Abstract: At least one example embodiment is directed to a method for controlling a rectifier. The method includes applying a first control signal to a first switch of the rectifier to cause a first current to flow through a first inductor of the rectifier, applying a second control signal to a second switch of the rectifier to cause a second current to flow through a second inductor. The second control signal and the first control signal have a phase difference. The method includes detecting that the first current falls to a first minimum value at a first time, detecting that the second current falls to a second minimum value at a second time, determining a first difference between the first time and the second time, and determining whether to adjust the second control signal based on the first difference to bring the phase difference closer to a target phase difference.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for an elastic strip with a first fixed end and a second movable end, the elastic strip configured to be in at least one of a tense state and an elastic state. A release mechanism is configured to maintain the elastic strip in a tense state when the release mechanism is in a holding state, and configured to release the elastic strip when in a release state. A needle path with a first bend is provided. A rigid needle is configured to traverse a first portion of the needle path when the elastic strip is in the elastic state and a cannula is located in the needle path and configured to traverse a second portion of the needle path when the rigid needle traverses the first portion of the needle path.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for producing a flexible electronic device that reduces stress and forces on electronic components are provided. In particular, one or more transition layers with intermediate flexibility, or flexural modulus, are positioned between rigid components and flexible outer layers. This gradually reduces the flexural modulus of the flexible electronics device rather than have an interface between a rigid material and a flexible material. Various materials and methods of forming the layers are described. In addition, an encapsulate layer can be cured to varying flexural moduli to gradually reduce the flexural moduli from the rigid component to the flexible outer layers or bulk structure of the flexible electronic device.

Abstract: A power adapter is disclosed with retractable prongs to engage an outlet and obtain power therefrom, when extended, and be partially or entirely within the housing of the power adapter when retracted. To ensure safe operation, a channel is provided within the power adapter to accommodate the prongs when retracted and to accommodate the prongs travel as they pivot between extended and retracted. The channel is width-limited and/or has a length to make it impossible or, at least, exceptionally difficult for a human finger to come into contact with the prongs while the prongs are extended and sufficiently engaged with an outlet to obtain power therefrom.

Abstract: A planar antenna can include one or more high permeability objects that are added near the planar coil's tips. Further, the planar antenna includes a coil having two or more layers, with each layer having two or more turns. The planar antenna also has a restricted conductor arrangement, where there are a maximum number of turns arranged in any horizontal layer. A turn's conductor could be a single conductor or could be two (2) or more conductors arranged in parallel.

Abstract: A carrier assembly configured to facilitate manufacture of a printed circuit board assembly includes a bottom frame defining a generally rectangular configuration and having a length and a width. The bottom frame is adjustable to vary at least one of the length or the width thereof. The assembly further includes a core releasably positionable on the bottom frame and configured to support a circuit board thereon. A carrier assembly system includes the bottom frame and a plurality of cores.

Abstract: At least one example embodiment is directed to a method for controlling a rectifier. The method includes applying a first control signal to a first switch of the rectifier to cause a first current to flow through a first inductor of the rectifier, applying a second control signal to a second switch of the rectifier to cause a second current to flow through a second inductor. The second control signal and the first control signal have a phase difference. The method includes detecting that the first current falls to a first minimum value at a first time, detecting that the second current falls to a second minimum value at a second time, determining a first difference between the first time and the second time, and determining whether to adjust the second control signal based on the first difference to bring the phase difference closer to a target phase difference.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for a multi-protocol LPWAN gateway. In the first mode, a transceiver of the gateway device can communicate with wireless devices in a first LPWAN protocol and, in the second mode, the wireless transceiver can communicate with the one or more wireless devices in a second LPWAN protocol. The second LPWAN protocol can be different from the first LPWAN protocol. In response to selecting the first mode, the gateway device can cause the wireless transceiver to conduct communications with the wireless devices using the first LPWAN protocol. In response to selecting the second mode, the gateway device can cause the wireless transceiver to conduct communications with the wireless devices using the second LPWAN protocol.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for a knitted textile with integrated fiber optic light pipes and systems and methods for using such a knitted textile. According to one embodiment, a knitted textile can comprise a woven fabric, one or more fiber optic light pipes woven into a plurality of courses within the woven fabric, and two or more supporting structures disposed at opposite sides of the knitted textile. The one or more fiber optic light pipes can be woven into the plurality of courses within the woven fabric, can extend beyond an edge of the woven fabric, and can wrap around each of the two or more supporting structures.

Abstract: Providing security functions in an IoT device can comprise executing, by a TPM of the IoT device, a set of cryptographic functions. The set of cryptographic functions can comprise providing a secure unidirectional uplink from the IoT device to one or more communications networks. The set of cryptographic functions can also be executed by a second TPM to provide a secure unidirectional downlink from the one or more communications networks to the IoT device. The processor of the IoT device need not perform cryptographic functions and the processor of the IoT device and a memory of the IoT device can be outside of a secure boundary maintained by the first TPM and the second TPM. Cryptographic information to provide the secure unidirectional uplink and the secure unidirectional downlink can be exchanged between the first TPM and the second TPM.

Abstract: A planar antenna can include one or more high permeability objects that are added near the planar coil's tips. Further, the planar antenna includes a coil having two or more layers, with each layer having two or more turns. The planar antenna also has a restricted conductor arrangement, where there are a maximum number of turns arranged in any horizontal layer. A turn's conductor could be a single conductor or could be two (2) or more conductors arranged in parallel.

Abstract: Heat management in electronic components is an important factor in managing the performance and longevity of such electronic components. By omitting a thermal interface layer and providing thermal vias between a heatsink and an electronic component, such as a surface mount technology (SMT) package, such components may improve thermal transfer to the heatsink and simplify assembly. Thermal vias may be fused during reflow to the heatsink and/or electronic component. As a benefit to the improved heat transfer provided, electronic components may operate at a lower temperature or be configured to perform greater heat-producing activities.

Abstract: A magnetic core assembly includes a first core having at least one gap and at least one second core provided within the at least one gap of the first core. The first core and the at least one second core are made of different materials. The at least one second core occupies a space no larger than the at least one gap of the first core.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to using direct ink printing on chips or interposer pads to replace the other die bonding process, e.g., conductive adhesive, Anisotropic Conductive Film (ACF), solder, etc. Direct printing on contact pads of chips and/or interposers to replace using ACF bonding provides simplicity of manufacturing process, reduced cost by eliminating ACF, reduced interconnect resistance by eliminating ACF interface, and increased reliability by eliminating ACF bonding instability. Direct printing according to embodiments of the present disclosure can make complex design patterns with fine pitch capability (sub 10 micron is feasible by using aerosol jet printing, 30 microns or above for screen printing). Such direct printing can also enable roll to roll printing process for high volume production.

Abstract: An input redundant power supply circuit includes a power converter, a relay switch unit including a first relay circuit coupled to a first power source and a second relay circuit coupled to a second power source, a control unit configured to control the relay switch unit so that the power converter is supplied power by the first or second power source, a high capacity capacitor powered by the power converter and a step-up converter coupled between the power converter and the high capacity capacitor. The step-up converter maintains a voltage across the high capacity capacitor higher than a voltage of the first power source or a voltage of the second power source when the relay switch unit switches from one of the first power source and the second power source to the other of the first power source and the second power source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a detailed lit indicator and touch detection in the same location through a metal surface. When the light behind the metal is turned off there will be no visible appearance of an indicator. When touched the metal will have no perceptible movement and never experience any deformation or evidence of usage over the life of the product.

Abstract: A power adapter is disclosed with retractable prongs to engage an outlet and obtain power therefrom, when extended, and be partially or entirely within the housing of the power adapter when retracted. To ensure safe operation, a channel is provided within the power adapter to accommodate the prongs when retracted and to accommodate the prongs travel as they pivot between extended and retracted. The channel is width-limited and/or has a length to make it impossible or, at least, exceptionally difficult for a human finger to come into contact with the prongs while the prongs are extended and sufficiently engaged with an outlet to obtain power therefrom.

Abstract: Heat management in electronic components is an important factor in managing the performance and longevity of such electronic components. By omitting a thermal interface layer and providing thermal vias between a heatsink and an electronic component, such as a surface mount technology (SMT) package, such components may improve thermal transfer to the heatsink and simplify assembly. Thermal vias may be fused during reflow to the heatsink and/or electronic component. As a benefit to the improved heat transfer provided, electronic components may operate at a lower temperature or be configured to perform greater heat-producing activities.

Abstract: An automatic injection device has an insertion needle configured to be inserted into a patient and a drug container which contains a pharmaceutical product and includes a plunger. The automatic injection device also has a fluid path which fluidly connects the drug container to the insertion needle, and a drive system configured to cause linear movement of the plunger to force the pharmaceutical product into the fluid path. The passive drive system has a movable element. The movable element has a shape memory alloy and is configured to change shape to move the plunger.

Abstract: Methods include receiving at least one electronic device including a sensor or an emitter, placing a cover over the sensor or emitter, placing the electronic device, including the cover, into a transfer mold system, encapsulating the electronic device with charge material, and removing a portion of the encapsulating charge material and the cover to expose the sensor or emitter to the environment.