Abstract: A method of maximizing the power or torque output of a synchronous motor with reluctance effect is disclosed. Bases on torque and voltage set points, in the regulation of the synchronous motor, an optimal torque- and field producing current is generated. The method can further generate an optimal voltage which can maximize the power output of a synchronous motor since changes of inductances generated by the current itself can be accounted for.

Abstract: An inverter apparatus for converting a DC power converted from an input AC power to an output AC power of a variable frequency and a variable electric power to drive an induction motor at a variable speed. The inverter apparatus includes a rectifying unit, a filter capacitor, an inverter unit having an input connected across the filter capacitor, an input current detector and a gate circuitry for driving the inverter unit. An excitation current detection unit detects an excitation current of the induction motor from an output signal of the input current detector, a gate signal for driving the gate circuitry and a reference phase command. A setting unit sets a limitation level of the excitation current, a torque boost voltage command unit produces a torque boost voltage command, and a torque boost voltage compensation unit changes the torque boost voltage command so that the detected excitation current value is smaller than or equal to the limitation level.

Abstract: An angle detector 25 detects a rotor angle &thgr; of a DC brushless motor 1 using a current value Iu_s detected by a U-phase current sensor 23 and a current value Iw_s detected by a W-phase current sensor 24 when high-frequency voltages vu, vv, vw for detecting a rotor angle are applied by a high-frequency adding unit 21. The high-frequency adding unit 21 determines the high-frequency voltages vu, vv, vw so that the direction of rotation of the motor 1 and the direction of a revolving magnetic field generated by the high-frequency voltages vu, vv, vw will be opposite to each other. A three-phase/dq converter 26 converts the current values Iw_s, Iu_s into a detected d-axis current Id_s and a detected q-axis current Iq_s using the rotor angle &thgr; detected by the angle detector 25.

Abstract: In the case of charging by a charging apparatus having a plurality of input terminals to which external power sources for charging a secondary battery are inputted, it is prevented that a current of the inputted power source is outputted to the outside from the other input terminals for charging which are not used. If there are inputs from a plurality of input terminals, the input power sources are controlled so that the battery is optimally charged. pnp-type transistors Q1 and Q2 are arranged between two input terminals of a terminal 11 for an external power adaptor and a terminal 12 for a holder and a secondary battery E1, respectively. When a control IC 13 detects an input power voltage of one of the transistors, the transistor on the detected side is turned on. If the control IC 13 detects both input power voltages, a priority is allocated under predetermined conditions and the secondary battery E1 is charged by the power source of the higher priority.

Abstract: In a vehicle generator control which detects an abnormal operating condition of a generator of a vehicle, and includes a transistor which drives a charging lamp to emit a warning indication when such a condition is detected, with the value of a quantity indicative of the flow of current through the charging lamp drive transistor being compared with a reference value, and with the transistor being set in a non-conducting state if the reference value is exceeded, a succession of respectively decreasing reference values is periodically generated. A timing of an initial flow of current through the charging lamp is controlled to be synchronized with the start of such a succession, so that the peak value of an initial surge current which flows through the charging lamp drive transistor is compared with the highest reference value. Complete protection can thereby be established for the charging lamp drive transistor against a flow of short-circuit current which would exceed any of the reference values.

Abstract: A portable power supply includes an engine-driven generator that generates a first AC power. A rectifier rectifies the first AC power to a first DC power. A DC/DC converter converts a second DC power from a storage unit to a third DC power. A controller selectively enables one or both of the rectifier and the DC/DC converter to provide one or both of the first DC power and the third DC power to the input of an inverter. The inverter converts the DC power at its input to a second AC power. Alternatively, the power supply advantageously includes a second generator and a second rectifier. The outputs of the two rectifiers are summed and the sum of the two outputs is provided as an input the inverter to extend the range over which a constant second AC power can be provided.

Abstract: A microturbine engine that includes a compressor that is operable to provide a flow of compressed air. The compressed air flows through a recuperator where it is preheated before delivery to a combustor. The preheated compressed air mixes with a fuel and is combusted within the combustor to provide a flow of products of combustion. The flow of products of combustion pass through one or more turbines to drive the compressor and a synchronous generator. The synchronous generator is able to synchronize to a priority load, to the utility grid or to both depending on the mode of operation. A control system monitors various engine parameters as well as load and grid parameters to determine the desired mode of operation.

Abstract: To balance the current of individual channel as well as regulate the output voltage for a multi-phase DC-to-DC buck converter, the converter output voltage is sensed and compared with a reference signal to produce a first error signal serving as first control signal for PWM signals of the converter and the channel currents are sensed, summed, averaged and subtracted to produce second error signals that are further modified by saw-tooth wave signal to produce second control signals for the PWM signals. Moreover, the reference signal is controlled by the summed channel currents for adjustable load regulation.

Abstract: An on-vehicle charger is provided to connect with a cigarette-lighting receptacle for supplying a DC power from an automotive to a circuit board. The input power is shunted, converted, regulated, and outputted to a USB jack and a FireWire jack respectively to serve as a FireWire power source for iPod.

Abstract: The present invention provides shunt voltage regulation by employing a rectifying means to rectify an incoming signal and a current sinking means to divert current from the output of the rectifying means in such a way that the output voltage is maintained at an appropriate level and the modulation level does not rise above the acceptable range. This is accomplished by having two feedback mechanisms for the control of said current sinking means. A first feedback mechanism utilizes a voltage dividing means to generate a control voltage signal that will cause the average output voltage of the rectifying means to be equal to the a reference voltage. A second feedback mechanism utilizes non-linear processing means and capacitors to transmit part of the modulation frequency to the control of the current sinking means, thereby keeping the modulation at the output of the rectifying mean at an appropriate level at all time.

Abstract: To the end of providing a constant AC voltage to a variable load (1) which is arranged remote of a voltage source (3), a voltage drop over an electrical supply line (2) which connects the load to the voltage source (3) is compensated for by a compensation AC voltage which, if added to the constant AC voltage, results into the output AC voltage Ufull of the voltage source (3) and the value of which is varied depending on the absolute value of the alternating current (I) conducted to the load (1) and on the phase angle phi between the output AC voltage Ufull of the voltage source (3) and the alternating current (I).

Abstract: A linear regulator having an output stage including first and second P-channel MOS transistors series connected between a first D.C. supply terminal and an output terminal providing a regulated output voltage, and a circuit for controlling the first and second transistors capable of providing the first and second transistors with first and second control signals according to the output voltage and to the voltage at the midpoint of the series connection.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an output regulator having a regulated output. The control system including an output sensor to generate a digital sense signal to indicate within which of at least three reference ranges the regulated output is included. Each of the at least three reference ranges including a plurality of possible values of the regulated output. A digital controller, responsive to the digital sense signal, to generate a drive signal to control the regulated output.

Abstract: An analog buffer with low harmonic distortion and low power supply voltage buffers a signal with wide voltage swing. The lower output voltage swing is increased, by adding a voltage level shifter to the feedback path of a servo. The upper output voltage swing is increased by coupling the output load to Vdd.

Abstract: A transmitter that is electrically connected to a circuit and an associated receiver is used to identify an element of that circuit in the presence of other circuits. This may be used in AC or DC systems that are powered or not to identify or trace circuit elements such as lines, junctions, switches, fuses, or breakers. One version that identifies the circuit breaker of the circuit connected to the transmitter in a powered AC distribution system.

Abstract: An electronic energy meter senses input voltage and current signals and processes the input voltage and current signals to generate measurements of multiple types of power. The meter comprises a processing system for selecting one of the multiple types of power and defining the same as the selected type of power. The processing system also generates a pulsed test signal representative of a magnitude of a measurement of the selected type of power for testing the operation of the meter. The meter further comprises a communications interface coupled to the processing system for transmitting the pulsed test signal from the meter and for receiving signals from sources external to the meter. Selection of one of the multiple types of power can be achieved by the meter receiving, via the communications interface and from a source external to the meter, a communications command identifying a selected one of the various types of power. The communications interface may comprise an optical communications port.

Abstract: A range of a frequency measuring device having limited range is extended by pre-processing an input signal. The input signal is divided into a plurality of channels. In each channel, the input signal is divided into sub-bands. A frequency of the input signal is determined using a frequency measuring device having limited range. The frequencies are stored in a frequency set. The frequency set is used to determine a frequency associated with the input signal according a set of pre-determined reconstruction rules.

Abstract: A method for testing a frequency converter having individual switching elements and motor connectors for each phase of the frequency converter. The method includes selectively activating the individual switching elements of the frequency converter and applying a control pattern to a control input of each phase of the frequency converter. Registering voltage patterns occurring at the motor connectors for each phase of the frequency converter, wherein the registering is performed for each of the motor connectors via a single test line that is capacitively connected to the motor connectors. Comparing the control pattern applied to the control input with the voltage patterns registered for each phase of the frequency converter. Detecting a malfunction in the frequency converter in case of a deviation of the voltage patterns, registered at the motor connectors, from voltage patterns expected as a result of the control pattern applied to the control input.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing current passing through a conductor comprises a plurality of bi-directional magnetic pickups with low field sensing capability used in a common mode rejection configuration around the conductor without directly contacting the conductor. According to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of bi-directional magnetic pickups is used around the trace of a circuit board without directly contacting the trace.

Abstract: Disclosed is a real-time charging electronic watt-hour meter, which includes an electric power sensor for sensing the quantity of electric power used, a card reader into/from which a prepayment card is inserted/ejected, and a rate charging processor for calculating the power rate using the quantity of power used and a predetermined charging program and for deducting the power rate from the amount of the prepayment card, thereby charging the power rate in real time.

Abstract: An electronic device tester channel transmits a single test signal to multiple terminals of electronic devices under test (DUTs) through a set of isolation resistors. The tester channel employs feedback to automatically adjust the test signal voltage to compensate for affects of faults at any of the DUT terminals to prevent the faults from substantially affecting the test signal voltage.

Abstract: A non-contacting magnetic position sensor that produces a magnetic field having improved linear characteristics over an extended sensing range. The magnetic position sensor includes a pair of magnets, a pair of pole pieces extending between the magnets and spaced apart to define an air gap, and a magnetic flux sensor operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density along the length of the air gap. The pole piece segments form a stepped interface with each of the magnets and cooperate with the magnets to provide a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density that varies in a substantially linear manner along substantially the entire length of the air gap. The magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the magnetic field and is operable to sense a magnitude of the varying magnetic flux density along the air gap and to provide an output signal representative of a position of the magnetic flux sensor relative to the magnetic field.

Abstract: A magnetic field detection circuit comprises a magnetic impedance device, a detection coil wound around or arranged close to the impedance device, an electric current application circuit for applying a pulse-shaped high frequency electric current substantially equally swinging to the positive side and the negative side to the magnetic impedance device, and a detection circuit for detecting a voltage generated in the detection coil in response to rises and falls of the applied pulse-shaped electric current and outputting a signal corresponding to the intensity of the external magnetic field on the basis of the outcome of the detection. The magnetic field detection circuit can provide nil-point setting on a stable basis by means of a simple circuit arrangement at low cost.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for NMR echo-train data acquisition and processing for enhanced tracking of the error in the signal due to magnetoacoustic effects, known as ringing, that are not cancelled out or otherwise corrected. In one aspect, the method enables correction of ringing signals in a single pass by way of collecting a composite signal that includes echoes due to pulses at least at two different frequencies. The choice of one or more of the frequencies, the phase of the pulses, and the recovery period enable cancellation of the ringing signal from the echoes, including the echo from an excitation pulse. In another aspect, the method encompasses providing protection against errors due to tool motion by saturating a relatively wide sensitive region with the echo signals collected from within this relatively wide sensitive signal. Preferred embodiments of the invention include one or more of the aforementioned aspects.

Abstract: In a method and processing device for a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus, with which a test bolus measurement is conducted for a subsequent angiography measurement using contrast agent, a test bolus pop-up is displayed in an interactive graphic user interface, and a time curve of at least the arterial contrast agent concentration is automatically determined from the test bolus measurement and presented in the test bolus pop-up, for time planning of the subsequent angiography measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus for calculating the real-time SNR of a magnetic resonance imaging system 10 is provided, including an image processing engine 16 in communication with the magnetic resonance imaging system 14, said image processing engine 16 calculating an acquired real-time signal-to-noise ratio 54 for each of a plurality of real-time images 18 received from the magnetic resonance imaging system 14 and comparing said acquired real-time signal-to-noise ratios 54 with a reference signal-to-noise ratio to develop a relative signal-to-noise variance 26, and an audio feedback device 24 broadcasting an audio signal in response to said relative SNR variance 26.

Abstract: A boring tool is moved through the ground in a region which includes at least one electrically conductive in-ground line and which is subject to static magnetic fields including tie magnetic field of the earth.

Abstract: A method of estimating a state of charge of a battery, a method of estimating an open circuit voltage of a battery, and a method and device for computing a degradation degree of a battery are provided. As a degradation degree, a ratio of a total electrical quantity chargeable or dischargeable of a battery at any time point to an initial electrical quantity that is a total electrical quantity chargeable or dischargeable of the battery upon non-degradation is computed, and by using the degradation degree, a state of charge or an open circuit voltage of the battery is accurately estimated.

Abstract: A method is proposed for diagnosing the drive voltage for a piezoelectric actuator of an injector, in which the drive voltage is measured for the individual phases of the injection procedure. With respect to each control phase, a corresponding tolerance band is provided, which is set using the setpoint value of the drive voltage. The tolerance ranges are established as a function of operating and/or environmental conditions. If, for the individual drive cycles, the corresponding tolerance ranges are not reached, then, in response to repeated measurement, these erroneous measurements are counted. When a preestablished number for the erroneous measurements is exceeded, then an ongoing error is diagnosed. If, after a certain time, the number is not exceeded, then the counter is reset. In the case of an error, the error storage unit can be reset using a maintenance plug-in device during maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring at least one electrical property of a semiconductor wafer includes a probe including a shaft having at a distal end thereof a conductive tip for electrically communicating with an object area of the semiconductor wafer. The apparatus further includes a device for applying an electrical stimulus between the conductive tip and the object area, and a device for measuring a response of the semiconductor wafer to the electrical stimulus and for determining from the response the at least one electrical property of the object area of the semiconductor wafer. A probe guard is included and surrounds the shaft of the probe adjacent the distal end of the probe. The probe guard also insulates the conductive tip from the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A testing device for testing a backplane preferably includes an impulse board with a connector for connection to the backplane, where the impulse board sends test signals to the backplane; a receiver board with a connector for connection to the backplane, where the receiver board receives the test signals; and a communication channel between the receiver board and the impulse board through which the receiver board signals to the impulse board results of the test signals.

Abstract: A proximity sensing device comprising an antenna unit having a substantially longitudinal antenna extending therefrom, the antenna being encased along a substantial part of its length between an interior encasement portion and an exterior encasement portion, said encasement portions being configured so as to substantially immobilize the antenna, and the exterior encasement portion being adapted to permit the transmission of electro-magnetic radiation therethrough. The proximity sensing device is particularly suitable for use within the fuze of a projectile. The proximity sensing device advantageously has a dipole antenna.

Abstract: A system is proposed for the wireless transmission of information and energy between a removable vehicle seat and the vehicle body, in which the vehicle seat is detected by measuring the inductance. In a first embodiment, in this connection, the period of an oscillating circuit is determined, in which the winding of the primary side, and thus the inductance, is connected. In this context, the frequency of the resonance voltage is determined as a function of time. In particular, in this context, the zero crossings of the resonance voltage is measured. In a second embodiment the secondary side impedance is additionally measured on the primary side by a forced oscillation, namely by a voltage decay in a resonance circuit in which the winding is connected as inductance. A very simple monitoring of the performance reliability of a firing pellet is thereby implemented.

Abstract: The capacity measuring device comprises a transistor (40) formed on a silicon substrate and having a drain, source, and gate regions (41, 42, and 43), extension metals (51-54) to be connected to the regions, a guard electrode (55) surrounding the extension metal (53) for the gate region, measurement pads (61-64) electrically connected to the extension metals, the guard rings (61g-64g) surrounding the measurement pads and connected to the guard electrode (55). Accordingly, the infinitesimal capacity between any regions of the transistor in full scale is accurately measured by connecting the guard electrode (55) to a guard terminal of an infinitesimal capacity measuring apparatus for canceling the parasitic capacity.

Abstract: A capacitance element electrode is formed on a first surface of FPC, and a displacement electrode is formed on a second surface of the FPC. The FPC is folded at its connecting portion in such a manner that the first surface and the second surface are opposite to each other, whereby a capacitance element is formed between the capacitance element electrode and the displacement electrode.

Abstract: A sensor unit having capacitance element electrodes and a displacement electrode being opposite thereto is disposed on a substrate. A detective button is supported onto the substrate in such a manner that the detective button is positioned above the sensor unit to define a specified space between the supporting member for supporting the detective button and the displacement electrode.

Abstract: Error in a process variable measurement due to leakage conductance in an industrial process control transmitter is compensated by identifying capacitance deviations &dgr;CH and &dgr;CL based on leakage conductance for each of the capacitive sensors.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for balancing the capacitance of a common series capacitive circuit in a semiconductor-based sensor, such as a humidity sensor, are described. Relative humidity sensors can provide measurements via a series capacitive circuit including a humidity-sensitive dielectric separating a common top plate and first and second bottom plates associated with a first and second capacitor, Cx1 and Cx2. For proper operation, the common top plate should be in capacitive balance. Capacitive balance can be achieved by creating voids within and/or along the common top plate of the sensor. A system for creating voids can include a precision cutting instrument, a measuring device for enabling the measurement of capacitance of at least one of the common series capacitive circuit, Cx1 and Cx2, and power provided from a voltage source.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring capacitance between a probe and a semiconductor sample, which may be useful in the field of scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM). The present invention also includes a method for analyzing measured capacitance data by subtracting any changes in capacitance that are due to changes in long-range stray capacitance that occur when the probe assembly is scanned.

Abstract: A measurement system is provided that includes a probe device having an integrated amplifier. The integrated amplifier may be a transimpedence amplifier that amplifies input current to an output voltage.

Abstract: A contact structure having contactors formed on a flexible cable to establish electrical connection with contact targets. The contact structure includes a probe card having a plurality of sockets and a plurality of contact pads and signal patterns for connecting the sockets and the contact pads, a plurality of contactors mounted on the probe card in a manner that tips of the contactors are projected from one surface of the probe card to contact with the contact targets, and a flexible cable having a plurality of signal patterns for transmitting electrical signals therethrough wherein the flexible cable has the contactors at one end while being connected to the sockets on the probe card at another end.

Abstract: The invention provides a mosaic decal probe, in which a mosaic of probe chips is assembled into a thin membrane that is suspended in a ring which is made of a material that has a TCE matching that of silicon. The membrane is mounted on the ring in tension, such as it stays in tension throughout a functional temperature range. In this way, the membrane exhibits a functional TCE matching that of the ring. The probe chip preferably has spring contacts on both sides. Apertures are cut in the membrane to allow the spring contacts on one side of the membrane to protrude through the membrane and contact the printed wiring board. The spring contacts which contact the printed wiring board are allowed to slide during temperature excursions, thereby decoupling the TCE mismatch between the probe chip and the printed wiring board. Two preferred embodiments are currently contemplated. A first embodiment of the invention uses a low-count mosaic comprised of few probe chips, for example four probe chips.

Abstract: A cartridge system includes a main probing head body with electronics positioned therein. Further, the cartridge system includes a probing tip cartridge having a probing tip. A minimally inductive electrical contact mechanism electrically couples the electronics to the probing tip when the probing tip cartridge is in mating relationship with the main probing head body. The types may be, for example, a pointed tip, a socket tip, or a grabber tip. In one preferred embodiment the probing tip cartridge further includes at least one foot.

Abstract: A technique for enhancing thermal coupling between a device and a thermally conductive material includes using porous portions to draw fluid through conduits. Capillary action then draws fluid from the porous portion into a space between the device and the thermally conductive material to provide a fluid layer between the device and the thermally conductive material.

Abstract: A micro compliant, test probe interconnect apparatus for an integrated circuit device is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an elongated housing and a probe pin extending from a first end of the housing. A biasing mechanism holds the probe pin in a normally extended position, wherein the biasing mechanism is formed from a portion of the elongated housing. In a preferred embodiment, the biasing mechanism is a flexible tab, formed from a generally rectangular section of the elongated housing and bent inwardly therein to form a cantilever.

Abstract: Monitor circuitry for identifying an operational status of a device under test (DUT) includes a comparison circuit and a sense amplifier. The comparison circuit comprises a set of control transistors and a set of sense transistors. The control transistors include control input terminals for receiving reference signals to establish a testing condition with respect to a signal relationship between a first current flow and a second current flow. The sense transistors are operatively associated with the control transistors, such that biasing the sense input terminals of the sense transistors with sampled signals received from the DUT varies the signal relationship between the first current flow and the second current flow. The variation in the signal relationship is accelerated by the sense amplifier. The variation in the signal relationship is indicative of the operational status of the DUT at the sampling instance for acquiring the sampled signals.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and a system for controlling a voltage at a node in a circuit such that the node is prevented from having an unknown floating voltage during a steady state of a clock signal. The circuit includes a transmission gate which has input and output terminals, and operates in response to a clock signal. The node is located proximal to the output terminal of the transmission gate. The method includes the operations of driving the node with an input signal when the transmission gate is open during a first steady state of the clock signal and pulling the node to a fixed voltage when the transmission gate is closed during a second steady state of the clock signal.

Abstract: On a basic measurement unit arranged in a lattice shape on a chip, a resistance measurement circuit, a capacity measurement circuit, an n-type MOS transistor measurement circuit, a p-type MOS transistor measurement circuit, and a ring oscillator measurement circuit are mounted by several tens of patterns. Each measurement circuit mounted by several tens of patterns is connected to a measurement bus to constitute a measurement bus net in accordance with measured items. Switching of connection of the measurement bus net with a measurement terminal pad is electrically controlled properly by X, Y address selection signals outputted from X, Y address decoders to X, Y address selection signal lines.

Abstract: A semiconductor testing apparatus and a semiconductor testing method are provided which permit an apparatus having an inexpensive configuration to perform, with precision, the acceptance-or-rejection determination and measurement test of a semiconductor integrated circuit having a large number of output terminals each for outputting a multi-gradation level output voltage. The semiconductor testing apparatus comprises output voltage testing means and comparison voltage generation data inputting means. The output voltage testing means comprises test voltage inputting means, comparison voltage generating means, a high level comparator, a low level comparator, and comparison result outputting means. The high level comparator and the low level comparator constitute comparing means for comparing a voltage to be tested, with a comparison voltage.

Abstract: An object of inspection is an active matrix substrate including a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels being connected with one of a plurality of signal lines, one of a plurality of scanning lines, and one of a plurality of voltage supply lines, and including a pixel select transistor connected with the one signal line and the one scanning line and an operating transistor, a gate of the operating transistor being connected with the pixel select transistor, a drain of the operating transistor being connected with the one voltage supply line, and a source of the operating transistor being in an open state.