Including A Bridge Circuit Patents (Class 324/706)
  • Patent number: 11946987
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hall electromotive force signal detection circuit and a current sensor thereof each of which is able to achieve excellent wide-band characteristics and fast response as well as high accuracy. A difference calculation circuit samples a component synchronous with a chopper clock generated by a chopper clock generation circuit, out of an output voltage signal of a signal amplifier circuit, at a timing obtained from the chopper clock, so as to detect the component. An integrating circuit integrates an output from the difference calculation circuit in the time domain. An output voltage signal from the integrating circuit is fed back to a signal amplifier circuit via a third transconductance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeki Okatake, Takenobu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11875006
    Abstract: Techniques are described for using an alternating-current-mode (AC-mode) bridge for low-noise self-capacitor sensing in a capacitive touch panel array integrated with a display panel. Each channel of the array has a self-capacitance (Ci) that changes responsive to presence or absence of a local touch event local. Pairs of channels are read out differentially by coupling pairs of channels to branches of an AC-mode bridge. The AC-mode bridge includes current sources that drive each branch (and thereby each channel) with a sinusoidal current, manifesting a branch voltage on each branch based on the self-capacitance of the branch. The branch voltages are used to generate an output voltage. The sinusoidal current is controlled by comparing a driver signal with feedback from the branches, so that common-mode noise on the channels becomes a common-mode component of the sinusoidal currents and is rejected in the generation of the output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Shenzhen Goodix Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao Yang, Mohamed Elsayed, Dazhi Wei
  • Patent number: 11774633
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to calibrate a resistivity measurement taken by a downhole tool in a borehole, wherein the downhole tool estimates the resistivity of an underground formation penetrated by the borehole with at least one sensor situated at a non-zero standoff distance from the borehole, is provided. The method includes taking apparent impedance measurements with the sensor at a set of frequencies and at a first plurality of locations in the borehole, wherein the measurement are uncalibrated measurements. The method also includes identifying a portion of the borehole in which the apparent impedance measurements at least at a first frequency of the set have a predetermined behavior. The predetermined behavior is that the apparent impedance measurements taken in the portion are substantially fitting a linear model when represented in the complex plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alexandre Abellan
  • Patent number: 11644493
    Abstract: A method for estimating resistances of a circuit having a plurality of resistances comprising a first resistance and a second resistance may include applying a first bias voltage across the circuit and measuring a first voltage at a common node between the first resistance and the second resistance in order to determine a mathematical relationship between the first resistance and the second resistance, applying a second bias voltage across the circuit and a third resistance in parallel with the circuit and measuring a second voltage at the common node between the first resistance and the second resistance in order to determine a mathematical relationship between the third resistance and at least one of the first resistance and the second resistance, and based on at least the measurement of the first voltage and the measurement of the second voltage, determining the first resistance and the second resistance as a function of the third resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurabh Singh, Chandra B. Prakash, Eric Kimball, Cory J. Peterson, Ryan Lobo
  • Patent number: 11588493
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a circuitry. The circuitry includes a comparator and a signal correlated circuit. The comparator includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal. The signal correlated circuit includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The first input terminal is coupled to receive a first input signal. The second input terminal is coupled to receive a second input signal independent from the first input signal. The first output terminal is configured to generate a first output signal and to send the first output signal to the first input terminal of the comparator. The second output terminal is configured to generate a second output signal and to send the second output signal to the second input terminal of the comparator. The first output signal and the second output signal are correlated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Ting Lu, Chih-Chiang Chang, Chung-Chieh Yang
  • Patent number: 11368012
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling a pyro-fuse. A pyro-fuse control system includes a current sensing circuit and a diagnostic circuit. The current sensing circuit is configured to determine whether the current flowing in conductor exceeds a threshold current. The diagnostic circuit is coupled to the current sensing circuit. The diagnostic circuit is configured to determine whether an indication of current exceeding the threshold current generated by the current sensing circuit is caused by current flowing the conductor and is not caused by a fault in the current sensing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Taraka Rama Chandra Reddy Kambham
  • Patent number: 11162990
    Abstract: A calibration arrangement for calibrating a power source includes first and second resistors with first and second resistances, respectively, which are usable in calibrating the power source. The second resistance is smaller than the first resistance and the calibration arrangement is configured to allow for a measurement of the first resistance of the first resistor. The calibration arrangement is configured to form a series connection of the first resistor and of the second resistor, to allow for at least two voltage measurements between at least two different pairs of circuit nodes of the series connection, wherein a same current is applied during the at least two voltage measurements, and to derive the second resistor with a second resistance on the basis of the at least two voltage measurements and a result of the measurement of the first resistance of the first resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10580498
    Abstract: The thinning of a semiconductor substrate of an integrated circuit from a back face is detected using the measurement of a physical quantity representative of the resistance between the ends of two electrically-conducting contacts situated at an interface between an insulating region and an underlying substrate region. The two electrically-conducting contacts extend through the insulating region to reach the underlying substrate region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Fornara, Christian Rivero
  • Patent number: 10476610
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a voltage comparison circuit and a control circuit. The voltage comparison circuit compares a detection voltage with a reference voltage. The detection voltage is a detected result of an electric source voltage supplied from an electric source supply device supplying the electric source voltage. The reference voltage is set to be lower than a standard voltage used in stabilization control that the electric source supply device performs for stabilizing the electric source voltage. The control circuit performs control of compensating a voltage drop of the electric source voltage when the detection voltage is lower than the reference voltage based on a result of comparison by the voltage comparison circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10309950
    Abstract: A test element for a mobile water analyzing system includes a sample line and a key reagent disposed in the sample line. The sample line includes an inlet opening arranged at a first end, a pump port arranged at a second end of the sample line, an inlet section arranged between the inlet opening and the pump port, and a measuring section with at least one window arranged at an end of the measuring section. The inlet opening receives a water sample. The measuring section is arranged between the inlet section and the pump port and is coincident with a sample pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: HACH LANGE GMBH
    Inventors: Ulrich Lundgreen, Aria Farjam, Rolf Uthemann, Andreas Mitreiter, Isabel Huenig, Markus Lenhard, Rainer Froemel, Hans-Joachim Kumpch
  • Patent number: 10261009
    Abstract: A basic unit for a mobile water analyzing system includes a photometer comprising a light source configured to generate a measurement beam and a light detector configured to receive the measurement beam, a test element receptacle configured to allow a test element to be inserted therein, and a photometric measuring track arranged between the light source and the light detector. The measurement beam is coincident with the photometric measuring track during a photometric measurement, and not in a cross direction thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: HACH LANGE GMBH
    Inventors: Ulrich Lundgreen, Aria Farjam, Rolf Uthemann, Andreas Mitreiter, Isabel Huenig, Markus Lenhard, Rainer Froemel, Hans-Joachim Kumpch
  • Patent number: 10222231
    Abstract: According to aspects of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus and method for sensing. The apparatus includes a sensor circuit which includes a first output terminal, a second output terminal and a sensor that is provided in a bridge circuit arrangement. The sensor circuit is configured such that a sensor measurement can be determined based on a voltage difference between first and second output terminals. The apparatus is configured so as to prevent a current from being able to flow from the first output terminal through the sensor circuit to the second output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Mark Allen
  • Patent number: 10161774
    Abstract: An airflow measurement system configured to be received in a duct of a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. The air flow measurement system includes a housing, and a plurality of cells positioned in the housing, the plurality of cells being configured such that air flows through the plurality of cells when the flow measurement system is positioned in the duct of the HVAC system, wherein at least one of the cells includes a self-heated thermistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Truveon Corp.
    Inventors: Randall C. Nortman, Jan-Dieter Spalink
  • Patent number: 10151777
    Abstract: Precision AC and DC voltage, current, phase, power and energy measurements and calibrations with current ranges from 1 uA to 20 kA and voltage ranges from 1V to 1000 kV are now performed with accuracies of better than one part per million. Continued demand for improved accuracy has led the inventors to address remnant magetization within the current comparators that form the basis of the measuring process within many of the measurement instruments providing the precision AC and DC measurements and calibrations. Accordingly, the inventors present current comparator and measurement system architectures together with control protocols to provide for correction of this remnant magnetization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: GUIDELINE INSTRUMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Evans, Iain Page, Tomasz Barczyk, Kenneth Mikolajek
  • Patent number: 10126333
    Abstract: A measuring circuit for a multisensory detector is provided, including a plurality of detection branches mounted in parallel, with each detection branch of said plurality of detection branches including at least two dipoles mounted in series, and at least one reference branch, including a polarizing source and another at least two dipoles mounted in series, with the reference branch being connected in parallel to at least two detection branches among the plurality of detection branches, so as to form a Wheatstone bridge with each one of the detection branches among the plurality of detection branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Guillaume Jourdan, Bernard Diem, Patrice Rey, Philippe Robert
  • Patent number: 10126277
    Abstract: A thermal conductivity detector includes a heatable resistive detector configured to be physically arranged in an analytes flow eluting from a chromatography column and electrically arranged with resistors in separate arms of a measuring bridge, an amplifier which detects differential voltage between two opposite nodes of the bridge and applies an output voltage to other opposite nodes of the measuring bridge to maintain the detector at a constant operating temperature, and an additional resistor with a controllable switch in parallel connected in series with the detector or resistor arranged in one arm of the bridge, where the switch is periodically turned on and off at a predetermined duty cycle and/or controlled by information on characteristic times-of-arrival of analytes at the detector to compensate for operating temperature uncertainties due to manufacturing variations of the resistors and/or to allow for processing small and large peaks of a chromatogram with highest available resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Udo Gellert, Glen Eugene Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9180946
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deep-sea device for recovering at least one deep-sea object, in particular at least one organism and/or cell material. The deep-sea device comprises a capturing system (14) for accommodating at least one deep-sea object, and a drive unit (16) for driving the deep-sea device. The deep-sea device is designed and equipped in particular to be advanced at least in sections substantially in the buoyancy direction (Ar) toward the water surface. The deep-sea device is designed in particular like a torpedo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventor: Guenter R. Fuhr
  • Publication number: 20140347072
    Abstract: A measurement bridge circuit includes a first branch and a second branch. The first branch contains a first resistor which is sensitive to measured variables and an invariable resistor connected in series. A first tap point is located between the first resistor and the invariable resistor. The second branch contains a second resistor which is sensitive to measured variables and a variable resistor arrangement connected in series. The variable resistor arrangement includes a first component having an invariable electrical resistance value and a second component having a variable electrical resistance value. The second component is connected in parallel with the first component in order to vary a total electrical resistance value for the variable resistor arrangement. A second tap point is located between the second resistor and the variable resistor arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Herrmann, Roland Mueller-Fiedler, Veronique Krueger
  • Patent number: 8838404
    Abstract: A pressure detector detecting a pressure of cold or hot water; a temperature detector detecting a temperature of a pressure sensor; correcting equation storage storing, cold water correcting equation information applied when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is included in a cold water temperature range, and hot water correcting equation information applied when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is included in a hot water temperature range; a temperature range determiner determining the temperature range that includes the temperature detected by the temperature detector as either a cold water temperature range or a hot water temperature range; and a correction calculating portion using the correcting equation corresponding to the temperature range determined by the temperature range determiner correcting the detection signal by the pressure detector, and outputting the post-correction signal as a measurement signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventor: Tomohisa Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20140182395
    Abstract: An arrangement for operating a sensor, in particular a bridge sensor, comprises a sensor input (Vin1, Vin2) for connecting the sensor (Brdg) and a clocked signal generator (Osc), which is coupled to the sensor input (Vin1, Vin2). Furthermore an amplifier (Amp) is provided for detecting sensor signals (Sn, Sn+1), which is connected on the input side to a signal input (IN+, IN?) for connecting the sensor (Brdg), wherein the detection takes place depending on the clock pulse of the signal generator (Osc). A signal processing device (PROC) is connected to an output (AOUT+, AOUT?) of the amplifier (Amp) and is arranged to demodulate the sensor signals (Sn, Sn+1) that follow one another according to the clock pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: ams AG
    Inventors: Manfred Brandl, Gernot Hehn
  • Patent number: 8618821
    Abstract: A device for detecting the thinning down of the substrate of an integrated circuit chip, including, in the active area of the substrate, bar-shaped diffused resistors connected as a Wheatstone bridge, wherein: first opposite resistors of the bridge are oriented along a first direction; the second opposite resistors of the bridge are oriented along a second direction; and the first and second directions are such that a thinning down of the substrate causes a variation of the imbalance value of the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Fornara, Christian Rivero
  • Patent number: 8612920
    Abstract: A field device, comprising a sensor, and a control/evaluation unit. The control/evaluation unit is implemented on an application-specific integrated circuit—an ASIC—which, in at least a first section and in a second section, is embodied as a dynamically reconfigurable logic chip. In each of the two sections, in each case, a measuring path composed of a plurality of function modules can be configured; wherein the individual sections are spaced apart from one another in such a manner, that a temperature and/or a voltage change in one of the sections has no influence on the other section or the other sections. The control/evaluation unit partially dynamically reconfigures the function modules in the measuring paths as a function of the particular defined safety-critical application, so that the field device fulfills the required safety standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Romuald Girardey, Michael Hübner
  • Patent number: 8575950
    Abstract: A resistance measuring apparatus which includes a variable voltage source, a signal display circuit, a bridge consisting of a first standard resistor, a second standard resistor, an adjustable resistor and the unknown resistor, a bridge balance display circuit and a dynamic voltage display circuit alternatively connected within the bridge. The resistance measuring apparatus is adapted to measure static resistance and dynamic resistance variation of an unknown resistor in the case of external environment having changed dramatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ningbo University
    Inventors: Jiankang Chen, Jintao Lei, Minghua Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130257465
    Abstract: A monitoring system including a reading device electrically connected to a probe via a wired interface. The probe has a physiological sensor/transducer configured as a Wheatstone resistive bridge balancing circuit. Integrated within the housing of the probe to prohibit separation during use by a user is a memory device arranged in parallel with the sensor. Communication between the reading device and the probe occurs via a wired interface utilizing a same number of electrical wires between the reading device and the Wheatstone as would be required without the memory device. Control circuitry selects between one of two modes for accessing either data detected by the sensor or the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: CODMAN NEURO SCIENCES SARL
    Inventors: Salim Kassem, Didier Balli, Nicholas D. Baruch
  • Publication number: 20130258347
    Abstract: A method of halogen gas monitoring includes contacting room air to be monitored with a halogen sensor including a cobalt or cobalt alloy layer. The halogen sensor exhibits a detectable change in at least one property upon contact with a halogen gas. A measurement from the halogen sensor is obtained after the contacting. The presence of the halogen gas is monitored based on the measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: MICHAEL JAMES SATTERFIELD, JEFFREY R. ROUBIK
  • Publication number: 20130249574
    Abstract: Sensor devices disclosed herein allow multiple analytes or organisms to be individually tagged and selectively detected. When a binding event occurs one or more nanoswitches close and the corresponding array resistance value produces a voltage imbalance in the Wheatstone Bridge. The voltage detected by the voltage meter will then exhibit unique value change corresponding to the particular nanoswitche(s) in the array that are closed due to a binding event. Similarly the same functionalization chemistry can be used on all nanoswitches so that the voltage detected by the voltage meter corresponds to concentration levels of the target analyte. Multiple functionalization chemistries on each switch can also be used to improve selectivity for more complex analytes. In some disclosed embodiments, the Wheatstone bridge voltage is tied to a predetermined resistance change rather than to smaller resistance changes that would occur from functionalization of one leg of a nanowire Wheatstone bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Battelle Memorian Institute
    Inventor: Larry J. House
  • Patent number: 8536886
    Abstract: Wheatstone bridges, each formed of four identical resistors, are used as integrated circuit identification elements. An identification circuit including an assembly of Wheatstone bridges and comparators is formed in a substrate. Since the resistors forming the bridges are sensitive to technological dispersions, the output voltages of the bridges are not identical. Each comparator compares the outputs of two bridges and provides a bit of an identification number of the chip. Preferably, the resistors are covered with insulator only, at least up to a second interconnect level from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Fornara, Christian Rivero
  • Patent number: 8405410
    Abstract: The quench of the superconducting coil is desired to be detected early while suppressing the influences of the noise generated in charge and discharge of the superconducting coil. A superconducting coil quench detection apparatus detects the balance voltage of a bridge circuit formed by the superconducting coil and a resistor to output it as a quench detection signal for detecting the quench thereof. A signal indicating the hold period where the energy accumulated in the superconducting coil is held is generated. A signal included in the hold period is extracted from the quench detection signal. The quench of the superconducting coil is detected based on the extracted signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kawashima
  • Patent number: 8358143
    Abstract: One or more embodiments are directed to a resistance bridge measurement circuit configured to perform an internal self-check. The resistance bridge measurement circuit may include two or more internal resistors. In one embodiment, the resistance bridge measurement circuit may be configured to measure a first voltage across one of the resistors and a second voltage across a combination of the two resistors. The measured voltages may be converted to a resistance ratio and compared to an expected value. In another embodiment, the resistance bridge measurement circuit may be configured to measure a third voltage across the other of the two resistors and a fourth voltage across a combination of the two resistors. The measured voltages may be converted to corresponding resistance ratios, summed and compared to an expected value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. Walker
  • Patent number: 8350579
    Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing a Wheatstone bridge robust in a temperature change, the apparatus including; a voltage difference measuring unit which measures a voltage difference between a current input end and a current output end of the Wheatstone bridge, wherein the Wheatstone bridge comprises a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor and a fourth resistor and a tuning resistor; and a resistance tuning controller which detects a resistance ratio of a first distribution resistance and a second distribution resistance of the tuning resistor so that the voltage difference measuring unit measures a maximum voltage difference, and controls tuning of the tuning resistor according to the detected resistance ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Pal Kim, Sang-kon Bae
  • Patent number: 8330447
    Abstract: A self-balancing Wheatstone bridge that provides frequency and power information. The frequency information obtained can be applied to correct the power measurement to provide excellent match, excellent frequency insensitivity, good dynamic range, good frequency range, and adequate frequency accuracy. The system is highly responsive, simple, and cost effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Ladybug Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Hawkins, Jon R. Sigler
  • Patent number: 8253427
    Abstract: One or more embodiments are directed to a resistance bridge having two voltage measurements circuits that function in tandem. In one embodiment, a constant current source may be applied to two resistors coupled in series, in which the first resistor has a known resistance and the second resistor has a resistance to be determined or verified. A first measurement circuit may measure a first voltage across the first resistor and at substantially the same time a second measurement circuit measures a second voltage across the second resistor. The voltage of each resistor is converted to a ratio. Based on the ratio and the resistance of the first resistance, the resistance of the second resistor may be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. Walker
  • Publication number: 20120187966
    Abstract: A resistance testing apparatus makes use of a modular design for cascaded, parallel, bipolar current sources to obviate the need for electromechanical or pneumatic switching systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: GUILDLINE INSTRUMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andre Perras, Mark Evans
  • Publication number: 20120092032
    Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated device (PM) for characterising electric or electronic components (DUT), in particular nanometric ones, comprising a substantially insulating substrate (S) on which are provided four conducting pads (P1, P2, P3, P4), at least three resistive pads (R1, R3, R4) connecting said pads together, and a transmission line (CPW) including a signal conductor (Cc) and at least one ground conductor (CL1, CL2), wherein: said resistive pads are arranged so as to connect a first conducting pad to a second and a fourth conducting pad, and to connect said fourth conducting pad to a third conducting pad; the signal conductor of the transmission line is connected to the first conducting pad; and the ground conductor of the transmission line is connected to the third pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Bourgoin, Vincent Derycke, Laurianne Nougaret, Gilles Dambrine, Henri Happy
  • Patent number: 8106669
    Abstract: A resistance testing apparatus makes use of a modular design for cascaded, parallel, bipolar current sources to obviate the need for electromechanical or pneumatic switching systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Guildline Instruments Limited
    Inventors: Andre C Perras, Mark Evans
  • Patent number: 8085055
    Abstract: A power monitoring system that reduces the need for transient voltage suppressors while using current transformers on an associated support operating using a current mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Veris Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Rupert
  • Patent number: 8054093
    Abstract: There is provided a sensor threshold circuit that makes available a hysteresis width that is not dependent on the change in a threshold point. Since a bias current IB is generated by a threshold current IT and a threshold adjusting current ICONT, the threshold point is given by a coefficient A and a coefficient K and the hysteresis width |BH| is given by the coefficient K. Accordingly, when the coefficient K is determined, the hysteresis width |BH| is not dependent on the coefficient A and keeps a constant value. In addition, since the coefficient A depends on the resistance ratio, the threshold point is variable by changing a single resistor. Further, when the coefficient K is determined, the hysteresis width |BH| is also determined to be a single value with no variations in its value, no changes according to temperature, and no changes over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation
    Inventor: Sayaka Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 7960979
    Abstract: A universal resistance testing device is provided and includes a bridge circuit, a metering circuit, a comparator circuit, and an output circuit. The universal resistance testing device is incorporated into a control circuit and is used to verify a resistive value of a variable resistance device. The universal resistance testing device includes multiple replaceable resistors to thereby allow the universal resistance testing device to be used in the same control circuit to test different variable resistance devices having a different resistive value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Joe Lee
  • Patent number: 7928743
    Abstract: A measuring bridge arrangement has a measuring bridge with a first supply terminal and first and second measuring signal terminals. The measuring bridge arrangement has a working point adjustment circuit formed to feed the measuring bridge via at least the first supply terminal in a measuring state of operation, and to apply a signal to one of the measuring signal terminals in the test state of operation in order to bring the measuring bridge to a test working point different from a measuring working point in the measuring state of operation. The measuring bridge has a test tap, wherein a test signal dependent on resistive properties of at least one element of the measuring bridge can be tapped at the test tap of the measuring bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Udo Ausserlechner
  • Patent number: 7884596
    Abstract: A self-balancing Wheatstone bridge that provides frequency and power information. The frequency information obtained can be applied to correct the power measurement to provide excellent match, excellent frequency insensitivity, good dynamic range, good frequency range, and adequate frequency accuracy. The system is highly responsive, simple, and cost effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Ladybug Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Hawkins, Jon R. Sigler
  • Publication number: 20110001502
    Abstract: One or more embodiments are directed to a resistance bridge having two voltage measurements circuits that function in tandem. In one embodiment, a constant current source may be applied to two resistors coupled in series, in which the first resistor has a known resistance and the second resistor has a resistance to be determined or verified. A first measurement circuit may measure a first voltage across the first resistor and at substantially the same time a second measurement circuit measures a second voltage across the second resistor. The voltage of each resistor is converted to a ratio. Based on the ratio and the resistance of the first resistance, the resistance of the second resistor may be calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Fluke Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. Walker
  • Publication number: 20110001501
    Abstract: One or more embodiments are directed to a resistance bridge measurement circuit configured to perform an internal self-check. The resistance bridge measurement circuit may include two or more internal resistors. In one embodiment, the resistance bridge measurement circuit may be configured to measure a first voltage across one of the resistors and a second voltage across a combination of the two resistors. The measured voltages may be converted to a resistance ratio and compared to an expected value. In another embodiment, the resistance bridge measurement circuit may be configured to measure a third voltage across the other of the two resistors and a fourth voltage across a combination of the two resistors. The measured voltages may be converted to corresponding resistance ratios, summed and compared to an expected value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Fluke Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. Walker
  • Publication number: 20100321049
    Abstract: A element for identifying an integrated circuit chip having identical diffused resistors connected as a Wheatstone bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Fornara, Christian Rivero
  • Publication number: 20100315108
    Abstract: A device for detecting the thinning down of the substrate of an integrated circuit chip, including, in the active area of the substrate, bar-shaped diffused resistors connected as a Wheatstone bridge, wherein: first opposite resistors of the bridge are oriented along a first direction; the second opposite resistors of the bridge are oriented along a second direction; and the first and second directions are such that a thinning down of the substrate causes a variation of the imbalance value of the bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Fornara, Christian Rivero
  • Patent number: 7829024
    Abstract: A urea concentration identification device comprising a concentration identification sensor unit (2) and a support unit (4) attached at the bottom end thereof with this sensor unit and provided at the top end thereof with a mounting unit (4a) to a urea solution tank opening. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) has an indirectly-heated concentration detector and liquid temperature detector provided with metal fins (21c),(22c), respectively, for heat-exchanging with urea solution. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) is provided with a cover member (2d) that forms an opposite-ends-opened urea solution induction passage so as to surround the metal fins (21c),(22c), and an enclosure (2e) that forms communication holes (26),(27) in the top and bottom end plate thereof (2e1),(2e2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenjiro Izutani, Takayuki Takahata
  • Publication number: 20100264944
    Abstract: A power monitoring system that reduces the need for transient voltage suppressors while using current transformers on an associated support operating using a current mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Matthew Rupert
  • Publication number: 20100253373
    Abstract: The quench of the superconducting coil is desired to be detected early while suppressing the influences of the noise generated in charge and discharge of the superconducting coil. A superconducting coil quench detection apparatus detects the balance voltage of a bridge circuit formed by the superconducting coil and a resistor to output it as a quench detection signal for detecting the quench thereof. A signal indicating the hold period where the energy accumulated in the superconducting coil is held is generated. A signal included in the hold period is extracted from the quench detection signal. The quench of the superconducting coil is detected based on the extracted signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi KAWASHIMA
  • Publication number: 20100244865
    Abstract: A voltage measurement device for connection to a primary voltage dividing element provided between ground and an electrically conducting element in a system for controlling an electrical process and such a system. The device includes at least one first branch of secondary voltage dividing elements, where the branch is adapted to be connected in parallel with the primary voltage dividing element, and a first measuring unit connected to one of the secondary voltage dividing elements of the first branch and arranged to measure the voltage across this secondary voltage dividing element and provide a first voltage signal corresponding to a voltage of the electrically conducting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Hans Björklund, Krister Nyberg
  • Patent number: 7714591
    Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus including: at least one deflectable diaphragm having a center, wherein each diaphragm supports: at least one positive piezoresistive gauge and at least one negative piezoresistive gauge coupled in series across a voltage differential in a half-Wheatstone bridge configuration having an output between the positive and negative piezoresistive gauges; and, a compensating piezoresistive gauge coupled in series with the half-Wheatstone bridge configuration across the voltage differential; wherein, the compensating piezoresistive gauge is nearer the center of the diaphragm than the negative piezoresitive gauge, the negative piezoresitive gauge is nearer the center of the diaphragm than the positive piezoresitive gauge, and the compensating piezoresistive gauge linearizes the half-Wheatstone bridge output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Joseph R. Van DeWeert
  • Patent number: 7652585
    Abstract: A method and a device for detecting the degree of pollution in an operational converter are disclosed. An operating state of at least one of the converter components that is exposed to the ambient air is determined and a corresponding operating state of said component in an unpolluted state is determined. The two operating states are then compared and the calculated comparison value is used as a measurement for the degree of pollution of the converter. Detecting the degree of pollution of an operational converter permits a reduction in the number of breakdowns caused by unprotected operation of a converter, and associated disadvantages such as costs and damage to a company's image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hubert Schierling