Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for providing offset calibration and fault monitoring are disclosed herein. An example controller component may comprise: a resistance-based bridge circuit; a signal conditioning circuit configured to condition an output of the resistance-based bridge circuit; a first diagnostic circuit coupled to the signal conditioning circuit configured to monitor an output of a first branch of the resistance-based bridge circuit; and a second diagnostic circuit coupled to the signal conditioning circuit configured to monitor an output of a second branch of the resistance-based bridge circuit.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for providing offset calibration and fault monitoring are disclosed herein. An example controller component may comprise: a resistance-based bridge circuit; a signal conditioning circuit configured to condition an output of the resistance-based bridge circuit; a first diagnostic circuit coupled to the signal conditioning circuit configured to monitor an output of a first branch of the resistance-based bridge circuit; and a second diagnostic circuit coupled to the signal conditioning circuit configured to monitor an output of a second branch of the resistance-based bridge circuit.

Abstract: A packaged sensor having three external electrical terminals. The packaged sensor comprises a package housing, a power input terminal, a ground terminal, a sensing device, a sensor output terminal for providing an output signal that is related to a physical quantity sensed by the sensing device when the packaged sensor is operated in a sensing mode of operation and for providing a data readout signal related to stored data when the packaged sensor is operated in a data readout mode of operation, a sensing block coupled to the sensing device and to the sensor output terminal, and an adjustment block coupled to the power input terminal, coupled to the sensing block, coupled to the sensor output terminal, comprising a memory storing the stored data, and operable to modulate the data readout signal onto the sensor output terminal in response to a data readout command modulated onto the power input terminal.

Abstract: A packaged sensor having three external electrical terminals. The packaged sensor comprises a package housing, a power input terminal, a ground terminal, a sensing device, a sensor output terminal for providing an output signal that is related to a physical quantity sensed by the sensing device when the packaged sensor is operated in a sensing mode of operation and for providing a data readout signal related to stored data when the packaged sensor is operated in a data readout mode of operation, a sensing block coupled to the sensing device and to the sensor output terminal, and an adjustment block coupled to the power input terminal, coupled to the sensing block, coupled to the sensor output terminal, comprising a memory storing the stored data, and operable to modulate the data readout signal onto the sensor output terminal in response to a data readout command modulated onto the power input terminal.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for implementing brushless DC motor control includes a substrate, a band gap temperature sensor, and a magnetic sensor. The substrate has a temperature output pin for connection to an external device and a magnetic sensor output pin for connection to the external device. The band gap temperature sensor is formed on the substrate and is configured to sense temperature and supply a temperature signal representative of the sensed temperature to the temperature output pin. The magnetic sensor is formed on the substrate and is configured to sense magnetic field variations and supply a sensor output signal representative thereof to the magnetic sensor output pin.

Abstract: An illustrative packaged magnetic field sensor includes a power input terminal and a sensor output terminal, both accessible from outside of the package housing. A sensing block is situated in the package housing and electrically coupled to the magnetic field sensing device and the sensor output terminal. An adjustment block is situated in the package housing and coupled to the power input terminal and the sensing block. In some cases, the adjustment block may receive one or more messages that include sensor adjustment information. The one or more messages may be modulated onto the power input signal. The adjustment block may decode the received sensor adjustment information from the messages, and store the decoded adjustment information into a memory. The adjustment block may then adjust the output signal of the sensing block based on the decoded adjustment information.

Abstract: An illustrative packaged magnetic field sensor includes a power input terminal and a sensor output terminal, both accessible from outside of the package housing. A sensing block is situated in the package housing and electrically coupled to the magnetic field sensing device and the sensor output terminal. An adjustment block is situated in the package housing and coupled to the power input terminal and the sensing block. In some cases, the adjustment block may receive one or more messages that include sensor adjustment information. The one or more messages may be modulated onto the power input signal. The adjustment block may decode the received sensor adjustment information from the messages, and store the decoded adjustment information into a memory. The adjustment block may then adjust the output signal of the sensing block based on the decoded adjustment information.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for implementing brushless DC motor control includes a substrate, a band gap temperature sensor, and a magnetic sensor. The substrate has a temperature output pin for connection to an external device and a magnetic sensor output pin for connection to the external device. The band gap temperature sensor is formed on the substrate and is configured to sense temperature and supply a temperature signal representative of the sensed temperature to the temperature output pin. The magnetic sensor is formed on the substrate and is configured to sense magnetic field variations and supply a sensor output signal representative thereof to the magnetic sensor output pin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for reduced cost and complexity in managing an intelligent motor in an architecture in which information is transferred between a power management device and the intelligent motor. The information may be used by an embedded processor of the motor to provide diagnostics and/or prognostics of the motor, machinery operating in conjunction with the motor, and/or a process in which the motor may be configured to operate. The power management device may remotely determine motor current information that is used by the intelligent motor to self-diagnose the intelligent motor using the motor current information.

Abstract: An integrated, modular solar collector comprising an array of solar collection devices, wherein the array of solar collection devices is mounted in a frame providing for air flow, piping and/or electrical connections between the devices.

Abstract: An integrated, modular solar collector comprising an array of solar collection devices, wherein the array of solar collection devices is mounted in a frame providing for air flow, piping and/or electrical connections between the devices.

Abstract: An integrated, modular solar collector comprising an array of solar collection devices, wherein the array of solar collection devices is mounted in a frame providing for air flow between the devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for reduced cost and complexity in managing an intelligent motor in an architecture in which information is transferred between a power management device and the intelligent motor. The information may be used by an embedded processor of the motor to provide diagnostics and/or prognostics of the motor, machinery operating in conjunction with the motor, and/or a process in which the motor may be configured to operate. The power management device may remotely determine motor current information that is used by the intelligent motor to self-diagnose the intelligent motor using the motor current information.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a gypsum composition suitable for use in the manufacture of construction materials comprising a) gypsum, b) water, and c) a water repellancy composition comprising a hydroxy-based cellulose and a siliconate.

Abstract: A self-calibration device and method for a FFET sensor having a thin functional film positioned to detect the presence of at least one specific component in a fluid, a current driven source, a gate and a voltage source applied to said gate, a tub and a drain. An input signal is applied to the gate to produce a measured output signal that is compared to an expected output reference signal. The input signal is selected from controlled voltage pulses to the gate, or the source bias current can be changed. Alternatively, the signal can be a known concentration pulse of the specific component applied to the FFET or a heat source pulse for changing the temperature of the FFET by a small amount.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting the presence of at least one specific component in a fluid medium such as an exhaust gas. A sensor is mounted in a sensor body for detecting the presence of at least one specific component and providing a representative signal that is transmitted to a remote receiver for processing. A power source such as a thermopile provides power for the sensor and the transmitter. Preferred are sensors that detect a plurality of different components in the gas and provide a distinct signal for each component. A preferred transmitter is designed to transmit at a low duty cycle so as to conserve power. A preferred sensor is electronic, has the capability for self-diagnostics and self-calibration, and causes a change in current when exposed to the component, such as a functionalized field effect transistor.

Abstract: An integrated, modular solar collector comprising an array of solar collection devices, wherein the array of solar collection devices is mounted in a frame providing for air flow between the devices.

Abstract: A vehicle radio receiver circuit includes two antennas for mounting on the vehicle. The antennas are significantly less than one quarter of a wavelength in length at the desired frequency of operation, and the outputs of the antenna elements are coupled to two inputs of an FM circuit and two inputs of an AM circuit, which includes summing circuitry. The FM circuit has an FM output for providing a received FM signal, and the AM circuit has an output for providing an AM signal that includes a sum of signals derived from the outputs of the antennas.

Abstract: A structure is formed from two layers of material having opposite conductivity types. A first region is formed within the structure, and extends at least in part into a layer to be etched. A surface of the structure is then masked and etched. The result is a microstructure which varies with the conductivity type and geometry of the region formed and etchant used.