Abstract: An open drain driver (7) selectively switches a MOSFET switch (MN1) which is passively held in the conducting state into the non-conducting state. The MOSFET switch (MN1) switches an AC analogue input signal on a main input terminal (3) to a main output terminal (4) and the gate of the MOSFET switch (MN1) is AC coupled by a capacitor (C1) to the drain thereof. The open drain driver (7) comprises a first MOSFET (MN2) and a second MOSFET (MN3) through which the gate of the MOSFET switch (MN1) is pulled to ground (Vss). The gate of the first MOSFET (MN2) is coupled to the supply voltage (VDD) for maintaining the first MOSFET (MN2) in the open state. A control signal is applied to the gate of the second MOSFET (MN3) for selectively operating the open drain driver (7) in the conducting state for operating the MOSFET switch (MN1) in the non-conducting state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for reducing integral non linearity errors in a pipeline Analog to Digital Converter (ADC). The invention provides in a first embodiment a method comprising the steps of: adding an analog dither signal to the analog input signal of a pipeline Analog to Digital Converter, and converting the analog input signal to a digital output signal by means of the pipeline Analog to Digital Converter. The amplitude of the analog dither signal is determined by the architecture of the Analog to Digital Converter. The invention also provides in a second embodiment a circuit comprising a pipeline analog to digital converter for converting an analog input signal to a digital output signal and a feedback circuit coupled to the converter such that the digital output signal is adapted to have an average non linearity error value of about zero LSBs.

Abstract: The invention provides an analog switching device adapted to compensate for the effects of high frequency input signals. By providing a high pass filter between the input or output nodes and the control node it is possible to effectively introduce a portion of the high frequency component of the input signal to the control node, thereby reducing the differential between the nodes.

Abstract: An instrument that analyzes chemical properties of a specimen includes a probe that is used in place on the specimen for spectroscopic analysis. The probe has a probe body with a proximal end and a distal end, and a first optical fiber extends from the proximal to the distal ends. A temperature sensor is included in the probe body and is used so insure that the probe does not exceed a rated temperature limit or to monitor specimen temperature while, simultaneously, chemical composition information of the specimen is transmitted by the optical fiber. The probe can be inserted into a container holding the specimen and can yield both temperature and chemical composition information. The probe includes a plurality of metal coated fibers with the distal ends of the fibers positioned inside a bore in the probe. Braze material is placed on the probe near the bore and the braze material is then brazed to the metal coating on the ends of the fiber.

Abstract: A load shed module for use in a power distribution system that includes facility for delivering both electrical power and electrical power rate information from a utility supplier. The load shed module includes an enclosure having a power plug for receipt in a standard utility power outlet such as a wall socket, and a power socket on the enclosure for connection to a power load. A relay switch is disposed within the enclosure for selectively electrically connecting the plug to the socket to deliver electrical power to the load coupled to the socket. A rotary switch is mounted on the enclosure, and rotary rate indicia is provided on the enclosure adjacent to the rotary switch and coordinated with position of the rotary switch for operator selection of a rate tier at which the socket is to be disconnected from the plug. Utility power rate information is received from the utility supplier and compared with the rate tier selected by the operator at the rotary switch.

Abstract: An analyzer for analyzing chemical properties of a specimen using optical coupling and sensing, has a narrow band light source and an optical probe that is in contact with the specimen. Detectors are used for providing electrical outputs as a function of a parameter of the specimen, and an optical path couples light from the light source to the probe and also couples Raman scattered light from the specimen and Rayleigh scattered light from the specimen to separate detectors. An analyzer circuit is coupled to the detectors to provide outputs as a function of the electrical signals received, and one of the detectors is connected to a signal conditioning circuit for controlling the input of the light source and includes an asymmetric discrimination circuit configured to distinguish positive going fluctuations from negative going fluctuations in the output from the detector.

Abstract: An instrument that analyzes chemical properties of a specimen using optical sensing provides a laser source with an optical fiber channel that carries light from the source to a probe. The probe has a receiving optical fiber and has an emitting optical fiber that carries Raman-scattered light from the specimen. The emitting optical fiber has a metal buffer layer. A spectral detector receives light from the receiving optical fiber in the probe. A filter module includes a filter that transmits the wavelength of the laser source but blocks wavelengths longer than the source between the source and the emitting optical fiber or the probe. The filter module is coupled to the probe by a linking optical fiber.

Abstract: A radio receiver has a radio tuner having a radio frequency input and an audio output, and an audio signal amplifying system having an audio input and an electroacoustical transducing output. A volume controller is coupled to the radio tuner and the audio amplifying system. A microprocessor is coupled to the tuner, volume controller, a visible display and an array of controls.

Abstract: An extended AGC circuit renders at least one of a pair of back-to-back diodes, which together form antenna switch, continuously conductive under high RF input signal conditions to the radio receiver to extend the AGC performance of the receiver over a greater range of RF input signal conditions. A local/distant switch function can be easily and economically added to the extended circuit.