Abstract: An analyzer sensor for detecting signal waveforms on a pair of conductors. The apparatus includes capacitive couplers connected to termination impedance and adapted for placement adjacent to the conductors to capacitively couple the signals of the conductors to the associated termination impedance. The invention further includes a first and second buffer amplifier responsive, respectively, to the signals at the termination impedances, for providing at a first and second output thereof, respectively, an amplified difference of the signals. Furthermore, the invention includes a utility module having a battery source connected to the buffer amplifiers by a line for providing power to the buffer amplifiers at a location distant from the buffer amplifiers.

Abstract: A method for measuring the waveform of light is provided, which makes it possible to synchronize easily the phase of sampling light with the phase of target light even if the target light is ultra-high speed pulsed light and is transmitted by way of long transmission channel, and to measure the waveform of target light with sufficient time resolution in real time. The method comprises the steps of: (a) generating sampling light having a pulse width sufficiently narrower than that of the target light from the target light; a repetition frequency of the sampling light having a constant difference with respect to a repetition frequency of the target light; (b) supplying the sampling light and the target light to a nonlinear optical member to generate cross-correlated light between the sampling light and the target light; and (c) measuring waveform of the target light based on the cross-correlated light.

Abstract: A system for efficiently and cost effectively monitoring the status of the interface between two dissimilar media is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the system uses principles applied from the theory of time domain reflectometry (TDR), together with novel circuitry and low cost narrow band telemetry, to provide real time monitoring on a continuous basis, as needed. The circuitry involved permits operation of the system without relying on relative values of signal amplitude while employing a novel feedback function that sets the pulse repetition frequency instantaneously to permit an optimum data collection rate as well as a separate measure of the status based on the system operating parameters. It has particular application to real time monitoring and alerting to the effect of scour events in waterways.

Abstract: A testing device provides pin height, continuity, and concentricity testing for coaxial connectors and cables. The testing device provides connector jacks with support shafts that properly align and stabilize the connectors during testing. Circuitry is provided to indicate if the pin height is sufficient, if the cable is an open circuit, a short circuit, or has an adequate continuity, and if the center pin of the connector is sufficiently concentric with the outer sleeve. The jacks may have an outer surface with slots providing a slip fit configuration that allows the coaxial connector to be easily inserted and removed.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing a transmission line in a digital subscriber line (DSL) system. Broadly, the method uses DSL system components, which are configured to perform time domain reflectometry (TDR), in order to determine transmission line characteristics.

Abstract: A relay driving apparatus to be automatically restores a relay driving state if the relay is inadvertently turned off. The relay driving apparatus supplies a predetermined rated voltage to the relay RL1 to shift the relay RL1 to a driving state and then reduces the voltage to maintain the driving state of the relay RL1. The driving state of the relay RL1 is monitored, and on the basis of the monitoring result the relay RL1 is again provided with the rated driving voltage. Alternatively, the rated voltage is periodically supplied to the relay RL1 during the driving state, or after a predetermined rated voltage is supplied to the relay RL2 to set the relay RL2 to a driving state or non-driving state, the state is monitored and the relay RL2 is periodically subjected to the rated driving operation on the basis of the monitoring result, thereby enhancing the operation reliability and promoting energy savings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for determining the spacing between a heater and a showerhead. First, at least one variable capacitor is placed between the heater and the showerhead, such that the spacing between the heater and the showerhead is in a predetermined relationship to the capacitance of the variable capacitor. Then, the capacitance of the variable capacitor is measured, and the spacing between the heater and the showerhead is converted from the capacitance. The determination process of the present invention can be conducted at high temperature above 350° C., and the spacing can be determined without opening the deposition chamber. This makes the entire process very convenient and the cost can be saved.

Abstract: A method, an arrangement, and a current measurement device with which a signal that characterizes a fault current in an electrical conductor having at least three conductor ends can be produced in a particularly simple fashion. In particular, a current measurement device is provided for measuring a current in a conductor. The current measurement device includes at least one measurement value input and at least one measurement value output, and has an arithmetic unit that adds a current measurement value corresponding to the current to a measurement value present at the at least one measurement value input. A resulting summation current measurement value is output at the at least one measurement value output.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a position and/or orientation of a conductor disposed in a conductive fluid. A plurality of electrodes disposed about the conductor and preferably being in contact with the conductive fluid are used to provide an electrical path between each electrode and the conductor. In one embodiment, resistances between each electrode and conductor are determined through use of a signal processing circuit. In another embodiment, capacitances between each electrode and the conductor are determined using a similar signal processing circuit. Once the resistances or capacitances are determined, the position of the conductor can be determined based on these values in combination with parameters relating to the configuration of the electrodes and conductor, as well as characteristics of the conductive fluid. In one implementation, the invention may be used in free space optical communication systems, whereby the position of the end portion of the fiber optic cable can be determined.

Abstract: An enhanced fingerprint sensing circuit in which a voltage change is applied to the body during sensing. When the person's fingerprint is being sensed, the person's body is in contact with an electrical terminal. When the sensing occurs, the voltage on the electrical terminal changes, which changes the voltage on the person's body. The pattern of the fingerprint performs two functions in the sensing circuit. In addition to being a plate of a capacitor whose distance is being sensed, it is now a source of input charge as well. The electrical effect on the cell of a voltage change on a person's finger is different at a ridge than at a valley in the fingerprint sensing circuit. Thus, the input capacitance to the sensing circuit is variable, depending upon whether a ridge or a valley is present. The sensing circuit also detects a change in its own capacitance based on the presence of a ridge or a valley.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of a thermal barrier coating on the vanes and blades of a combustion turbine relies on a piezoelectric or electrostrictive effect, or tribo-charging generated within the coating. Gas flowing through the turbine will apply pressure to the vanes and blades, resulting in a strain on the blades and vanes, and causing friction as it passes the vanes and blades. An electric current is generated between the coating and vane or blade, either by a pressure-induced piezoelectric effect, a strain-induced electrostrictive effect, or friction-induced tribo-charging. This current causes a radio frequency signal, which can be detected by a high temperature antenna as the blade passes the antenna. One blade may be intentionally designed to produce a signal different from the remaining blades, thereby becoming a marking blade. After amplification and filtering, the radio signals may be analyzed and stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a via parasitics testing and extracting method for Gigabit multi-layered PCB boards. The method of the present invention is a unique test and extraction process that utilizes a TDR measurement and processes the output data therefrom externally. The testing aspect involves obtaining a TDR module waveform and obtaining a text file with output data, whereas the extraction aspect involves analysis of the data in the text file. This method can be used directly to ascertain a Gigabit via structure without the limitations that are imposed by the conventional methods discussed above, and has been theoretically proven to be highly accurate and much faster than any of the existing methods. The method of the present invention has the potential to be included as a built-in testing feature in high-speed TDR meters, and may also be used in order to design an optimized via.

Abstract: A body fat measuring device mainly including a display screen and several control keys disposed on a housing body, one electrode on a frontage of the housing body and two electrodes on a bottom side of the housing body; to use the mentioned structure, user's thumbs press on the electrodes on the frontage of the housing body while the index fingers and the middle fingers press on the bottom side of the housing body to enable a current to transmit into the human body through the electrodes then flow back to the detecting circuit, a voltage drop generated thereby is utilized to calculate an electric resistance value of the human body, then data of a height, a weight, an age and the like are input, a body fat ratio is precisely calculated through a body fat ratio calculating programming and displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: A tester to device-under-test interface is disclosed in which a PCB has a socket for a device under test (DUT), one or more cable connectors for cables from an IC tester, an interface matrix card slot having a plurality of contacts electrically connected to the DUT socket and the cable connector pins, and an interface matrix card having a plurality of horizontal and vertical conductors capable of being electrically connected to each other for mapping the proper connection of signals between the DUT socket and the tester cables.

Abstract: A non-invasive method and apparatus accurately measures the time difference between two signal edges by optically detecting the emission from a ‘beacon device’ that is modulated as a function of time difference. Through the use of this modulation it is possible to perform timing measurement accurately. Embodiments of a voltage modulator circuit modulate timing information into emission intensity. The method and system of the present invention can be used in applications such as clock skew and pulse width measurements.

Abstract: A device for monitoring welds is provided. The device can be used during a welding operation without interfering with the welding and can be located in the direct vicinity of the weld. This is achieved using a radar sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a position and/or orientation of a conductor disposed in a conductive fluid. A plurality of electrodes disposed about the conductor and preferably being in contact with the conductive fluid are used to provide an electrical path between each electrode and the conductor. In one embodiment, resistances between each electrode and conductor are determined through use of a signal processing circuit. In another embodiment, capacitances between each electrode and the conductor are determined using a similar signal processing circuit. Once the resistances or capacitances are determined, the position of the conductor can be determined based on these values in combination with parameters relating to the configuration of the electrodes and conductor, as well as characteristics of the conductive fluid. In one implementation, the invention may be used in free space optical communication systems, whereby the position of the end portion of the fiber optic cable can be determined.

Abstract: A control circuit 10 inputs a maximum value, which is read out of a resistor 22, to one of the input terminals of a comparator 14 by providing the maximum value to a D/A convertor 18 through a latch 16. The electric potential V, which is an object to be tested, is input to another input terminal of the comparator 14 through a hold circuit 12. The comparator 14 judges the magnitude of the value of the electric potential V by referring to the maximum value and outputs to the control circuit 10. The same operation is also performed for the minimum value. The pass/fail judgement is performed for judging whether the value of the electric potential V is within an allowable range by the comparison with the maximum value and the minimum value. Furthermore, the control circuit 10 performs an A/D conversion of the electric potential V by reading out data D1-Dn from the resistor 20 one after another to gradually change the reference of a comparison.

Abstract: A current measuring method, which measures a device current flowing through a terminal of a semiconductor device including charging the capacitor which is connected between the terminal and an earth potential of the semiconductor device, up to a predetermined voltage; setting the semiconductor device to be in active sate by applying a test pattern to the semiconductor device; measuring a potential of the capacitor at the terminal side after a predetermined test time has elapsed; and judging whether the device current is within a predetermined allowable range, based on the test time, capacitance of the capacitor, and the potential.

Abstract: A switching assembly for performing impulse measurement testing on each of a plurality of transformer terminals includes a first plurality of single pole, double throw switches and a switch controller for each switch. Each switch has a first position that connects a respective transformer terminal to one of a ground and a shunt and a second position that connects the terminal to an impulse generator. Preferably, the switch controllers are co-located to enable a user to change the position of any one of the switches from a central position.