Abstract: A multi-purpose detection circuit for object detection and vehicle position determination is described. For example, the circuit is configurable for detecting foreign metallic objects, living objects, and a vehicle or type of vehicle above an inductive wireless power transmitter. The circuit is also configurable for determining the vehicle's position relative to the inductive wireless power transmitter. An example apparatus includes a measurement circuit including a multiplexer, electrically connected to a plurality of inductive and capacitive sense circuits, for measuring one or more electrical characteristics in each of the inductive and capacitive sense circuits according to a predetermined time multiplexing scheme.

Abstract: A fluid fitting is provided that is mechanically attached to a pipe, including a coupling body having an inner surface defining a bore for receiving the pipe therein. A ring is positioned to fit over the at least one end of the coupling body for mechanically attaching the coupling body to the pipe, and a main seal formed on the inner surface of the coupling body to engage the pipe. When installed, the ring and coupling body apply a compressive force to the main seal sufficient to attach the pipe to the coupling body in a non-leaking manner. An electrically operated sensor device is fixed to a surface of one of the coupling body or ring that, when the ring is installed on the coupling body, produces an electrical parameter in response to physical movement of the coupling body or ring to which the sensor device is fixed.

Abstract: Aspects of various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to applications utilizing oscillator circuits. In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes an oscillator circuit having one or more capacitors. The oscillator circuit is configured to generate an oscillating signal by repeated charging and discharging of the capacitors. The apparatus also includes a control circuit connected to the oscillator. The control circuit is configured to set the oscillation frequency of the oscillator circuit as a non-linear function of an input control signal. For instance, in a more specific embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to set oscillation frequency of the oscillator circuit to a frequency scaled by a value raised to an exponent specified by the input control signal.

Abstract: A wetness sensor includes a substrate that carries a tuned RF circuit. The circuit includes a conductive pattern applied to the substrate, a capacitor, and a jumper all disposed on a same side of the substrate. The conductive pattern includes an inductive coil, and an inner and outer terminus. The jumper electrically couples the inner terminus to the outer terminus. The jumper also includes a frangible link which, when contacted by a target fluid, produces a drastic change in the operation of the RF circuit. The drastic change can be interpreted by a remote reader as a “wet” condition. Contact of the frangible link by the target fluid may change the impedance or resistance of the RF circuit by at least a factor of 5, 10, 100, or more, and/or may cause the frangible link to disintegrate to produce an open circuit, and/or may substantially render the RF circuit inoperative.

Abstract: The invention provides a capacitive sensor circuit in which a capacitance to be sensed is selectively coupled into a ring oscillator circuit. The ring oscillator frequency is measured with the capacitance coupled and not coupled, and a capacitance is derived from the change in ring oscillator frequency.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for determining a dielectric property of a first substance in a composition in a non-invasive manner. The composition includes at least the first substance to be measured and a second substance. The method uses and apparatus includes a capacitor for creating a field into which the composition can be introduced at least in part, where the capacitor is part of an oscillator circuit, and the oscillator circuit is coupled to a device for determining the resonance frequency of the oscillator circuit. The capacitor includes a layer of a non-conducting material such that the composition, when introduced at least in part into the field of the capacitor, does not come into an electrical contact with the electrodes of the capacitor.

Abstract: A powder sensor includes a piezoelectric element, an oscillator circuit, a phase determination circuit, and a powder presence/absence determination circuit. The oscillator circuit applies to the piezoelectric element an output signal having a frequency equal to or near a resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element. The phase determination circuit determines phase of a terminal voltage of the piezoelectric element relative to phase of the output signal from the oscillator circuit. The powder presence/absence determination circuit determines that powder is absent if the phase determination circuit determines, n consecutive times (where “n” is an arbitrary integer satisfying n?2), that the phase of the terminal voltage of the piezoelectric element, relative to the phase of the output signal from the oscillator circuit, satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A corrosion detection sensor embedded within a concrete structure. The sensor includes a hermetically sealed resonant circuit that is a resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuit. The sensor further includes a sacrificial transducer that is inductively or capacitively coupled to the resonant circuit, where the sacrificial transducer is exposed to an environment outside the sensor to monitor corrosion of steel reinforcement in the concrete structure. Additionally, the sensor includes a protective cementitious housing surrounding the resonant circuit and the sacrificial transducer. The sensor further includes a diffusion layer placed over the sacrificial transducer, where the diffusion layer enables a dispersion of a chemical species over the sacrificial transducer. In this manner, a more uniform distribution of the chemical species over the surface of the sacrificial transducer mitigating the localized corrosion is ensured. Furthermore, such a design is less susceptible to false positives.

Abstract: A device, a system and a method for detecting an irregularity in a structure of an aircraft are proposed. The device includes a resonant circuit with a resonance frequency and a probe for tuning the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit. The resonant circuit and the probe are operatively connected in such a way that the probe changes the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit if the structure changes due to a formation of an irregularity.

Abstract: A substrate including a sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit includes a coil wound at least once arranged on the surface of the sensor or embedded within and near the surface thereof. With such an arrangement, an electric current that corresponds to information with respect to the substrate (e.g., the temperature of the substrate or the amount of charge stored in the substrate) flows through the coil.

Abstract: An electronic ink cartridge includes, in a direction of a central axis within a cylindrical body, a core body extended out from a distal end of the cylindrical body, a coupling member disposed on a side of a proximal end of the cylindrical body, a coil housed between the core body and the coupling member and having a predetermined inductance, and a pressure sensitive element whose capacitance changes according to pressure applied to the core body. Two terminals of the coil are electrically connected respectively to two terminals of the pressure sensitive element to thereby form two terminals of a resonance circuit formed by the coil and the pressure sensitive element. A connecting terminal electrically connected to at least one of the two terminals of the resonance circuit is disposed on a proximal end surface side of the coupling member to be accessible thereon from outside.

Abstract: Provided by the invention is a sensor device for the detection of touch or approach of an object. A server circuit of the sensor device according to the invention is formed in such a manner, that the server circuit alone (i.e. without co-operation with a client circuit) may be used as approaching sensor, at the same time however also together with one or several client circuits may be implemented a sensor network, in which the client circuits preferably are fed with energy with the electric field of the server electrode.

Abstract: Incremental angular capacitive displacement transducer comprising movable (1) and fixed (2) dielectric plates, sections of electrode (3), jointed by means of inter-section electrical connections and situated on side of fixed (2) dielectric plate facing movable (1) dielectric plate, sections of two electrodes (4, 5) located on side of movable (1) dielectric plate facing fixed (2) dielectric plate, and signal conversion unit (6). Movable (1) and fixed (2) plates are executed in the form of discs.

Abstract: An occupant detection system that includes an electrode arranged proximate to an expected location of an occupant for generating an electric field between the electrode and the occupant proximate thereto. An electrical network coupled to the electrode forms a resonant circuit that includes the occupant as part of the resonant circuit. A controller coupled to the resonant circuit is configured to determine a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit indicative of an occupant presence, and a network signal magnitude at the resonant frequency indicative of a humidity value proximate to the electrode. 7. A method for detecting a vehicle applies an excitation signal to the resonant circuit, determine a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit and determines a humidity value based on a network signal magnitude at the resonant frequency.

Abstract: A powder sensor includes a piezoelectric element, an oscillator circuit, a phase determination circuit, and a powder presence/absence determination circuit. The oscillator circuit applies to the piezoelectric element an output signal having a frequency equal to or near a resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element. The phase determination circuit determines phase of a terminal voltage of the piezoelectric element relative to phase of the output signal from the oscillator circuit. The powder presence/absence determination circuit determines that powder is absent if the phase determination circuit determines, n consecutive times (where “n” is an arbitrary integer satisfying n?2), that the phase of the terminal voltage of the piezoelectric element, relative to the phase of the output signal from the oscillator circuit, satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A detection circuit for detecting changes in capacitance. The detection circuit includes a tuned ratio circuit and an alternating current (AC) source AC-coupled to the tuned ratio circuit. The tuned ratio circuit includes first and second tuned circuits that are tuned to, or close, to the frequency of the AC source. Output circuitry is coupled between the two tuned circuits. During use as a transducer, an active capacitive transducer is inductively coupled to the first tuned circuit. Changes in the capacitance of the active capacitive transducer cause changes in the tuning of the first tuned circuit. The output circuitry generates an output signal that is a function of the difference between the tunings of the first and second tuned circuits.

Abstract: An electronic sensor for determining if a metal hose connector is fully snapped into its mating plastic connector. This sensor detects the metal hose in position by having a coil in position over the plastic connector and at the end of the metal hose when it is in correct position. The metal of the hose interacts with the magnetic field of the coil to both increase the inductance and greatly reduce the ‘Q’ because of the “shorted turn” effect of the round metal hose. The sensor inherently detects faults in its own circuit because of the comparator voltage window. Faults such as an open coil, oscillator or rectifier failure will appear at the output as “hose disconnected” which is the desirable failure mode. The invention also detects external faults because of the two non-zero, non-line voltages seen during normal operation.

Abstract: A sensor interface circuit is provided for resolving sensor signals from a plurality of sensors into a digital sensor signal, the sensor interface circuit comprising: a relaxation oscillator for receiving and pre-processing the sensor signals to generate an analog sensor signal, the relaxation oscillator comprising one or more dynamic circuits; and a monitoring module for receiving the analog sensor signal and generating the digital sensor signal in response thereto. There is also provided a sensor system front-end and a relaxation oscillator.

Abstract: A handrail with handrail elements is moved past a sensor support with at least one sensor. Each handrail element has, for example, a collar, which extends into the adjacent handrail element. The handrail elements, which are pivotably fastened to a second transport chain, can move relative to the adjacent handrail elements without a gap then arising between two adjacent handrail elements. Merely a segment groove with such a small depth that fingers are not caught arises between two adjacent handrail elements. The sensor can recognize each segment groove as well as defective handrail elements. Operating magnitudes such as speed, acceleration and deceleration of the handrail are ascertainable and/or risk-laden operating states are recognizable by means of the sensor signal.

Abstract: A method of non-destructive testing for quality control of powdered materials having dielectric properties based on the use of electromagnetic capacitance techniques.

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: A configurable PSRO measurement circuit is used to measure the frequency dependent capacitance of a target through silicon via (TSV) or other conductive structure. Measurements of the target structure are aided by using adjustable resistors and a de-embedding structure to measure the effects of parasitic capacitance, CPAR. Current is measured to both the device under test (DUT) and the de-embedding structure. From these measurements, the frequency dependent capacitance of the DUT is calculated.

Abstract: Method and related device intended for rapid non-destructive testing of powdered materials with low electric conductivity such as cement and cement-based compositions through determination of their electrical properties. The invention involves an electromagnetic method, including an electronic circuit for generating an electric field in a capacitance probe that is inserted into the powder to be tested. Electrical properties of powdered materials are determined on the basis of a set of the values for a set of parameters including quality factor (Q-factor), capacitance, dissipation factor, and dielectric permeability of the material. These parameter values can be related to such characteristics as moisture content, particle size, and material composition. The method and device can indicate the differences between the samples with various quantities of unwanted components or reaction products, and the extent of sample aging.

Abstract: Provided by the invention is a sensor device for the detection of touch or approach of an object. A server circuit of the sensor device according to the invention is formed in such a manner, that the server circuit alone (i.e. without co-operation with a client circuit) may be used as approaching sensor, at the same time however also together with one or several client circuits may be implemented a sensor network, in which the client circuits preferably are fed with energy with the electric field of the server electrode.

Abstract: An electronic sensor for determining if a metal hose connector is fully snapped into its mating plastic connector. This sensor detects the metal hose in position by having a coil in position over the plastic connector and at the end of the metal hose when it is in correct position. The metal of the hose interacts with the magnetic field of the coil to both increase the inductance and greatly reduce the ‘Q’ because of the “shorted turn” effect of the round metal hose. The sensor inherently detects faults in its own circuit because of the comparator voltage window. Faults such as an open coil, oscillator or rectifier failure will appear at the output as “hose disconnected” which is the desirable failure mode. The invention also detects external faults because of the two non-zero, non-line voltages seen during normal operation.

Abstract: A liquid level, composition and contamination sensor generates an RF signal across a resonant circuit that includes a variable inductor and capacitor. The resulting electromagnetic radiation is propagated into the liquid and changes in impedance and resonance of the resonant circuit that result from changes in the conductivity and dielectric properties of the liquid, which are proportional to liquid content and volume, are detected. The conductivity and dielectric properties of the liquid are measured, based on the changed impedance and resonance of the resonant circuit, and are compared to determine aging and contamination of the urea solution by other liquids. Also, an optical sensor may be submerged in the liquid to determine the refractive index of the liquid. The refractive index of the liquid may be used to determine: if the liquid is water or a urea solution; the concentration of a urea solution.

Abstract: Techniques for ultra-sensitive detection are provided. In one aspect, a detection device is provided. The detection device comprises a source; a drain; a nanowire comprising a semiconductor material having a first end clamped to the source and a second end clamped to the drain and suspended freely therebetween; and a gate in close proximity to the nanowire.

Abstract: A capaciatance detector is provided, which outputs an electric signal dependent on the capacitance present on an object to be measured. The capaciatance detector includes a measurement terminal to be disposed in contact with or in proximity to the object being measured; an impedance conversion circuit connected to the measurement terminal to form a resonant circuit; a reference phase oscillator for supplying a reference phase signal at a constant frequency to the resonant circuit; phase comparison means for outputting, as a capacitance detected signal, a phase difference signal indicative of the phase difference between a resonant signal, which is extracted from the resonant circuit in response to the reference phase signal being applied to the resonant circuit, and the reference phase signal; and resonance frequency regulation means for regulating the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit based on the phase difference signal.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor with at least one reference impedance and at least one measuring condenser (5), with at least one electrical alternating signal source (6), with a current supply network as well as with an analysis unit (7) in which the reference impedance and the measuring condenser (5) are connected via the current supply network to the alternating signal source (6) and the analysis unit (7) in such a way that the charge and discharge currents of the reference impedance and the measuring condenser (5) can be analyzed—at least partially—by the analysis unit (7). The capacitive sensor avoids—at least partially—drawbacks in the known capacitive sensors in that the reference impedance can be tuned.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor with at least one reference impedance (2) and at least one measuring condenser (3), at least one electrical alternating signal source (4), a current supply network (5) and an analysis unit (6) in which the reference impedance (2) and the measuring condenser (3) are connected via the current supply network (5) to the alternating signal source (4) and the analysis unit (6) in such a way that the charge and discharge currents of the reference impedance (2) and the measuring condenser (3) and/or an analysis signal from the analysis unit (6) that characterizes the charge and discharge currents of the reference impedance (2) and the measuring condenser (3) can be analyzed. As a result, the reference impedance (2) can be tuned. The capacitive sensor avoids—at least partially—drawbacks in the capacitive sensors known from the prior art in that the reference impedance can be tuned.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, motor-tuned nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probes may be tuned manually without overcoming the tuning motor holding force. An NMR probe includes a switchable manual-mode/motor-driven mode capacitance-adjustment assembly for adjusting the capacitance of a variable capacitor connected to an NMR RF coil. The capacitance-adjustment assembly includes a tuning shaft coupled to the variable capacitor through a gear assembly, and a mode-switching coupler coupled to the tuning shaft. The mode-switching coupler includes a first terminal coupled to a piezoelectric motor, and a second terminal coupled to the tuning shaft. In the manual mode, a user pushes up the tuning shaft, decoupling the two terminals of the mode-switching coupler and thus decoupling the motor from the tuning shaft. The user then manually rotates the tuning shaft. In the motor-driven mode, a spring tensioner presses the two terminals of the mode-switching coupler together, coupling the motor to the tuning shaft.

Abstract: The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency or set of frequencies and a predetermined amplitude. The energizing signal is coupled to the sensor via magnetic coupling and induces a current in the sensor which oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor via magnetic coupling and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate the measured physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal.

Abstract: A ventricular shunt systems and methods of preventing hydrocephalus are described herein. In one aspect, the ventricular shunt system has at least one pressure sensor that is configured to be selectively electromagnetically coupled to an ex-vivo source of RF energy and is variable in response to the pressure in a patient's ventricle.

Abstract: Method and related device intended for rapid non-destructive testing of powdered materials with low electric conductivity such as cement and cement-based compositions through determination of their electrical properties. The invention involves an electromagnetic method, including an electronic circuit for generating an electric field in a capacitance probe that is inserted into the powder to be tested. Electrical properties of powdered materials are determined on the basis of a set of the values for a set of parameters including quality factor (Q-factor), capacitance, dissipation factor, and dielectric permeability of the material. These parameter values can be related to such characteristics as moisture content, particle size, and material composition. The method and device can indicate the differences between the samples with various quantities of unwanted components or reaction products, and the extent of sample ageing.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting the presence, position or the approach of an object in an observation area, the circuit has a sensor electrode assembly with an electrode that forms part of a capacitor system whose capacitance relative to a reference potential (e.g. ground) is dependent on the presence, position or approach of objects in the observation area. An evaluation circuit coupled to the sensor electrode detects a phase shift of the capacitance of the condenser system. An LC network is coupled to the capacitor system, and an oscillator connected to the electrode applies a frequency to the system formed by including the electrode and the LC network at a frequency within the range of a parallel resonance frequency of the LC network.

Abstract: A method for detecting capacitor variation in a device comprises operating an oscillator in the device, the oscillator being an Inductive-Capacitive (LC) oscillator and including an inductor of known value and a capacitor under test, comparing an output of the oscillator to a reference output, and evaluating variation for a plurality of capacitors in the device based on the comparing.

Abstract: A method and a measurement apparatus are provided for determining the transition impedance between two electrode parts of a subdivided neutral electrode used in high-frequency surgery. These makes it possible for the purely capacitive component of the transition impedance to be measured. For this purpose a resonant-frequency shift is measured, which occurs when a basic resonant circuit is expanded to an expanded resonant circuit by incorporating the two electrode parts into it in parallel. In particular, in order to determine the basic resonant frequency of the basic resonant circuit and/or the sample resonant frequency of the expanded resonant circuit, the phase shift between current and voltage is measured and the frequency is adjusted until current and voltage are in phase.

Abstract: A method and a measurement apparatus are provided for determining the transition impedance between two electrode parts of a subdivided neutral electrode used in high-frequency surgery. These makes it possible for the purely capacitive component of the transition impedance to be measured. For this purpose a resonant-frequency shift is measured, which occurs when a basic resonant circuit is expanded to an expanded resonant circuit by incorporating the two electrode parts into it in parallel. In particular, in order to determine the basic resonant frequency of the basic resonant circuit and/or the sample resonant frequency of the expanded resonant circuit, the phase shift between current and voltage is measured and the frequency is adjusted until current and voltage are in phase.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor with at least one reference impedance and at least one measuring condenser (5), with at least one electrical alternating signal source (6), with a current supply network as well as with an analysis unit (7) in which the reference impedance and the measuring condenser (5) are connected via the current supply network to the alternating signal source (6) and the analysis unit (7) in such a way that the charge and discharge currents of the reference impedance and the measuring condenser (5) can be analyzed—at least partially—by the analysis unit (7). The capacitive sensor avoids—at least partially—drawbacks in the known capacitive sensors in that the reference impedance can be tuned.

Abstract: In a method for measuring an electronic device which is an object to be measured, a passive element is connected to the electronic device in parallel, and electric parameters of the electronic device are extracted by measuring an impedance of the entire circuit.

Abstract: A variable capacitor, a microfabricated implantable pressure sensor including a variable capacitor and an inductor, and related pressure measurement and implantation methods. The inductor may have a fixed or variable inductance. A variable capacitor and pressure sensors include a flexible member that is disposed on a substrate and defines a chamber. Capacitor elements extend indirectly from the flexible member. Sufficient fluidic pressure applied to an exterior surface of the flexible member causes the flexible member to move or deform, thus causing the capacitance and/or inductance to change. Resulting changes in resonant frequency or impedance can be detected to determine pressure, e.g., intraocular pressure.

Abstract: An operation section 2 is provided to a proximity sensor including: a detection section having an oscillation circuit 10; and an amplification section 2 having a function detecting a metal body using an oscillation amplitude of the oscillation circuit 10. In a set mode, when an operation to set an adjustment value for a sensitivity adjustment (a sensitivity adjustment value) is conducted in an operation section 22, CPU 20 generates a sensitivity adjustment signal in digital quantity indicating the sensitivity adjustment value and outputs the signal to a D/A converter 25. The sensitivity adjustment signal digital-to-analog converted by the D/A converter 25 is given to a feedback circuit 13 through a voltage adjustment circuit 26. Since the feedback circuit 13 is designed so as to change a feedback current quantity according to an applied voltage, a current with a magnitude matching a value the sensitivity adjustment signal is fed back to a resonance circuit 11 to thereby control an oscillation amplitude.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a capacitive sensing system, comprising a sensing conductor coupleable to a grounded target by a gap capacitance Cd, said grounded target separated from said sensing conductor by a gap having a width. The capacitive sensing system also comprises a circuit connected to said sensing conductor, an input signal having an input frequency fosc provided to said circuit through an input resistance Rd, an output signal of said circuit having an output voltage varying linearly with the width of the gap when the impedance of the gap capacitance 1/(2?foscCd) approaches or exceeds the input resistance Rd.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor is disclosed that includes a variable capacitor transducer that varies its capacitance with changes in an environmental parameter. The present invention is adapted to measure any linear parameter such as pressure, force, or distance. The sensor of the present invention is compact, inexpensive to make, and easily fabricated using commonly available components. Furthermore, it is not susceptible to errors caused by vibration, acceleration, and its orientation to the earth's gravitational field. The output of the capacitive sensor does not substantially drift with changes in temperature.

Abstract: A method for tracking the MOS oxide thickness by the native threshold voltage of a “native” MOS transistor without channel implantation for the purpose of compensating MOS capacitance variations is achieved. The invention makes use of the fact that in MOS devices the threshold voltage is proportionally correlated to the oxide thickness of said MOS device. The threshold voltage can therefore be used to build a reference voltage Vx+Vth which accurately tracks the MOS capacitance variations in integrated circuits. Circuits are achieved to create a frequency reference and a capacitance reference using said method Additionally a method is introduced to create a capacitance reference in integrated circuits using said MOSFET capacitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell culture chamber (10) having a sterile environment (12) for the culture of cells, a cover (14) for allowing for a transfer of pits and a sensor array.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor is disclosed that includes a variable capacitor transducer that varies its capacitance with changes in an environmental parameter. The present invention is adapted to measure any linear parameter such as pressure, force, or distance. The sensor the present invention is compact, inexpensive to make, and easily fabricated using commonly available components. Furthermore, it is not susceptible to errors caused by vibration, acceleration, and its orientation to the earth's gravitational field. The output of the capacitive sensor does not substantially drift with changes in temperature.

Abstract: A method for tracking the MOS oxide thickness by the native threshold voltage of a “native” MOS transistor without channel implantation for the purpose of compensating MOS capacitance variations is achieved. The invention makes use of the fact that in MOS devices the threshold voltage is proportionally correlated to the oxide thickness of said MOS device. Said threshold voltage can therefore be used to build a reference voltage Vx+Vth which accurately tracks the MOS capacitance variations in integrated circuits. Circuits are achieved to create a frequency reference and a capacitance reference using said method. Additionally a method is introduced to create a capacitance reference in integrated circuits using said MOSFET capacitors.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for synchronous demodulation of the multiply modulated rotation rate signal of a rotation rate sensor which comprises a spring-mass system that oscillates at its natural resonant frequency, and at least one capacitor for ascertaining a Coriolis effect acting on the spring-mass system or a rotation rate, the rotation rate being ascertained by a time-variable capacitance change, brought about by the rotation rate, of the at least one capacitor by multiple demodulation of a multiply modulated electrical signal that comprises a time-variable first electrical signal and a second electrical signal, overlaid thereon, at the natural resonant frequency of the rotation rate sensor, the amplitude of the second electrical signal of the time-variable capacitance change of the at least one capacitor being correspondingly modulated.

Abstract: A clock signal generator in an integrated circuit semiconductor device and a method of generating a clock signal, the clock signal generator comprising: a semiconductor substrate (2); an oscillator unit (4) which comprises at least one support member (10, 12) which is fixed relative to the substrate (2), an oscillator arm (6) which is oscillatably disposed to the at least one support member (10, 12) with regard a reference position, which oscillator arm (6) includes first and second conductive sections (6a, 6b) at positions extended from the at least one support member (10, 12), and at least one biasing element (14, 16) for biasing the oscillator arm (6) towards the reference position; a driver (18) which is disposed at the substrate (2) in spaced relation adjacent one of the conductive sections (6a) of the oscillator arm (6), which driver (18) is configured in use to drive the one of the conductive sections (6a) of the oscillator arm (6) towards or away therefrom when an electrical signal is applied thereto;