Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor include depositing a metal layer on a substrate and fabricating a calibration structure on the metal layer. The calibration structure can include a first calibration portion and a second calibration portion. The method may further include, performing a first calibration of the sensor by modifying the first calibration portion. In addition, the method can include placing a cover layer on a portion of the first calibration portion after the first calibration and then performing a second calibration of the sensor by modifying the second calibration.

Abstract: A multi-deck circuit arrangement including a first deck circuit having a negative supply terminal and a second deck having a positive supply terminal connected to the negative supply terminal. A single power supply provides a voltage across both the first and second decks. The total power consumption will be less than the prior art of having both deck circuits conventionally regulated. The supply rail connecting the second deck's positive supply terminal to the first deck's negative supply terminal may be regulated. In one embodiment, the rail voltage can be controlled to optimize deck circuit operation for speed and power and to avoid level shifters when interfacing to other circuits.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for hybrid communication between electronic circuits is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensor nodes configured to read data from one or more sensors. The system also includes a master node configured to receive periodic data transmissions from each of the plurality of sensor nodes via a primary transmission medium and a secondary transmission medium, which is different from the primary transmission medium.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for a listening only wireless network controller in a wireless battery management system are disclosed. A primary wireless network controller (WNC) receives battery sensor data from a plurality of module monitoring systems (MMSs). A secondary WNC also receives the battery sensor data from the MMSs. The secondary WNC is listening-only, in that it does not send commands to the MMSs. The listening-only WNC may be used to collect and provide redundant data for communication integrity or enhanced data for performance and diagnostic purposes. A collection of listening-only WNCs may be used to map locations of MMSs based on signal strength.

Abstract: A pressure sensor apparatus for strain gauge pressure sensing includes a plurality of strain gauges including a first strain gauge and a second strain gauge. The pressure sensor apparatus also includes a diaphragm coupled between the plurality of strain gauges and an object configured to apply pressure to the diaphragm. The diaphragm has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first thickness between the object and the first strain gauge. The second portion has a second thickness between the object and the second strain gauge. In an uncompressed state, the second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coil with improved insulation properties at high temperatures. A bobbin is insulated by a thin ceramic composite layer that is produced by winding a glass or ceramic fiber over the support structure and impregnating it with a pre-ceramic polymer. The pre-ceramic polymer is then modified to form a ceramic SiO2 matrix around the fibrous layer. The ceramic matrix secures the glass or ceramic fibers in place and produces a dense layer. A ceramic coated magnet wire is then wound around the insulated support structure. The magnet wire is a conductor that is spiral-wrapped with a glass fiber impregnated with a pre-ceramic polymer.

Abstract: A TPMS module includes a sensor body with two arcuate surfaces adjacent the opening. A tire valve includes two arcuate portions and a distal portion. A plurality of gripping teeth are disposed on the valve arcuate portions. The valve distal portion is provided in the sensor body opening and arranged such that the valve arcuate portions couple to the sensor body arcuate surfaces. The valve is coupled to the sensor body by the interaction of a seat and a grommet such that the gripping teeth interact with the sensor body arcuate surfaces to maintain an orientation of the valve with respect to the sensor body.

Abstract: A haptic feedback mechanism for steering by wire system includes a motor. Electronic circuitry includes a node and switches for controlling the motor. A voltage sensor at the node and a motion sensor for the DC motor feed a motor control logic module that is operative to: determine if the voltage at the node is above a predetermined threshold; determine if the input motion is above a predetermined speed; and change the switches into an overcurrent protection mode if the voltage is above the predetermined threshold or the input motion is above the predetermined speed. In overcurrent protection mode, electrical power, generated by the input motion, passes through resistance and/or the motor to dissipate while maintaining haptic feedback. An endstop mechanism includes a position sensor coupled to the haptic feedback mechanism for detecting an angular position of the motor to increase feedback torque near an endstop of the motor.

Abstract: A sensor includes a port body which defines an axial passage for receiving fluid. An electrical connector extends through an opening in the port body near a crimp portion opposite the axial passage and forms an upper seal with the port body. Within the interior of the port body, a support ring and base cover form a cavity which retains a sensing element. The sensing element is exposed to the fluid within the axial passage and determines the pressure. An annular seal is retained by the base cover. The crimp portion of the port body is crimped to provide an upper seal and apply a force on the components within the interior, pinching the annular seal between the sensing element and the base of the port body to create a lower seal.

Abstract: A sensing system for a vehicle includes wheel end sensors (WES), each WES proximate to at least one predetermined tire and configured to sense angular data, including at least one of angular position, angular velocity, angular acceleration, and/or angular displacement. The system includes a plurality of tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensors, each TPM sensor inside one of the tires and configured to sense pressure, temperature, and angular data within said tire. The sensing system is configured to compare the angular data sensed by each WES to the angular data sensed by each TPM sensor to automatically identify, for each TPM sensor, a corresponding WES, and based on the position on the vehicle of the predetermined tire of the corresponding WES, identify the position on the vehicle corresponding to said TPM sensor.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system comprising a steering wheel for use by an operator and an electric motor assembly coupled to the steering wheel for providing active torque feedback. The electric motor has a rotor mounted for rotation, and a magnet mounted to the rotor for rotation about an axis, wherein the at least one magnet is a permanent magnet with a pole pair. A fixed stator has coils for creating an electric field to act upon the magnet. Electronics are positioned on the axis of the magnet for controlling commutation of the stator coils and generating a primary high resolution angular position signal indicative of movement of the steering wheel by the operator. High resolution on-axis sensors, in communication with the electronics, detect a commutation position between the rotor and the stator and producing first and second continuous angle measurements for the pole pair of the at least one magnet.

Abstract: A joystick assembly includes a joystick and pre-load centering springs coupled to the joystick for biasing the joystick to a neutral position. The joystick has a central free-play zone, a transitional zone surrounding the central free-play zone in which the pre-load centering springs begin to act upon the joystick, and a load zone surrounding the transitional zone in which the pre-load centering springs exert a relatively flat spring rate upon the joystick. An angular position sensor system generates a first signal indicative of a travel angle of the joystick. A force sensor system generates a second signal indicative of a force applied to the joystick. A controller receives the first and second signals and sets start/stop points for control by the joystick approximately synchronously with the joystick moving from the transitional zone to the load zone based upon the second signal.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control assembly for a vehicle has a housing that mounts to a handlebar of the vehicle and defines an interior. A rack gear is mounted in the interior for movement in a linear, translational, and/or radial direction. A pinion gear within the interior moves the rack gear upon rotation of the pinion gear. A sensor target is coupled to the rack gear. A sensor detects a position of the sensor target and generates an electric signal for a vehicle control unit. A grip is coupled to the pinion gear, rotation of the grip moving the rack gear and sensor target in a linear, translational, and/or radial direction, the electric signal varying based on the change in position of the sensor target. Opposing springs within the housing resist movement of the rack gear and rest in a normally preloaded state.

Abstract: A battery management system includes a primary module in wireless communication with a plurality of sensing, or secondary, modules over a range of frequencies within a predetermined frequency band. Each of the primary module and the sensing modules can be configured to transmit with an antenna polarization setting chosen from a plurality of polarization settings. Each of the sensing modules is configured to communicate with the primary with a predetermined one of its polarization settings for each channel. The primary module is also configured to communicate with a respective secondary module with a predetermined polarization setting for each channel.

Abstract: A method establishes a vehicle area network on a vehicle having a tractor with a tractor wireless hub, the tractor being connected to a first trailer having a first trailer wireless hub. The method activates the tractor hub and the first trailer wireless hub, and shares credentials between the tractor wireless hub and the first trailer wireless hub in accordance with out of band pairing techniques. Typically, the tractor wireless hub acts as an access point for the vehicle area network but the access point can be centralized by: searching down a length of the vehicle to determine relative locations of the tractor wireless hub, the first trailer wireless hub and the second trailer wireless hub; determining a centrally located hub based on the locations; and establishing the centrally located hub as the access point.

Abstract: A method establishes a vehicle area network on a vehicle having a tractor with a tractor wireless hub, the tractor being connected to a first trailer having a first trailer wireless hub. The method activates the tractor hub and the first trailer wireless hub, and shares credentials between the tractor wireless hub and the first trailer wireless hub in accordance with out of band pairing techniques. Typically, the tractor wireless hub acts as an access point for the vehicle area network but the access point can be centralized by: searching down a length of the vehicle to determine relative locations of the tractor wireless hub, the first trailer wireless hub and the second trailer wireless hub; determining a centrally located hub based on the locations; and establishing the centrally located hub as the access point.

Abstract: A joystick assembly includes a joystick and pre-load centering springs coupled to the joystick for biasing the joystick to a neutral position. The joystick has a central free-play zone, a transitional zone surrounding the central free-play zone in which the pre-load centering springs begin to act upon the joystick, and a load zone surrounding the transitional zone in which the pre-load centering springs exert a relatively flat spring rate upon the joystick. An angular position sensor system generates a first signal indicative of a travel angle of the joystick. A force sensor system generates a second signal indicative of a force applied to the joystick. A controller receives the first and second signals and sets start/stop points for control by the joystick approximately synchronously with the joystick moving from the transitional zone to the load zone based upon the second signal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor include depositing a metal layer on a substrate and fabricating a calibration structure on the metal layer. The calibration structure can include a first calibration portion and a second calibration portion. The method may further include, performing a first calibration of the sensor by modifying the first calibration portion. In addition, the method can include placing a cover layer on a portion of the first calibration portion after the first calibration and then performing a second calibration of the sensor by modifying the second calibration.

Abstract: A method for increasing capacitive response to applied pressure by including a glass layer in the air gap of an improved capacitive sense element. The glass layer has additional thickness compared to previously known capacitive sense elements. The additional thickness is selected to achieve a predetermined increase in dielectric constant across the gap between electrodes. In an illustrative embodiment, the resulting capacitive sense element includes a gap having two dielectric media, air and glass, between the electrodes, wherein the thickness of the glass media in the gap and the thickness of the remaining air gap are predetermined based on the dielectric constant of glass and air to achieve desired capacitive response characteristics of the sensor design.

Abstract: An interface structure connecting an electronic component to a circuit board. The interface structure includes a base defining an elongated through hole with a central axis and a coil spring retained in the elongated through hole. The coil spring has a proximal portion and a distal portion extending from the elongated through hole in an uncompressed condition and being offset at an angle with respect to the central axis. As the coil spring is compressed, the coil spring creates a force having a component substantially perpendicular to the central axis.