Abstract: An amplifier has a p-type and an n-type difference transistor pairs providing respective outputs, and is adapted to provide the outputs of the pairs in an integrated form. When the level of the input signal is below a predetermined level, only the p-type difference transistor pair is activated, and when the level of the input signal is higher than the predetermined level, the n-type difference transistor pair is also activated. The amplifier has an expanded dynamic range with a suppressed noise level.

Abstract: An integrated receiver with channel selection and image rejection is substantially implemented on a single CMOS integrated circuit. A receiver front end provides programable attenuation and a programable gain low noise amplifier. LC filters integrated onto the substrate in conjunction with image reject mixers provide image frequency rejection. Filter tuning and inductor Q compensation over temperature are performed on chip. Active filters utilize multi track spiral inductors with shields to increase circuit Q. Frequency planning provides additional image rejection. Local oscillator signal generation methods on chip reduce distortion. A PLL generates needed out of band LO signals. Direct synthesis generates in band LO signals. PLL VCOs are centered automatically. A differential crystal oscillator provides a frequency reference. Differential signal transmission throughout the receiver is used. ESD protection is provided by a pad ring and ESD clamping structure.

Abstract: An analog input circuit may include a pair of differential transconductance input stages having input nodes connected in parallel and which are fed the analog input signal. One of the differential transconductance stages may have common mode compatibility toward the supply node at the highest potential, and the other stage may have common mode compatibility toward the supply node at the lowest potential. Furthermore, differential output currents of the transconductance input stages may be summed differentially on first and second input nodes of a differential converter stage, which converts the differential current signals to an amplified differential voltage output signal.

Abstract: A multistage high frequency power amplifier circuit device has a plurality of semiconductor amplification elements connected in a cascade. The circuit device is provided with a bias control circuit used to control the bias voltage or bias current of the output semiconductor amplification element in each stage so as to reduce the variation of the output power with respect to the power control signal voltage in an area around the threshold voltage of the semiconductor amplification elements. This realizes a high frequency power amplifier circuit device provided with excellent controllability of the output power and high efficiency at the time of low power output realized with use of such a control voltage as a power control signal.

Abstract: A distributed and adjustable level-shifting network is integrated with cascaded amplifiers, eliminating the need for a direct current (dc) blocking capacitor between the amplifiers. The level-shifting network can be adjusted to compensate for process variations and to balance the crossover frequency response of the cascaded amplifiers.

Abstract: A high frequency power amplifier that can improve efficiency of an operation of a transistor without limiting any input-side higher harmonic load of an impedance matching circuit to a short-circuit load, and can increase reflection of higher harmonics. By adjusting line lengths and line widths of signal lines, a 2nd harmonic can be adjusted to be an open load (a reflected phase angle of &Ggr;in: 0-90°, the quantity of reflection: 0.6-1.0), and a 3rd harmonic is adjusted to be a short-circuit load (the reflected phase angle of &Ggr;in: 110-270°, the quantity of reflection: 0.6-1.0). With this input-side higher harmonic load of the impedance matching circuit, efficiency of transistor operation can be improved. By disposing a higher harmonic processing circuit closer to a transistor, a high frequency power amplifier with a shortened line length between the higher harmonic processing circuit and the transistor, and increased quantity of reflection of higher harmonics is produced.

Abstract: A cluster of processing systems wherein each system is set to operate at a unique operating frequency. Each unique frequency is set to differ from each other by at least a predetermined frequency differential or bandwidth. When clustered, the radiated emissions will not add. Rather, the RF energy is distributed over the predetermined frequency bandwidth and in so doing achieve a reduction of measured RF energy at any singular frequency. By using RF energy dispersal in aggregate systems, the need for special or additional RF shielding is precluded. Current design and manufacturing techniques can continue to be used. Thus, reducing the overall cost of implementing aggregated systems.

Abstract: A phase locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer generates a high frequency signal by generating an output signal from a voltage controlled oscillator of a primary phase locked loop (PLL) circuit. The voltage controlled oscillator output is programmably divided with a reference signal output at a divide ratio such that the outputs are equal to a common phase comparison frequency. An external reference signal used for the primary phase locked loop circuit is isolated by generating a voltage controlled, clean reference signal and filtering and synchronizing the clean reference signal with the external reference signal within a secondary phase locked loop circuit to produce the reference signal output to the primary phase locked loop circuit.

Abstract: A delay-locked loop includes a ring oscillator that generates a plurality of tap clock signals, with one tap clock signal being designated an oscillator clock signal. Each tap clock signal has a respective delay relative to the oscillator clock signal. The oscillator clock signal clocks a coarse delay counter to develop a coarse delay count that determines a coarse delay of a delayed clock signal. A fine delay of the delayed clock signal is determined by selecting one of the tap clock signals of the ring oscillator. The phase between an input clock signal and the delayed clock signal is determined and the coarse and fine delays adjusted in response to this phase to synchronize the delayed and input clock signals. The delay-locked loop may also monitor rising and falling edges of the input clock signal and develop corresponding rising-edge and falling-edge fine delays to synchronize rising and falling edges of the input clock signal.

Abstract: A phase-locked loop comprises a phase detector receiving an externally supplied reference signal and a feedback signal, a charge pump connected to an output of the phase detector, a loop filter configured to extract a low-frequency component from an output of the charge pump, and a voltage controlled oscillator having an input connected to the output of the loop filter and an output connected to the feedback signal supplied to the phase detector. The charge pump comprises a first switch that controls outputting a positive current based on the output of the phase detector, a second switch that controls outputting a negative current based on the output of the phase detector, a third switch connected between the first switch and the second switch to control an output to the loop filter, and a switching control signal input terminal that receives a switching control signal for controlling a switching operation of the third switch.

Abstract: A double-sided oscillator package having an open-top oscillator housing adapted to receive electronic components and a hermetically sealed resonator housing containing a piezoelectric element is described. The electronic components and piezoelectric element are electrically connected. The respective housing can be manufactured separately and the components thereof assembled thereafter to form the package.

Abstract: An oscillator circuit (300) comprising: a resonator (Q) connected between an input (IN)and an output (OUT); an inverter having first and second driver transistors (MP, MN) connected in series via an output-coupled node; first and second biasing transistors (MPD, MND) for biasing the driver transistors; and first and second limiting means between the gate electrodes of the driver transistors respectively and the output. The CMOS circuit allows regulation of the oscillation amplitude without need for well-controlled DC current sources to polarize correctly the driver transistors, and without need for a start-up circuit to ensure that both driver transistors remain in saturation when the circuit is powered on. A simple oscillator circuit (600) has an inverter whose input is capacitively coupled to the input (IN), first limiting means coupled between the inverter input and the output (OUT), and second limiting means coupled between the input (IN) and the output (OUT).

Abstract: A multi-band, voltage-controlled oscillator has a switching device that can be certainly be turned on and off. The oscillator includes a negative source generator coupled to an output of a buffer transistor from which an oscillation frequency of an oscillating transistor is released, a switching device for selectively switching between an output of the negative source generator and a positive power source, and a mode switching device receiving an output frequency switching signal from the outside. An output of the switching device controls an opening and short-circuiting operation of first switching device to selectively release oscillation outputs in a low frequency band and a high frequency band from an output port.

Abstract: A high-frequency filter device includes at least one filter to be connected to a high-frequency stage of a wireless apparatus. The filter includes a voltage-controlled variable frequency resonance element which is made of a resonance element and a voltage-controlled variable impedance element electrically connected to the resonance element. The high-frequency filter device includes a control section for controlling a voltage applied to the variable impedance element, and a signal monitoring section for outputting a control signal, with which the voltage is controlled, to the control section based on frequency data as to an oscillating frequency of a local oscillator of the wireless apparatus. The signal monitoring section controls a band frequency of the at least one filter based on the frequency data in such a manner that the band frequency is adaptively changed.

Abstract: Based on a relationship between cutting-and-removing amounts for partly cutting out a stub of a pattern line and impedances of a matching circuit, a cutting-and-removing amount for adjusting the impedance to a target value is determined by simulation or by comparison operation of an impedance measured value with information stored in a database. Then, based on the determined cutting-and-removing amount, the stub of the pattern line is partly cut and removed so that the impedance is adjusted to the target value.

Abstract: An impedance matching circuit includes a conductor line having an input port and an output port, a ground conductor, a tunable dielectric material positioned between a first section of the conductor line and the ground conductor, a non-tunable dielectric material positioned between a second section of the conductor line and the ground conductor, and means for applying a DC voltage between the conductor line and the ground conductor. The impedance matching circuit may alternatively include a first planar ground conductor, a second planar ground conductor, a strip conductor having an input port and an output port, and positioned between the first and second planar ground conductors to define first and second gaps, the first gap being positioned between the strip conductor and the first planar ground conductor and the second gap being positioned between the strip conductor and the second planar ground conductor.

Abstract: A film microwave termination device includes a substrate, such as a ceramic substrate, and multiple film resistors formed on the substrate. The film resistors each have a predetermined resistivity generally less than a desired characteristic impedance of the device. The resistors are connected together in series so as to (i) provide an overall impedance equal to the desired characteristic impedance, and (ii) generate less intermodulation distortion in microwave signals coupled to the termination device than would be generated by an alternative termination device employing a single film resistor whose resistivity is equal to the desired characteristic impedance. In a disclosed 50-ohm termination, four square elements are formed of thick-film material having resistivity of 12.5 ohms per square, and these four elements are connected in series on the substrate to realize the desired 50 ohm termination impedance. Thin-film resistors may also be employed.

Abstract: The invention provides a balun for coupling an unbalanced device with a balanced device. The balun may, for example, comprise an unbalanced balun structure having a first unbalanced component and a second unbalanced component electrically coupled to one another and a balanced balun structure having a first balanced component and a second balanced component. The first balanced component electromagnetically couples more than one side of the first unbalanced component and the second balanced component electromagnetically couples more than one side of the second unbalanced component. The unbalanced and balanced components may comprise conducting strips, such as strip lines, disposed on a dielectric layer. The balun may be formed on multiple layers or only a single layer. The balun receives unbalanced signals and outputs balanced signals, i.e., signals with a 180-degree phase shift and vice versa.

Abstract: The present invention provides a characteristic impedance equalizer and method of manufacture thereof for use with an integrated circuit package having first and second signal transmission zones. In one embodiment, the characteristic impedancs equalizer includes a first conductor having a first width and providing a characteristic impedance within the first signal transmission zone. The characteristic impedance equalizer also includes a second conductor, coupled to the first conductor, having a second width and providing substantially the same characteristic impedance within the second signal transmission zone.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a miniature high directivity multi-band coupled-line coupler for RF power amplifier module application. The coupler utilizes a three-coupled-line structure, with a first RF line designated coupled line for the GSM 900 MHZ band, a second RF line designated coupled line for the DCS/PCS 1800/1900 MHZ band, and a common coupled line. A first capacitor is connected between the center of the first line and the center of the common line and a second capacitor is connected between the center of the second line and the center of the common line. The coupler has a length considerably less than the length of a quarter wave length coupler while achieving directivity requirements for both GSM band and DCS/PCS band.

Abstract: A hybrid coupler (10, 90, 110, 130, 160, 210) includes a substrate (12) having a coupling structure formed thereon using thick film processing techniques. The coupling structure includes two parallel conductive strips (21, 31). One strip (21) is coupled at one end to an incident port (22) and at the other end to a direct port (23). The other strip (31) is coupled at one end to a coupled port (32) and at the other end to an isolated port (33). An electrically conductive shield (71, 91, 111, 164) is aligned with and enhances coupling between the conductive strips. A dielectric layer (61, 162) is provided between the shield and the conductive strips.

Abstract: A small-sized multi-frequency antenna duplexer using surface acoustic wave filters to be applicable to a plurality of frequencies. This antenna duplexer includes two surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters for transmission and reception having passing bands of mutually different frequencies, a phase shift substrate, and a package for accommodating them. The passing band of each antenna duplexer is mutually different from other's passing band. This multi-frequency antenna duplexer includes a plurality of antenna duplexers. In one package, transmitter surface acoustic wave filters, receiver surface acoustic filters, and phase shift substrates are mounted. Thus, the multi-frequency antenna duplexer are reduced in size.

Abstract: A small radio-frequency hybrid switch module is provided for switching between transmitted signals and received signals in plural frequency bands. This module includes: a laminated body including a dielectric layer; a diplexer; a switching circuit; a low pass filter (LPF); a conductive pattern provided on the dielectric layer for forming at least one of the diplexer, the switching circuit and the LPF; a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter mounted on the laminated body; a cover provided on the SAW filter for forming a cavity which allows surface acoustic wave vibration and for hermetically sealing the cavity; and a semiconductor switching device mounted on the laminated body for forming a part of the switching circuit.

Abstract: An LC filter circuit includes first and second LC-trap capacitor conductors, respectively, that are opposed to third and LC-trap capacitor conductors with an insulating sheet therebetween to define first and second LC trap capacitors, respctively. A portion of a first LC resonator inductor and the first LC trap capacitor define an input-side LC trap circuit, and a portion of a second LC resonator inductor and the second LC trap capacitor define an output-side LC trap circuit.

Abstract: An electronic signal filter is provided, including a cylindrical housing and a single circuit board having a first filter section and a second filter section being positioned within the interior compartment of the cylindrical housing such that it effectively divides the interior compartment of the cylindrical housing into a first compartment and a second compartment. A first shield member is also provided, extending from the first surface of the circuit board, and a second shield member radially opposing the first shield member and extending from the second surface of the single circuit board is also provided. The second shield member is a discrete component from, and electrically connected to, the first shield member.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device includes an input interdigital transducer and an output interdigital transducer, disposed on a surface acoustic wave propagation path of a piezoelectric substrate, wherein when an aperture length of an electrode finger of the input or output interdigital transducer is denoted by X, the output or input interdigital transducer has two divided interdigital transducers having the electrode finger in which each aperture length is denoted by substantially X/2, wherein the two divided interdigital transducers are serial-connected, and the electrodes of the respective electrode fingers are led from the two divided interdigital transducers, and are disposed so that two output and input signals connected to a balance terminal pair have a different phase at 180°.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves in a cavity (3), where the device comprises a loop (10) and a dielectric part (9) that houses at least a first end part (11) of the loop. The dielectric part comprises a first recess (37) designed to receive a means (30) for setting the capacitance between the loop and an earthed cavity housing (5), cover (6) or casing (2) for electric and/or electronic components. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the device, a method for manufacturing the loop, a cavity filter (4) and the casing.

Abstract: A filter circuit includes a first resonator and a second resonator each having a different resonance frequency. The first resonator is included in a first block, and the second resonator is included in a second block. The first block further includes a first delay unit connected to the first resonator. An input terminal divides an input signal to the first block and the second block. An output terminal combines signals passing through the first block and the second block and outputs the combined signal. The first delay unit converts a phase difference between the signals passing through the first block and the second block to reverse-phase or nearly reverse-phase.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts and an operating mechanism having a cradle for opening and closing the separable contacts. A trip mechanisms cooperates with the cradle of the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The trip mechanism includes a bimetal conductor, which is electrically connected in series with the separable contacts. The trip mechanism is responsive to a predetermined condition of current flowing in the bimetal conductor. The trip mechanism also includes a magnetic yoke coupled to the bimetal conductor, an armature pivotally mounted to the magnetic yoke, and a spring biasing the armature away from the magnetic yoke. The spring is set apart from the bimetal conductor. The spring is coupled to the armature and engages the magnetic member.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic sensor switch in which its magnetic sensor is responsive to approach of a magnet to turn its electrical switch on or off. A cylindrical magnetic sensor having magnetic poles contrary to each other at opposite ends thereof is mounted for rotation in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. An auxiliary magnet is movably mounted on a longitudinal extension line of the magnetic sensor when the magnetic sensor is in the horizontal position so that the auxiliary magnet provides an attracting force and a repulsive force to the magnetic sensor to rotate it in one direction. The movement of the magnetic sensor is transmitted to a movable contact piece through a driving member to rotate the movable contact piece in one direction depending upon the rotation of the magnetic sensor. The movable contact piece is provided with a pair of contact blades one of which is contacted with one of a pair of fixed contact pieces disposed in opposition to the corresponding contact blades.

Abstract: A position selector device having: (a) an inverted cup-like base body with an upper portion and a side portion; (b) a substantially cylindrical rotary member mounted on a shaft, and arranged to rotate within the base body; (c) a first position sensor for sensing the angular position of the rotary member; (d) a toothed ring arranged to provide raster movement of the rotary member; (e) a disk disposed centrally within the upper portion of the base body and arranged for tilting and/or lateral displacement within the base body; (f) a second position sensor for sensing the tilting and/or lateral displacement; and (g) a magnet arrangement for restoring said disk to its central position in said base body after its tilting and/or lateral displacement movement.

Abstract: A proportionally-controllable solenoid including primary and secondary pole pieces that surround an armature axially movable along an axial channel within the pole pieces. The pole pieces are separated axially by an air gap and are conically tapered toward the gap. The leading and trailing faces of the armature are substantially orthogonal to its direction of travel to minimize radial parasitic forces on these faces. Further, the armature is also lengthened such that the trailing face is always outside the axial channel in the secondary pole piece at all points of axial travel to minimize the pull-back effect of axial flux vectors on the trailing face.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a coil-embedded dust core by embedding a coil in magnetic powders comprising ferromagnetic metal particles coated with an insulating material. At the first compression molding step one portion of magnetic powders is filled in a molding die and then compression molded to form a lower core. At a coil positioning step the coil is positioned on the upper surface of the lower core in the molding die. At a coil embedding step another portion of magnetic powders is again filled in the molding die in such a way that the coil is embedded in these magnetic powders. At the second compression molding step pressure is applied to the lower core and coil in the direction of lamination thereof.

Abstract: A coil module applied in a transformer. The coil module includes at least one conductive wire and an insulating encapsulator. A portion of the conductive wire is wound into coils of a certain loop number. The coils are encapsulated by the insulating encapsulator. A metal core is provided when manufacturing a transformer. Desired coil modules are selected and installed onto the transformer so as to surround the metal core of the transformer. The coil modules are thus connected in series or in parallel for forming a desired specification of the transformer.

Abstract: An on-chip differential multi-layer inductor includes a 1st partial winding on a 1st layer, a 2nd partial winding on the 1st layer, a 3rd partial winding on a 2nd layer, a 4th partial winding on the 2nd layer, and an interconnecting structure. The 1st and 2nd partial windings on the 1st layer are operably coupled to receive a differential input signal. The 3rd and 4th partial windings on the 2nd layer are each operably coupled to a center tap. The interconnecting structure couples the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th partial windings such that the 1st and 3rd partial windings form a winding that is symmetrical about the center tap with a winding formed by the 2nd and 4th partial windings. By designing the on-chip differential multi-layer inductor to have a desired inductance value, a desired Q factor, and a desired operating rate, a desired resonant frequency and corresponding desired capacitance value can be determined.

Abstract: A fuse circuit (11) having a plurality of terminals (22, 23) provided on a common joint plate (21) and a fuse circuit (11′) having a plurality of terminals (22′, 23′) provided on a common joint plate (21′) are incorporated into a housing (12), thereby constituting a fuse link assembly (10). The plurality of fuse circuits (11, 11′) are provided with circuit connection portions (27, 27′) which share a power input portion. The fuse circuits (11, 11′) are incorporated into the housing (12) in parallel. As a result, the number of circuits is increased, by means of only enlargement of widthwise direction Y which is easy to increase while enlargement of longitudinal direction X stemming from packaging of circuits is minimized.

Abstract: A fuse holder comprising: a housing defining an enclosed region, the housing comprises a base and a cover, the base and cover adapted to accept differently configured cage holders within the enclosed region; a pair of contacts within the housing at opposite ends of the enclosed region and spaced to engage terminals on ends of a fuse; and a first cage holder and second cage holder configured to fit within in the housing, each cage holder of the first and second cage holders includes either a single pole cage or a plurality of pole cages.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a temperature compensating device comprises one or more integrated sheet thermistors. Because the sheet thermistors are relatively thick and integral with the substrate, they are less susceptible to changes in air temperature and to temperature gradients. Moreover, the sheet thermistors can be made smaller in area, permitting more compact, less expensive devices that exhibit improved high frequency performance. The devices can advantageously be fabricated using the low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) process.

Abstract: The circuit for detecting the frequency of binary signals includes a circuit for detecting rising edges in the binary signals, a measuring circuit for measuring the period between the rising edges which supplies a logic state, and a shift register whose input latch stores the logic state. Also, the detecting circuit includes a shift circuit for shifting logic states of the shift register, and a decoding circuit for decoding logic states of the register, and which supplies a signal validating the signals. The detecting circuit can be used in contactless chip card readers.

Abstract: A communication system is provided for an automotive vehicle (10) that uses existing vehicle components with only slight modifications that can be implemented in readily changeable software. The system includes a vehicle bus (14) and a vehicle information source coupled to the vehicle bus. The vehicle information source (28) couples vehicle information to the vehicle bus (14). The transmitter (16) transmits a first communication having a first transmitter identification code and first vehicle information. A receiver (22) is coupled to the vehicle bus. The receiver (22) couples a second communication word having second vehicle information to the vehicle bus. The automotive vehicle (10) also has a safety system and a safety system controller (34) coupled to the bus. The safety system controller (34) actuates the safety system (36) in response to the second vehicle information.

Abstract: A remote memory preference system for a passenger vehicle is disclosed. The remote memory preference system utilizes existing passive or active remote entry devices. Memory preference settings include driver's seat position, mirror positions and radio station presets. Once these settings are adjusted by a primary vehicle user, they are stored in a memory location in the vehicle either automatically or when a memory button on the remote entry device is depressed by the user. Settings may then be later recalled either automatically by activating the remote entry device or when a recall button on the remote entry device is depressed by the user. The system may also employ a shift register system, which would automatically store current and previous memory preference settings.

Abstract: A radio selective-calling receiver with a displaying function, which can clearly distinguish the difference between a confirmed message and an unconfirmed message by a user, is provided. A controller makes a memory memorize a newly received message. At the time when the memorized message is read out and is displayed on the displaying section, the controller makes an unconfirmed symbol flash in order to show that the message is an unconfirmed message. At the case that an input of a switch by the user, which is the confirming operation by the user, is not implemented within the predetermined time, the controller sets an automatic informing stop status at the information of automatic informing stop memorizing section in a memory. And the controller also makes a message memorizing section memorize the message as a message having an unconfirmed state.

Abstract: A variable reflectance mirror employing a super-twisted nematic (STN) liquid crystal cell to control reflectivity. The STN liquid crystal cell includes a layer of STN liquid crystal material formed between a pair of transparent electrodes, where a polymer alignment layer is formed over the electrodes so as to orient the STN liquid crystal material to possess a twist angle between approximately 180° and approximately 270°. A pair of crossed polarizers are respectively positioned on the outer surfaces of the front and rear plates. A layer of reflective material is further formed adjacent to the outer surface of the polarizer adjacent to the rear plate. The transparent electrodes are connected to a voltage source to apply an electrical bias across the STN liquid crystal layer, where the transmitivity of the STN liquid crystal layer to light can be varied by varying the electrical bias applied across the transparent electrodes to vary the birefringence of the STN liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: A network enables remote users to communicate with, and to control a variety of devices whose only electrical connection is to a power line network. In hybrid networks, communications between different network domains is only available if proper message mapping is done. Message mapping leads to the determination of correct frame conversion based on the specifications of protocols identifying different networks. This invention comprises a method that does bi-directional conversion between application level information entered into the remote access device by the user and related physical layer power line communications frames.

Abstract: A Moving Vehicle Comfort, Security and Safety Signaling System is disclosed. The system may be available as a kit for installation on a conventional vehicle, or it may be integrated into the vehicle (e.g. within a bicycle frame). The system further includes an improved lighted indicator assembly to provide other vehicles and pedestrians with additional information regarding the driver/rider's intentions. The system may be voice-activated or activated by manual switches, or both. The system may further include an anti-theft device for detecting if the vehicle is jostled. Furthermore, the system, when configured for a bicycle, may include a water misting system for dispensing fine water spray onto the rider's face area. A kit for installation on existing bicycles utilizes flat circuit tape for interconnecting the electrical components.

Abstract: A railroad collision avoidance system and method are disclosed that utilize impulse radio technology to effectively warn a person when there is a locomotive in their vicinity. In one embodiment, the railroad collision avoidance system includes a transmitting impulse radio unit coupled to a locomotive and a receiving impulse radio unit coupled to a vehicle. The transmitting impulse radio unit operates to transmit an impulse radio signal towards the vehicle when the locomotive is a predetermined distance from a railroad crossing. Upon receiving the impulse radio signal, the receiving impulse radio unit makes sure the person operating the vehicle is informed about the potentially dangerous situation. Several embodiments of the railroad collision avoidance system and method are disclosed all of which operate to warn a person when there is a locomotive in their vicinity.

Abstract: The present invention is an infrared imaging system that comprises a far-infrared camera disposed at the front end of a vehicle adapted for detecting thermal radiation in the 7 to 14 micron wavelength band and producing an image signal indicative of the temperature of the surrounding objects. A digital signal processor receives the image signal and selectively enhances the temperature resolution based upon the relative temperature distribution of the image signal, which is proportional to the temperature of objects emitting in the infrared region. In accordance with the present invention, the digital signal processor enhances temperature ranges having high concentrations and contracts temperature ranges having low concentrations. The digital signal processor selects between high and low concentrations based upon a predetermined threshold concentration value. A display apparatus receives a display signal that is temperature-enhanced and displays that signal to the driver.

Abstract: A cap is fit to a sensor case having a sensor-mounting hollow portion integrally formed therewith into which an ultrasonic sensor is fit. A plate spring is fit onto an outside of the sensor case to engage the plate spring with the cap. This plate spring integrally holds together both the sensor case and the cap. Having been constructed as above, the invention provides an easy integral assembly of a sensor case and a cap by means of a single plate spring and exhibits the ability for mounting and fixing the detector to a bumper or the like of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for a lead mobile asset to verify that a remote mobile asset under the control of the lead mobile asset is following a set of command functions broadcast by the lead mobile asset in a command message. The lead and remote mobile assets may be part of a train consist equipped with a distributed power communication system. The method includes determining whether the lead mobile asset has received a status reply message from the remote mobile asset, the reply message transmitted in response to the remote mobile asset's receipt of the command message and including data indicative of at least one operational state of the remote mobile asset. A help command message may be broadcast from the lead mobile asset if the lead mobile asset has not received the status reply message from the remote mobile asset.

Abstract: A tire and suspension monitoring and warning system consisting of a set of multi-function sensors that monitor and warn of a failure mode. The system monitors and warns for tire imbalance, tire tread wear, and shock absorbers for a tire attached to a vehicle. The monitoring and warning system includes one axial, radial, and lateral acceleration measurement of the wheel to provide acceleration signal sample power. For tire imbalance, signal sample power in the second harmonic of the tire rotational frequency is compared to that of the first harmonic. For tire tread wear, average signal sample power within a second frequency range is compared to a previously stored baseline value. For shock absorber performance, a sum of all frequency components in a second predetermined frequency range is compared to a baseline value.