochemical impedance measurement systems. In many situations deployment in field, clinic, point-of-care, or consumer scenarios would be beneficial. Accordingly it an intention of the invention to provide a measurement system which offers potential for low cost implementations via multiple technologies to address the different cost targets of these applications as well as number of measurement cells within each. Additionally embodiments of the invention are self-calibrating and self-referencing allowing their use in such scenarios absent highly trained technicians.

Abstract: A static random-access memory (SRAM) cell which includes: a sampling switch and a feedback switch; and a first inverter and a second inverter connected in series whereby an output of the first inverter is connected to an input of the second inverter. An input of the first inverter is connected to a data input of the SRAM cell via the sampling switch, and to a data output of the SRAM cell independent of the feedback switch, an output of the second inverter is connected to the input of the first inverter via the feedback switch, and first and second clock inputs of the SRAM cell are configured to control the sampling switch and the feedback switch, respectively.

Abstract: Methods and sensors for selective fluid sensing are provided. Each sensor includes a resonant inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) sensor that is coated with a sensing material. In order to collect data, an impedance spectrum is acquired over a relatively narrow frequency range, such as the resonant frequency range of the LCR circuit. A multivariate signature may be calculated from the acquired spectrum to discern the presence of certain fluids and/or fluid mixtures. The presence of fluids is detected by measuring the changes in dielectric, dimensional, resistance, charge transfer, and other changes in the properties of the materials employed by observing the changes in the resonant electronic properties of the circuit. By using a mathematical procedure, such as principal components analysis (PCA) and others, multiple fluids and mixtures can be detected in the presence of one another, even in a high humidity environment or an environment wherein one or more fluids has a substantially higher concentration (e.g.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus including a first sensor arrangement configured in a first layer; a second sensor arrangement configured in a second layer; wherein the sensor arrangements are configured to vary an input signal in response to a sensed parameter; and the apparatus also including an input configured to receive an input signal and an output configured to provide an output signal that depends on each of the first and second sensor arrangements.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a tuning system for a communication device having an antenna where the tuning system includes at least one first tunable element connected with at least one radiating element of the antenna for tuning the antenna where the adjusting of the at least one first tunable element is based on a closed loop process, and a matching network having at least one second tunable element coupled at a feed point of the antenna for tuning the matching network based on an operational parameter of the communication device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An impedance monitoring circuit for an electrosurgical generator. The monitoring circuit includes an isolation transformer coupled to an active terminal and a return terminal of an electrosurgical generator. The isolation transformer includes a primary winding coupled to a reference resistor and a secondary winding coupled to a load. A driver transmits a sensor signal to the reference resistor and the load. A primary converter coupled to the reference resistor and the load detects a primary converted signal as a function of the sensor signal passing through the reference resistor and the load. A secondary converter coupled to the driver detects a secondary converted signal as a function of the sensor signal prior to passing through the reference resistor and the load. A controller determines a fault condition based on the primary and secondary converted signals.

Abstract: An impedance measurement method is provided having a certain level of measurement sensitivity across all ranges of impedance and capable of covering a wide measurement range. In the method, a device under test (DUT) is connected in series or in parallel to a signal line, a measurement signal is transmitted from a signal source, an input signal a1 into the DUT, a reflected signal reflected from the DUT, and a passed signal that passed through the DUT are measured, S-parameters S11 and S21 are calculated based on respective measured values of the input signal, the reflected signal, and the passed signal, and an impedance Zx of the DUT is calculated based on a formula: Zx=2Z0S11/S21, where Z0 is a characteristic impedance.

Abstract: There is offered an electrostatic capacity type touch sensor capable of detecting a large number of touch positions with high accuracy. The electrostatic capacity type touch sensor is composed of a touch panel and a signal processing circuit. The touch panel is structured to include first through fourth detection electrodes, first and second common electric potential lines, a common electric potential wiring, a common electric potential terminal and first through fourth output terminals disposed on an insulating substrate. The signal processing circuit is structured to include a clock generator, a selection circuit, a charge amplifier, an A/D converter and an arithmetic unit. The charge amplifier detects a change in capacitance induced by that a finger of an operator touches the first through fourth detection electrodes.

Abstract: A modeling device is disclosed that easily projects characteristic information obtained from an object onto a differently-shaped object, even if the object, from which the characteristic information is obtained, has a complex shape. A modeling device in one embodiment of the present invention includes a virtually electrifying section to calculate an electric potential at a spot in a heart at the time when a predetermined voltage is applied to the heart, and a projecting section to project a fiber orientation onto a heart model created on the basis of shape information that is input to the input section. The projecting section specifies a spot to be a target of projection on the basis of the electric potential obtained by the virtually electrifying section. Use of the electric potential in specifying the spot makes it possible to easily project the fiber orientation onto any heart having complex and various shapes.

Abstract: An impedance correction device and a method thereof are provided. A step generator is used to generate a step signal and send to a circuit under test. A reflected signal returned back from the circuit under test is used as a measurement signal; and the measurement signal can be measured to obtain a characteristic impedance value. When the measurement signal is greater than the initially measured step signal, an impedance value of a correction resistor is increased; when the measurement signal is smaller than the initially measured step signal, the impedance value of the correction resistor is reduced. Through adjustment of the correction impedance value, impedance matching between the correction impedance value and the characteristic impedance value is achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a touch sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. The touch sensor includes: a transparent substrate; a resin layer formed on one surface of the transparent substrate; and an electrode formed on one surface of the resin layer, wherein one surface of the resin layer is formed with a substrate prominence and depression part having a prominence and depression shape.

Abstract: An induction pad includes a first induction layer, a second induction layer and a spacer layer. The second induction layer has at least one second sparse induction zone and at least one second dense induction zone. The spacer layer is disposed between the first induction layer and second induction layer, and includes at least one high pressure spacer zone and at least one low pressure spacer zone. The second induction layer is pressed downwards upon receiving a load to compress the spacer layer and contact the first induction layer to generate electric connection, thereby detecting the pressed location. Through the dense induction zone and sparse induction zone distributed on the second induction 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 microfluidic resistance network (20) is disclosed that comprises a first microfluidic channel (112) in fluidic communication with a first fluid inlet (22); and a second microfluidic channel (114) in fluidic communication with a second fluid inlet (24); wherein the microfluidic resistance network (20) further comprises a cross-shaped dilution stage (100) having the first microfluidic channel (112) as a first dilution stage inlet and the second microfluidic channel (114) as a second dilution stage inlet, the dilution stage further comprising a first microfluidic outlet channel (122) for combining a portion of a first fluid from the first microfluidic channel with a second fluid from the second microfluidic channel (114) and a second microfluidic outlet channel (124) for receiving the remainder of first fluid. A microfluidic device (200) comprising such a microfluidic resistance network (20) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Current flow at a line frequency may be measured from a source using matched voltage drops in a pair of voltage drop circuits. The voltage drop circuits may each includes a fixed value component, such as a resistor, and an adjustable value component, such as an adjustable current source, coupled in series. The adjustable valued components may be controlled based on differences in voltage drops produced by the voltage drop circuits based on a high-frequency signal, higher in frequency than the line frequency, applied to a control input for each of the adjustable value components.

Abstract: Detecting and/or mitigating the presence of particle contaminants in a MEMS device involves converting benign areas in which particles might become trapped undetectably by electric fields during test to field-free regions by extending otherwise non-functional conductive shield and gate layers and placing the same electrical potential on the conductive shield and gate layers. Particle contaminants can then be moved into detection locations remote from the potential trap areas and having particle detection structures by providing some mechanical disturbance.

Abstract: A system employs physical unclonable functions of an integrated circuit for detecting integrated circuits and protecting products and technology from integrated circuits which have been subject to tampering, stressing and replacement, and counterfeit components. The system includes a sensor detecting a characteristic impedance generated as a result of controlled access to a memory device of the integrated circuit. The characteristic impedance is applied in the creation of a discrimination matrix of values based on electrical interface signals for the integrated circuit. The sensor includes a ring oscillator and associated monitoring components. The ring oscillator is composed of the memory device of the integrated circuit and a sensory circuitry, wherein changes in a frequency generated by the ring oscillator is indicative of changes in circuitry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a touch sensor and a method of manufacturing the same, the touch sensor including: a transparent substrate; a shielding film formed on one surface of the transparent substrate; a resin layer formed above the transparent substrate and one surface of the shielding film; and an electrode buried in one surface of the resin layer.

Abstract: Approaches are disclosed for electrical impedance tomography which apply a current to a region at two or more frequencies and acquire voltage measurements at each frequency to generate a set of multi-frequency voltage measurements. One or more images of the region are generated, using spectral constraints, based on the multi-frequency data.

Abstract: A random intrinsic chip ID generation employs a retention fail signature. A 1st and 2nd ID are generated using testing settings with a 1st setting more restrictive than the 2nd, creating more fails in the 1st ID bit string that includes 2nd ID bit string. A retention pause time controls the number of retention fails, adjusted by a BIST engine, wherein the fail numbers satisfy a predetermined fail target. Verification confirms whether the 1st ID includes the 2nd ID bit string, the ID being the one used for authentication. Authentication is enabled by a 3rd ID with intermediate condition such that 1st ID includes 3rd ID bit string and 3rd ID includes 2nd ID bit string. The intermediate condition includes a guard-band to eliminate bit instability problem near the 1st and 2nd ID boundary. The intermediate condition is changed at each ID read operation, resulting in a more secure identification.

Abstract: A method for testing a mask article includes the steps of electrically connecting the mask article to an electrical sensor, applying a bias voltage to a plurality of testing sites of the mask article with a conductor, measuring at least one current distribution of the testing sites with the electrical sensor, and determining the quality of the mask article by taking the at least one current distribution into consideration.

Abstract: A method for testing a mask article includes steps of electrically connecting the mask article to an electrical sensor, applying a bias voltage to a plurality of testing sites of the mask article with a conductor, measuring at least one current distribution of the testing sites with the electrical sensor, and determining the quality of the mask article by taking the at least one current distribution into consideration.

Abstract: A method for testing a mask article includes steps of electrically connecting the mask article to an electrical sensor, applying a bias voltage to a plurality of testing sites of the mask article with a conductor, measuring at least one current distribution of the testing sites with the electrical sensor, and determining the quality of the mask article by taking the at least one current distribution into consideration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for methods of selecting a nanostructured deposit for a conductometric gas sensor, methods of detecting a gas based on the acidic or basic characteristic of the gas using a conductometric gas sensor, devices including conductometric gas sensors, arrays of conductometric gas sensors, methods of determining the acidic or basic characteristic of a gas, methods of treating a sensor, and the like.

Abstract: A stroke sensor includes conductor pieces 51 to 57 of a detected body 50 two-dimensionally arranged on a lower surface of a slider 41 in a specified pattern. The lower surface of the slider 41 is divided into four regions corresponding to respective detector units 61 to 64 along a Y-direction. The conductor pieces 51 to 57 are arranged over a specified X-direction extent in the respective regions. The arrangement of the conductor pieces 51 to 57 is set such that the combinations of the conductor pieces 51 to 57 detected by the detector units 60 become different in each and every shift range in the X-direction. This makes it possible to consistently specify the shift range based on the combination of the detector units 61 to 64 staying in the detected state.

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: A system and method for measurement of parameters of radio-frequency transmission devices is introduced. The system includes a digital signal processing (DSP) unit and RF transmitter and receiver modules. The transmitter generates Gaussian white noise and transmits it to the device under test (DUT) input. The output of the DUT is connected to the receiver. Using DSP analysis on the output response of the DUT to white noise, the DUT transfer function is estimated using iterative LMS method. From the estimated transfer function all the parameters which are used to describe the device can be calculated such as: gain, flatness, phase and group delay, phase and group delay variations, frequency response, filters rejection etc.

Abstract: A method for identifying at least one electrically powered device by a power supply device via a powerline connection, includes: a) connecting the at least one electrically powered device via a powerline to core power supply; b) sensing that a powerline connection is available by the at least one electrically powered device; c) generating a specific load by modulation of the power according to a unique identifier of the at least one electrically powered device on the powerline connection; d) sensing the generated specific load by the power supply device connected to the powerline connection; and e) extracting the unique identifier information from the specific load by the power supply device. An electrically powered device, a power supply device, a power distribution unit, and a corresponding system are also described.

Abstract: A method for determining a heating characteristic of a glow plug, wherein pulse-width-modulated voltage pulses are applied to the glow plug and an electric variable is measured repeatedly during a voltage pulse with the heating characteristic of the glow plug determined by evaluating the difference of successive measurement results of this variable.

Abstract: An active-matrix device is provided which includes a plurality of array element circuits arranged in rows and columns; a plurality of source addressing lines each shared between the array element circuits in corresponding same columns; a plurality of gate addressing lines each shared between the array element circuits in corresponding same rows; a plurality of sensor row select lines each shared between the array element circuits in corresponding same rows, wherein each of the plurality of array element circuits includes: an array element which is controlled by application of a drive voltage by a drive element; writing circuitry for writing the drive voltage to the drive element, the writing circuitry being coupled to a corresponding source addressing line and gate addressing line among the plurality of source addressing lines and gate addressing lines; and sense circuitry for sensing an impedance presented at the drive element, the sense circuitry being coupled to a corresponding sensor row select line; and

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, an impedance measuring instrument, and a control device. The control device is connected to the impedance measuring instrument. The impedance measuring instrument measures the impedance of the fuel cell according to the AC impedance method. The control device stores in advance a reference value corresponding to a reference hydrogen concentration. The control device compares the real part Z? of impedance acquired via the impedance measuring instrument against the reference value. When Z? is equal to or greater than the reference value, the control device estimates the hydrogen concentration of the fuel cell to be equal to or less than the reference hydrogen concentration.

Abstract: A method for determining a power supply impedance profile (|Z(f)|) at a predetermined load location within an electronic system. A repetitive activity (such as a modulated clock tree signal) is applied in the load location, and the local power supply voltage (U(t)) caused by this repetitive activity is measured. Rather than measuring the corresponding current consumption (I(t)) caused by the repetitive activity, the current consumption is calculated analytically. The local power supply impedance profile (|Z(f)|) is calculated as the ratio of the frequency-domain voltage and current consumption magnitudes (|U(f)|, |I(f)|) of the measured power supply voltage (U(t)) and the calculated current consumption (I(t)).

Abstract: An electrode evaluation apparatus for evaluating a characteristic of an electrode based on an electrochemical property includes a potential control unit, an impedance acquiring unit, a current value acquiring unit, and a normalized impedance calculation unit. The potential control unit is configured to control a potential applied to an electrode. The impedance acquiring unit is configured to acquire an impedance characteristic of the electrode under a specific DC operating condition provided by the potential control unit. The current value acquiring unit is configured to acquire a temporal change in direct current value under the specific DC operating condition. The normalized impedance calculation unit is configured to apply the temporal change in direct current value acquired by the current value acquiring unit to calculate a normalized impedance where impedance acquired by the impedance acquiring unit is multiplied by the direct current value.

Abstract: A void detection system for detecting voids in fresh concrete is disclosed. The void detection system includes at least one probe disposed on a vibrator and adapted to detect voids in the fresh concrete, and an indicator in communication with the at least one probe and adapted to receive real-time data from the at least one probe. Upon receiving the real-time data, the indicator relays information to a user indicative of the fresh concrete's consolidation.

Abstract: A device for detecting and quantifying a force applied on a surface comprising a test specimen, an electrically insulating substrate, a first electrode bound to the substrate, a second electrode, an assembly of conductive or semi-conductive nanoparticles in contact with the two electrodes, and a measurement device. The measurement device provides proportional information with respect to an electrical property of the nanoparticles assembly. The electrical property is measured between the first and second electrode. The test specimen is the nanoparticles assembly itself and the electrical property is sensitive to the distance between the nanoparticles of the assembly. The invention uses the nanoparticles assembly itself as a test specimen and allows a force to be quantified even if the nanoparticles assembly is deposited on a rigid substrate.

Abstract: An electrostatic sensor for a vehicle includes a loop-shaped electrode arranged in a seat bottom of the vehicle, and a sensor portion to detect a weak electric field generated between the electrode and a chassis of the vehicle when a predetermined voltage is applied to the electrode. The electrode has an imaginary center line linearly extending in a front-and-rear direction of the vehicle. The electrode defines a resistance distribution approximately symmetrical in a left-and-right direction of the vehicle relative to the imaginary center line.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided that includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfluidic channels and a plurality of multiplexed heater electrodes, wherein the heater electrodes are part of a multiplex circuit including a common lead connecting the heater electrodes to a power supply, each of the heater electrodes being associated with one of the microfluidic channels. The microfluidic device also includes a control system configured to regulate power applied to each heater electrode by varying a duty cycle, the control system being further configured to determine the temperature of each heater electrode by determining the resistance of each heater electrode.

Abstract: A method and circuit for evaluating a charge impedance at the output of a directional coupling having a first line adapted to convey a desired signal between a first terminal and a second terminal adapted to be connected to an antenna, and having a second line coupled to the first one including a third terminal on the side of the first terminal and a fourth terminal on the side of the second terminal, wherein the signal present on the fourth terminal is submitted to a homodyne detector having its local oscillator signal sampled from the third terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a method of covering a duct for transporting or storing a fluid in a device for detecting a leak of the fluid, the device comprising a layer of insulating fibrous material arranged to surround the duct and a layer of conductive material that extends against the layer of insulating material, the conductive material being essentially constituted by fibers of carbon or graphite, wherein the layer of insulating material is secured to the wall of the duct by strapping ties around said layer.

Abstract: A data input device is provided, implementing a potentiometer having a first and a second fixed connection point which are respectively situated at each of the ends of the potentiometer, a third fixed connection point situated at an intermediate position on the potentiometer and a fourth, mobile connection point forming a slider. The data input device comprises means converting a position of the slider into an electrical voltage, means for supplying a first fixed voltage to the potentiometer via the third connection point, means for supplying a current source to the potentiometer via the slider, means for measuring a voltage difference between the first and second connection points, the voltage difference forming the electrical voltage that represents the position of the slider.

Abstract: A sensor sleeve (10) for use in detecting a failure in an article (18) (e.g., a hydraulic hose), the sensor sleeve includes an insulator layer (12) that separates two electrode layers (14, 16). As such, the electrode layers deform to contact each other, which changes the impedance as measured across the electrode layers. The sensor sleeve is designed to change electrical impedance (resistance) due to fluid pressure initiating a hole through the sensor itself. The sensor sleeve will detect the fluid leak when the hole penetrates the sensor and brings the two elastic electrodes in contact with each other and/or the fluid, which when the fluid is conductive fluid, creates a signal path between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, which also changes the impedance as measured across the electrode layers.

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 present invention provides a method for measuring the interface state density by a conductance technique. In particular, the method comprises: biasing a MOS capacitor structure to be measured in an accumulation region, measuring the MOS capacitor structure under a fixed bias voltage and at predetermined scanning frequencies in the accumulation region by using a Gp-G model, and calculating the values of the series resistor at respective predetermined scanning frequencies to obtain a series resistor model; obtaining an accurate model in an inversion region from the series resistor model varying with the predetermined scanning frequencies obtained in the accumulation region and obtaining the measurement results of interface state according to the accurate model.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement process for determination of the optimum contact pressure among components of a solid oxide fuel cell stack in the packaging process in order that the reduction in performance caused by the packaging process can be reduced. The present invention also provides a measurement apparatus which can carry the measurement process out.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to methods and apparatus for measuring current flow from a source at a first frequency using matched voltage drops in paired voltage drop circuits. The paired voltage drop circuits each comprise a fixed value component, such as a resistor, and an adjustable value component, such as an adjustable current source, coupled in series. The adjustable valued components are controlled based on differences in voltage drops produced by the voltage drop circuits based on a high-frequency signal, higher in frequency than the first frequency, applied to a control input for the adjustable value components.

Abstract: A multidirectional switch member and an electronic device includes an operation plate in which a pressing operation may be performed in a plurality of directions including four standard directions and a median direction extending between the four standard directions, a PCB that is located at the back side of the operation plate, a plurality of conductive bodies that are provided on the back side of the operation plate, a group of standard direction contact electrodes that each have a first electrode and a first ground potential electrode along each of the standard directions, and a group of median direction contact electrodes that have two of a second electrode and a second ground potential electrode along the median direction, wherein the two second electrodes and the first electrodes, which are located along both sides of the median direction, are located next to each other and are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: Detecting and/or mitigating the presence of particle contaminants in a MEMS device involves including MEMS structures that in normal operation are robust against the presence of particles but which can be made sensitive to that presence during a test mode prior to use, e.g.