Abstract: A three way oscillator signal power splitting circuit splits power provided at the output of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The circuit is implemented on a printed circuit board section having a first layer which includes a first conductor for receiving the power from the VCO, a second layer having a second conductor, substantially parallel to and adjacent the first conductor, for receiving a portion of the power on the first main conductor via broadside coupling, and a third conductor, situated substantially parallel to and adjacent the first and second conductors, for receiving a portion of the power on the first main conductor also via broadside coupling. A ground conductor is additionally included on the third layer for providing a ground reference for the first, second and third conductors, and resistors are used to terminate the second and third conductors.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement automatically detects and corrects received data in an FSK signalling scheme wherein FSK data symbols are represented by a grey code-like numbering system and a predetermined word sync pattern leads each data transmission. The arrangement includes a memory (226) for prestoring data representative of the word sync pattern, a comparator (224) for comparing the prestored word sync pattern with the received data, an error detection circuit (228-252) for determining if the grey code-like numbering system has been transposed, and an error correcting circuit (220) for automatically correcting the transposition in the data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic shaft synchronization system. The system employs a proportional integral controller for controlling the speed offset between two shafts approaching synchronization. The speed offset is determined by calculating an error signal representative of the shaft speed differences. Means for measuring the quality of the error signal is provided to allow the integrator to be initialized once the error signal reaches a first threshold. By initializing the integrator in this manner, the typical delay problem experienced with such integration is alleviated to allow a substantially faster synchronization between the shafts.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system is described having an arrangement installed within a vehicle, wherein the system includes an external data terminal for communicating information to a remotely located base station. The arrangement includes a plurality of communication modules, each being capable of communicating messages associated with performance of the vehicle; a data bus member for electrically intercoupling the plurality of communication modules and for receiving the communicated messages therefrom; a driver interface module for transmitting messages to and for receiving messages from a vehicle operator; and a recorder coupled to the data bus member for recording information associated with performance of the vehicle which has been transmitted over the data bus member by the plurality of communication modules, coupled to the driver interface module via a second data bus member for transferring messages therebetween.

Abstract: A logic interface signal input with a high degree of electrical noise immunity, particularly suited for use in an automative environment for detecting an on/off control signal multiplexed with an information signal such as a voice audio signal. The invention provides a fast logic output signal in response to the level of the control signal, which is suitable for driving higher speed circuitry and which permits detection to be highly immune from electrical transients or variations in power supply voltage. The invention permits the information signal to be combined with the control signal through polarized means, such as an electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for pressure sensor compensation. The invention is best suited for pressure sensors of the type which may be mounted about a flexible member such that the resistance of one or more strain gauge resistors mounted thereon changes as pressure is exerted upon the flexible member. The pressure sensing apparatus comprises a bridge resistor arrangement for sensing pressure, and bridge control circuitry, coupled to an input terminal of the bridge, for compensating temperature induced variances in the bridge by controlling the voltage at the input terminal. The bridge has at least a first strain gauge resistor mounted on the flexible member, and at least one output terminal having a voltage which changes as pressure is exerted upon the flexible member. The bridge control circuitry has an additional strain gauge resistor which is used to monitor the temperature of the first strain gauge resistor.

Abstract: In a communication system having a communication channel for transmitting data between a base station and a plurality of mobile radio units, wherein each radio unit has a unique identification (ID) code and wherein transmissions from each radio unit to the base station include the unit's ID code, a method is described for identifying which units are within RF communication proximity of the base station. The method includes: transmitting a range message, including a low ID code parameter and a high ID code parameter, from the base station over the channel to elicit a response from at least one of the mobile radio units having an ID code between the low and high parameters; determining whether radio units transmitted a message in response to the range message; and storing, responsive to transmission by the units, in an ID list a signal representative of the respective ID code assigned to such transmitting units.

Abstract: Described herein, is an arrangement and method for processing speech information in a speech recognition system (300). In such a system where the speech information is depicted as words, each word representing a sequence of frames (510) and where the recognition system has means (120) for comparing present input speech to a word template, the word template stored in template memory and derived from one or more previous input word, the present invention is best employed. The invention describes combining contiguous acoustically similar frames (512) derived from the previous input word or words into representative frames to form a corresponding reduced word template, storing the reduced word template in template memory in an efficient manner, and comparing frames of the present input speech to the representative frames of the reduced word template according to the number of frames combined in the representative frames of the reduced word template.

Abstract: For use with a reluctance sensor, a digital detector (200) accurately detects, in the presence of noise, a valid transition in the sensor's output signal (10, 202). A first flip-flop (216) is used for sensing a positive going edge (310, 334A) in the sensor signal and for providing an inhibit pulse (312, 332, 336) of a first predetermined time period in response thereto. A second flip-flop (218) responds to the end of the inhibit pulse, if the sensor signal is in the high logic state, by sensing a subsequent negative going edge (318, 334B) in the sensor signal. If the negative going edge is sensed, the digital detector indicates that a valid transition in the sensor signal occurred.

Abstract: For use in a radio synthesizer (110), a digital phase detector (118) indicates the phase error between a reference signal provided by a reference oscillator (117) and an output frequency signal (114) provided by a voltage controlled oscillator (112). The digital phase detector (118) includes four flip/flops (310, 312, 314 and 316) which receive the frequency signals (116 and 120) provided by the oscillators (117 and 112) to generate steering signals (126) which optimally indicate the phase error between the frequency signals (116 and 120) as well as providing optimal (maximum) frequency steering when a frequency difference between the frequency signals (116 and 120) exists. Responsive to the flip/flops, digital logic circuitry (306) is used to provide a non-integrated level-type indication when the frequency signals (116 and 120) are phase locked.

Abstract: A circuit is described for timing the intermittent use of an appliance, wherein the appliance includes a usage signal for indicating that the appliance is in use. The circuit includes a battery, and a resistive network, coupled to the battery, for draining power from the battery such that the power level thereof decreases to a threshold level over a selected timing interval. The circuit further includes a switch, responsive to the usage signal, for selectively enabling the resistive network, and a battery level threshold detector, responsive to the battery reaching the threshold level, for indicating that the timing interval has lapsed, thereby alerting the operator that the appliance should be serviced, which service includes replacement of the low cost battery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for generating word templates for a speech recognition system. It is used where speech is represented by data in frames of equal time intervals. The method includes generating an interim template, generating a time alignment path between the interim template and a token, mapping frames from the interim template and the token along the time alignment path onto an averaged time axis, and combining data associated with the mapped frames to produce composite frames representative of the final word template. The method realizes advantages of reduced memory usage and a realistic data average from each contributing averaged word.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process which may be used in a communication arrangement between two stations. In at least one of the stations, an MPU is utilized to control an internal operating system and a baud rate generator. The MPU performs periodic self tests to determine how busy it is, and if it is not too busy with internal tasks it calls a baud rate routine to adjust the rate at which the stations are communicating. This periodic testing allows the baud rate to be adjusted according to current environmental conditions. Further, a timer is provided, internal to the MPU, which is used to prevent the baud rate routine from being executed too frequently.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital zero-IF selectivity section circuit which operates on a recovered input signal, digitally clocked by a first clock at a rate of FS, in receiver device. The circuit uses a second clock operating at a lesser rate than the first clock to clock an N-order FIR digital filtering means to selectively band-limit the frequency spectrum of the recovered input signal. A second digital filtering means is coupled to the output of the first FIR digital filtering means. The second digital filtering means operates at a clock speed less than or equal to the second clock speed. The second digital filtering means is used to further selectively band-limit the frequency spectrum of the recovered input signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a thick film resistor structure comprising common materials is disclosed. The structure includes a supporting carrier as a base for the thick film resistor arrangement, which comprises a resistive material printed on the carrier, first and second noble metal terminating layers connected to either side of the resistive material, first and second barrier layers respectively connected to the first and second noble metal terminating layers, and first and second conducting layers respectively connected to said first and second barrier layers. The barrier layers are preferably composed of nickel or tungsten, whereas the noble metal terminating layers are preferably composed of silver. The resistive material, being formed between the terminating layers, is electrically connected to said copper conducting layers to form a precise thick film resistor structure whose resistance is measurable between said conducting layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arrangement for controlling the current in a solenoid. A microcomputer is used to control three states of a 3-state output device (high impedance, high and low) which are designed to correspond to three current modes of the solenoid: no current, full current and reduced current. The 3-state output device produces a signal which is used to control a solenoid drive circuit. The drive circuit includes first means for generating a first drive signal in response to the 3-state signal being in the high impedance state or the low state, and second means for generating a second drive signal in response to the 3-state signal being in the high impedance state or the high state. The circuit further includes third means for coupling the first and second drive signals to the solenoid such that the current in the solenoid is controlled according to the states of the 3-state signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a communication system of the type adapted to communicate a message substantially simultaneously between a plurality of fixed location sites having respective radio coverage areas. The system has an arrangement comprising first and second radio frequency transceiver means located at respective first and second sites. The first radio frequency transceiver means is designed for operating on a first set of frequencies. The second radio frequency transceiver means is designed for operating on a respective different set of frequencies than the first set of frequencies. The second radio frequency transceiver means has means for receiving and converting the first set of frequencies to the respective different set of frequencies.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ignition signal control apparatus and method for a distributorless ignition system of the type having a sensing circuit which generates at least one reference signal which may be used to periodically indicate when ignition spark plugs should be fired, and at least one identifier signal determinative of the engine's crank angle position to identify the spark plug firing sequence. One aspect of the invention includes detecting that a transition in the identifier signal has not occurred, and generating a replacement signal independent of the crank angle position, to select one or more of the spark plugs to fire.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for filtering input signals carried on PCM channels. The circuit arrangement includes a plurality of digital signal processors arranged in a parallel manner each having a set of filtering operations, a multiplexer for distributing the input signals to each digital signal processor, a processor for analyzing frequency characteristics output by the digital signal processors and an addressing PROM for controlling a correspondence between the PCM channels and the filtering operations in each of the digital signal processors.

Abstract: A switch arrangement is disclosed which may be used with an enclosed fluid resistant container. A pin-like element is inserted through a wall of the container to actuate a switch contained within the container. Thereafter, the circuit is not easily deactivated. The switch arrangement includes a switch located within the container for activating a particular circuit function. The switch includes a mechanical trigger which is moved to effect the switch activation. A narrow switch actuator, such as a pin, is used for moving the trigger. A slide block is positioned between the trigger and a container wall for impacting the trigger in a single direction. A plug is placed in the wall and has an aperture therethrough for receiving the switch actuator, and the plug also includes a separate labyrinth path therethrough for passing fluid to the outside of the container. The aperture in the plug is structured such that the switch actuator fits slidably in the aperture and substantially seals the aperture.