For Temperature Variation Patents (Class 324/721)
  • Patent number: 11854952
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: an oscillator including external terminals disposed on a first face with a specific distance along a first direction; an integrated circuit including a first region formed with first electrode pads along one side, and a second region formed with second electrode pads on two opposing sides of the first region; a lead frame that includes terminals at a peripheral portion, and on which the oscillator and the integrated circuit are mounted such that the external terminals, the first and second electrode pads face in a substantially same direction and such that one side of the integrated circuit is substantially parallel to the first direction; a first bonding wire that connects one external terminal to one first electrode pad; a second bonding wire that connects one terminal of one lead frame to one second electrode pad; and a sealing member that seals all of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: LAPIS SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihisa Sone, Kazuya Yamada, Akihiro Takei, Yuichi Yoshida, Kengo Takemasa
  • Patent number: 11714381
    Abstract: A humidity detection device includes a humidity sensor, a resistor connected to one-side of the humidity sensor, a first switching part connected to the resistor; a diode connected to the first switching part; a second switching part connected to the other-side of the humidity sensor, a potential difference generating part connected to the second switching part, a power supply supplying a voltage, and a control part applying the voltage as an alternating voltage to the humidity sensor by controlling the first switching part and the second switching part. The control part applies a current to the diode, the resistor and the humidity sensor in a first direction by connecting the second switching part to the ground, and applies the current to the resistor and the humidity sensor in a second direction, which is an opposite direction from the first direction, by connecting the first switching part to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Kosaka
  • Patent number: 11714075
    Abstract: A chemical sensor and a system and method for sensing a chemical species. The chemical sensor includes a plurality of nanofibers whose electrical impedance varies upon exposure to the chemical species, a substrate supporting and electrically isolating the fibers, a set of electrodes connected to the plurality of fibers at spatially separated points to permit the electrical impedance of the plurality of fibers to be measured, and a membrane encasing the fibers and having a thickness ranging from 50 ?m to 5.0 mm. The system includes the chemical sensor, an impedance measuring device coupled to the electrodes and configured to determine an electrical impedance of the plurality of fibers, and an analyzer configured to identify the chemical species based on a change in the electrical impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Research Triangle Institute
    Inventors: David S. Ensor, Li Han
  • Patent number: 10996188
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device in particular, a sensor for determining a measurand correlated with a concentration of an analyte in a measuring medium, including a housing that has a region provided for contacting the measuring medium, a fluid line arranged in the housing, an interface that is arranged within the region provided for contacting the measuring medium and has a first side which is in contact with the fluid line and a second side which is in contact with an environment of the housing in particular, with the measuring medium in contact with the housing, a first reservoir that is arranged in the housing and fluidically connected to the fluid line and which contains a reagent intended for contacting and/or interacting with the analyte, and a transport mechanism that is designed to transport reagent from the first reservoir into the fluid line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Torsten Pechstein, Thomas Wilhelm, Michael Hanko
  • Patent number: 10670567
    Abstract: A testing system and methods for using the same are provided. The testing system can include a sensor and a radiofrequency (RF) tag mounted on the sensor. The RF tag can be configured to store sensor information regarding the sensor and to wirelessly communicate at least a portion of the sensor information to a portable computing device upon request. The portable computing device can be configured to allow an operator to obtain selected sensor information from the RF tag and display it on the portable computing device. The portable computing device can also be configured to retrieve additional sensor information from external sources, such as a sensor manufacturer, via a network. Thus, sensor information can be retrieved in the field by the portable computing device for use in operating the testing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Torsten Behrendt
  • Patent number: 9304014
    Abstract: Systems and methods for temperature compensation in a utility meter are provided. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, there is disclosed a method. The method can include receiving, from a sensor of a device, a temperature and a current associated with a first portion of the device. The method can also include determining, based at least in part on a correlation between at least one prior measured temperature and current associated with the first portion of the device and a prior measured temperature and current associated with a second portion of the device, a predicted temperature associated with the second portion of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sanjiv C. Komati, Harish Sarma Krishnamoorthy
  • Patent number: 9250637
    Abstract: A temperature control device includes a temperature detector, a difference operation unit, a controller, a saturation processing circuit unit, a rewritable storage unit, and a conversion unit. The difference operation unit operates a digital value corresponding to a difference value between a detected temperature value and a target temperature. The controller calculates a manipulated variable using the digital value operated by the difference operation unit. The saturation processing circuit unit includes a digital circuit to limit an output value of the controller to a pre-set upper limit value. The rewritable storage unit stores the upper limit value read from a storage area of the rewritable storage unit and input into the saturation processing circuit unit. The conversion unit converts the output value of the saturation processing circuit unit into an analog signal to output the converted value as a control command value to the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsukasa Kobata
  • Patent number: 9109989
    Abstract: A compact corrosion measurement apparatus and system includes an air fan, a corrosion sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a heater element, and an air flow sensor all under control to monitor and maintain constant air parameters in an environment and minimize environmental fluctuations around the corrosion sensor to overcome the variation commonly encountered in corrosion rate measurement. The corrosion measurement apparatus includes a structure providing an enclosure within which are located the sensors. Constant air flow and temperature is maintained within the enclosure where the corrosion sensor is located by integrating a variable speed air fan and a heater with the corresponding feedback loop control. Temperature and air flow control loops ensure that corrosivity is measured under similar conditions in different facilities offering a general reference point that allow a one to one comparison between facilities with similar or different pollution levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hendrik F. Hamann, Levente I. Klein
  • Patent number: 8975901
    Abstract: Measurement devices, systems, and methods to measure a high field conductivity of a fluid are provided herein. The measurement device includes a fluid cell, a pair of electrodes, a voltage switch, and a measurement unit. The fluid cell is on an inclined plane to receive the fluid. The pair of electrodes are connected to the fluid cell. The pair of electrodes are spaced apart from one another to receive the fluid therebetween and positioned parallel to one another to pass an electrical current therethrough. The power unit provides a high voltage power supply to one electrode of the pair of electrodes. The measurement unit measures the electrical current that passes between the pair of electrodes through the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Henryk Birecki, Omer Gila, Michael H Lee, William D Holland
  • Publication number: 20150054531
    Abstract: A current sense resistor and a method of manufacturing a current sensing resistor with temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) compensation are disclosed. The resistor has a resistive strip disposed between two conductive strips. A pair of main terminals and a pair of voltage sense terminals are formed in the conductive strips. A pair of rough TCR calibration slots is located between the main terminals and the voltage sense terminals, each of the rough TCR calibration slots have a depth selected to obtain a negative starting TCR value observed at the voltage sense terminals. A fine TCR calibration slot is formed between the pair of voltage sense terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: VISHAY DALE ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Clark L. Smith, Thomas L. Bertsch, Todd L. Wyatt, Thomas L. Veik
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8823400
    Abstract: A diagnostic method and system is described for diagnosing an operating condition of a conductive particulate matter sensor. The sensor has a substrate with electrical resistance that varies with temperature and two electrodes on the substrate adapted to collect particulate matter between the electrodes, thereby establishing an electrically conductive path through collected particulate matter between the electrodes that can be detected by measuring electrical resistance between the electrodes, Relect. The diagnosis is performed by heating the substrate in the area between the electrodes and using the resistance between the electrodes to determine detecting whether contamination is present on the surface of the sensor. Heat may be maintained on the sensor to attempt to burn off a detected contaminant, and a subsequent resistance reading may be used to determine if the contaminant was successfully burned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lary R. Hocken, Charles S. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8810267
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a device identification circuit and a temperature sensor diode connected in parallel from a common node. The device identification circuit includes a resistor connected to a diode-connected transistor. The device identification circuit and the temperature sensor diode are adapted to not be simultaneously operating in an ON state. A first voltage is applied to the common node to place the device identification circuit in an ON state and place the temperature sensor diode in an OFF state to identify the integrated circuit. A second voltage is applied to the common node to place the device identification circuit in an OFF state and place the temperature sensor diode in an ON state to determine a temperature of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Truesense Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Shen Wang, Edward T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20140159754
    Abstract: In an electrical machine which has unidirectional excitation applied to its windings, the mean values of voltage and current can be computed from the instantaneous phase voltage and current by the use of, for example, low-pass filters (in either the analogue or digital domain). The value of winding resistance can then be calculated by dividing the mean voltage by the mean current. This avoids the cost, fragility and potential inaccuracy of conventional temperature sensors, and provides the controller with an ongoing estimate of winding temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Nidec SR Drives Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael James Turner
  • Patent number: 8350571
    Abstract: An electronic salt meter including a sensor rod, salt meter body and receiving components to measure a temperature and salinity. The electronic salt meter includes a first and sensor electrode and a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the measurement object. A measurement monitoring unit detects whether the first and second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to each other. A salinity measurement unit applies an AC power to the first and second sensor electrodes to measure salinity of the measurement object. A temperature measurement unit applies a power to the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the measurement object. A thermal equilibrium detection unit stores the temperature value previously measured, and when the temperature variation is less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined as a thermal equilibrium state. A room-temperature salinity conversion unit converts the salinity value into a salinity value at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Yun-Ho Son
  • Patent number: 8330476
    Abstract: A supply voltage management system and method for an integrated circuit (IC) die are provided. The supply voltage management system includes one or more temperature sensing elements located on the IC die and configured to sense temperature of the die and to output a sensed temperature value for the die. A dynamic voltage controller is located on the die and is configured to receive the sensed temperature value for the die and to identify a technology process category of the die. Based on the sensed temperature value and the identified technology process category of the die, the dynamic voltage controller adjusts an output voltage to at least one circuit of the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: ATI Technologies ULC
    Inventors: Nancy Chan, Ramesh Senthinathan
  • Patent number: 8314623
    Abstract: A system includes a first module, a second module, and a third module. The first module determines a first temperature and a first power dissipation value of a thermistor based on a resistance of a first resistor connected in series with the thermistor. The second module, after disconnecting the first resistor and connecting a second resistor in series with the thermistor, determines a second temperature and a second power dissipation value of the thermistor based on a resistance of the second resistor. The third module determines a thermal dissipation factor based on the first and second temperatures and the first and second power dissipation values, and corrects temperature sensed by the thermistor based on the thermal dissipation factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Carl Nelson, Christian G. Masson, Marilyn L. Kindermann, Brian K. Kowalczyk
  • Patent number: 8237454
    Abstract: Measuring device for local measurement of an electrical property of the content of a container, wherein at least three electrodes are disposed adjacently of each other in height direction and electrically insulated from each other, wherein each of the electrodes can be connected to an electrical measuring circuit for measuring, via one of the electrodes and one other electrode connected to an electrical earth, the electrical property of the content of the container in the vicinity of the electrodes, and wherein the electrical measuring circuit is adapted to generate at least one electric measuring signal representing the measured electrical property, and a control unit for connecting the one electrode to the electrical measuring circuit and connecting the other electrode to an electrical earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fluid Well Instruments B.V.
    Inventors: Marian Jozef Slezak, Cornelis Wijnand Schoenmakers
  • Patent number: 8149004
    Abstract: A corrosion sensor having a corrodible element that is corrodible in a lubricant or hydraulic oil, wherein the corrosion sensor is adapted to monitor degradation of the lubricant or hydraulic oil is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Raghurama A. Raju, Sanjeeb Tripathy, Jicang Zhou
  • Publication number: 20120001649
    Abstract: A current sensor is disclosed. The current sensor includes a leadframe having a die paddle, a portion of the die paddle being configured as a resistive element through which current can flow, and an integrated circuit (IC) die attached and thermally coupled to the die paddle. The IC die includes a current sensing module configured to measure a voltage drop across the resistive element and convert the voltage drop measurement to a current measurement signal and a temperature compensation module electrically coupled to the current sensing module. The temperature compensation module is configured to adjust the current measurement signal to compensate for temperature-dependent changes in the resistive element. The temperature compensation module includes a temperature-sensitive element, with a portion of the temperature-sensitive element located directly over a portion of the resistive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Edson Wayne Porter, Robert C. Chiacchia, Wan Wah Loh
  • Patent number: 8081006
    Abstract: A sensor temperature compensation circuit that includes a sensor and non-linear temperature compensation circuit that compensates for non-linear temperature dependencies in offset and/or gain generated by the sensor. For instance, to at least partially compensate for offset temperature dependencies, a summer adds two offset compensation signals, the ratio of the second to the first being a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be multiplied by a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be used to provide the non-linear temperature compensation to the offset. Alternatively or in addition, to at least partially compensate for gain temperature dependencies, a summer adds two gain compensation signals, the ratio of the second to the first being a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be multiplied by a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be used to provide non-linear temperature compensation to the gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Munenori Tsuchiya, Lucas Laren Piquet, Larry Petersen
  • Publication number: 20110018728
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and sensing device capable of determining a temperature of a liquid and an electrical conductivity of said liquid at said temperature. The sensing device comprises at least one temperature sensor for providing temperature measurement data arranged such that said temperature sensor is physically isolated from said liquid when said sensing device is immersed in said liquid. The device further comprises an electrical conductivity sensor, storage means containing temperature characteristics and a processor. The processor is arranged for instantly measuring an electrical conductivity of a liquid and for evaluating temperature measurement data for determining the temperature of the liquid on the basis of the temperature characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSONDIVERSEY, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Robert Uhlhorn, Lambertus Gerardus P. Van Der Heijden, Jan E. Veening
  • Patent number: 7852098
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a heating circuit configured to heat the integrated circuit under the control of a controller. A transfer function with adjustable pole, zero and overall gain is implemented in the controller such that a temperature response of the integrated circuit can be changed by adjusting one or more of the adjustable pole, zero and overall gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: Jody Greenberg, Sehat Sutardja
  • Patent number: 7696768
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a heating circuit configured to heat the integrated circuit under the control of a controller. A transfer function with adjustable pole, zero and overall gain is implemented in the controller such that a temperature response of the integrated circuit can be changed by adjusting one or more of the adjustable pole, zero and overall gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Jody Greenberg, Sehat Sutardja
  • Patent number: 7622030
    Abstract: Simultaneous determination of general corrosion and localized corrosion rate measurements is achieved with polarization applied by the electrodes themselves rather than externally applied polarization. Two or more working electrodes may be galvanically coupled. A localized pitting corrosion event on one of the electrodes will lead to a potential transient. The area within the potential transient is measured with the baseline being the initial starting potential. This gives localized corrosion as a function of time. The relationship Rp=?V/?I is calculated, where Rp is the polarization resistance of the working electrodes and is a measure of generalized corrosion rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Raymond Paul Gill, Vladimir Jovancicevic, Wai Yeung Mok, Paul Hammonds
  • Patent number: 7598722
    Abstract: Method and system for periodically measuring the junction temperature of a semiconductor device. The junction exited by at least two sequential predetermined currents of different magnitudes. The voltage response of the junction to the at least two currents is measured and the temperature of the junction is calculated, while substantially canceling ohmic effects, by using the voltage response and a correction factor obtained by periodically. Whenever desired, the junction is exited by a set of at least four sequential different currents having known ratios. The voltage response to the set is measured and the correction factor is calculated by using each voltage response to the set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Nation Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Ohad Falik
  • Patent number: 7573275
    Abstract: A temperature sensor control apparatus includes a reference potential section, a driving potential section set to a driving electric potential, a temperature sensor configured to vary a resistance in accordance with a temperature, and disposed between the reference potential section and the driving potential section, a conduction path, two reference resistance elements each connected in series with the temperature sensor, a potential controlled point disposed in the conduction path between the reference resistance elements, a potential setting section configured to set an electric potential of the potential controlled point to the driving electric potential; and a resistance switching control section configured to control the potential setting section to switch the electric potential of the potential controlled point, and to switch each of the reference resistance elements to one of an energized state and a deenergized state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Inagaki, Yuji Oi
  • Publication number: 20090167330
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the arrangement includes a sense element to convey a current from a source to a load and a compensation element located proximate to the sense element. The compensation element has a resistance that changes proportional to a change in temperature of the sense element. In several embodiments, the arrangement further includes an operational amplifier having a first input connected to the sense element, a second input connected to the compensation element and an output that provides an output signal that biases a current through the compensation element in response to a voltage across the sense element. In such embodiments, the bias current provides an output signal proportional to the conveyed current and the compensation element provides temperature compensation for the output signal. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Viktor Vogman
  • Patent number: 7508225
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provide device identification and temperature sensing of a device with a temperature sensing circuit (TSC) within the device. The TSC includes a temperature sensing element (TSE) connected in parallel with a voltage clamping network (VCN) that limits the voltage across the TSE to an identification voltage within an identification voltage range when the voltage is greater than or equal to a lower voltage of the identification voltage range. When a voltage below the lower range is applied to the TSC, the VCN appears as an open circuit and the resistance of the TSC corresponds to temperature. For cost or other concerns, a first TSC may omit the VCN to provide a maximum identification voltage and other TSCs may include VCNs with lower identification voltage ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corporation
    Inventor: John Philip Taylor
  • Patent number: 7492171
    Abstract: One arrangement includes a sense element to convey a current from a source to a load and a compensation element located proximate to the sense element. The compensation element having a resistance that changes proportional to a change in temperature of the sense element. The arrangement further includes an operational amplifier having a first input connected to the sense element, a second input connected to the compensation element and an output that provides an output signal that biases a current through the compensation element in response to a voltage across the sense element. The bias current provides an output signal proportional to the conveyed current and the compensation element provides temperature compensation for the output signal. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Viktor Vogman
  • Publication number: 20080278183
    Abstract: A fuel cell test system including a controller, a housing defining a test chamber, a test subject fuel cell positioned in the test chamber, the test subject fuel cell being in communication with the controller to provide the controller with signals indicative of a performance of the test subject fuel cell, a fuel feed in communication with the test subject fuel cell, the fuel feed having a humidity, a flow rate and a pressure, wherein at least one of the humidity, the flow rate and the pressure of the fuel feed is controllable by the controller, and an oxidant feed in communication with the test subject fuel cell, the oxidant feed having a humidity, a flow rate and a pressure, wherein at least one of the humidity, the flow rate and the pressure of the oxidant feed is controllable by the controller, wherein the controller monitors the performance of the test subject fuel cell in response to the fuel feed and the oxidant feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: MOUND TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas A. McClelland, Daniel P. Kramer
  • Patent number: 7443176
    Abstract: An integrated circuit temperature sensor includes a sensor to determine whether the integrated circuit is currently exposed to a relatively low or high temperature. A measured voltage across the base-emitter of a bipolar transistor is selected if the sensor indicates exposure to the relatively low temperature or, a measured delta voltage across the base-emitter of the bipolar transistor is selected if the sensor indicates exposure to the relatively high temperature. The voltage across the base-emitter is compared against a first reference for determining exposure to a too cold condition or the selected measured delta voltage across the base-emitter is compared against a second reference for determining exposure to a too hot condition. In a test mode, the measured delta voltage across the base-emitter and/or the measured voltage across the base-emitter are scaled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. McClure, Sooping Saw
  • Patent number: 7443178
    Abstract: An electrical circuit for the temperature compensation of at least one measuring resistor structure integrated in a semiconductor body includes at least one further resistor structure which is likewise concomitantly integrated into the semiconductor body and is thermally coupled to the measuring resistor structure. The electrical circuit also includes a circuit arrangement which is electrically connected to the further resistor structure, feeds a current into the further resistor structure, and evaluates a temperature-dependent voltage dropped across the further resistor structure as a result. The temperature-dependent voltage dropped across the further resistor is used for temperature compensation of the measuring resistor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Martin Graefling
  • Patent number: 7429866
    Abstract: A method for improved cable resistance measuring is provided including coupling a measurement test device including a master unit and a remote unit, via at least one connector, to at least one network cable and determining a terminating impedance using field calibration. The method additionally including transmitting an AC signal across the network cable for determining a resistance of the network cable, and measuring a length of the network cable. The method still further including measuring a capacitance of the network cable, and measuring an impedance of the network cable terminated by the measurement test device. The method additionally including extracting the resistance of the network cable from the impedance measurement, and correcting for error in at least one of capacitance, termination resistance, and nominal cable effects for a corrected resistance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Avo Multi-Amp Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald Wayne Beene
  • Patent number: 7394264
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring current in an inductor and being connected in parallel with said inductor. The device includes a network in parallel with the inductor and connected to the terminals A and B comprising a resistor R2 in series with a resistor R1 in parallel with a capacitor C1; a voltage offset circuit having a DC voltage generator E connected in parallel with an offset resistor (Roffset) in series with two parallel resistors R3 and R4, the positive pole of the voltage source being connected to terminal B of the inductor; a temperature compensation circuit comprising a current source controlled as a function of the temperature, one of the two terminals of the current source being connected to the negative pole of the generator E, the other terminal of the current source being connected to different points of the measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Flavien Blanc, Christophe Taurand
  • Publication number: 20080116908
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for detecting contaminants in a liquid comprises: contacting a sensor with a liquid, generating electrical information based upon a concentration of the contaminant in the liquid, transmitting the electrical information to a controller, and determining the concentration of a contaminant in the liquid. The sensor can comprise a film, a purge chamber, and a transducer, which are configured such that a first surface of the film is in fluid communication with the liquid and the purge chamber is in fluid communication with a second surface of the film that is opposite the first surface, and wherein the transducer is in fluid communication with the purge chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Radislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo, David James Monk, Ryo Tamaki
  • Publication number: 20080079446
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provide device identification and temperature sensing of a device with a temperature sensing circuit (TSC) within the device. The TSC includes a temperature sensing element (TSE) connected in parallel with a voltage clamping network (VCN) that limits the voltage across the TSE to an identification voltage within an identification voltage range when the voltage is greater than or equal to a lower voltage of the identification voltage range. When a voltage below the lower range is applied to the TSC, the VCN appears as an open circuit and the resistance of the TSC corresponds to temperature. For cost or other concerns, a first TSC may omit the VCN to provide a maximum identification voltage and other TSCs may include VCNs with lower identification voltage ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: John Philip TAYLOR
  • Publication number: 20080024147
    Abstract: A sensor temperature compensation circuit that includes a sensor and non-linear temperature compensation circuit that compensates for non-linear temperature dependencies in offset and/or gain generated by the sensor. For instance, to at least partially compensate for offset temperature dependencies, a summer adds two offset compensation signals, the ratio of the second to the first being a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be multiplied by a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be used to provide the non-linear temperature compensation to the offset. Alternatively or in addition, to at least partially compensate for gain temperature dependencies, a summer adds two gain compensation signals, the ratio of the second to the first being a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be multiplied by a function of temperature. The summed signal may then be used to provide non-linear temperature compensation to the gain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Munenori Tsuchiya, Lucas Laren Piquet, Larry Petersen
  • Patent number: 7268566
    Abstract: A sensor circuit is provided that includes at least one pair of interconnected T-networks. Each pair has a first T-network including a first impedance serially connected to second impedance at a first junction and a first variable resistance sensor element connected to the first junction. Each pair also has a second T-network including a third impedance serially connected to a fourth impedance at a second junction and a second variable resistance sensor element connected to the second junction. The sensor circuit further includes an operational amplifier connected to the first T-network of a selected one of the at least one pair of T-networks and a constant voltage source connected to the second T-network of the selected T-network pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Tao of Systems Integration, Inc.
    Inventors: Garimella R. Sarma, Siva M. Mangalam
  • Patent number: 7265560
    Abstract: A chemiresistor sensor system that compensates for changes in resistance caused by changes in ambient temperature, thereby increasing the accuracy of the sensor system's ability to detect target analytes. The sensor system generally includes a first resistor, a second resistor, and a load regulator or switch that is sensitive to changes in ambient temperature. At least one of the first resistor and the second resistor is a sensing element having a resistance that changes in response to the presence of one or more of the analytes. The switch manages an electrical load across the first resistor and the second resistor. The switch prevents passage of the electrical load across the first and/or second resistor when the ambient temperature is at a first value. The switch permits passage of the electrical load across the first and/or second resistor when the ambient temperature is at a second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. West, Jared Starling
  • Patent number: 7176701
    Abstract: A temperature sensor including two transistors having different emitter current densities and performing temperature detection based on the fact that the difference in voltage between base and emitter changes with temperature. The temperature sensor is provided with a feedback circuit for controlling respective collector voltages and emitter currents such that the collector voltages of both transistors vary according to similar temperature characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takatsugu Wachi, Akira Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7170275
    Abstract: Method and system for periodically measuring the junction temperature of a semiconductor device. The junction is excited by at least two sequential predetermined currents of different magnitudes. The voltage response of the junction to the at least two currents is measured and the temperature of the junction is calculated, while substantially canceling ohmic effects, by using the voltage response and a correction factor. Whenever desired, the junction is excited by a set of at least four sequential different currents having known ratios. The voltage response to the set is measured and the correction factor is calculated by using each voltage response to the set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Ohad Falik
  • Patent number: 7132838
    Abstract: A sensor circuit is provided that includes a first T-network including a first impedance serially connected to a second impedance at a first junction and a first variable resistance sensor element connected at a first end to the first junction and at a second end to ground. The sensor circuit also includes a second T-network including a third impedance serially connected to a fourth impedance at a third junction and a second variable resistance sensor element having first and second sensor element ends. The first sensor element end is connected to the third junction and the fourth impedance is connected to the second junction. The sensor circuit further includes a constant voltage source connected to the third impedance and to ground. The second end of the second variable resistance sensor element is connected to a fourth junction intermediate the constant voltage source and ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Tao of Systems Integration, Inc.
    Inventors: Garimella R. Sarma, Siva M. Mangalam
  • Patent number: 7015706
    Abstract: A semiconductor sensing device has a semiconductor substrate with a pressure sensing bridge circuit including piezo-resistance elements formed on the substrate. Further, the semiconductor sensing device has a temperature sensing bridge circuit including resistance elements formed on the semiconductor substrate. A pair of the resistance elements is connected with a power supply terminal, and the other pair of the resistance elements is connected with a grounding terminal. The resistance elements in either or both of these pairs are formed of different resistance types from each other and of the same conductivity type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Hattori, Noboru Endo
  • Patent number: 6936158
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring accumulated and instant rate of material loss or material gain of metal elements for the detection of metal deposition (material gain) caused for example during deposition of coatings used in plating processes and corrosion (material loss) caused for example in pipelines during transportation of hazardous media. The apparatus and the method provides means for measuring accumulated and instant rate of material loss or material gain by inserting a probe in a measurement environment causing a probe experience metal deposition or corrosion. Further the apparatus and the method provides means for performing a temperature independent measurement of accumulated and instant rate of material loss or material gain accomplished without use of a temperature sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Metricorr Aps
    Inventors: Kaj V. Nielsen, Lars V. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6919729
    Abstract: An improved corrosion measurement system for determining the rate of corrosion of a fluid medium. The system is comprised of a highly sensitive excitation and amplification electronic circuitry for registering and displaying the stable and accurate measurement results. A novel current feedback amplifier maintains a constant alternating current voltage across the reference element, by simultaneously controlling the current through the serially connected reference and corroding elements, thereby keeping the corrosivity measurement independent of the probe's ambient temperature. The unique unitized electrical resistance measurement probe is also temperature stabilized using thermally bridged and balanced metallic elements; the first reference element being coated with an impermeable insulating coating, the second, the sacrificial corroding element, being fully exposed to the corrosive fluid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Rohrback Cosasco Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugen Tiefnig
  • Patent number: 6906537
    Abstract: An airfoil temperature control arrangement includes a resistive heater element. A plurality of detectors allow a controller to gather resistance information at various intervals along the resistive heater element. Determining the resistance of the corresponding portions of the heater element allows the controller to utilize a known relationship between resistance and temperature for the material selected to make the resistive heater element. In one example, a nickel alloy or other material having a high coefficient of resistance is chosen to provide the controller with the ability to determine a temperature for each portion of the heater element. The determined temperature information is used, for example, to monitor whether any portion of the heater element has become delaminated from the airfoil surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand
    Inventors: Joshua I. Goldberg, Randy P. Holbrook
  • Patent number: 6867605
    Abstract: A device for measuring the probe impedance of a linear lambda probe of an internal combustion engine which is caused by an AC current measurement signal which is fed into the lambda probe, comprises a voltage amplifier for amplifying an AC voltage which drops across the probe impedance, and a rectifier for rectifying the amplified AC voltage, wherein the rectifier is a synchronous demodulator, by which in each case the upper and lower amplitude of the AC voltage signal is sampled with its frequency, filtered and stored, and by which the difference of the stored signals is amplified with a gain factor and made available as output signal at its output for controlling the temperature of the lambda probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stephan Bolz
  • Patent number: 6809538
    Abstract: Leakage power consumed by an integrated circuit is estimated as the difference between total power consumption and a nominal expected power consumption. Leakage power is reduced by cooling the integrated circuit in an active cooling system. By expending power in the active cooling system, the integrated circuit is cooled and the total power consumption is decreased. When the decrease in total power consumption is greater than the power expended in the cooling system, an overall power savings is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Shekhar Y. Borkar
  • Publication number: 20040178810
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor apparatus capable of outputting an accurate sensor signal irrespective of a variation of power supply voltage. In the sensor apparatus, when an A/D conversion circuit produces and outputs digital data, a switch circuit is placed into a first switching condition so that a constant voltage is applied from a constant-voltage circuit to an oscillation circuit, and a stabilized oscillation frequency is outputted from the oscillation circuit to the A/D conversion circuit. Thus, even if a power supply voltage varies, the A/D conversion circuit carries out sampling processing on analog data on the basis of the stabilized oscillation frequency from the oscillation circuit to produce and output the digital data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noboru Endo, Takao Tsuruhara