Abstract: A rotary position sensor is disclosed having a magnetic element having a cavity therein. A flux concentrator is arranged to substantially surround the magnetic element, and a magnetic field sensor located within the cavity. The magnetic element may have rectilinear portions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for timer architectures. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a timer system includes a prescaler and one or more timer cells each having a multiplexer and a counter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to power-up a device having both digital and analog circuitry. The analog circuitry requires a stabilization period before proper operation. During power-up, the digital circuitry is held in reset by a power-on reset circuit. The power-on reset circuit releases the reset after the expiration of a power-on reset period. During the period of time after expiration of the power-on reset period and before the analog circuitry reaches equilibrium, the digital circuitry operates in a mode that does not require input signals from the analog circuitry. After the analog circuitry has reached equilibrium, the digital circuitry begins normal operation during which inputs signals from the analog circuitry may be processed by the digital circuitry.

Abstract: A programmable logic device configurable to implement a finite state machine includes a hardwired microsequencer for executing microinstructions to sequence the finite state machine. The hardwired microsequencer includes a sequence memory for storing the microinstructions and a program counter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to provide threshold detection and successive approximation analog-to-digital conversion. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a circuit is disclosed that provides successive approximation analog-to-digital conversion and high-speed threshold detection operations by utilizing common hardware resources.

Abstract: A proximity detector that employs a Hall-effect flux sensor disposed between the like poles of two magnets. The opposing fields of the magnets define a null flux field at a sensing plane of the Hall-effect sensor. A proximate ferrous object will deflect the null point and will therefore apply flux to the sensor. The sensor generates a signal indicative of the presence or absence of the ferrous object. In manufacturing a preferred spatial position of the null point with respect to the Hall-effect sensor is defined by adjusting the field strength of at least one of the opposed magnets.

Abstract: A magnetic accelerometer detects the sharp lateral rocking movements of an unbalanced spinning tub of a washing machine. The accelerometer has a fixed and a movable magnet that are disposed at a rest position in spaced, magnetic attraction to each other. The movable magnet breaks away from the stationary magnet in response to vibration forces of a predetermined magnitude and frequency. When the magnet breaks away, it presses against an actuator button of a miniature switch and therefore signals an alarm condition. When the vibration forces are reduced below the trigger level, the movable magnet is pulled back to its rest position by magnetic attraction with the stationary magnet. The magnetic attraction of the stationary and movable magnets can be adjusted and the break away point can be set by applying an external magnetic field to the magnets.

Abstract: An improved proximity detector comprising a hall effect sensor affixed to a permanent magnet, where the improvement comprises tuning the operational gradient of the magnetic field normal to the face of the detector. An apparatus and method for tuning the operational gradient of the magnetic field normal to the face of the detector is also discloses and utilizes means for generating magnetic fields parallel and perpendicular to the face of the magnetic proximity detector. The tuning apparatus changes the gradient through the application of magnetic tuning fields to the sensor magnetic, thereby changing the operational gradient axis, the operational gradient strength or both.

Abstract: A Hall sensor has at least one Hall element connected to the input of a differential high pass filter which includes a series branch circuit made up of two outer resistors and a central capacitor connected between the two resistors, a first summing circuit with inputs connected across the capacitor plus one of the branch resistors, a second summing circuit connected across the capacitor plus the other of the branch resistors, and a subtraction circuit having the input connected to the outputs of said first and second summing circuits. The subtraction circuit may be a differential amplifier or a differential comparator such as a differential Schmitt trigger circuit. This sensor is particularly advantageous in an electrically noisy environment, for example in use as a combustion-engine-vehicle gear tooth counting sensor, where the high common mode rejection feature of this Hall sensor reduces the chances for false counting.