Abstract: Electronic devices are adapted to facilitate detection of a type of USB charger to which an electronic device is connected. According to one example, an electronic device can apply a current source to a data line of a USB plug coupled to a USB port. A determination can be made whether the data line has gone to a LOW state or remained at a HIGH state after a predetermined period of time. If the data line has gone to a LOW state, the USB port may be identified as a downstream port, such as a standard downstream port (SDP) or a charging downstream port (CDP). If the data line has remained at the HIGH state, the USB port may be identified as a dedicated charging port (DCP), no matter if it is compliant or non-compliant with the BC 1.2 spec. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

Abstract: A system for detecting a short-circuited ultracapacitor cell in a machine is disclosed. The system may have a memory that stores instructions and one or more processors capable of executing the instructions. The one or more processors may be configured to perform cell balancing among ultracapacitor cells arranged within two or more ultracapacitor modules, each ultracapacitor module including at least two ultracapacitor cells connected in series. The one or more processors may be further configured to measure a module voltage generated by each of the plurality of ultracapacitor modules after performing the cell balancing and before applying a load of the machine to the ultracapacitor modules, and determine whether an ultracapacitor cell among the plurality of ultracapacitor cells is short-circuited based on a comparison of the measured module voltages.

Abstract: Various embodiments for determining a voltage rating of a solenoid in an electropneumatic valve are disclosed. A braking system controller comprises a power switch electrically connected to an associated first solenoid. The power switch provides a low current regulated voltage to the associated first solenoid. The current through the solenoid is converted to a voltage. The voltage is compared to a predetermined voltage range to determine the voltage rating of the associated first solenoid. In another embodiment, the control logic is capable of determining the voltage rating of multiple solenoids in each of the electropneumatic valves connected to the controller.

Abstract: A detection method for an electronic device having a chip is disclosed. The method includes: obtaining, at a detection device, a voltage of at least one signal pin of a chip coupled to the detection device; converting, at the detection device, the obtained voltage to one or more digital voltage signals; and determining, at the detection device, if the one or more digital voltage signals are in a predetermined voltage range in which the chip is correctly operational.

Abstract: Power measurement by tracking of a voltage cycle when voltage and current measurements are taken at different locations on an AC power line, with the devices taking the measurements interconnected by an asynchronous data network. In general, a synchronization/timing message is sent from the voltage sensing side to the current sensing side, with the synchronization/timing message being transmitted at a predetermined point in the periodic voltage cycle. The receipt of the synchronization/timing message by the current sensing side may be used to re-synchronize an internal model of the voltage cycle maintained by the current sensing side to the measured voltage cycle. The predetermined point in the voltage cycle may be the zero-crossing point, or other point, of the voltage cycle.

Abstract: The invention provides circuits, systems and methods for dielectric elastomer device (DED) self-sensing. The circuit comprises a first DED coupled or adapted for coupling to a first voltage source (for providing an actuating or priming signal, for example); a current sensor provided in series with the first DED; and an oscillating signal source coupled to the first DED and adapted to cause an oscillation in a voltage across the DED, wherein the oscillating signal source is decoupled from the first voltage source.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting USB devices attached to a USB charging port including a USB port having a first data line D+, a second data line D?, and a power line are disclosed. A USB device is attached to the USB port; applying power to the USB device by the power line; applying a first voltage to the line D+ at the USB port by a first impedance; applying a second voltage to the line D? at the USB port by a second impedance. The voltages on the line D+ and the line D? are then monitored at the USB port. If the voltage on the line D+ is approximately equal to a first predetermined value for a predetermined period and the voltage on the line D? is below a second predetermined value, then the USB device is determined to be of an alpha type device.

Abstract: A non-contact voltage detection panel mount assembly is provided. The assembly includes a base to mount to an electrical enclosure, the base including of four voltage portals, a test point and a test voltage generator circuit used to test a pen. The pen is operatively connected to the base and includes an electrical charge storage device, a charge indicator operatively connected to the electrical charge storage device to indicate a presence of a charge within the electrical charge storage device, and a voltage present indicator to indicate presence of a voltage. The pen has a first position for lock-out-tag-out to monitor and test for voltage in any one of the four voltage portals and a second position to determine presence of voltage in the test point.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system includes a utility meter having an enclosure, a first component and a second component in the enclosure, and a mounting assembly configured to couple the first and second components together in the enclosure. The mounting assembly includes a first mount having first and second prongs disposed about an intermediate space, a second mount configured to extend bi-directionally into the intermediate space between the first and second prongs in opposite first and second directions, and a snap-fit fastener. The snap-fit fastener includes first and second snap portions configured to bi-directionally engage one another in the opposite first and second directions to secure the first and second mounts.

Abstract: A method for recording power consumption data of a residential unit, the residential unit having a distributor (4) with at least one load circuit (7), wherein at least one load (9) is arranged in each load circuit (7), wherein at least one load (9) can be individually actuated and wherein at least one load circuit (7) has means (6) for measuring the power consumed in the load circuit (7). The residential unit has a control unit (10), which actuates the load or loads (9) on the basis of predetermined or predeterminable scenes. The power consumption of the load circuits (7) is measured individually and recorded by the control unit (10) and the control unit (10) assigns the power consumption to the set scenes.

Abstract: A device management system includes a bus bar, a device management module, and a remote management module. The device management module includes at least one remotely-controllable switching circuit and a detecting circuit. When a device is installed in the rack cabinet, the remotely-controllable switching circuit connected with the device is enabled by the detecting circuit. The remote management module is in communication with the remotely-controllable switching circuit and the detecting circuit through the bus bar. The information of the device is acquired by the remote management module through the remotely-controllable switching circuit. A switch element of the remotely-controllable switching circuit which is connected to the device is selectively turned on or turned off by the remote management module. When the switch element is turned on, the DC power is transmitted to the device through the switch element.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing a direct current includes a first resistance and a second resistance. A first portion of the direct current flows through the first resistance and a second portion of the direct current flows through the second resistance. The circuit further includes a current sensor having an opening, first and second conductors inductively coupled with the current sensor, and a switching circuit having a pair of switches structured to alternatingly switch in order that the second portion of the direct current alternatingly flows through the first and second conductors. The second portion of the direct current flowing through the first conductor passes through the opening of the current sensor in a first direction and the second portion of the direct current flowing through the second conductor passes through the opening of the current sensor in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and a method for detecting a frequency, the apparatus including a signal converting unit removing a high frequency component from an input signal and then converting the input signal into a digital signal, an edge detecting unit detecting an edge of the digital to thereby generate an edge detection signal having a predetermined magnitude, and a frequency estimating unit generating a pulse signal based on the edge detection signal and averaging the pulse signal at a predetermined interval to thereby estimate a frequency of the input signal.

Abstract: Distance between two devices is determined by sending a digital signal from a first device to a second device, and receiving a repeated signal from the second device in the first device. The repeated signal includes the digital signal sent from the first device resent by the second device. A time difference between the sent digital signal and the received repeated signal is determined by providing both the sent digital signal and the received repeated signal to a logic gate, the output of the logic gate indicating whether the digital signal and the received repeated signal are at same or different states. The output of the logic gate is evaluated to determine an approximate distance between the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a zero-voltage condition. In one embodiment, the method comprises generating a first current that is proportional to a voltage across a four-quadrant (4Q) switch; generating a reference current, wherein the reference current is equal to a value of the first current when of the voltage across the 4Q switch is at a predefined value; comparing the first current to the reference current; and generating an indication of a zero-voltage condition across the 4Q switch when the first current is less than the reference current.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a system monitor for a load center comprising a current sensor configured to be coupled to a circuit branch within the load center and to produce a measurement signal having a level related to a current level of the circuit branch, a sensor circuit coupled to the current sensor and removably coupled to a terminal, the sensor circuit configured to provide the measurement signal to the terminal, and a controller coupled to the terminal and configured to monitor signals at the terminal, wherein the controller is further configured to detect disconnection of the current sensor from the terminal based on a signal level at the terminal.

Abstract: A jitter analysis system includes an electronic circuit having a noisy electrical signal with jitter along a baseline of the signal. The jitter analysis system also includes a sampling unit coupled to the noisy electrical signal that provides waveform samples of the noisy electrical timing signal and a jitter detection unit coupled to the sampling unit that provides baseline crossings of the noisy electrical signal, wherein the baseline crossings are determined from a selection of the waveform samples proximate the baseline of the signal. A jitter determination method is also provided.

Abstract: An electric current detection circuit for detecting an electric current flowing to a load includes a voltage generation circuit, a plurality of comparators, and a reference voltage shift circuit. The voltage generation circuit includes a plurality of resistors coupled in series and generates different voltages by dividing a reference voltage with the resistors. The comparators determine a current level of the electric current flowing to the load using the voltages generated by the voltage generation circuit as threshold values. The reference voltage shift circuit shifts the reference voltage. The electric current flowing to the load is detected based on the current level determined by the plurality of comparators before shifting the reference voltage and the current level determined by the plurality of comparators after shifting the reference voltage.

Abstract: A transformer-less method and system for voltage and current sensing using voltage drops across resistors is disclosed. Using optically coupled isolators, the sensed voltages in the high voltage power lines are optically coupled and electrically isolated to the low voltage circuits. The circuit designs for voltage and current sensing's and electrical isolation are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of measuring a current-voltage (IV) characteristic for a photovoltaic (PV) device is described. The method includes providing a PV module for measuring an IV characteristic; exposing the PV module to a solar electromagnetic (EM) spectrum; and acquiring an IV data point on the IV characteristic. The acquisition of an IV data point includes measuring plural IV segments by repetitively applying and sweeping a voltage across the PV module from a unique initial voltage to a target voltage within a time scale for exposing said PV module to the solar EM spectrum, and interpreting a measured current at the target voltage as the IV data point on the IV characteristic if the plural IV segments converge at the target voltage.

Abstract: The present invention is a finger voltage sensor that includes a base finger ring worn by a user that works near an electrical source, an electricity sensor disposed on the base finger ring, the electricity sensor detects one or more electrical fields associated with the electrical source and a warning light disposed on the base finger ring, the warning light emits a constant light when the electricity sensor is activated and is in communication with the electricity sensor. The finger voltage sensor can also include a beeper instead of a warning light and a base finger ring that includes a hook and loop fastener that is releasably attached to a user's finger.

Abstract: Various embodiments for detecting a high Intensity radiated field (HIRF) in a line replaceable unit are provided. In an embodiment, the internal detector comprises a receiving means for receiving HIRF and generating an AC signal proportional to the HIRF, an RF filter configured to sample the AC signal to create a DC signal; and a detecting section configured to compare the DC signal with a threshold and output a result of the comparison to a built-in test section. The internal detector may be used to test EMI filter pin connectors of a closed line replaceable unit.

Abstract: A circuit includes a multiplier circuit including a mixer configured to multiply a first differential input signal and a second differential input signal. The mixer includes a plurality of transistors including control terminals. The control terminals of the plurality of transistors receive a bias signal and the first differential input signal. A bias circuit is configured to generate the bias signal. The bias signal generated by the bias circuit is based on a voltage threshold of one of the plurality of transistors and a product of constant reference current and a bias resistance.

Abstract: A method of detecting faults in a wind turbine generator based on current signature analysis is disclosed herein. The method includes acquiring a set of electrical signals representative of an operating condition of a generator. Further, the electrical signals are processed to generate a normalized spectrum of electrical signals. A fault related to a gearbox or bearing or any other component associated with the generator is detected based on analyzing the current spectrum.

Abstract: A number of TDR systems and testing methods are provided that improve the quality and accuracy of information collected when propagating a signal along a length of cable in order to pinpoint specific anomalies. One or more of the TDR systems includes, for example, a computing device, a pulse generator, and at least one capacitive test sensor. The at least one capacitive test sensor transmits/receives pulses to/from a power system component, such as an insulated power cable, in a capacitive manner.

Abstract: A first filter outputs a first signal in response to receiving an input signal. The first signal has a first state in response to the input signal reaching a first threshold voltage on a leading edge of the input signal, and a second state in response to the input signal reaching the first threshold voltage on a trailing edge of the input signal. A second filter outputs a second signal in response to receiving the input signal. The second signal has the first state in response to the input signal reaching a second threshold voltage on the leading edge of the input signal, and the second state in response to the input signal reaching the second threshold voltage on the trailing edge of the input signal. A detection circuit determines, based on times when the first and second thresholds are reached, whether the input signal is received from a triac.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a floating voltage sensor system comprising a metallic enclosure, a conductive sensor plate, a signal conditioning circuit, and a microcontroller unit. The metallic enclosure can be configured for electrical communication with an asset carrying a voltage. The conductive sensor plate can be positioned adjacent to a surface of the metallic enclosure, such that the conductive plate and the surface of the metallic enclosure are not in contact with each other. The signal conditioning circuit can comprise a first connection point and a second connection point. The first connection point can be in electrical communication with the conductive sensor plate. The second connection point can be in electrical communication with the metallic enclosure. The microcontroller unit can be configured to receive an output of the signal conditioning circuit and measure the voltage of the asset.

Abstract: A voltage detection device that detects a decrease in an output voltage of a power supply device, includes a first voltage-dividing circuit that divides the output voltage of the power supply device, a first constant-voltage circuit that converts the output voltage of the power supply device into a predetermined voltage, a second constant-voltage circuit that converts the output voltage of the power supply device into a predetermined voltage lower than an output voltage of the first constant-voltage circuit, a comparator that receives output voltages of the first voltage-dividing circuit and the second constant-voltage circuit, and a detection circuit that detects the decrease in the output voltage of the power supply device. The detection circuit detects a decrease in the output voltage in a higher-voltage region, and detects a decrease in the output voltage in a lower-voltage region.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to apparatuses, methods, systems, and computer program products for generating and optimizing irrigation protocols. The disclosure also extends to a system and method for detecting an expansion module in an irrigation system in accordance with the disclosed methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing water usage in growing plants for yard and crops.

Abstract: An electronic system comprises a resistive sensor structure and an electronic circuit portion whose design is selected such that different resistive sensor structures may be combined within the same electronic circuit. To this end, the resistive sensor structure is used as a voltage/current converter that provides input currents to a current amplifier, which in turn provides an amplified output voltage on the basis of a difference of the input currents. The operating range of the current amplifier is adjusted on the basis of a programmable current source irrespective of the configuration of the resistive sensor structure.

Abstract: There is provided a power transmission line monitoring apparatus installed on a power transmission line to monitor a geomagnetically induced current (GIC) flowing along the power transmission line. The power transmission line monitoring apparatus includes: a main body installed on a power transmission line; a sensing unit embedded in the main body to sense a geomagnetically induced current flowing along the power transmission line; a data collecting and processing unit embedded in the main body and connected to the sensing unit to collect geomagnetically induced current data sensed by the sensing unit and process the collected geomagnetically induced current data; and a wireless communication modem embedded in the main body and connected to the data collecting and processing unit to transmit the data processed by the data collecting and processing unit to a remote data collecting device.

Abstract: A device comprises a coarse timing skew characterization circuit having a buffer chain and a coarse delay cell calibration circuit comprising a first flip-flop, a second flip-flop and a logic gate, wherein the coarse delay cell calibration circuit is configured to measure a delay between an input of the buffer chain and an output of the buffer chain.

Abstract: Described are apparatuses and methods of current balancing, current sensing and phase balancing, offset cancellation, digital to analog current converter with monotonic output using binary coded input (without binary to thermometer decoder), compensator for a voltage regulator (VR), etc. In one example, apparatus comprises: a plurality of inductors coupled to a capacitor and a load; a plurality of bridges, each of which is coupled to a corresponding inductor from the plurality of inductors; and a plurality of current sensors, each of which is coupled to a bridge to sense current through a transistor of the bridge.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring energy use in an electronic device. In one embodiment, an energy monitoring system includes a processor and an energy monitor module. The energy monitor module includes instructions that when executed cause the processor to receive values of measured parameters of a pulse signal that controls the switching of energy to an energy storage device in a switch mode power supply that provides power to an electronic device. The instructions also cause the processor to determine, based on the values of measured parameters, attributes of operation of the electronic device powered by the energy source during an interval corresponding to the measured parameters. The instructions further cause the processor to generate, based on the attributes of operation, a control signal that causes the electronic device to change the loading of the power supply by the electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic power metering within a device is provided. The apparatus includes a metering element and communication elements. The metering element is coupled to a power factor correction circuit at one or more nodes within the device, and is configured to measure and process values on the nodes to generate one or more metering metrics for the device. The metering data includes input power consumed by the device, output power transferred to a load of the device, and power factor corresponding to the device. The communication elements are configured to receive the one or more metering metrics, and are configured to transmit the one or more metering metrics over a communications channel.

Abstract: A method of measuring a negative voltage using a device including a first transistor and a second transistor is provided. The first transistor is coupled to the second transistor and the negative voltage is supplied to a gate of the second transistor. A plurality of voltages are provided to a source input of the device. For each voltage of the plurality of voltages, whether a first voltage across the first transistor is equivalent to a second voltage across the second transistor is determined, and, when the first voltage across the first transistor is equivalent to the second voltage across the second transistor, the negative voltage is determined by measuring a magnitude of a positive voltage of the device.

Abstract: In a power converter, a circuit determines an average value of an inaccessible current from an average value of an accessible current and a value of the operating duty cycle of the converter. A method of measuring an average value of an inaccessible current from a measured value of a current in a power converter by a duty cycle of a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal representing a duty cycle of the power converter. Coupling a voltage representing the measured value to an input of a low pass filter during a time period (D) and coupling the input of the low pass filter to a reference voltage during a time period (1?D).

Abstract: A shift sensor includes a movable member, four movable contacts, seven fixed contacts, and two power supply terminals. Each of the movable contacts is fixed to the movable member and pivoted to a position corresponding to a shift position. Each of the fixed contacts outputs a shift signal when it is brought into conduction with a power supply terminal by coming into contact with any of the movable contacts. The fixed contacts are arranged such that the number of shift signals that differ between shift positions is three or more, between the shift positions of P, R, N, D, and B, except for between the D and B positions.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide bipolar time-to-digital conversion. For example, either a positive time duration or a negative time duration may be converted to a digital representation by a linear time-to-digital converter (TDC). A set of logic functions may be applied to the input of the TDC to provide start and/or stop signals for the TDC. Further, a correction component may be applied to an input or an output of the TDC to compensate for a delay offset of the TDC.

Abstract: A device for detecting rotation of a bicycle pedal mechanism and communicating that information to an electronic bicycle wheel motor controller.

Abstract: A power supply detecting circuit includes a power supply module configured to receive a first voltage signal from an alternating current (AC) power source; a voltage converting circuit configured to convert the first voltage signal to a second voltage signal; a switch circuit connected to an output terminal of the voltage converting circuit; a micro control unit (MCU) connected to the switch circuit; and a display module connected to the MCU. The switch circuit outputs a detecting signal to the MCU according to the second voltage signal. The MCU determines whether the first voltage signal is within a predetermined range according to the detecting signal and sending a detecting result to the display module which displays the detecting result.

Abstract: A power supply detecting circuit includes a first voltage detecting module configured to detect an input voltage of a power supply module; a micro control unit (MCU) connected to the first voltage detecting module; a display module connected to the MCU; a second voltage detecting module configured to detect an output voltage of the power supply module; and a current detecting module configured to detect an output current of the power supply module. The MCU is capable of comparing the detected input voltage, the detected output voltage, and the detected output current of the power supply module with corresponding predetermined parameters and calculating an output power of the power supply module. The display module is capable of displaying the detected input voltage, the detected output voltage, the detected output current, and the output power of the power supply module.

Abstract: A method of determining the length of a cable coupled to a transceiver of a network device includes transmitting a first series of pulses of a first pulse width onto a cable, receiving reflections of the first series of pulses, transmitting a second series of pulses of a second pulse width onto the cable, and receiving reflections of the second series of pulses. The second pulse width is wider than the first pulse width. It is determined whether the reflections of the first series of pulses satisfy a criterion. The length of the cable is calculated using either the reflections of the first series of pulses or the reflections of the second series of pulses, based at least in part on whether the reflections of the first series of pulses satisfy the criterion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring excitation of a generator based on a faulty status of a generator breaker are provided. According to one embodiment, a system may include a controller and a processor communicatively coupled to the controller. The processor may be configured to receive, from a contact associated with a generator breaker, a reported status of the generator breaker, receive operational data associated with one or more parameters of a generator associated with the generator breaker, and correlate the reported status of the generator breaker and the operational data. Based on the correlation, the processor may establish an actual status of the generator breaker, and, based on the actual status, selectively modify a mode of excitation of the generator.

Abstract: A system for the detection and indication of both the absence and presence of voltage is described. The system has a voltage detector module, a voltage indicator module, and a communication network based continuous secondary power source configured to enable the voltage indicator module to positively indicate the absence of voltage in the primary circuit. In some embodiments, the system can positively indicate the presence of voltage in the primary circuit such that the positive detection and indication is powered by the primary circuit itself. In some embodiments, the positive detection and indication of voltage can also be powered by the communication network based secondary power source.

Abstract: An illustrative example conductor monitoring device includes a generator configured to radiate a field into a conductor. A detector is configured to detect at least some of the field propagated along the conductor. A processor is configured to determine when a change in the propagated field detected by the detector indicates contact between the conductor and a conductive blade of a wire processing machine. The example conductor monitoring device is capable of providing information regarding the condition of a conductor that has gone through a wire handling process that involves cutting the wire and stripping insulation from near the end of the cut wire, for example. The information regarding the condition of the wire is obtained without making contact with the wire and without interfering with or requiring any alteration of the wire handling process or machine.

Abstract: An integrated current sensor is provided, having a semiconductor body arranged on a metal substrate, having a first surface with a passivation layer embodied on the first surface and a magnetic field concentrator embodied in a flat manner under the semiconductor body, a first Hall-effect sensor embodied under the passivation layer in the semiconductor body, a second Hall-effect sensor embodied under the passivation layer in the semiconductor body, wherein a first conductor is provided embodied on the first surface between the first Hall-effect sensor and the second Hall-effect sensor, and the magnetic field concentrator is embodied under the first Hall-effect sensor and under the second Hall-effect sensor and under the first conductor.

Abstract: A resistor element that is coupled between each of voltage measurement points of a measurement object and a voltage measurement circuit is further coupled to a path of a constant current between a power supply side constant current circuit and a ground side constant current circuit. By controlling the operation of the power supply side constant current circuit and the ground side constant current circuit with a control circuit, the control circuit switches the switch circuit on and off to prevent a voltage drop due to an electric current that turns on the switch circuit.

Abstract: A far electromagnetic field estimation method includes assuming a measurement surface, setting a plurality of measurement points on the measurement surface, and measuring electromagnetic fields at the plurality of measurement points. The measurement surface in combination with a ground plane forms a closed surface surrounding a radiation source. A virtual observation point is outside a space formed inside the closed surface. Further, electromagnetic fields at a plurality of mirror image measurement points on a mirror image measurement surface having a plane-symmetrical relationship with the measurement surface are calculated on the basis of the electromagnetic fields at the plurality of measurement points. Then, a far electromagnetic field at the virtual observation point is estimated on the basis of the electromagnetic fields at the plurality of measurement points and at the plurality of mirror image measurement points.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing gate voltage of a power FET. A switching circuit includes a switching FET having a high voltage rating, its drain coupled to the gate of the power FET, and its source coupled to an output node. A first feedback loop is coupled to the gate of the switching FET to facilitate sensing rising gate voltage. A second feedback loop is coupled to the gate of the switching FET to facilitate sensing falling gate voltage.