Abstract: Systems and methods for integrated control and monitoring of charging and cell balancing in a group of ultracapacitors. Monitoring and control circuitry can be configured for built-in monitoring feedback to the charger and the balancing circuits to dynamically improve performance, extend system lifetime, decrease charging time, increase available power and/or energy, and/or enhance safety and reliability of the group of ultracapacitors.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for managing a capacitor system. In one aspect, an energy storage system includes a capacitor system, a charging circuit, and a controller. The capacitor system includes one or more capacitors. The charging circuit is configured to charge the capacitor system to a first target voltage. The controller is configured to detect a first condition and is programmed, in response to the first condition, to instruct the charging circuit to charge the capacitor system to a second target voltage that is less than the first target voltage. The controller is programmed to provide a notification that the capacitor system is operating in a degraded state.

Abstract: A yaw sensor for automotive controls has a microstructure vibrating ring excited by a driving circuit. The driving circuit comprises an amplitude control loop which delivers voltage pulses at the resonant frequency of the ring. A compensation signal is derived from a comparison of a sensed vibration amplitude to a desired vibration amplitude. Failure of vibration is detected by comparing the compensation signal to a threshold which is higher than a normal compensation signal. Alternatively, vibration failure is detected by comparing the sensed vibration to a threshold lower than the desired vibration amplitude. Upon such failure, the yaw output signal is replaced by ground potential.

Abstract: A yaw sensor for automotive controls has a microstructure vibrating ring excited by a driving circuit. The driving circuit comprises an amplitude control loop which delivers voltage pulses at the resonant frequency of the ring. A compensation signal is derived from a comparison of a sensed vibration amplitude to a desired vibration amplitude. Failure of vibration is detected by comparing the compensation signal to a threshold which is higher than a normal compensation signal. Alternatively, vibration failure is detected by comparing the sensed vibration to a threshold lower than the desired vibration amplitude. Upon such failure, the yaw output signal is replaced by ground potential.