Abstract: A voltage follower is incorporated within a molded electrical connector interface of a position sensor in a way that does not detract from the dimensions or the performance of the finished sensor. The incorporation of the voltage follower into the housing of the variable resistor provides several advantages over the prior art, including: an immunity to sag; substantially reduced sensitivity to noisy contactors; and short lead length and low output impedance, both of which result in reduced interference from external source.

Abstract: The adjustment of the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of a thick film resistor by laser annealing is disclosed. The thick film resistor is fired for a controlled time and temperature sufficient to burn off the organic material in the resistive paint, and to provide an initial adjustment of the (TCR), but prior to obtaining the desired (TCR) range. The resistor is then laser annealed to controllably adjust the (TCR) of the resistor within the desired (TCR) range. The fixture used to hold the substrate during laser annealing is preferably controllably heated to avoid thermal shock to the resistor during laser annealing. A microprocessor is preferably used to monitor the (TCR) during the laser annealing process. At least one of the laser scan speed, laser beam diameter, laser beam power, and number of annealing passes are used to controllably adjust the resistor (TCR) to within the desired (TCR) range.

Abstract: A miniature position encoder (10) provides means for transducing angular changes in shaft (60) position to an electrical output representing the Gray code. The miniature position encoder (10) comprises an annular housing (12) having an aperture (14) with a bushing (20) disposed therein opposite an open end (18) of the housing (12), a plurality of light emitting diodes (50) disposed in non-linear alignment in a substrate (40) mounted adjacent the bushing (20), and a metallic shaft (60) journalled within the bushing opening (15) and having a metallic logic disk (70) secured at one end, the logic disk having a plurality of radially spaced and angularly limited openings representing the Gray code.