Abstract: A proximity sensor assembly with a sensing element having a substrate and an antenna pattern disposed on one or more planar surfaces of the substrate is disclosed. The cable is fed substantially parallel to the planar surfaces of the substrate and is attached to the side surface of the substrate, such that the cable is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of the electromagnetic field emitted from the sensing element.

Abstract: A communication system includes a host device and a peripheral device. The host device includes a data terminal and a power terminal. A data conductor extends between the host device and the peripheral device. The data conductor is configured to channel data between the data terminal and the peripheral device. A power conductor extends between the host device and the peripheral device. The power conductor is configured to channel power between the power terminal and the peripheral device. A zener diode couples the data conductor to the power conductor. The zener diode is configured to control a voltage channeled between the host device and the peripheral device while data is channeled through the data conductor at a desired speed that is greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Sensor assemblies used to detect the proximity of a material to a microwave element are disclosed. One example sensor assembly includes a signal generator configured to generate at least one microwave signal, a coupler connected to the signal generator, a microwave element coupled to the coupler, and a processing module connected to the coupler. The microwave element is configured to generate an electromagnetic field as a function of said at least one microwave signal. The microwave element is structured to reflect a loading signal to said coupler when a material interacts with the electromagnetic field. The processing module is configured to process the loading signal with a reference signal to generate a data signal representative of the proximity of the material to the microwave element. The data signal defines a sub-microwave frequency.

Abstract: A proximity sensor assembly with a sensing element having a substrate and an antenna pattern disposed on one or more planar surfaces of the substrate is disclosed. The cable is fed substantially parallel to the planar surfaces of the substrate and is attached to the side surface of the substrate, such that the cable is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of the electromagnetic field emitted from the sensing element.

Abstract: A communication system includes a host device and a peripheral device. The host device includes a data terminal and a power terminal. A data conductor extends between the host device and the peripheral device. The data conductor is configured to channel data between the data terminal and the peripheral device. A power conductor extends between the host device and the peripheral device. The power conductor is configured to channel power between the power terminal and the peripheral device. A zener diode couples the data conductor to the power conductor. The zener diode is configured to control a voltage channeled between the host device and the peripheral device while data is channeled through the data conductor at a desired speed that is greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Sensor assemblies used to detect the proximity of a material to a microwave element are disclosed. One example sensor assembly includes a signal generator configured to generate at least one microwave signal, a coupler connected to the signal generator, a microwave element coupled to the coupler, and a processing module connected to the coupler. The microwave element is configured to generate an electromagnetic field as a function of said at least one microwave signal. The microwave element is structured to reflect a loading signal to said coupler when a material interacts with the electromagnetic field. The processing module is configured to process the loading signal with a reference signal to generate a data signal representative of the proximity of the material to the microwave element. The data signal defines a sub-microwave frequency.