Abstract: A motor control device includes an acquisition unit that obtains a q-axis current component of a current vector generated when electricity is supplied to a brushless motor to generate a voltage vector along a direction of an estimated d-axis; a correction unit that corrects the direction of the estimated d-axis according to the q-axis current component to approach the direction of the estimated d-axis approach to the direction of the actual d-axis; and a control axis changing unit that changes the estimated d-axis direction by a prescribed angle when a magnitude of the q-axis current component is less than a threshold value by the correction of the direction of the estimated d-axis by the correction unit for the first time after the control axis setting control start or when a magnitude of the q-axis current component is less than the threshold value at the control axis setting control start.

Abstract: Grounding devices, systems, and associated methods and kits for grounding electrical equipment are described herein. An example embodiment of a grounding device includes a main body that has a main body first end, a main body second end, a main body top, a main body bottom, a main body first surface, a main body second surface, and defines a first passageway, a slot, and a track. The slot extends into the main body from the main body second end toward the main body first end to the track. The track has a track first end, a track second end, a track first portion, and a track second portion. The track first portion extends from the slot and away from the main body top. The track second portion extends from the track first portion, away from the main body first end and the main body top, to the track second end.

Abstract: A pulse signal generator circuit generates first and second pulse signals for electrodes placed on the chest of a subject with phases that differ by 180°. A rectifier circuit receives a potential difference signal, which reflects an impedance between the electrodes that changes according to respiratory motion and in which timing of changes caused by changes in the first pulse signal or the second pulse signal is delayed from the timing of the changes in the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal, and outputs a rectified signal produced by rectifying the potential difference signal. A control signal generator circuit causes the rectifier circuit to invert the potential difference signal, which becomes a negative voltage value from the certain timing, to a positive voltage value from the certain timing. An AD converter circuit outputs a digital value based on the magnitude of the rectified signal.

Abstract: Grounding devices, systems, and associated methods and kits for grounding electrical equipment are described herein. An example embodiment of a grounding device includes a main body that has a main body first end, a main body second end, a main body top, a main body bottom, a main body first surface, a main body second surface, and defines a first passageway, a slot, and a track. The slot extends into the main body from the main body second end toward the main body first end to the track. The track has a track first end, a track second end, a track first portion, and a track second portion. The track first portion extends from the slot and away from the main body top. The track second portion extends from the track first portion, away from the main body first end and the main body top, to the track second end.

Abstract: A system may comprise: an excitation current source; a first electrode coupled to the excitation current source; and a second electrode coupled to the excitation current source. The first and second electrodes may be configured to pass an excitation current from the excitation current source through a human body. First and second calibration resistors may be coupled to and positioned between the excitation current source and the first electrode. Third and fourth calibration resistors may be coupled to and positioned between the excitation current source and the second electrode. The system may also comprise a sensor configured to measure voltages across each of the first, second, third, and fourth calibration resistors.

Abstract: A method and a system for three-phase detection of a three-phase electric device are provided. The system includes a testing circuit and a comparison module. The testing circuit generates two reference voltages by using the three phase voltages of the three-phase electric device. The two reference voltages are the first and second phase voltages with reference to the third phase voltage, respectively. Three-phase detection is performed by comparing the two reference voltages for a determined number of times. After testing is completed, the testing circuit is switched off by the comparison module, to save power.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate generally to the measurement of the impedance of materials, electronic devices, or components over a range of frequencies, with a system for self-adjusting an input transmit signal and/or a reference signal to produce a measured signal within a desired range of the electronic measuring components over the frequency range based upon the value of the measured signal.

Abstract: A method for multichannel multifrequency analysis of an object, applying a set of excitation signals to the object and sampling the response signal from the object, using uniform and non-uniform undersampling. Non-uniform sampling of the response signal is performed, i.e., the sampling is performed for two or more different frequencies in one observation time slot. Also, uniform sampling of the response signal is performed, i.e., the sampling of a signal, corresponding to one frequency, is performed for two or more channels within one observation time slot and then sampling the same signal for another frequency for two or more channels within the next observation time slot.

Abstract: A device for measuring a voltage of an electric power line conductor of a power system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first electrically conductive housing configured to be installed on a first power line conductor and a first virtual grounding member configured to electrically ground a first housing to a first power line conductor voltage. A first measuring resistor is electrically connected between the first virtual grounding member and an electrically isolated lead wire, the electrically isolated lead wire is electrically connected to a first voltage dropping device, the first voltage dropping device is configured to be electrically connected to a second power line conductor. A sensor electronics module is configured to measure a voltage drop across the first measuring resistor, the voltage drop being directly proportional to the voltage between the first power line conductor and the second power line conductor.

Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring the insulation resistance in an ungrounded electrical network having a constant-voltage d.c. link and at least one inverter, connected to it, for controlling an n-phase electrical consumer in an n-phase network. A voltage to be monitored, is determined during operation of the consumer, which represents a voltage fluctuation of supply voltage potentials of the constant-voltage d.c. link with respect to a reference potential. In addition, a variable characterizing an electrical frequency of the electrical consumer is determined, particularly an electrical angular speed of the electrical consumer. A first spectral amplitude of the voltage to be monitored at the n-fold electrical frequency of the electrical consumer, is compared to a first reference value, and detects a symmetrical insulation error in the constant-voltage d.c. link or the n-phased network, if the comparison yields a deviation of the first spectral amplitude from the first reference value.

Abstract: A distance measuring device and method for determining distance, and a suitable reflective member are provided. The distance measuring device includes analysis electronics and a sensor device, which has at least one coupling probe for feeding a transmission signal into a line structure. A reflective member is disposed in the line structure which has a base plate with an attached collar forming a cup-shaped element, and a feed block with a recess into which the collar plunges. The recess has a sealing ring which produces airtightness with the collar, wherein the attached collar is provided on the front face with a plastic plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antenna which is coupled to an RF amplifier. Environmental conditions change the impedance of the antenna, which reduces output power, efficiency and linearity. A circuit is provided which is designed to detect the impedance of the antenna. With the measured impedance, impedance matching can be accomplished. The circuit for detecting the impedance detects the signal travelling from the RF amplifier to the antenna, and measures the peak voltage and the peak current of this signal. Furthermore, the phase difference between the voltage and the current is measured. The advantage of the circuit is its compactness allowing for an easy integration on a chip. Furthermore, an impedance matching circuit is suggested which makes use of the above circuit for detecting the impedance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for obtaining an image of the impedance properties of an object by inferring a measure of straight-line path impedance along a plurality of paths from a plurality of current amplitude and phase measurements made between combinations of electrodes placed at selected points, and/or from measurements of the intensity of the electromagnetic signal emitted when an alternating current is made to resonate along the straight line path.

Abstract: A transmission line impedance compensation method includes the step of providing a measurement device that is adapted to source a test signal having a frequency to a device under test and to determine a corresponding impedance of the device under test using an auto-balanced bridge technique. A first transmission line, a second transmission line, a third transmission line, and a fourth transmission line are connected to said measurement device. An end of the first transmission line is connected to an end of second transmission line. An end of third transmission line is connected to an end of fourth transmission line. A combined phase delay of the connected first and second transmission lines, and a combined phase delay of the connected third and fourth transmission lines, are measured by the measuring device. The device under test is connected to the first transmission line, the second transmission line, the third transmission line, and the fourth transmission line after measuring the phase delays.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are disclosed for identifying false positive indications of high impedance faults in an AC electric power transmission and distribution network. In one embodiment, the method comprises using a procedure to monitor a phase conductor of the network for faults, said procedure generating a fault signal indicating a specified fault in the conductor. In this embodiment, the voltage and current waveform of the electric power conducted through the conductor are monitored. When a phase shift in said waveform is detected over a defined period of time, and said detected phase shift meets one or more given criteria, a correction signal is generated indicating that said fault signal is a false indication of the specified fault. The given criteria may include, for example, that the phase shift is more than a threshold value for a specified period of time.

Abstract: A scanning impedance microscopy device maps out local impedance in a dielectric film sample. This may be used to detect conductive filaments in a dielectric film, to characterize semiconductor interfaces, and to be used a reading scheme for resistive change memory such as RRAM.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measurement system for measuring subsurface resistivity. The surfaces of interest are, for example, engineered surfaces such as roads and dams, and non-engineered surfaces such as greenfield sites. The measurement system may also be used on biological materials. The system includes signal input electrodes for inputting an input signal into subsurface material by capacitive coupling. Pairs of signal detection electrodes allow capacitive coupling detection of a detectable signal caused by the input signal in at least some of the subsurface material. A phase-sensitive meter such as a lock-in amplifier is provided to measure the amplitude and phase of the detectable signal.

Abstract: A method for measuring dielectric constant of body endermic tissues and body impedance based on the method of frequency digital sampling and for evaluating body composition is provided, inputting the method through the I/O interface of a microprocessor the measured body weight frequency signals, oscillating frequency signals related to dielectric constant of body endermic tissues and body impedance signals corresponding to non-fixed different frequencies, and calculating through the software of the microprocessor the body fat content, total body water, ratio between intracellular water and total body water. The body weight, body fat content, total body water and ratio between intracellular water and total body water are displayed on the display. A body composition monitor based on the above method, which includes a weighing sensor, a weighing signal processing circuit, and a display unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antenna which is coupled to an RF amplifier. Environmental conditions change the impedance of the antenna, which reduces output power, efficiency and linearity. A circuit is provided which is designed to detect the impedance of the antenna. With the measured impedance, impedance matching can be accomplished. The circuit for detecting the impedance detects the signal travelling from the RF amplifier to the antenna, and measures the peak voltage and the peak current of this signal. Furthermore, the phase difference between the voltage and the current is measured. The advantage of the circuit is its compactness allowing for an easy integration on a chip. Furthermore, an impedance matching circuit is suggested which makes use of the above circuit for detecting the impedance.

Abstract: Noise discrimination in signals from a plurality of sensors is conducted by enhancing the phase difference in the signals such that off-axis pick-up is suppressed while on-axis pick-up is enhanced. Alternatively, attenuation/expansion are applied to the signals in a phase difference dependent manner, consistent with suppression of off-axis pick-up and on-axis enhancement. Nulls between sensitivity lobes are widened, effectively narrowing the sensitivity lobes and improving directionality and noise discrimination.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing a current across a known resistor comprising a switched capacitor network and an amplifier having an input coupled to an output of the switched capacitor network. The switched capacitor network is configured to sample first and second reference potentials indicating the current. The amplifier is configured to produce first and second amplified potentials at an output of the amplifier based on the first and second reference potentials.

Abstract: A contact impedance test circuit for testing impedance between a first contact element and a second contact element comprising an AC signal source for applying an AC signal voltage to the first contact element, an AC contact voltage being emitted by the second contact element, an AC amplifier connected to the second contact element for amplifying the AC contact voltage from the second contact element, an amplified AC contact voltage being produced by the AC amplifier, and a phase angle voltmeter for detecting phase difference between the amplified AC contact voltage and the AC signal voltage at an instance of time, the AC. signal voltage being applied to a reference input of the phase angle voltmeter, the amplified AC contact voltage being applied to a signal input of the phase angle voltmeter.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing a current across a known resistor including a switched capacitor network and an amplifier having an input coupled to an output of the switched capacitor network. The switched capacitor network is configured to sample first and second reference potentials indicating the current. The amplifier is configured to produce first and second amplified potentials at an output of the amplifier based on the first and second reference potentials.

Abstract: A method for testing electrochemical cells applies to a portion of a cycle of a low-frequency excitation waveform to a cell under test while maintaining an amplitude of the excitation waveform below a threshold value. In some cases a quarter cycle of the excitation waveform is used. Phase an amplitude of a response to the excitation waveform may be determined by applying formulae based on geometry.

Abstract: Soot content in Diesel engine lubrication oil is determined using electrical resistance measurements of the oil at high frequency. A sensor in the form of a capacitor is immersed in the oil, wherein the oil serves as a dielectric between the plates. The capacitance and resistance between the plates change as a function of engine oil condition. An inductor is placed in series with the sensor, and high frequencies are sweeped over a range to find resonance where the capacitive and inductive reactances cancel. At this frequency, the resistance of the oil is measured and the condition of the oil thereby determined.

Abstract: A method for predicting stability of a closed loop apparatus is disclosed. The closed loop apparatus has an open loop impedance and at least one inherent internal gain. The method comprises the steps of: (a) identifying an impedance scaling factor associated with the closed loop apparatus that may be expressed in terms including the open loop impedance, the at least one inherent internal gain, a gain variable and a phase variable; (b) vectorally establishing a first scaling value for the impedance scaling factor as a function of frequency while maintaining a first variable of the gain variable and the phase variable at a first working value to record the first scaling value for a plurality of frequencies.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for accurately determining the presence of voltage at capacitive test points and for determining the phase angle relationship between two capacitive points. The detection of the presence of the voltage at the capacitive test points is independent of the voltage range in the systems, independent of the contamination or defects that may occur in the capacitive test point systems. The phase angle relationship is determined based on the actual phase angle difference between the voltage waveforms at the capacitive test points independent of the capacitive divider ratio difference and the capacitive test point voltage accuracy.

Abstract: There are disposed an output sequence control section, and output waveform data generation section for one system, and an analog waveform generation section includes four systems of ports 40, attenuators 43b for individually adjusting gains of analog test signals outputted via the respective ports, and digital/analog converters 45 for individually adjusting offset voltages of the analog test signals. Accordingly, when a plurality of LSIs to be tested are concurrently tested, the analog test signals optimized for each LSI to be tested are generated with a simple circuit configuration without complicating the circuit configuration of a performance board.

Abstract: An inspection voltage imposer generates an inspection voltage by multiplying fundamental voltage string data in which a certain voltage output pattern where an average of output voltage levels in one period becomes 0 is set by data of a modulation signal whose value varies every period and impose the inspection voltage on a drive voltage of a motor. When the inspection voltage is imposed on the drive voltage of the motor, an angle detector detects the rotor angle of the motor based on the fundamental voltage string data, a variation of an inspection current and the data of the modulation signal in respective control cycles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single-stage, switched capacitor circuit for measuring changes in a variable by measuring changes in a capacitor gap. The change in the capacitor gap corresponds directly to a change in a measurable variable, such as pressure and acceleration, and thus a change in voltage. The circuit includes at least one reference capacitor, a sensor capacitor, a plurality of switches responsive to a timing device, and a device for generating substantially constant reference voltages. The sensor circuit does not result in a DC offset value, but results in the AC component of the voltage being directly proportional to the change in the variable through a substantially constant voltage is supplied to a node near the sensor capacitance. The circuit may be trimmed using a digital to analog converter and/or capacitors coupled in parallel.

Abstract: A radio-frequency power supply (1) and a matching box (2) are electrically connected with a coaxial cable (4) while the matching box (2) and a main unit (3) are electrically connected with a coaxial cable (5). Around the coaxial cable (5), a radio-frequency current transformer (6) is provided and an output signal from the radio-frequency current transformer (6) is given to an oscilloscope (7). In an apparatus using the radio-frequency power supply, with this constitution, a method for measuring a radio-frequency current can be provided, by which spurious components and frequency variation of the radio-frequency current can be measured simply and precisely at a low cost, without changing a series of communication paths, such as the coaxial cable, for the radio-frequency current.

Abstract: A device for detection of when at test probe of conducting material contacts a liquid surface includes a test probe of conducting material. The test probe is electrically screened by an insulated screen, with a part of the test probe projecting in front of the screen. The test probe is connected to a first alternating voltage source via a first impedance and to one input of a differential amplifier, and the screen is connected to a second alternating voltage source via a second impedance and to another input of the differential amplifier. An output of the differential amplifier is connected to one input of a first multiplicator and to one input of a second multiplicator, and another input of the first multiplicator is connected to a third alternating voltage source, and another input of the second multiplicator is connected to a fourth alternating voltage source.

Abstract: A method for determining quality of lubricating oil using electrodes in contact with the oil includes applying a potential having a first amplitude to the electrodes, wherein the first amplitude is sufficiently low such that substantially no solution current will flow; determining a first voltage phase lag with respect to the potential when the potential has the first amplitude; increasing amplitude of the potential to a second amplitude at which solution current flows; determining a second voltage phase lag with respect to the potential when the potential has the second amplitude; and determining the quality of the oil based on the voltage phase lags. A system for practicing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing feedback loop in impedance measuring equipment involves determining a null loop transfer function of the impedance measuring device by utilizing multiple independent, known impedances. The phase characteristics of the null loop is measured for each multiple independent, known impedances. Based on the measured phase characteristics, the loop characteristic is determined with regard to impedances of arbitrary devices under test (DUTs). The best phase compensation amount is then computed for use over the entire range of DUTs.

Abstract: Material resistivity measuring apparatus includes a transmitter for transmitting a measurement frequency current through the material to a receiver spaced from the transmitter. The transmitter includes a power amplifier wherein the measurement frequency current is amplified in discrete steps depending upon resistivity of the material. The current level of the transmitter is transmitted to the receiver by modulating the measurement frequency current by a modulation signal whose phase is indicative of power level. The measurement frequency current can be modulated by a second modulating signal which provides a reference phase for the first modulating signal.

Abstract: The organic coating deposited on a metallic substrate is quantitatively euated by measurement of electrical signals through an electrochemical cell having an electrode separated from the deposited coating by a porous pad within which a liquid medium is absorbed. Quality determining parameters of the coating are rapidly calculated through a data processor to which electrical current and phase shift measurements are fed together with data from the electrochemical cell. The method may be used to evaluate the quality of the coating on the steel hull of a marine vessel exposed to seawater.

Abstract: A transducer (23) for producing a digital output signal proportional to a change in a sensed physical parameter includes first and second pairs of series-connected resistors (24, 25 or 26, 28). The electrical resistance of at least one of these resistors is variable in response to a change in the sensed parameter. The transducer also includes sine wave generators (31, 32) for applying first and second sine waves across the first and second pairs, respectively. However, these first and second exciting voltages are phase-shifted relative to one another by a constant phase angle. The voltages between the resistors of each pair are vector-summed. The phase angle of this vector-sEed signal is compared with the phase of the reference sine wave, and a pulse-width-modulated waveform is produced.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cracks in a sample of materials by applying the theory that the phase angle increases in the sample of materials being tested where cracks have formed. The method is performed by preparing a solution capable of forming cracks in the sample, preparing an auxiliary electrode, then making the sample and the auxiliary electrode contact with the solution, preparing a frequency generator connecting the sample and the auxiliary electrode respectively, choosing a frequency, and turning on the frequency generator with an alternating current of the frequency, monitoring the phase angle measured in the sample, and determining the formation of cracks in the sample by checking whether the phase angle measured in the sample increases with time.

Abstract: A plasma monitoring and control method and system monitor and control plasma in an electronic device fabrication reactor by sensing the voltage of the radio frequency power that is directed into the plasma producing gas at the input to the plasma producing environment of the electronic device fabrication reactor. The method and system further senses the current and phase angle of the radio frequency power directed to the plasma producing gas at the input to the plasma producing environment. Full load impedance is measured and used in determining characteristics of the plasma environment, including not only discharge and sheath impedances, but also chuck and wafer impedances, primary ground path impedance, and a secondary ground path impedance associated with the plasma environment. This permits end point detection of both deposition and etch processes, as well as advanced process control for electronic device fabrication.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cracks in a sample of materials by applying the theory that the phase angle increases in the sample of materials being tested where cracks have formed. The method is performed by preparing a solution capable of forming cracks in the sample, preparing an auxiliary electrode, then making the sample and the auxiliary electrode contact with the solution, preparing a frequency generator connecting the sample and the auxiliary electrode respectively, choosing a frequency, and turning on the frequency generator with an alternating current of the frequency, monitoring the phase angle measured in the sample, and determining the formation of cracks in the sample by checking whether the phase angle measured in the sample increases with time.

Abstract: A contactless sheet resistance measurement apparatus and a method for measuring the sheet resistance of a desired layer of a first conductivity type, formed upon a substrate of an opposite conductivity type, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a junction capacitance establishing means, a point location alternating current AC photovoltage generating means for generating a laterally propagated AC photovoltage, an attenuation and phase shift monitoring means for monitoring the .laterally propagated AC photovoltage, and a sheet resistance signal generating means responsive to the-junction capacitance establishing means, the AC photovoltage generating means, and the attenuation and phase shift monitoring means for generating an output signal indicative of a sheet resistance R.sub.S of the desired layer according to a prescribed sheet resistance model.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for monitoring an electric consumer in a motor vehicle. The consumer can be actuated by at least one pulse-shaped control signal formed by a control unit with this actuation taking place via a switching device. This arrangement includes a device for detecting electric variables in the region of the consumer and a device for comparing these variables to pregiven limit values as well as a device for recognizing a fault on the basis of this comparison. The device for recognizing faults evaluates the comparison result for recognizing a fault condition pursuant to the actuating state of the electric consumer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the quality of a colloidal suspension. According to the method of the present invention, an oscillating input electrical signal is applied simultaneously to a sample of the colloidal suspension to be tested and to a reference solution. The reference solution is substantially identical to the colloidal suspension except that the colloidal particles have been removed. The input signal causes charge particles and molecules within both substances to move, thereby, giving rise to electrical currents. Thus, a test current is extracted from the colloidal suspension and a reference current is extracted from the reference solution. Thereafter, a differential output current is derived by substracting the reference current from the test current. The peak-to-peak magnitude of the differential output current is measured, and the phase of the output current is compared to the phase of the input signal to determine the difference in phase between the two signals.

Abstract: An electrical conductivity measuring apparatus for measuring the electrical conductivity of liquid has a plurality of electrodes disposed in the liquid contained in a measuring cell, with an a.c. voltage being applied between the electrodes, thereby measuring the electrical conductivity by measuring a current flowing between the electrodes. The apparatus includes a reference a.c. voltage source including adjustment means for varying the magnitude and phase of the signal current, and is designed to cancel the conductivity of background by adding the current from the reference a.c. voltage source to the current from the electrodes.

Abstract: In an impedance and transfer characteristic measuring apparatus sine-wave and cosine-wave data are produced using data obtained by accumulating a fixed phase value in synchronism with a clock signal and the sine-wave data is provided to a device under test after D-A conversion. Multiplied outputs are obtained by multiplying type D-A converting part which D-A converts the sine-wave data and the cosine-wave data, using two signals related to an item of measurement of the device under test as analog multiply inputs therefor. An intergration control signal of a predetermined level is generated by a signal generating part for the half-cycle period of a sine-wave test signal in synchronism with a measurement start signal. For the period during which the intergration control signal is yielded the multiplied outputs are respectively integrated in an integration circuit part to thereby obtain vector-detected outputs.

Abstract: An electrical device for measuring the dry film thickness of a paint film applied to a conductive coating adhered to a plastic substrate without destroying the film; the device contains the followintg components: a. an electric sensing device of two separate electrodes isolated from each other and positioned in a material capable of conforming to the surface of the film being measured where the sensing device is placed in contact with the surface of the film and measured under a uniform and reproducible pressure; b. a gain and phase measuring device electrically connected to the sensing device for measuring the gain and phase of an alternating current electrical signal passed from one electrode through the film and conductive coating to the second electrode; c.

Abstract: The invention concerns apparatus for the non-destructive measurement of the ohmic resistance of thin layers. The apparatus is based on a capacitative measurement process wherein the plates of a capacitor are formed by an electrode (3) with the thin layer (6) to be measured, the dielectric of the capacitor being constituted by a carrier foil (5) on which the thin layer (6) is carried, for instance by means of a vacuum-depositing process. The electrode (3) is supplied via an oscillator with high-frequency voltage (U.sub.HF) so that a displacement current flows from the electrode (3) over the carrier foil (5) to the thin layer (6) and from there back again. This displacement current is composed of an ohmic part and a capacitive part. In order to maintain the capacitative part constant even for fluctuating capacitances, caused e.g. by changes in the thickness of the carrier foil (5), an additional capacitor is connected in a regulated manner to the capacitor that is present.