Abstract: The driving module controls the supply of current to a shape memory alloy member by setting a command value for an electrical resistance of the shape memory alloy member so that the lens frame is moved intermittently to thereby controlling the driving of driving means. The driving module includes control means which includes resistance detection means, command value generation means, and current supplying means. The command value generation means changes the command value gradually by a predetermined variation width ?R so that the electrical resistance of the shape memory alloy member increases or decreases gradually by a predetermined width when the lens frame is moved intermittently.

Abstract: A dynamic amount sensor has a detecting circuit that detects a change in an electrostatic capacitance of each of electrostatic capacitance elements comprised of a movable electrode and a fixed electrode. A switching circuit switches the detecting circuit to first and second connecting states that detect changes in the electrostatic capacitance of the electrostatic capacitance elements in accordance with a change in an attitude of the movable electrode in corresponding first and second detecting axes directions. In the first and second connecting states, the detecting circuit includes circuits formed by connecting the electrostatic capacitance elements in series which change electrostatic capacitances symmetrically along with inclination of the movable electrode in the corresponding first and second detecting axes directions.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor amplifies a plurality of detection signals using one amplifying circuit and separates these detection signals after amplification. The angular velocity sensor detects displacements of a mass in the axial directions using x-, y- and z-axis detection circuits. A carrier wave whose phase is shifted 90° from that of a carrier wave of the z-axis detection circuit is applied to the x- and y-axis detection circuits and outputs of the axis detection circuits are collectively inputted to a current/voltage conversion circuit which outputs a combined signal to three synchronous detection circuits that separate the signal into x-, y- and z-axis detection signal components.

Abstract: A capacitive dynamic quantity sensor whose size is small and whose reliability and mass productivity are high is provided. In order to realize signal transmission from a lower electrode to an upper electrode, silicon columns which are electrically isolated from one another but not mechanically isolated from one another are formed to connect both electrodes.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to promote a detection sensitivity by effectively utilizing an arranged fixed electrode. Inclinations in x-axis and y-axis directions of a mass are detected in a two-axis detecting circuit. The two-axis detecting circuit is constituted by fixed electrodes having both of an x-axis detecting circuit function and a y-axis detecting circuit function and also having functions for detecting displacements in an x-axis direction and a y-axis direction. The two-axis detecting circuit switches the x-axis detecting circuit function and the y-axis detecting circuit function by switching wirings in the circuit by way of a switching circuit. Switching of a wiring state of the two-axis detecting circuit is carried out at each constant period based on a timing of a specific clock signal.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor amplifies a plurality of detection signals using one amplifying circuit and properly separates these detection signals after amplification. The angular velocity sensor detects displacements of a mass in the respective axial directions using an x-axis detection circuit, a y-axis detection circuit and a z-axis detection circuit respectively. A carrier wave which has a phase thereof shifted from a phase of a carrier wave of the z-axis detection circuit by 90° is applied to the x-axis detection circuit and the y-axis detection circuit, wherein the application of the carrier wave to the x-axis detection circuit and the y-axis detection circuit is performed by switching based on a clock signals. Outputs of the respective axis detection circuits are collectively inputted to a current/voltage conversion circuit.

Abstract: A capacitance type dynamic quantity sensor has a first substrate, a second substrate disposed over the first substrate, and first and second electrodes each disposed on a main surface of a respective one of the first and second substrates. Each of the first and second electrodes has through-holes formed in a portion thereof. A third substrate is disposed between and connected to the main surface of each of the first and second substrates. A vibration member is mounted on the third substrate so as to confront the first and second electrodes with gaps therebetween. The vibration member is mounted on the third substrate to undergo vibrational movement in response to application of an acceleration or an angular velocity to the vibration member so that the capacitance type dynamic quantity sensor detects a dynamic quantity in accordance with a change in capacitance between the first and second electrodes due to vibrational movement of the vibration member.

Abstract: A CV conversion circuit capable of measuring a plurality of capacitances with a simple circuit is provided. A time-division signal is applied to each capacitor, whereby a plurality of capacitances of the capacitors can be measured in series by a circuit with a small number of components.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor for measuring a dynamical quantity based on a change in capacitance has a semiconductor substrate having a weight supported by beams so as to undergo displacement according to the dynamical quantity. The semiconductor substrate is sandwiched between glass substrates on which fixed electrodes are disposed in a position facing the weight with minute gaps existing between the glass substrates and the weight. A substrate electrode is disposed on one of the glass substrates and contacts a part of the semiconductor substrate. A recess having a size equal to or larger than a contact area in which the semiconductor substrate contacts the substrate electrode is formed in the semiconductor substrate, and a contact electrode is disposed in the recess in contact with the substrate electrode.

Abstract: Detection accuracy of a sensor is improved by reducing an influence of an exogenous noise. Acceleration acting on an object is detected based on a change of posture of a mass part supported by a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate is fixed at a frame and the mass part is fixed by soldering at the center thereof. When a force such as acceleration acts on the mass part, the posture of the mass part changes and the flexible substrate also becomes deformed. The change of posture of the mass part and the deformation of the flexible substrate are detected based on the amount of change of a circuit constant of a piezoresistive element as a detecting element provided at a beam part. A signal processing circuit for processing a signal detected by the detecting element is formed on an IC chip, by which the mass part is configured.

Abstract: A CV conversion circuit capable of measuring a plurality of capacitances with a simple circuit is provided. A time-division signal is applied to each capacitor, whereby a plurality of capacitances of the capacitors can be measured in series by a circuit with a small number of components.

Abstract: A capacitive dynamic quantity sensor whose size is small and whose reliability and mass productivity are high is provided. In order to realize signal transmission from a lower electrode to an upper electrode, silicon columns which are electrically isolated from one another but not mechanically isolated from one another are formed to connect both electrodes.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor for measuring a dynamical quantity based on a change in capacitance is disclosed: a semiconductor substrate 2 having the weight 5 which is supported by beams 4 and moves according to the dynamical quantity; and a glass substrate 1,3 on which fixed electrodes 11 are disposed in a position facing the weight with minute gaps 6,7 from the weight 5, and a substrate electrode 12 contacting with a part of the semiconductor substrate are laminated; wherein a recess having a size equal to or larger than a contact area is formed in an area within the semiconductor substrate 2 in which the semiconductor substrate 2 contacts the substrate electrode 12.

Abstract: A pattern of grooves or holes is formed in metallic electrodes disposed in upper and lower sides with respect to a vibration member in a capacitance type dynamic quantity sensor. As a result, even when an electrode made of a single electrically conductive material such as Al is used, it is possible to avoid the generation of hillocks on the surface of the electrode, and film-peeling risk of the electrode can be reduced. In addition, the manufacturing cost can also be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitance type dynamic quantity sensor which is miniature and inexpensive. A capacitance detection electrode formed on a lower glass plate is made conductive up to an outer surface of an upper glass plate via through-holes formed so as to vertically and perfectly extend through the upper glass plate, and solder balls. Thus, the electrodes to be connected to an external substrate are collectively provided on the outer surface of the upper glass plate to allow the capacitance type dynamic quantity sensor to be directly mounted to an external substrate.

Abstract: A universal optical connector adapter that can be used to connect optical connector plugs of the same or different types having ferrules fixed at ends of optical fibers. The universal adapter has first and second housings each having at one end a coupling portion for detachably coupling with an optical connector plug of a given type and on an opposite end a base plate having a reference plane. A cylindrical coupling member is rotatably held inward of the coupling portion of the first housing and incorporates a sleeve for fitting ferrules into opposite sides thereof. A male thread is provided on an outer periphery of the coupling cylindrical member and a female thread is provided in the coupling portion of the second housing on a side opposite to that in which an optical connector plug is coupled. The female thread is removably couplable with the male thread.

Abstract: To provide a ferrule tubular body and a ferrule which is free from a fear that the end face of the ferrule may be roughened, which can eliminate an eccentric adjustment process performed after an optical fiber is fixed, and which can attain the optical connection less in insertion loss. An indicator section 1d, 3a, 1e or 3b making it possible to observe an eccentric direction of a though-hole to which an exposed optical fiber end portion is inserted to be held is provided on the outer surface of a ferrule tubular body 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and/or the outer surface of a flanged member 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D securely fixed to the rear end of the ferrule tubular body 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D.