Abstract: A linear temperature sensor that incorporates passive bipolar semiconductor devices and is capable of high accuracy over a very wide temperature range. The passive bipolar semiconductor device splits a voltage drop between the bipolar semiconductor and a resistor, such that the voltage drop varies approximately linearly in negative dependence on temperature. Optionally the linearity may be improved by providing sufficient current to produce a self-heating effect which compensates for non-linear deviations in performance at low temperatures.

Abstract: An intelligent input/output (I/O) temperature sensor includes a temperature sensing element which generates a plurality of digital data indicative of the temperature at the temperature sensing element, a processor directly coupled to the temperature sensing element which generates a plurality of compensated digital data from respective the digital data and a digital delta value, and a memory directly coupled to the processor which stores the digital delta value and the compensated digital data. According to one aspect of the invention, the memory is an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). According to another aspect of the invention, the memory, the temperature sensing element and the processor are all disposed within a unified structure, i.e., on a single chip. A method for calibrating an intelligent input/output (I/O) temperature sensor is also described.

Abstract: A circuit for correcting a non-linear output of an electronic temperature sensor due to a non-linear drift over an operating range of temperature. The circuit includes a first circuit portion for adjusting a bias voltage of the sensor to a select initial voltage. The circuit also includes second circuit portion interfacing with the first circuit portion. The second circuit portion comprises at least one electronic element with a non-linear drift over the operating range of temperature, but in a direction opposite that of the drift of the temperature sensor. Thus, the drift of the electronic element alters the bias voltage over the operating range in a manner that compensates (at least partially) for the non-linear drift of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing in output of an inductive sensor, including integrating the output of the inductive sensor with an integrator, having a transfer function with at least two zeros, and at least three poles having characteristic frequencies above the zeros, having a greater number of said poles than said zeros, wherein an integration is performed at frequencies above the characteristic frequencies of the poles, and low frequency noise is substantially rejected at frequencies below the poles. The inductive sensor may be, for example, a Rogowski coil.

Abstract: A system and method for interrupting the power to a load, comprising a contact interposed between the source of power and the load, receiving power from the power supply to a circuit on the power supply side of the contact, the circuit comprising a series connection of a resettable fuse device, a bi-metallic switch, and a contact control, the resettable fuse device side of the circuit being electrically connected to the power source and the contact control being the closest of the three series components electrically connected to ground, the contact control having an electrical interface with the contact, the contact remaining in a closed position when power is supplied to the contact control and the contact remaining in an open position when power is interrupted to the contact control, the circuit further comprising a first bypass segment connecting the side of the resettable fuse opposite the power supply to a point between the contact and the load, the first bypass segment having an electrically open porti

Abstract: A system for detecting a gap of unknown width, the system having an RF signal generator having an output interface that outputs an RF signal and that interfaces with an input portion of a test device that is electromagnetically connected with a first surface of a gap. The system also comprises an RF signal receiver having an input interface that receives an RF signal and that interfaces with an output portion of the test device that is electromagnetically connected with a second surface of a gap. The RF signal receiver generates an electrical output to an output interface when an RF signal is detected. A processor has an input interface that interfaces with the output interface of the RF signal receiver and the processor converts the electrical signal from the receiver into an indication to the user of the presence of a gap in the test device.