Abstract: A finger sensing device may include an array of finger sensing pixels to receive a user's finger adjacent thereto. Each finger sensing pixel may include a finger sensing electrode. The finger sensing device may include a finger drive electrode configured to couple a drive signal through the user's finger to the array of finger sensing pixels. The finger sensing device may also include differential pixel measurement circuitry coupled to the array of finger sensing pixels and configured to generate a plurality of interpixel difference measurements for adjacent pairs of the finger sensing pixels.

Abstract: In a circuit for measuring a capacitive charge a drive module is configured for coupling with a sensor electrode of a capacitive input device. The drive module is configured to drive the sensor electrode with a plurality of positive and negative measurement cycles. A latched comparator comprises an input for capturing voltages from the sensor electrode. An output of the latched comparator provides output signals based upon the captured voltages from the sensor electrode. A first counter is set based on a first output signal produced by a first voltage captured by the input during a positive measurement cycle. A second counter is set based on a second output signal produced by a second voltage captured by the input during a negative measurement cycle. A determination module is configured to produce a demodulated output signal based on the first counter value and the second counter value.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a touch sensor panel including a plurality of touch electrodes is provided. The method includes determining, for each of the plurality of touch electrodes, a contribution in terms of capacitance to a total capacitance of the touch sensor panel; and allocating a fraction of a fixed period of time for measuring a capacitance of each of the plurality of electrodes based on the electrode's contribution to the total capacitance.

Abstract: An on-die capacitance measurement module (ODCMM) arranged to measure a capacitance element. The ODCMM comprises an oscillating voltage supply that outputs first and second oscillating voltage signals, the first and second oscillating voltage signals comprising differing phases, and the oscillating voltage supply component coupled to a first node of the capacitance element and arranged to provide thereto the first oscillating voltage signal, and a reference voltage component coupled to a second node of the capacitance element to provide a reference voltage signal. The ODCMM operates in a first mode, wherein the reference voltage component is arranged to provide a constant reference voltage to the second node of the capacitance element.

Abstract: A circuit for measuring a change in capacitive coupling between a transmitter electrode and receiver electrode includes a transmitter module that couples with the transmitter electrode and drives it with a plurality of positive and negative measurement cycles. A latched comparator has an input and an output, where the input couples with the receiver electrode. Upon enablement, the latched comparator determines if receiver electrode voltages satisfy an input threshold of the latched comparator and provides an output signal from an output based on this determination. A first counter is adjusted based on a first output signal of the latched comparator output during a positive measurement cycle. A second counter is adjusted based on a second output signal of the latched comparator during a negative measurement cycle. Measurement of change in capacitive coupling between the transmitter electrode and receiver electrode is based on counter values of the first and second counters.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a scratch resistant, touch sensor comprising: (1) applying a non-polymer protective coating solution to a touch sensor; and (2) forming a cross-linked polymer structure by curing the protective coating solution.

Abstract: A sensing device includes an oscillator, a driver, a switch, a counter and a timer. The oscillator includes an input coupled to a reference capacitor. The driver alternately sources and sinks current in accordance with an oscillation signal outputted by the oscillator. The switch connects or disconnects the reference capacitor with a sensing capacitor. The counter counts value for the oscillation signal. The timer counts operation periods respectively when the switch connects the reference capacitor with the sensing capacitor and when the switch disconnects the reference capacitor with the sensing capacitor, and the counter counts values corresponding to conditions of the switch connecting and disconnecting the reference capacitor with the sensing capacitor during the operation periods, respectively.

Abstract: A system includes a capacitor, a plurality of notification devices connected in parallel with the capacitor, and a controller. The controller is capable of determining capacitance of the capacitor during charge-up of the capacitor, and the controller is capable of determining the wiring impedance of the emergency notification circuit during discharge of the capacitor.

Abstract: A method, circuit and apparatus for detecting capacitance on a droplet actuator, inter alia, for determining the presence, partial presence or absence of a droplet at an electrode on a droplet actuator by: (a) providing a droplet actuator comprising: (i) a substrate comprising electrodes arranged on the substrate for conducting droplet operations on a surface of the substrate; (ii) a capacitance detection circuit for detecting capacitance at the droplet operations surface at one or more of the electrodes; (b) detecting capacitance at the droplet operations surface at one or more of the electrodes; and (c) determining from the capacitance the presence, partial presence or absence of a droplet at the droplet operations surface at the electrode.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of sense arrays with interleaving sense elements are described. One capacitive-sense array includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed adjacent to the first electrode in a first axis. The capacitive-sense array comprises a sensor pitch in the first axis. The first electrode includes a first sense element including a first shape and a first interleaving sense element that interleaves with a first portion and a second portion of the second electrode to extend a first dimension of the first electrode to be greater than the sensor pitch in the first axis. The second electrode includes a second sense element including the first shape and a second interleaving sense element that interleaves with a first portion and a second portion of the first electrode to extend a second dimension of the second electrode to be greater than the sensor pitch in the first axis.

Abstract: Capacitance sensing circuits and methods are provided. A dual mode capacitance sensing circuit includes a capacitance-to-voltage converter having an amplifier and an integration capacitance coupled between an output and an inverting input of the amplifier, and a switching circuit responsive to mutual mode control signals for a controlling signal supplied from a capacitive touch matrix to the capacitive to voltage converter in a mutual capacitance sensing mode and responsive to self mode control signals for controlling signals supplied from the capacitive touch matrix to the capacitance-to-voltage converter in a self capacitance sensing mode, wherein the capacitance sensing circuit is configurable for operation in the mutual capacitance sensing mode or the self capacitance sensing mode.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of input attenuator circuits are described. One sensing circuit includes an attenuator circuit to receive a signal from an electrode of a sense array. The attenuator circuit is configured to attenuate input current of the signal. The attenuator circuit includes an attenuation matrix including an input terminal to receive the signal and multiple resistors. The attenuation matrix is configured to split the input current into an output current of the attenuation signal on a first output terminal and a second output current on a second output terminal. The attenuation matrix is to output the attenuated signal on the first output terminal to an integrator of the sensing circuit. The attenuator circuit also includes a buffer coupled between the attenuation matrix and the integrator. The buffer is configured to maintain a substantially same voltage at the first output terminal and the second output terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of sensing capacitance of one or more sensor elements in multiple capacitance sensing modes, including a self-capacitance sensing mode and a mutual capacitance sensing mode.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor for detecting a stimulus. The capacitive sensor includes an electrode and a processing unit electrically coupled to the electrode and configured to determine the presence of a stimulus based on the rate of change of the electrode capacitance. A substrate is positioned adjacent the electrode, wherein the stimulus corresponds to the placement of an object against the substrate. The processing unit is operative to determine a time rate of change based on successive measurements of the electrode capacitance. In addition, the processing unit is operative to determine the presence of a stimulus in response to the time rate of change being less than a reference value.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. A pliable material overlays the proximity sensors. The control circuitry monitors the activation field and determines an activation of a proximity switch based on a signal generated by the sensor in relation to a threshold when a user's finger depresses the pliable material. The pliable material may further include an elevated portion and an air gap between the elevated portion and the sensor.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. A pliable material overlays the proximity sensors. A depression is formed in a substrate between the pliable material and the sensor. A groove may extend into the substrate between adjacent proximity switches. The pliable material may further include an elevated portion.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a circuit for measuring electrostatic capacity using a current source technique, which includes an external capacitor and at least one pad capacitor, comprises: a charging/discharging unit charging and discharging the at least one pad capacitor using a constant current source; and a charge sharing switching unit performing a control to share a charge between the charged or discharged pad capacitor and the external capacitor. By charging/discharging the pad capacitor using a current source and sharing the charge between the pad capacitor and the external capacitor, the advantages of a technique for using a voltage source and a conventional technique for using a current source may be combined, and their drawbacks may each be remedied.

Abstract: Provided according to some embodiments of the present invention are electrical double layer (EDL) capacitive devices that include an insulating substrate defining a nanopore therethrough; a nanopore electrode exposed in a portion of the nanopore; and an electrolyte in contact with the nanopore electrode. Also provided are methods of using EDL capacitive devices according to embodiments of the invention to sequence polynucleotides or other polymers and/or to detect analytes.

Abstract: The exemplary devices and processing techniques allow multiple measurement devices or chips to work together to sample a screen that is larger than one measurement device might sample, by allowing sharing X or drive lines amongst the measurements devices. Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented so as to realize one or more of the following optional advantages. The sharing of the drive lines may allow for a screen sized or otherwise configured to have more measurement nodes than would be produced by the sum of the nodes that could be measured by the individual devices. For a screen that requires multiple measurement devices, the drive line sharing thus may allow use of a smaller number of measuring devices.

Abstract: A method and an electronic readout circuit for measuring a capacitance of a MEMS sensor are disclosed. In one aspect, the readout circuit includes: an input stage for receiving a first signal from the sensor and for presenting a second signal; a charge amplifier stage for amplifying and integrating the second signal; and a control logic for controlling the readout circuit according to a predefined timing relation synchronized to actuation voltages applied to the sensor for generating the first signal. The readout circuit may further includes a first switching unit for applying a first reference voltage to the sensor and a second switching unit for applying the second signal to the charge amplifier stage, wherein the first and the second switching units are controlled according to the predefined timing relation such that a plurality of the second signals are accumulated.

Abstract: Apparatus for measurement of a DC voltage of a DC voltage source. An electrode forms a capacitive connection with the DC voltage source. A non-linear capacitor has a first node connected to the electrode. An initial voltage source is arranged to generate an initial voltage. A switch is arranged to selectively apply the initial voltage to a second node of the non-linear capacitor. A voltage sensor is arranged to measure the voltage of the second node of the non-linear capacitor and a processor is programmed to deduce the DC voltage of the DC voltage source by analysing the rate of decay of the measured voltage.

Abstract: A capacitance detection circuit has at least a carrier signal generating circuit that supplies a carrier signal to one of a movable or a fixed electrode of a sensor, an operational amplifier with one of the movable or fixed electrode as an input and ground as another input, and a printed circuit board on which the physical quantity sensor, the carrier signal generating circuit, and the operational amplifier are mounted. An insulation-secured area on the printed circuit board is configured as a moisture absorption reduction area, including at least an electrode connection part of the physical quantity sensor, an input-side connection part of the operational amplifier, and a connection part connected to the input side of the operational amplifier out of connection parts of input-side circuit components connected between the electrode connection part and the input-side connection part.

Abstract: A system can include an input for receiving objects having a flat shape; a capacitance sensing network comprising a plurality of capacitance sensors positioned to be proximate to the received objects; an operations section coupled to the capacitance sensing network and configured to perform predetermined operations on the objects; and a processor section coupled to receive capacitance sense values from the capacitance sensors and configured to determine the presence and features of received objects, prior to the objects being forwarded to the operations section.

Abstract: A rotation angle sensor which has at least one capacitor having capacitor plates and a dielectric designed as a disk. The disk is situated between the capacitor plates, and fills out differently sized surface portions between the capacitor plates, depending on the rotation angle. The rotation angle sensor is designed to determine the rotation angle as a function of a measured value of the capacitance of the at least one capacitor.

Abstract: A physiological measurement instrument is disclosed, having a detector, implemented as one or more sensors, for measuring values of one or more physiological measured parameters associated with a body of a human or animal subject, and for detecting values of a physical parameter that indicates an operating position of the measurement instrument relative to the body, and an operating-position-determining unit that receives and analyzes output signals from the detector, to determine the operating position of the measurement instrument.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for analyzing the state of oil-filled electrical devices. The apparatus simulates the state of an oil-filled electrical device in which copper wire wrapped in insulating paper is immersed in insulating oil. The apparatus for analyzing the state of oil-filled electrical devices includes a first paper-covered copper wire and a second paper-covered copper wire, which are adjacent to each other; a tank which holds the first and second paper-covered copper wires as well as insulating oil extracted from the oil-filled electrical device, thereby immersing the first and second paper-covered copper wires in the insulating oil; and a capacitance measurement unit which measures the capacitance between the first and second paper-covered copper wires. The first and second paper-covered copper wires includes copper wire and insulating paper wrapped therearound.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing system (1) which includes an electrical charge providing unit (4) like an electret foil for providing a permanent electrical charge at a sensing site (6) of the object (3) and a capacitive sensor (2) including a sensing electrode (5) for generating a sensing signal by capacitively sensing the object (3) at the sensing site (6) of the object (3). By providing a permanent electrical charge at the sensing site (6) of the object (3), the bias between the object (3) and the sensing electrode (5) of the capacitive sensor (2) is intentionally preferentially made large, thereby increasing the sensitivity towards mechanical motions. The resulting sensing signal substantially caused by these mechanical motions between the object (3) and the sensing electrode (5) is generally larger than a signal generated substantially by an electrophysiological field.

Abstract: A socket capable of detecting an approaching object, which is used to be electrically connected to a mains supply and comprises a relay (200), a socket base (300), a capacitance sensing circuit (400), and a detection electrode (500). The relay (200) is electrically connected to the mains supply. The socket base (300) is electrically connected to the relay (200) and provided with two insertion holes (320) having strip shapes and arranged in parallel. The capacitance sensing circuit (400) is electrically connected to the relay (200). The detection electrode (500) is electrically connected to the capacitance sensing circuit (400). Thus, the approaching object can be detected and the power supply from the mains supply for the insertion holes (320) can be stopped.

Abstract: A capacitive detection type electro-mechanical transducer comprises; a cell formed by a first electrode arranged on a substrate and a second electrode arranged on a vibration film, and a detection circuit for detecting a displacement of the vibration film, based on a capacity change between the first and second electrodes, wherein a plurality of the cells are classified into a plurality of groups, each one includes at least two cells, and the first electrodes or the second electrodes of the cells of the same one group are commonly connected to the same one detection circuit, and an addition circuit for adding, into single information, signals from the plurality of detection circuits corresponding to the plurality of groups, and for outputting the information, and a capacitive load for each one of the detectors are formulated to be dispersedly arranged.

Abstract: A sensor array for detecting the approach and movement gestures of a user at a motor vehicle includes a capacitive sensor array and at least one control device that is coupled to the sensor array and detects a change in the capacitance of the sensor array. The sensor array includes at least two sensor electrode arrays which are arranged at spatially offset positions on the motor vehicle. The sensor electrodes are configured as elongate electrode arrays and are arranged with the same spatial orientation. The control and evaluation device is designed for cyclical activation and evaluation of the sensor electrodes with changeable, electrode-specific, different cycle rates.

Abstract: A system may include at least one sensor configured to detect at least one vital signal, wherein the sensor is positioned proximate to a driver within a vehicle seat. At least one contact element may be configured to detect at least one reference signal, wherein the contact element surrounds a vehicle steering wheel. At least one resistor may be coupled to the at least one sensor and configured to receive the reference signal from the contact element.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a method may include measuring a first capacitance of a sample at a first frequency using a measurement system, measuring a second capacitance of the sample at a second frequency using the measurement system, calculating a ratio of the first capacitance to the second capacitance, and determining a formation water resistivity or conductivity of the sample using the ratio.

Abstract: Sensor extensions are a way of connecting capacitive sensors to a system using capacitive coupling rather than a conductive connection. Sensor extensions enable many unique applications. For example, a sensing system can be designed to support interchangeable sensor modules without exposed metal contacts. In another application, multi-layer sensor assemblies can be implemented without requiring connections between layers (“vias”), simplifying routing and allowing the area of touch sensors to be expanded. In yet another application, product packaging can include sensors that are extensions of the product's sensors. In-store display solutions can use the technique to make products on display touch-sensitive.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to sensor systems and methods for rapidly detecting a direction of rotation. In one embodiment, a sensor system is configured to identify positive and negative peaks of both speed and direction signals and to evaluate a sequential order of the peaks. A direction of rotation can be identified rapidly from the evaluation of the sequential order of peaks.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement has a transmitting electrode configured to generate a quasi-static alternating electric field which extends into an observation area, a first electrode extending in a first direction and configured to be connected to an evaluation device as a receiving electrode, and a second electrode extending in a second direction different from the first direction wherein for evaluating disturbances of the quasi-static alternating electric field an enhanced sensitivity profile is obtained by combining the first and second electrode.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a substrate, a touch sensor, and a cover lens. The touch sensor is disposed on the substrate. A conductive mesh forms portions of the touch sensor, and the conductive mesh comprises fine lines of metal. The cover lens is coupled to the touch sensor and is at most 0.55 mm thick.

Abstract: A device for evaluating the internal dielectric behavior of a structure with a capacitive sensor and a method of using such a device. The device allows a user to measure the internal dielectric behavior of a wooden structure and to derive a density profile for that structure from the determined dielectric behavior. The condition profile allows the user of the device to locate regions of altered condition within a structure to determine whether that structure has suffered from internal decay, pre-rot, rot, or other forms of damage. The minimally-invasive device avoids the need for more damaging and destructive modes of analysis of the wooden structure and is able to provide accurate and repeatable measurements of the structure's density and moisture content, obviating the need for more complex and expensive equipment and techniques.

Abstract: In embodiments of an off-center sensor target region, a capacitive sensor can include a target region that is located off-center relative to a center of the sensor. A touch input to the target region of the capacitive sensor can be determined to be valid sensor input and a touch contact that correlates to the center of the capacitive sensor can be determined to be false sensor input. The target region of the capacitive sensor can correspond to a selectable control that is selectable by a user to initiate a device function.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a housing and circuitry carried by the housing. The electronic device may also include a finger sensing device carried by the housing and coupled to the circuitry. The finger sensing device may include a mounting substrate, and a semiconductor interposer having a lower surface adjacent the mounting substrate. The finger sensing device may also include a plurality of semiconductor finger sensing die on an upper surface of the semiconductor interposer in side-by-side and abutting relation, and defining a finger sensing surface to receive at least one finger thereon.

Abstract: An internal sampling capacitor of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in a digital device is charged to a reference voltage, then some of the voltage charge on the internal sampling capacitor is transferred to an external unknown capacitor through a low resistance switch internal to the digital device. After the charge transfer has stabilized, the voltage charge remaining on the internal sampling capacitor is measured. The difference between the known reference voltage and the voltage remaining on the internal sampling capacitor is used to determine the capacitance value of the external capacitor. Alternatively, the external capacitor may be charged to a reference voltage then the external capacitor is coupled to the internal sampling capacitor, e.g., having no charge or a known charge on it, and the resulting voltage charge on the internal sampling capacitor is measured and used for determining the capacitance value of the external capacitor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrostatic capacitance input device including: an input region of a substrate, in which a plurality of input position detection electrodes are provided; a plurality of wires that are electrically connected to the plurality of input position detection electrodes and extend outside the input region of the substrate; and a shield electrode that overlaps the wires on the input operation side.

Abstract: A capacitance-to-voltage interface circuit is utilized to obtain a voltage corresponding to a detected capacitance differential, which may be associated with the operation of a capacitive sensing cell. The interface circuit includes a capacitive sensing cell, an operational amplifier adapted for selective coupling to the capacitive sensing cell, a feedback capacitor for the operational amplifier, a load capacitor for the operational amplifier, and a switching architecture associated with the capacitive sensing cell, the operational amplifier, the feedback capacitor, and the load capacitor. During use, the switching architecture reconfigures the capacitance-to-voltage interface circuit for operation in a plurality of different phases. The different operational phases enable the single operational amplifier to be used for both capacitance-to-voltage conversion and voltage amplification.

Abstract: A sensing surface is presented for use in monitoring a three dimensional behavior of one or more objects above the surface. The sensing surface is associated with a self-capacitance sensor and comprises a plurality of self-capacitive sensing pads located on a single layer. The sensing surface is configured for providing measured data indicative of a three-dimensional behavior of one or more objects over an active area of the sensing surface. The pattern of the pads is configured such that each sensing pad can be connected to an edge of the sensing surface on said single layer. The technique further enables the use of a capacitive sensor comprising the sensing surface.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed which can provide an indication of oil quality by measuring a capacitive property of the oil. The methods and/or devices may use a sample acquisition probe comprising a microvolume oil acquisition basin with a capacitive sensing element that is located on the floor of the basin and that is laterally bounded by an oleophilic wetting feature. The methods may involve immersing a sample acquisition probe at least partially into a supply of oil and withdrawing the probe from the supply of oil such that a microvolume oil sample is retained within a microvolume oil acquisition basin of the probe, and measuring a capacitive property of the microvolume oil sample with a capacitive sensing element that is located in the basin.

Abstract: A transducer includes a plurality of electrodes and a dielectric shuttle. The dielectric shuttle passes between a subset of the electrodes, modifying the capacitance between them. By measuring the capacitance of subsets of the electrodes, the position of the dielectric shuttle may be determined.

Abstract: An input apparatus capable of improving detection sensitivity in detecting operations using a capacitive sensing method. An operation member is operated to change the positional relationship between a substrate and a conducive member. In the conductive member, a first part whose facing area facing an earth electrode of the substrate does not change even when the positional relationship between the substrate and the conducive member changes, and second parts whore facing area facing detecting electrodes of the substrate changes in response to a change in the positional relationship between the substrate and the conducive member are formed. The substrate or the conducive member is formed so that when the facing area of the second parts facing the detecting electrodes reaches the maximum, the facing area of the second parts facing the detecting electrodes can be equal to the facing area of the first part facing the earth electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a functional area of an electronic textile (100;200). The electronic textile comprises a textile substrate having a first plurality of conductors (108a-b;202a-d), a second plurality of conductors (104a-c;204a-d), and a plurality of capacitors (112;212a-p), each capacitor comprising a conductor from the first plurality of conductors (108a-b;202a-d) and a conductor from the second plurality of conductors (104a-c;204a-d), separated by a dielectric (103a), the capacitors (112;212a-p) being distributed across substantially an entire surface of the electronic textile, wherein each capacitor (112;212a-p) has a capacitance of at least 10 pF.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for touch/proximity detection, especially a capacitive switch device, which is designed to set switching states by approaching the switch device or by touching the switch device, in order to perform, for example, switching actions on an instrument. The invention also relates to a switch device, especially a switch device on a capacitive basis, for a cooktop, for operating the cooktop.

Abstract: An apparatus for capacitively measuring changes has a sensor (S) with a sensor-active region. The sensor has at least one transmitting electrode, which generates an electric field, and a further electrode (13) which is capacitively coupled to the transmitting electrode (15), wherein the transmitting electrode (15) is arranged between the further electrode (13) and an element (11) which is at a reference potential. An output of a driver/evaluation unit (5.0) is coupled to the transmitting electrode (15) and an input of the driver/evaluation unit (5.0) is coupled at high impedance to the further electrode (13), an electric field forming between the further electrode (13) and a reference potential on account of the electric field, generated by the transmitting electrode (15), between the transmitting electrode (15) and the further electrode (13). A change in the capacitance between the further electrode (13) and the reference potential is thus detected using the driver/evaluation unit (5.0).

Abstract: A device and method for operating a capacitive input device configured to sense input objects and their applied force in a sensing region, the device including a pliable component having an input surface and characterized by a bending stiffness, and first and second arrays of sensor electrodes. The input device further includes a third array of sensor electrodes and a spacing layer disposed between the third array. The pliable component is characterized by a compressive stiffness and configured to deform in response to a force applied to the input surface and to deflect the second array of sensor electrodes towards the third array of sensor electrodes, wherein the deformation of the input surface and the deflection of the second array of sensor electrodes is a function of the ratio of the bending stiffness of the pliable component and the compressive stiffness of the spacing layer.