Abstract: A light emitting diode according to the present invention comprises an element substrate, a light emitting element mounted on said element substrate, a sealing body which emits light from the light emitting element and which seals said light emitting element, and a light shielding means to form light emitting parts for directing light from the sealing body in two dimensional directions which are formed from a combination of either two axes of three dimensional axes X, Y and Z. The light shielding means causes one portion of the light emitting parts to light emit and the other of the light emitting parts to light shield.

Abstract: A system and method for mechanically supporting and electrically coupling arc tubes in high intensity discharge (“HID”) lamps such as metal halide lamps. The system and method provides mechanical support and electrical coupling of the arc tube in HID lamps with few or no welds and is particularly suited for HID lamps having relatively large arc tubes, e.g. lamps having wattages greater than about 150 watts or other wattage lamps having a heat reflector mounted near the base of the lamp.

Abstract: A high-definition plasma display panel and its manufacturing method. Luminance is increased by increasing surface area of a phosphor layer without reducing a discharge space of a discharge cell. For formation of the phosphor layer, an organic binder is made by dissolving, through heating, at least an organic solvent and a plurality of resins of different solubilities with respect to the organic solvent, and phosphor paste is made of this organic binder and phosphor particles. A recessed and projected part is formed of spaces formed by burning out gelled substances formed by the resin with low solubility in a phosphor film, thereby increasing the surface area of the phosphor layer. Consequently, increased luminance is obtained.

Abstract: A ceramic arc tube assembly and a method for making a ceramic arc tube are described which simplify the manufacture of ceramic arc tubes by reducing the number of handling and heat treatments required to assemble arc tubes prior to the final sintering operation. In particular, the invention uses transient assembly buttons during intermediate assembly steps which are removed prior to the final sintering operation.

Abstract: A mount assembly for a lamp has a glass stem (122) having a first portion (124) that is tubular and has an outside diameter D2 and a second portion (118) formed as a pinch seal A blow-hole 125 is formed in the tubular fist portion and is connected to an exhaust tubulation 126, A substantially C-shaped clip (100) is mounted upon the first portion (124). The C-shaped clip (10) has an inside diameter D that is smaller than the outside diameter D2 whereby the clip (100) frictionally engages the first portion (24). A pair of substantially oppositely located cutouts (102, 104) is formed in the clip (10), each providing an extending flap (106, 108) projecting away from the clip (100). This assembly accurate supports the structure and prevents rotation of the mount assembly. An upstanding tab (110) is located substantially mid-way between the extending flaps, i.e., opposite the open part of the clip, and angled inwardly toward the center of the C-shaped clip (100).

Abstract: A spring clip (10) has a base (12) in a first plane and has an aperture (14) centrally located therein. U-shaped projections (16) and (18) are provided on the base (12) and are formed from first and second upstanding walls (200 and (22) and third and fourth walls (24) and (26), at each end of the base (12). A first lip (28) extends orthogonally between the first wall and second wall in a second plane and a second lip (29) extends orthogonally between the third wall and fourth wall, also in the second plane. The second plane is substantially parallel to the first plane but spaced therefrom. Extensions (30) and (32) are formed with the first wall and the third wall and project away from them. The extension are in substantially the same plane as base (12) and at least one flag (34) can be formed with at least one of the extensions.

Abstract: A universal fleet electrical system includes a central power distribution panel, which includes a fuse panel and a lighting selector junction box, together with a universal wiring harness. A dash mounted console is provided for operator control of accessory devices. The console may include a keyed switch interconnected with a security power control relay for enabling a user to connect and disconnect power to the universal wiring harness. Power may be connected and disconnected to the universal wiring harness through the use of a master switch with a circuit breaker. The lighting selector junction box permits various lighting accessories to be connected to different light level circuits. The universal wiring harness may include a plurality of plug and play connectors to facilitate rapid attachment/removal of external accessories. A serial interface may interconnect the wiring harness with the fuse panel.

Abstract: The present invention presents an improved upper electrode for a plasma processing system, wherein the design and fabrication of an electrode plate coupled to an upper assembly advantageously provides gas injection of a process gas with substantially minimal erosion of the electrode plate.

Abstract: A method tests a plasma processing system having a chamber, an RF power source, and a matching network. An RF power signal is generated from the RF power source to the chamber without igniting any plasma within the chamber. The voltage of the RF power signal, the current of the RF power signal, and the phase of the RF power signal, received by the chamber is measured while holding other parameters affecting the chamber constant. A value representative of an impedance of the chamber is computed based on the voltage, the current, and the phase. The value is then compared with a reference value to determine any defects in the plasma processing system. The reference value is representative of the impedance of a defect-free chamber.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus provided with a holding stage of a system in which a temperature of an electrode block is controlled so as to control the temperature of a semiconductor wafer. The electrode block is provided with at least first and second independent temperature controllers on inner and outer sides thereof, and a slit for suppressing heat transfer is provided in the electrode block between the first and second temperature controllers.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp used in a vehicle, includes: a light source including a light-emitting diode for emitting light in accordance with power received from a power supply provided in the outside of the vehicular lamp; a lamp body for accommodating the light source therein to protect the light source from water; and a breaking detection unit for detecting breaking of the light source and notifying the outside of the lamp body of the detection result.

Abstract: A circuit device is designed to illuminate a series of Christmas ornamental lights in conjunction with a plug and an integrated circuit control box. The circuit device is formed of a resistor and two serially-connected capacitors which are linked to the resistor in parallel connection for bringing about a capacitive reactance serving to lower a voltage of an external alternating current to an extent that the voltage is suitable for operation of the integrated circuit control box.

Abstract: A dimming control system includes a first circuit (100) and a second circuit (400). First circuit (100) is coupled in series with the AC line source (10) and receives brighten and dim commands from a user. The brighten and dim commands are communicated to second circuit (400) by momentarily altering the AC voltage waveforms observed by second circuit (400). Second circuit (400) provides an adjustable output signal that is coupled to inverter circuitry within an electronic dimming ballast. The output signal is adjusted by the second circuit (400) in dependence on the observed AC voltage waveforms.

Abstract: A ballast (100) includes an inverter (140,144,146) and a protection circuit that prevents excessive lamp-to-earth-ground fault current. The protection circuit includes a transformer (202,204,206,208,210) and an inverter disable circuit (300). The transformer measures a first current going out of one set of ballast output terminals (106,108) and a second current going into another set of ballast output terminals (206,208). In response to a substantial imbalance between the first current and the second current, inverter disable circuit (300) terminates inverter switching. Preferably, protection circuit further includes a restart timer circuit (400) that, following termination of inverter switching in response to a fault condition, prevents the inverter from restarting for a predetermined delay period.

Abstract: A dimming ballast (100) for a high-intensity discharge lamp (10) includes an ignitor (120), a control circuit (140), and a dimming interface (160) for connection to an external dimming controller (30). Following lamp replacement (10), external dimming controller (30) receives a user relamp command and, in response, sends a special relamp signal to dimming interface (160). In response to the special relamp signal, dimming interface (160) communicates with control circuit (140), which directs ignitor (120) to provide high voltage pulses for igniting the replaced lamp. In an alternative embodiment, an external control device such as a triac dimmer (40) receives a user relamp command following lamp replacement and, in response, sends a special relamp signal to a control circuit (240), which directs ignitor (220) to provide high voltage pulses for igniting the replaced lamp.

Abstract: A ballast (100) having an inverter (110,120,122) and a direct current blocking capacitor (130) coupled in series with a ballast output (108) includes a control circuit (140) for providing adaptive end-of-lamp-life protection. During operation, control circuit executes the steps of measuring (208) and storing (210) a reference value for the voltage across the DC blocking capacitor (130), monitoring (308,310) the voltage across the DC blocking capacitor (130), and protecting (312) the inverter and lamp sockets in response to the voltage across the DC blocking capacitor departing from the reference value by more than a predetermined threshold amount.

Abstract: A photoelectron linear accelerator for producing a low emittance polarized electron beam. The linear accelerator includes a tube having an inner wall, the inner tube wall being coated by a getter material. A portable, or demountable, cathode plug is mounted within said tube, the surface of said cathode having a semiconductor material formed thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic frequency converter (1) which is used with a high frequency immersion vibrator in order to compact concrete. Said frequency converter comprises a cooling circuit (4) containing a cooling medium; a first heat exchanger (3) which is integrated into said cooling circuit (4) and is used to transmit heat generated in the housing (2) of the frequency converter to the cooling medium; and a second heat exchanger (11) which is integrated into the cooling circuit (4) and is used to outwardly transmit heat absorbed by the cooling medium. The second heat exchanger (11) is received in a vibrator housing (6) of the high frequency immersion vibrator. If the vibrator housing (6) is immersed in concrete (12), the heat produced in the converter housing (2) can be conducted away to the concrete (12).

Abstract: A system and method of motor control enable improved motor control by controlling a phase winding to float or enter a high impedance state prior to activating phase detection of the phase winding. Because the phase winding floats prior to phase detection, the effect residual current coupling in such phase can be mitigated and thereby help improve motor operation.

Abstract: A device for controlling an electronically switched motor which includes a coder (2) having a main multipole track (2a) and a so-called “revolution pip” multipole track (2b); a fixed sensor (3) delivering two digital position signals (A, B) and one revolution pip signal (C); a circuit for switching the currents in the phase windings of the motor which comprises 2*P*N switches; a control circuit for the switching circuit which is able to supply the switching signals for the switches which correspond to the state of the logic determined by the revolution pip signal (C) or by the position signals (A, B). The control device can be combined with a bearing and/or a motor equipped with such a device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling an electronically switched motor comprising a coder (2) provided with a main multipole track (2a) and a so-called “revolution pip” multipole track (2b), the said tracks each comprising N identical sectors (2c) angularly distributed respectively over the entire circumference of the said tracks, the sectors (2c) of the revolution pip track (2b) each comprising M angularly distributed singularities (2b1), the M singularities (2b1) being distributed angularly so that the revolution pip signal (C) is arranged so as, in combination with the signals A and B, to define binary sequences of angular length less than that of the sectors (2c) and which represent the absolute angular position of the coder (2) on a sector (2c).

Abstract: While a rotor 4 of a permanent-magnet rotary machine 1 is rotating and an armature current thereof is substantially zero, a motor controller 2 performs a dq vector control process to control the permanent-magnet rotary machine 1 in a dq coordinate system which has a d-axis representing the direction of a magnetic field of the rotor 4 and a q-axis representing a direction perpendicular to the d-axis, and determines a magnetic pole position correcting quantity &thgr;ofs to correct a magnetic pole position &thgr;act detected by a magnetic pole position detector 8 so that a d-axis voltage command value Vdc determined by the dq vector control process will be substantially zero. The motor controller 2 controls the phases of armature voltages Vuc, Vvc, Vwc with magnetic pole positions corrected by the magnetic pole position correcting quantity &thgr;ofs.

Abstract: A windowlift control system 10 is provided for controlling movement of a window of a vehicle. The system 10 includes a DC bush motor 12 constructed and arranged to cause movement of the window up and down, and electronics 14 integral with the motor for controlling the motor to selectively move the window up and down. The electronics includes analog obstruction signal inputs 18, 20 for receiving analog obstruction signals from an obstruction sensor 16, associated with the window, that directly senses an obstruction in a travel path of the window. The electronics includes digital obstruction signal inputs 22, 24 for receiving digital obstruction signals from an obstruction sensor 16′, associated with the window, that directly senses an obstruction in a travel path of the window. The electronics also includes switch decoding inputs 23, 25, 27 for signaling a manual or one-touch up mode of operation of the motor to move the window in an upward direction.

Abstract: Force in a direction opposite to an operating direction imparted from a motor to a rotary knob is increased gradually at the start of an operation to an upper limit value with the increase of a rotating angle of the rotary knob in the same direction as the operating direction, and is gradually decreased at the finish of the operation from the upper limit value to 0 with the increase of the rotating angle in the opposite direction to the operating direction. In consequence, when the operation is stopped before or at the time at which force in the opposite direction to the operating direction imparted to the rotary knob reaches the upper value, the rotary knob returns to the angle at which it has existed before operated, and can come to halt without oscillation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single-phase motor including a stator, a rotor adapted to rotate when electric power is applied to the stator, a ring-shaped magnet coupled to the rotor to rotate along with the rotor; a parking magnet for stopping the rotor within an effective torque generating region by a magnetic force effected between the ring-shaped magnet and the parking magnet upon braking the rotor, and a sensor unit for sensing a variation in the intensity of a magnetic field generated around the ring-shaped magnet during the rotation of the rotor, thereby sensing the position and speed of the rotor. In accordance with this configuration, the additional device used for an initial driving operation and subsequent operations of the motor can be relatively simple and inexpensive. As a result, there is an advantage in that the motor has an enhanced utility.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus for applying an assisting steering force to a steering mechanism of a vehicle by driving an electric motor according to a steering operation includes: an electric current command value calculation unit which calculates an electric current command value; a drive control unit which controls the drive of the electric motor based on the electric current command value; and a convergence control unit which determines a damping compensation value so that a quantity of steering operation is converged to a neutral point. The convergence control unit includes: a compensation electric current setting unit determines a basic damping compensation electric current value corresponding to the correction value of the target value, and a compensation electric current adjusting unit which adjusts the basic damping compensation electric current value based on the steering torque and the quantity of the steering operation, thereby calculating the damping compensation value.

Abstract: In a case in which an operation is alternately carried out by apparatus-1 and the apparatus-2 in cooperation with a robot, an operator carries out operation within an operation range of each of the apparatuses during the interruption of power supply to the apparatus-1 and the apparatus-2. Even if the operator approaches or enters the apparatus-1 or the apparatus-2, an emergency stop unit is not informed of a notice of such approach or entry as far as the interruption of power to the apparatus is confirmed. In a state in which the interruption of power is not confirmed, on the other hand, the emergency stop unit is informed of the notice of operator's approach or entry, and the robot system is emergency stopped.

Abstract: A method of starting a brushless DC motor 12 at any initial speed (A) establishes a initial stator-field speed and setting a counter of synchronization, (B) measures a speed of a rotor of the motor, (C) compares the speed of the rotor with the stator-field speed to determine if the rotor is synchronized with the stator-field. If the rotor is not synchronized with the stator-field, the method includes (a) re-setting the counter of synchronization, (b) increasing an acceleration portion of motor current (Iacc) to enhance torque, (c) setting the stator-field speed higher than the rotor speed, (d) calculating a period of an open-loop timer, (e) calculating a value for a load portion of the motor current (Ild), where total motor current I=Iacc+Ild, (f) performing commutation based on the open-loop timer and returning to step (B) until the rotor is synchronized with the stator-field.

Abstract: The invention concerns a light deflection device, and a control method for the light deflection device, which are rich in expandability of drive control. The light deflection device includes a polygon mirror to reflect the light beam; a rotor, having a magnet, to rotate the polygon mirror attached to the rotor; a stator on which a plurality of drive coils are fixed so as to generate a rotational force; and a plurality of connecting ports through which the plurality of drive coils are electronically coupled to a plurality of drive circuits, each of which drives the drive coils while controlling the rotational force to be generated between the magnet and drive coils. One of the drive circuits controls the rotational force during a start-up operation and a steady-rotating operation of the rotor, while another one controls the rotational force during a decelerating operation of the rotor.

Abstract: A motor controller implements alternately a feedback control for d axis current and a feedback control for q axis current using an estimate value of a rotor angle in different control cycles. Then, the motor controller calculates a sine reference value which corresponds to a sine value of an angle which is twice a phase difference between an actual value and an estimate value of a rotor angle and a cosine reference value which corresponds to a cosine value of the angle which is twice the phase difference based on variations of the d axis actual current and q axis actual current and levels of d axis voltage and q axis voltage in a control cycle in which feedback controls are implemented for d axis current and q axis current and detects a rotor angle using the sine reference value and the cosine reference value so calculated.

Abstract: A brushless motor capable of suppressing noise and vibration resulting from relative positional displacement between a sensor magnet and magnetic sensors caused by assembling errors has a 3-phase brushless motor with a 6-pole sensor magnet rotating integrally with a rotor and hole elements arranged with an angular spacing of 20° (mechanical angle). Position signals are obtained from output signals of the hole elements, with the phases of output signals of one or two hole elements being inverted.

Abstract: A circuit for selectively driving n motor coils associated with a plurality of stepping motors, wherein only (n+1) motor coil drivers are needed. A timepiece that utilizes such a circuit is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a flux observer and a sensorless control system of a synchronous reluctance motor. The flux observer includes an estimated flux output unit, a measured flux output unit, and a fixed/rotational coordinate converter. The flux observer estimates a flux of a synchronous reluctance motor by removing higher harmonic components of a current in a rotational coordinate system which flows into the motor. The measured flux output unit measures a flux in a fixed coordinate system by combining a voltage in the fixed coordinate system, which is applied to the motor, and a current in the fixed coordinate system, from which higher harmonic components are removed, with the estimated flux outputted from the estimated flux output unit. The fixed/rotational coordinate converter converts the measured flux outputted from the measured flux output unit to a measured flux in the rotational coordinate system.

Abstract: A starting circuit for an induction motor is provided whereby a stationary rotor flux is established then a stored charge supplied to a motor winding in order to provide a starting torque. Before applying a mains power supply to the motor after the starting torque has been applied, a back EMF is sensed, directly or indirectly, to provide an indication that the rotor is turning before the mains supply is connected to the motor. This provides a reliable and simple method for ensuring that a mains supply may be safely connected to the motor.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a fuel cell, a battery, a circuit coupled to the fuel cell and the battery, for outputting electric power from at least one of the fuel cell and the battery, and an electronic device coupled to the circuit. The electronic device is operable with the electric power output from the circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for ascertaining the electric power, provided by a battery (11) and a generator (10), available in a motor-vehicle electrical system. To precisely determine the available electric power, both a battery model (2) and a generator model (4) are provided, from which the battery reserve power (&Dgr;Pbattery) and the generator reserve power (&Dgr;Pgenerator) may be ascertained. The total power available in the vehicle electrical system is finally determined from the battery reserve power and the generator reserve power.

Abstract: A prismatic battery with tabless current collectors. Electrode plates are wound to have a rectangular or elliptic cross section, and current collectors formed of metal plates having a shape conforming to this cross section are welded to the end faces of the belt-shaped current collecting portions of the electrode assembly. The metal plate includes a pair of lengthwise notches and a pair of widthwise notches respectively extending from the center to the periphery, and the opposing side edges of these notches protrude orthogonally from the metal plate to form connection pieces, which are welded to the belt-shaped current collecting portions of the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A battery arrangement that minimize battery-to-battery and battery-to-device contact resistance by rupturing or removing an insulating contaminant layer on portions of battery terminals that contact each other or that contact contacts in a battery compartment. Generally, standard dry cell and miniature batteries are arranged such that the surface area of the terminals that contact other terminals or device contacts is reduced. A given compression force applied to the serially-aligned batteries in the battery compartment results in a contact pressure sufficient to rupture the insulating contaminant layer at the terminal region that contacts the adjacent terminal or device contact. A relative lateral motion can be imparted between adjacent batteries and/or a battery and device contact to facilitate the removal of the insulating contaminant layer.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump includes a drive section and a pump section. The drive section has a reciprocating coil assembly to which alternating polarity control signals are applied by a reciprocating circuit during operation. A permanent magnet structure of the drive section creates a magnetic flux field which interacts with an electromagnetic field produced during application of the control signals to the coil. Depending upon the polarity of the control signals applied to the coil, the coil is driven in one of two directions of movement. The reciprocating circuit employs a storage capacitor and several switches to capture the energy of the reciprocating coil as the pump is driven downwardly. The charge is recycled as the capacitor dissipates, thereby reversing the polarity of the current through the coil and driving the coil assembly upwardly to its initial position.

Abstract: A mobile toy is described. The mobile toy includes a wheel assembly having a hubcap for removably engaging a wheel of the wheel assembly. The mobile toy may also include a transmitter having a charging pad for charging of a radio-controlled embodiment of the toy. The transmitter comprises an indicator showing certain states of the toy as well as a storage compartment for housing items associated with the toy. Additional embodiments include an assembly for retaining the toy on the charging pad during charging of the toy. A kit for storing the components of the radio-controlled embodiment of the toy is also described.

Abstract: A battery power source device is provided for supplying high electric power used for a drive power source for a vehicle. The battery power source device includes a battery box for storing a plurality of batteries arranged in a connected state in a battery storage room, an inlet opening for introducing a temperature control medium into the battery storage room, an outlet opening for discharging the medium from the battery storage room to the outside, a medium circulation passage for leading the medium discharged from the outlet opening to the inlet opening for feeding into the battery storage room again, and a medium transport device for forcing the medium flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring thermal overload of an electric load element in a motor vehicle containing other electric consumers, which can be switched into a stand-by phase. The load element is monitored by a control device using a calculated load temperature parameter. During a first operational phase, a power loss of the load element or a quantity that is essentially proportional thereto is evaluated for calculating the load temperature parameter. During one or more stand-by phases, the control device is switched with essentially no current between the first operational phase and a second operational phase. After the control device is switched on in the second operational phase, at least one quantity, which is characteristic for the moment of switching on, is evaluated for calculating the existing load temperature parameter.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an on-vehicle generator is provided. The generator, driven to rotate by an on-vehicle engine, is provided with stator windings, rectifiers, a field winding, and a voltage control apparatus (i.e., the control apparatus for the on-vehicle generator). The voltage control apparatus comprises a switching element (including power transistors, for example) selectably and electrically connects or disconnects a current path between the field winding and a power supply to provide the field winding with current; a storage element (for example, a battery); and a regeneration element (for example, free wheel diodes) provides the storage element with current flowing through the field winding when the switching element is turned off.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for compensating reactive power and/or harmonic currents in an alternating-current network by means of a frequency converter (1) feeding an alternating-current load (3), which frequency converter has a mains bridge (10) and at least one load bridge (11), said bridges being provided with controllable semiconductor switches. In the method, the reactive power and/or harmonic currents in the alternating-current network are measured, the load of the mains bridge of the frequency converter is measured, and the reactive power and/or harmonic currents in the alternating-current network are compensated by means of the frequency converter when the mains bridge is running at less than full capacity or has no load.

Abstract: A power holdup circuit having high power factor during line voltage dropouts is provided in a less complex design. No external monitoring and control is required. A monitoring component of the holdup circuit monitors input voltage to maintain the high power factor. Power from a holdup power source is provided during a line voltage dropout. The circuit is configured to switch to holdup power when a predetermined threshold voltage difference between the power supply and a holdup capacitor is exceeded. The threshold voltage is based upon a voltage rating of a zener diode plus a turn-on voltage of a transistor, which is the switching component of the holdup circuit. The holdup capacitor is precharged to a predetermined level through the diode of the transistor. A power factor of not less than about 0.9 is thereby maintained during line voltage dropouts.

Abstract: A voltage regulator having an output terminal adapted to being connected to a load, including an operational amplifier having its non-inverting input connected to a first reference voltage, and its inverting input connected to the output terminal, an inverting stage having its input connected to the output of the operational amplifier, a power switch controlled by the output of the inverter stage, arranged between the output terminal and a supply voltage, and a charge capacitor arranged between the output terminal and a reference supply voltage, including a means for reducing the effective output impedance of the operational amplifier.

Abstract: Described are a system and method of detecting an improperly connected cable in a storage system. A system includes an enclosure having boards. Each board of the enclosure has a communications port that receives a message identifying a redundant backend network to which that board is connected. The enclosure determines whether the system has an improper cable connection by determining from the messages whether the boards are connected to the same redundant backend network.

Abstract: An electronic test probe is built including a switch or other control device coupled to the test equipment, and electrically isolated from the probe tip, such that a user may make a measurement with the probe, and then without moving the probe, activate the control device to change the configuration of the test equipment. This allows a user to make different measurements of the same part of a device without having to remove the probe from the device to change the configuration of the test equipment. Further by configuring the control device to save data or print data from the test equipment, the user may save or print data without removing their hand from the probe. Also, since the control device is electrically isolated from the probe tip, activating the control device does not electrically interfere with the voltage at the probe tip.

Abstract: A digital test module (5) is provided for testing a phase locked loop circuit. The module (5) includes phase detection circuitry (10) for performing phase measurements of the phase locked loop circuit and analogue test circuitry (20) for testing at least one analogue element of the phase locked loop circuit. Frequency measurement circuitry (30) is provided for performing frequency measurements of the phase locked loop circuit, as is circuitry (40) for performing calibration and jitter measurements. In this way cycle-to-cycle and phase jitter measurements may be made. A calibration mechanism is provided allowing a process evaluation to be made and which allows the jitter data to be provided in a few seconds. The fully digital design facilitates easy manufacture and ready retargeting of the module to diverse applications and processes.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating a digital current measurement signal includes an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter and an impedance circuit. The AID converter is operable to receive a voltage input signal and generate a digital output signal having a digital value representative of the magnitude of the voltage input signal. The impedance circuit includes at least first and second alternative impedance values and a switch operable to cause the impedance circuit to have a select one of the first impedance value and the second impedance value. The impedance circuit is configured to receive a current signal to be digitized, the impedance circuit generating an output voltage signal representative of the current signal and having a magnitude dependent on the select one of the first impedance value and the second impedance value. The output voltage signal of the impedance circuit is then provided as the voltage input signal of the A/D converter.