With Comparison Or Difference Circuit Patents (Class 324/705)
  • Patent number: 11946963
    Abstract: A controller circuit is configured to receive, from a first device, a first node voltage measured at a first node by the first device at a first time when a first current flows between the first node and a second node and receive, from a second device, a second node voltage measured at a second node by the second device at a second time when a second current flows between the first node and the second node, wherein the first time is different from the second time. The controller circuit is further configured to, responsive to a determination that the first current corresponds to the second current, calculate, using the first node voltage and the second node voltage, a resistance value for one or more electrical components electrically connecting the first node and the second node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Andre Mourrier, Vincent Usseglio
  • Patent number: 11881708
    Abstract: A system includes a generator. Three AC feeders are connected for feeding AC output from the generator. A rectifier is electrically connected to the three AC feeders and to a load via a first DC feeder and a second DC feeder. A first resistor connects between a first one of the DC feeders and ground. A first voltage sensor is operatively connected to detect voltage across the first resistor. A second resistor connects between the second DC feeder and ground. A second voltage sensor is operatively connected to detect voltage across the second resistor. A controller is configured to monitor for changes in common mode voltage based on the input from the first sensor and from the second sensor, and to determine presence of a fault if change in the common mode voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Kyle Stephen Ives, Michael C. Harke, Tom A. Utecht
  • Patent number: 11721975
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling microgrids composed of inverter-based distributed generation (IBDG) units. This includes a method using multiple IBDGs to inject impedance-modulated harmonic currents during fault conditions, with each IBDG injecting a unique, differentiable harmonic (i.e., non-fundamental) order from neighboring IBDGs. The method also involves using an inverse time-harmonic-current characteristic to detect faults by locally measuring the harmonic currents injected by IBDGs. A harmonic directional overcurrent relay is also used for fault detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: HIS MAJESTY THE KING IN RIGHT OF CANADA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Khaled Saleh, Ali Mehrizi-Sani
  • Patent number: 11687988
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for intermediating a used bicycle trade-in between a seller and a buyer, comprising a bicycle verifying part including a non-destructive testing or NDT module for verifying inside of a frame of a bicycle provided by the seller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: WRIGHTBROTHERS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hee Soo Kim, Byung Soo Kim, Sang Bum Kim
  • Patent number: 11688755
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes a light receiving circuit configured to convert light into an electrical signal, a first hold circuit configured to hold a data signal which represents the electrical signal, a second hold circuit configured to hold a noise signal read out from the light receiving circuit in a reset state, a first resistive element to which a voltage corresponding to a difference between the data signal held by the first hold circuit and the noise signal held by the second hold circuit is applied, an A/D converter configured to convert an analog current flowing in the first resistive element into digital data, a second resistive element, and a temperature detection circuit configured to generate, based on a current flowing in the second resistive element, an analog output corresponding to an internal temperature of the photoelectric conversion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11641243
    Abstract: A measuring device may include: a signal generator for generating a test signal; and a measurement control unit that inputs the generated test signal to a radio frequency (RF) chain including at least one circuit element, detects output signals of a first diode, a second diode, and a third diode which receive, as input signals, signals generated on the basis of a coupled signal for an input test signal of a circuit element of the at least one circuit element and a coupled signal for an output test signal of the circuit element, and measures an S-parameter for the circuit element on the basis of a component signal of the third frequency in the output signal of the first diode, a component signal of the third frequency in the output signal of the third diode, and the output signal of the second diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: POSTECH RESEARCH AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Hojin Song, Seunghoon Lee
  • Patent number: 11543279
    Abstract: Provided is a method for process monitoring in automation technology based at least on one capacitive and/or conductive measuring probe for determining at least one process variable of at least one medium in a container, an apparatus suitable for executing the method, as well as a computer program and a computer readable medium. The method includes method steps of ascertaining whether the measuring probe is at least partially in contact with the medium and registering as a function of time at least an electrical conductivity of the medium, a dielectric constant of the medium and/or a degree of coverage of the measuring probe by the medium. The method also includes a step of monitoring the process running within the container based on the electrical conductivity, the dielectric constant and/or the degree of coverage as a function of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser SE+Co. KG
    Inventors: Armin Wernet, Kaj Uppenkamp, Florian Falger
  • Patent number: 11525881
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating an impedance measurement device are provided. The impedance measurement device outputs a first AC signal to a phase-locked current generator. The phase-locked current generator generates a second AC signal having a phase that is locked to a phase of the first AC signal and having an amplitude that is representative of a presented impedance having a known impedance value. The phase-locked current generator outputs the second AC signal to the impedance measurement device. The impedance measurement device performs an impedance measurement based on the second AC signal to produce a measured impedance value associated with the presented impedance. The impedance measurement device is calibrated based on the measured impedance value and the known impedance value of the presented impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Liangzhu Chen, Songnan Fan, Lianqun Wu, Milen Todorakev, Jeff Gust
  • Patent number: 11525844
    Abstract: A current sensor includes a battery terminal portion that is conductive and is fastened to a battery post that extends along a first direction; a sensor unit that is located side by side with the battery terminal portion along a second direction that intersects the first direction and is electrically connected to the battery terminal portion to detect a current; and a housing that has an insulating property and embeds the sensor unit, in which the battery terminal portion includes a pair of plate-shaped portions, and the pair of plate-shaped portions are embedded in the housing with end portions on the sensor unit side in the second direction spaced apart from each other along the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasunori Kawaguchi, Yoshiyuki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 11442114
    Abstract: A power distribution monitoring system is provided that can include a number of features. The system can include a plurality of power line sensing devices configured to attach to individual conductors on a power grid distribution network. The sensing devices can be configured to measure and monitor, among other things, current values and waveforms, phase voltage, conductor current, phase-to-phase voltage, conductor temperatures, ambient temperatures, vibration, wind speed and monitoring device system diagnostics. Methods of installing and protecting the system are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Sentient Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Allen Saxby
  • Patent number: 11287448
    Abstract: Voltage divider assembly (1) for installation on a power conductor (100) inside a MV/HV switchgear in a power network of a national grid, operable to divide a voltage of the power conductor in a voltage-dividing sensor for sensing a voltage of the power conductor. The voltage divider assembly comprises a) conductive connecting means (180) for mechanically and electrically connecting the voltage divider assembly to the power conductor (100); and b) discrete impedance elements, electrically connected with the connecting means and in series with each other such as to be operable as a high-voltage side of the voltage-dividing sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jens Weichold
  • Patent number: 11146103
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a device configured to monitor a power grid determines whether a configuration of a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) of the device requires updating, the configuration comprising one or more digital signal processor (DSP) applications (apps), and updates the configuration when required. The device measures grid metrics of a power grid (e.g., voltage and current), and also determines GPS-based time for synchronizing zero crossing events of the grid metrics to the GPS-based time. According to the one or more DSP apps, the grid metrics can be processed by the device, and then the processed grid metrics and synchronized zero crossing events can be shared. In one specific embodiment, processing the grid metrics according to the one or more DSP apps comprises estimating an impedance of one or more individual circuit segments based on measured grid metric response to a transient event (e.g., active or passive events).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: University of Hawai'i
    Inventors: Kevin Lee Davies, Thai Tran, Saeed Sepasi, Leon Roy Roose
  • Patent number: 10962605
    Abstract: A method for detecting an insulation damage location in a reflux rail of a subway/coal mine and a transition resistance thereof includes the following steps: connecting a reflux rail to a negative electrode of a substation, selecting a location at a connecting point as a reference location, and mounting a potential detection apparatus at the reference location; mounting a travel distance detection apparatus and a traction current detection apparatus on a locomotive, traveling, by the locomotive, to the substation along the reflux rail, where the three detection apparatuses send respectively recorded data to a control unit; and determining, by the control unit, a potential jump from received potential data and a corresponding jump time, and determining a running distance of the locomotive at a jump moment and a total running length of the locomotive, so as to determine a ground insulation damage location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignees: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY, XUZHOU ZHONGMINE TRANSMISSION TRACK TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Shaoyi Xu, Fangfang Xing, Wei Li, Yuqiao Wang, Yao Chen, Hongyu Xue
  • Patent number: 10917086
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a power switch controller for driving a back-to-back power switch includes: an amplifier having a supply terminal configured to receive a supply voltage, an output configured to be coupled to a gate terminal of the back-to-back power switch, a first input configured to be coupled a source terminal of the back-to-back power switch, and a second input coupled to the output of the amplifier. The amplifier is configured to generate an output voltage at the output of the amplifier, the output voltage being an offset voltage higher than a voltage at the first input of the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (SHENZHEN) R&D CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Jian Wen, Hong Xia Li, Mei Yang
  • Patent number: 10852336
    Abstract: A method for islanding detection in an electrical power grid supplied by an electrical power source. The method includes measuring an output voltage (Vpcc) and a grid current (Ig) at an interconnection point of the power source with the power grid; estimating at least one grid parameter from the output voltage (Vpcc) and the grid current (Ig) based on optimizing a cost function, which minimizes a difference between the measured output voltage (Vpcc) and an estimated output voltage or a difference between the measured grid current (Ig) and an estimated grid current, which estimated output voltage or estimated output current is a function of the measured grid current (Ig) or the measured output voltage (Vpcc) and the least one estimated grid parameter; and detecting an islanding condition by detecting a jump and/or a deviation in the at least one estimated grid parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Silvia Mastellone, Peter Al-Hokayem, Pietro Raboni
  • Patent number: 10840281
    Abstract: A device that includes an analog-to-digital converter circuit and a control circuit is disclosed. The analog-to-digital converter circuit converts at least one of analog pixel output signals from a pixel array, to at least one of digital signals. The analog-to-digital converter circuit includes a comparator which generates a comparator output signal for operatively enabling and disabling, in accordance with a reference signal and an analog pixel output signal from the pixel array, a counter generating a digital signal. The control circuit disables, in accordance with the comparator output signal, the comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Yu Chou, Shang-Fu Yeh
  • Patent number: 10809863
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling a coordinate measuring apparatus including a first touch panel that detects a contact of a portion of a human body and a contact of a coordinate indicating apparatus, and a second touch panel for detecting an electromagnetic signal from the coordinate indicating apparatus. The method includes determining a detection state of the coordinate indicating apparatus based on the electromagnetic signal detected by the second touch panel; and determining an activated area of the first touch panel based on the detection state of the coordinate indicating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Soo Park, Gwan-Hyung Kim, Byung-Jik Kim
  • Patent number: 10661733
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an interaction method, an interaction apparatus and a vehicle-mounted device. The interaction method comprises: determining a holding position of at least one first hand and a holding pressure of at least one second hand on a steering wheel of a vehicle; and at least according to the holding position of the at least one first hand and the holding pressure of the at least one second hand, determining a target relative position. The embodiments of the present invention provide an interaction solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: BEIJING ZHIGU RUI TUO TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhengxiang Wang
  • Patent number: 10535612
    Abstract: A semiconductor device package includes a substrate, a first electronic component, a first package body, an electrical contact and a first conductive layer. The substrate has a first surface, a second surface and a lateral surface extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first electronic component is disposed on the first surface of the substrate. The first package body encapsulates the first electronic component. The electrical contact is disposed on the second surface of the substrate. The first conductive layer includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed on the first package body and the lateral surface of the substrate. The second portion contacts the electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 10317292
    Abstract: A two-wire resistance temperature detector (RTD) includes an RTD sensor having a sensor resistance that changes in correspondence with changes in the temperature of the RTD sensor. The two-wire RTD additionally includes a pair of leads electrically coupling the RTD sensor to a control unit having a pulse generator for generating a first current pulse and a second current pulse. The two-wire RTD also includes a switch electrically coupled between the pair of leads and operable in an open state when subjected to the first current pulse and operable in a closed state when subjected to the second current pulse. The open state causes the first current pulse to flow through the pair of leads and the RTD sensor. The closed state causes the second current pulse to flow through the pair of leads. The switch enables the control unit to determine the sensor resistance and corresponding sensor temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Amir Liaghati, Jordan Miller, David Rushing, John Blumer
  • Patent number: 10241141
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring resistance value may include a reference resistance including one end supplied with a first voltage and the other end connected with a target resistance; a variable voltage generating circuit for generating the first voltage varied according to temperature and supplying the first voltage to the one end of the reference resistance; and a signal processor for outputting resistance of the target resistance corresponding to a voltage outputted to the other end of the reference resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sang Hyeok Yang
  • Patent number: 10035539
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure set forth a technique for modifying different vehicle parameters based on bimanual input. The technique includes acquiring sensor data associated with a first finger and a second finger of a user. The technique further includes analyzing the sensor data to determine a first location of the first finger and a second location of the second finger. The technique further includes selecting a first vehicle parameter based on the first location of the first finger, and modifying the first vehicle parameter based on the second location of the second finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Davide Di Censo, Stefan Marti
  • Patent number: 9964573
    Abstract: A characteristic impedance of an electric transmission line is measured by way of extraction. In the method, a first probe and a second probe are provided, wherein the first probe and the second probe are separable and independently operable probes. A first characteristic impedance of a first circuit where a first terminal of the first probe and a first terminal of the second probe are directly interconnected to each other is first measured. Then a second characteristic impedance of a second circuit where the first terminal of the first probe and the first terminal of the second probe are connected to opposite terminals of the electric transmission line, respectively, is measured. The characteristic impedance of the electric transmission line can then be obtained according to the first characteristic impedance and the second characteristic impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: ALPHA NETWORKS INC.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsueh Chu, Rong-Fa Kuo
  • Patent number: 9797937
    Abstract: A carbon nanofiber aggregate (CNFA) system and method provides self-sensing capabilities that can be used to detect strain, moisture, and temperature changes. The CNFA may include cement, aggregate, silica fume, high-range water reducer (HRWR), and/or carbon nanofibers. The metal meshes in the CNFA may be utilized to monitor the electric properties of the CNFA to detect strain, moisture, and temperature changes. The CNFA may be embedded in concrete structures to allow detection of strain, moisture, and temperature changes that may cause damage to structures. Several metal meshes may be embedded in the CNFA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
    Inventors: Yi-Lung Mo, Rachel Howser, Hermant Dhonde, Gangbing Song
  • Patent number: 9448613
    Abstract: A voltage control circuit in an electronic device receives an actuator identification signal from a personality module of an actuator in the electronic device. The voltage control circuit determines, based on the actuator identification signal, an operating voltage for the actuator and providing a drive signal at the operating voltage to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Albert Liljegren, Hanh Thuy Phan, David Charles Buuck, John Aaron Zarraga
  • Patent number: 9429614
    Abstract: A system to detect whether a potentiometer is in an open circuit condition is disclosed. The system includes a potentiometer having an adjustable arm. A low pass filter is coupled to the adjustable arm. A controller has a first driver output coupled to a voltage input of the potentiometer and a second driver output coupled to the adjustable arm. The controller determines failure of the potentiometer by setting the first driver output to a high value. A first sample voltage from the adjustable arm is read and determined whether the first sample voltage is between a high and a low threshold value. The first driver output is set to a low value. A voltage is applied to the adjustable arm via the second driver output. A second sample is read from the adjustable input and it is determined whether the second sample is below an arm threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin Jefferies
  • Patent number: 9417099
    Abstract: In an aspect, a pinch sensor is provided, comprising: an elongate non-conductive casing enclosing first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes; the first and second electrodes being separated by a portion of the casing, a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode to provide a proximity indication of the obstacle to the pinch sensor; and, the second and third electrodes being separated by an air gap formed in the casing, a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the casing by the obstacle to provide a contact indication of the obstacle with the pinch sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventors: Liviu Bolbocianu, Rade Isailovic, Mirko Pribisic, Thomas Mellary, Alex Porat
  • Patent number: 9326693
    Abstract: A method, consisting of receiving respective electrocardiograph (ECG) signals from body-surface electrodes at respective locations in proximity to a heart of a subject. The ECG signals may be processed to generate respective signal parameters characteristic of positions of the body-surface electrodes with respect to the heart, and the respective locations may be adjusted so as to achieve a specified geometrical relationship between the body-surface electrodes and the heart in response to the respective signal parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventor: Shaul Haim Raz
  • Patent number: 9316680
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment relates to a method for detecting a failure on a differential bus. The method may include: determining an allowed voltage range of the differential bus based on a minimum load and a maximum load; comparing a differential bus voltage with the allowed voltage range; and determining a failure state in case the differential bus voltage is outside the allowed voltage range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventor: Daniela Trombetti
  • Patent number: 9285403
    Abstract: Electrical resistance of a heated component is determined for temperature control and monitoring. A voltage-representation signal, which is proportional to a voltage across a heater component, is received. A current-representation signal, which is proportional to an electrical current passing through the heater component is received and modulated to generate a resistance-representation signal that is proportional to an amount of modulation that makes the current-representation signal approximately equal to the voltage-representation signal. The modulation may be pulse-width modulation. The resistance-representation signal may be generated based on a signal that is proportional to the percent duty cycle of the pulse width modulation. A difference of the resistance-representation signal and the voltage-representation signal may be integrated to provide an error signal adapted to cause the modulation to be proportional to an electrical resistance of the heater component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, INC
    Inventor: Perry Robert Czimmek
  • Patent number: 9240821
    Abstract: A charging station performs communications by use of a superimposing/separating unit configured by connecting a capacitor, a coupling transformer and a capacitor to branch lines branching out respectively from a control cable and a grounded cable. An electric vehicle performs communications by use of a superimposing/separating unit configured by providing a coupling transformer to the control cable. A capacitor is also connected between the control cable and the grounded cable. Communications are allowed by the configuration of a closed loop circuit comprising the control cable, the branch line, the capacitor, a primary coil of the coupling transformer, the capacitor, the branch line, the grounded cable, the capacitor, and a primary coil of the coupling transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignees: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yousuke Takata, Yutaka Komatsu, Takeshi Hagihara, Hiroya Andoh, Yuta Ochiai, Ryuichi Kamaga, Atsushi Iwai, Yukihiro Miyashita, Nobuyuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 9182430
    Abstract: A device for measuring the value of a resistor has a first RC element with a first time constant and a second RC element with a second time constant. The first RC element has a first capacitor and a resistor. The second RC element has a second capacitor and the resistor to be measured. An evaluation circuit charges the first and second capacitors to a first and a second voltage, respectively, and initiates their discharge. The evaluation circuit measures the time that elapses from the start of the discharge to the instant at which the voltages across the capacitors are equal, and determines the value of the resistor from the values. In the event that the first time constant is larger than the second time constant, the first voltage is smaller than the second voltage, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Hertes
  • Patent number: 9147444
    Abstract: A voltage regulator including an over-drive circuit and a control circuit is illustrated. The over-drive circuit receives a first voltage signal output from a sensing amplifier in a DRAM circuit, and regulates the first voltage signal according to an over-drive signal. The a control circuit electrically connected to the over-drive circuit receives a sense signal, and outputs the over-drive signal according to the sense signal, wherein the sense signal is asserted when a bit line in the DRAM circuit is sensed that an restoring and operation is performed. The over-drive signal goes down to a level of a second voltage signal from a current level thereof dependent on an external power merely when the sense signal is asserted but has not been asserted for a delay time, or otherwise, the over-drive signal is equal to the external power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: ELITE SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Chung-Zen Chen
  • Publication number: 20150130483
    Abstract: An amplifying circuit comprises a differential input stage having a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an intermediate node, wherein the differential input stage is configured to generate a differential current flowing through the intermediate node in response to an input voltage difference between the first and second input terminals. The amplifying circuit further comprises a first current source coupled to the intermediate node, which is configured to provide a first bias current which allows the differential current to vary within a predetermined range. The amplifying circuit further comprises an output terminal coupled to the intermediate node, and a second current source coupled to the intermediate node and configured to provide a second bias current. The second bias current compensates the differential current and the first bias current and produces an output current flowing through the output terminal in a predetermined direction. A measurement device is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Hong Yao, Yong Yang, Hua Qui
  • Patent number: 9030215
    Abstract: A method for detecting presence of nucleic acid amplification in a test droplet. A set of detection electrodes are provided in contact with a fluidic channel. The test droplet is provided in vicinity of the detection electrodes through the fluidic channel. An alternate current (AC) power at a first frequency is applied across the set of detection electrodes. A first measurement value that reflects electrical impedance of the test droplet at the first frequency is obtained. This value is compared with a corresponding reference value, wherein the corresponding reference value is obtained by measuring a reference droplet containing known amplified nucleic acid or known unamplified nucleic acid at the first frequency. The presence of amplified nucleic acid in the test droplet is thus determined based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California Corporation
    Inventors: Abraham P. Lee, Javier Lopez-Prieto, Robert Lin, Mindy Simon, Nick Martin
  • Publication number: 20150115984
    Abstract: A system for generation of electrical power including an inverter connected to a photovoltaic source including a theft prevention and detection feature. A first memory is permanently attached to the photovoltaic source. The first memory is configured to store a first code. A second memory is attached to the inverter. The second memory configured to store a second code. During manufacture or installation of the system, the first code is stored in the first memory attached to the photovoltaic source. The second code based on the first code is stored in the second memory. Prior to operation of the inverter, the first code is compared to the second code and based on the comparison; the generation of the electrical power is enabled or disabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Guy Sella, Meir Adest, Meir Gazit, Lior Handelsman, Ilan Yoskovitch, Amir Fishelov, Yaron Binder, Yoav Galin
  • Patent number: 8994387
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a detection method thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes a resistor terminal, a dummy pull up driver, a comparator and a detection state machine. The resistor terminal is connected to an external resistor. The dummy pull up driver provides driving operations of 20 to 2N+1?1 stages, wherein N is a natural number. The comparator outputs a comparison signal in response to a test voltage and a reference voltage. The detection state machine controls the driving operation of the dummy pull up driver to generate and output a detection signal according to the comparison signal. The detection signal indicates an electric connection state of the resistor terminal is a connecting state of an operation voltage or a floating state, a connecting state of the external resistor, or a connecting state of a ground voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Chih-Hsiang Chang
  • Patent number: 8981798
    Abstract: An electronic system comprises a resistive sensor structure and an electronic circuit portion whose design is selected such that different resistive sensor structures may be combined within the same electronic circuit. To this end, the resistive sensor structure is used as a voltage/current converter that provides input currents to a current amplifier, which in turn provides an amplified output voltage on the basis of a difference of the input currents. The operating range of the current amplifier is adjusted on the basis of a programmable current source irrespective of the configuration of the resistive sensor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Antonino Scuderi
  • Patent number: 8957694
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a monitoring circuit and a monitored circuit connected with the monitoring circuit. The monitoring circuit is operable to determine during fabrication if a resistance of a connection between an in-fab redistribution layer connector and a post-fab redistribution layer connector exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Kunzhong Hu, Chonghua Zhong, Edward Law
  • Publication number: 20150035553
    Abstract: An exemplary voltage sensor device includes at least one high voltage segment and at least one low voltage impedance element. In order to enhance the power dissipation due to impedances spread inside of the device body, the sensor device can be adapted or extended such that at least one high voltage segment, and at least one low voltage impedance element are arranged on an elongated insulating support with adaptive complementary mechanical and electrical interconnection elements on at least one end of the support element. The mechanical and electrical interconnection elements provide a manner of interconnecting at least two elongated insulating supports together in a pivotable way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Jaromir PODZEMNY, Marek PAVLAS, Miroslav HRABCIK, Radek JAVORA
  • Publication number: 20150028898
    Abstract: A sense resistor is coupled between a power source and one or more power pins of an integrated circuit (IC) chip including a circuit component (e.g., a microcontroller unit (MCU)). An on-chip amplifier (e.g., a programmable gain amplifier or op-amp) amplifies the voltage drop over the sense resistor to a level that is within the dynamic range of an on-chip analog-to-digital converter (ADC). In some implementations, the measured signals can be time-stamped and stored in a trace buffer and aligned with other trace data using a front-end tool (e.g., a personal computer). In some implementations, circuitry is included for detecting and handling power consumption events associated with the circuit component. In some implementations, a program counter associated with the circuit component is synchronously sampled with the power consumption measurements and/or other data sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Ingar Hanssen, Jo Inge Lamo
  • Publication number: 20150015281
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for measuring the resistance of a component with measurement circuitry that is electrically coupled to the component via one or more electrical conductors (e.g., one or more bond wires). The resistance measurement techniques of this disclosure may measure a resistance of an electrical conductor, and generate a value indicative of a resistance of a component other than the electrical conductor based on the measured resistance of the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor for which the resistance is measured may be the same as or different than one or more of the electrical conductors that the couple the measurement circuitry to the component to be measured. Using an electrical conductor resistance measurement to determine the resistance of a component may improve the accuracy of the resistance measurement for the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Bogner
  • Patent number: 8933714
    Abstract: A level shift circuit in which no adverse effect is produced on a delay time, regardless of the resistance values of resistors. The level shift circuit includes an operation detection circuit that outputs a nseten signal and a nresen signal in response to a state of output from first and second series circuits, a latch malfunction protection circuit connected to the operation detection circuit, a latch circuit connected through first to sixth resistors to first and second level shift output terminals of the first and second series circuits, first and second parasitic resistors, and third and fourth switching elements connected in parallel therewith, and fifth and sixth switching elements connected to a power source potential, a connection point of the first and second resistors or a connection point of the third and fourth resistors, and the operation detection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Akahane
  • Publication number: 20150001965
    Abstract: A method for determining the temperature of an electronic component in an electronic device comprises supplying a current to the electronic component via a power converter device, measuring an input current supplied to the power converter device, determining a power dissipation of the electronic component based on the measured input current, a value for an efficiency of the power converter device and an output voltage of the power converter device, and determining the temperature of the electronic component based on the determined power dissipation and a thermal resistance value for the electronic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Alessandro Angeli, Michele DeFazio, Stefano Scaldaferri, Christian Wolf
  • Patent number: 8901937
    Abstract: A method and a device for canceling an offset voltage in an output of a comparator circuit include applying a signal to a first input of the comparator as a function of an initial tap point in a resistor ladder. While the signal is applied to the first input, a nominal voltage is applied to a second input of the comparator, and then an output of the comparator is analyzed. The signal to the first input is changed in response to the analyzing, by accessing a different tap point in the resistor ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Robert Kosic, Jeffrey Bray
  • Patent number: 8890551
    Abstract: A test key structure for use in measuring step height includes a substrate, and a pair of test contacts. The substrate includes an isolation region and a diffusion region. The test contact pair includes a first test contact and a second test contact for measuring electrical resistances. The first test contact is disposed on the diffusion region and the second test contact is disposed on the isolation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chih-Kai Kang, Shu-Hsuan Chih, Sheng-Yuan Hsueh, Chia-Chen Sun, Po-Kuang Hsieh, Chi-Horn Pai, Shih-Chieh Hsu
  • Patent number: 8884636
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor that can accurately detect displacement and prevents the phenomenon of a contact section between a shaft member and a sliding element receiver being shifted. The sensor comprising: a case having a through hole; a resistance substrate fixed at an inside of said case; a shaft member having a first end portion which is one end of the shaft member placed within said case and a second end portion which is other end of the shaft member exposed to an outside of said case from said through hole, said shaft member being placed at said through hole in a movable manner in an axial direction; and a sliding element receiver having a bearing end contacting with said second end portion of said shaft member, and attached with a brush sliding together with said resistance substrate, said sliding element receiver being capable of moving relatively against said resistance substrate with said shaft member. A hemispherical end face is formed at said first end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Eagle Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mikio Nitta
  • Patent number: 8860444
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to fault detection comparator circuitry and methods that can operate in conjunction with a power-on-reset (POR) scheme to put a chip into a reliable power-down mode upon fault detection to avoid disrupting the communication bus link such that other connected chips and the host can continue to operate. Power-on of the affected chip can then be carried out when the connection with that chip is restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Cheow Guan Lim, Fan Yung Ma
  • Patent number: 8854066
    Abstract: A method detects a glowing contact in a power circuit. The method applies at least two different resistance values across the power circuit and responsively senses at least two voltages across the power circuit. Each of the at least two voltages correspond to one of the at least two different resistance values. Then, the method determines if a number of changes in the sensed at least two voltages with respect to a number of changes in the at least two different resistance values is linear within a predetermined range or if a change in two of the sensed at least two voltages does not increase with a decrease in two of the at least two different resistance values and, otherwise, responsively generates at least one of a trip signal and an alarm signal corresponding to detecting the glowing contact in the power circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Shea
  • Publication number: 20140292359
    Abstract: A communication device, including: a touch sensor configured to detect a touch or an approach of an input object by detecting a change in capacitance; and a near field communicator configured to perform near field communication with an information processing terminal present in a communication area in which near field communication is possible, the information processing terminal being capable of performing the near field communication, wherein a distance within which the touch or the approach of the input object is detectable by the touch sensor is shorter than a distance within which the near field communication by the near field communicator with the information processing terminal is possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji AKAGI, Masaaki WAKIZAKA, Shoji SATO, Akikazu MURATA