Abstract: Disclosed is an electric double layer capacitor, having a multiplicity of cells occupying a single package, wherein the individual cells are managed and balanced by networkable embedded circuitry also contained within the same package.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a multi-power supply circuit capable of generating multi-power efficiently and reducing power consumption, and a multi-power supply method therefor. A supply voltage is output from a DCDC converter. Output transistors of linear regulators are series-connected to a power supply path between a resistive element and the DCDC converter. That is, a bias current path is shared between the linear regulators and the corresponding path is taken as one. With the supply voltage as the reference, supply voltages corresponding to intermediate negative voltages between the supply voltage and a reference voltage are generated by the linear regulators. A bias current consumed by the multi-power supply circuit is held constant as a bias current i regardless of the number of the linear regulators.

Abstract: A power delivery system for a microprocessor or other ASIC. The power delivery system includes a plurality of cascaded buck stages connected in series, wherein a last buck stage in the plurality of cascaded buck stages provides an output voltage Vo in response to an input voltage Vin applied to a first buck stage of the plurality of cascaded stages. A duty cycle control regulates a duty cycle of each buck stage to maintain the output voltage Vo. The duty cycle control sets the duty cycle of the first buck stage of the plurality of cascaded buck stages to 1 if an input-to-output voltage ratio (Vin/Vo) is lower than a threshold input-to-output voltage ratio RT.

Abstract: A power supply for a two-wire load control device supplies power to a microprocessor, which in turn controls the power supply. The power supply comprises an energy storage element, e.g., a capacitor, for producing a DC voltage for powering the microprocessor. The power supply comprises a high impedance circuit for allowing the energy storage element to receive energy at a first rate before the DC voltage is produced and the microprocessor is powered. The power supply further comprises a low-impedance circuit, i.e., a resistor in series electrical connection with a controllably conductive device, for allowing the energy storage element to receive energy at a second rate greater than the first rate. After starting up, the microprocessor is operable to selectively enable and disable the second energy-receiving circuit by rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, respectively.

Abstract: A control system for a switching power supply shifts the phase of a PWM signal in response to a change in operating conditions. The phase may be shifted by resetting an oscillator that controls the PWM signal. Phase shift logic may include a sample-hold circuit that holds the value of an error signal when the PWM signal switches state. The held error signal may be compared to the real-time error signal, preferably with a user configurable offset. The output of the phase shift logic may be used to reset the oscillator.

Abstract: A resistor element is inserted between an output terminal of an output transistor and an output terminal of a regulator circuit. A signal, which is taken out of a connection node between the output terminal of the output transistor and the resistor element, is used for phase compensation. Thereby, oscillation is prevented from being caused by a phase delay due to a capacitive load which is connected to the output of the regulator circuit.

Abstract: A technique includes using a first stored energy source to generate a reference signal to circuitry of a supply regulator in response to the regulator being in a startup state. The technique includes using an output signal that is provided by the regulator to generate the reference signal in response to the regulator not being in the startup state.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computing system includes a switching voltage regulator having at least two inductors formed on a common toroidal core.

Abstract: A driving circuit of an electro-optical device having electro-optical elements which are changed to optical states corresponding to data signals includes: a first terminal group and a second terminal group of which each includes an input terminal and an output terminal; a first current generator for generating first reference current corresponding to an input signal to the input terminal of the first terminal group; a second current generator for generating second reference current corresponding to an input signal to the input terminal of the second terminal group; a data signal generator for generating the data signals corresponding to the first reference current and the second reference current; a first output unit for outputting the data signal corresponding to the second reference current to the output terminal of the first terminal group; and a second output unit for outputting the data signal corresponding to the first reference current to the output terminal of the second terminal group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balancing circuit for systems comprising at least a first and a second transformers, where the transformers' primary sides are connected to one another, and the transformers' secondary sides also are connected to one another, characterized in that the balancing circuit comprises a branch for connection between one terminal on the secondary side of the first transformer and the corresponding terminal on the secondary side of the second transformer, the branch having a significant impedance such that the voltage in the secondary sides of said transformers is forced to be substantially equal. The invention comprises also a method for performing balanced operation of a system comprising at least a first and a second transformer.

Abstract: A delay-locked loop (DLL) of an integrated circuit (IC) with testing circuitry and a method for testing a DLL. During test mode, a phase comparator of the DLL receives a test clock in place of the reference clock and determines the phase difference between the test clock and the clock fed back to the DLL from a clock buffer tree. A variable delay element of the DLL then shifts the reference clock in time by an amount that depends on that phase difference. The variable delay element can be exercised by varying the phase of the test clock with respect to the reference clock by a known phase offset to cause the variable delay element to produce a range of delays. Whether the variable delay element is functioning properly can be determined by checking whether the phase of the test clock is aligned with the phase of the feedback clock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cheap angular velocity sensor capable of detecting angular velocity with high precision by using a vibration mode which cannot be set by external vibration. The angular velocity sensor includes: a vibrator (2) formed as a solid of revolution and made of a magnetostrictive material; a supporter (3) disposed on an axis of the vibrator (2) and supporting the vibrator (2) at a position where the axis crosses the surface of the vibrator (2); an excitation coil (4) for generating a magnetic field along a radial direction around the axis as a center in the vibrator (2), thereby making the vibrator (2) vibrate in the radial direction; a detection coil (6) which is disposed apart from the vibrator (2) and detects a magnetic flux change caused by a change in the vibration of the vibrator (2) which occurs depending on angular velocity.

Abstract: A process and a device for contactless measurement of rotational speed with a proximity sensor operating according to the eddy current principle. The proximity sensor comprises an inductor and a capacitor connected in parallel that form an oscillating circuit which can be excited from outside, and where the resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit experiences a detectable change when an object to be measured approaches the proximity sensor. In various embodiments, the resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit or the excitation frequency of the oscillating circuit is controlled as a reaction to slow changes of the resonant frequency in such a manner that the oscillating circuit is always excited with its resonant frequency or with a frequency close to its resonant frequency and that rapid changes are detected as a measurement signal for the measurement of rotational speed.

Abstract: A motion sensor, in particular an rpm sensor for the wheel rotation of a motor vehicle, and a method for producing a motion sensor are proposed, the motion sensor having an integrated circuit (32), connectable via an electrical cable (24), with a measured value transducer and an electronic circuit arrangement for processing the measurement signals. The sensor has a basic component (10), produced by casting or injection molding of thermoplastic, preferably polyamide, by the MID technique, into which basic component a permanent magnet (16) is integrated. A housingless integrated circuit (32) is mounted on the MID component by the flip-chip technique. The arrangement comprising the basic component (10) and the integrated circuit (32) and the permanent magnet (16) as well as the connection end of the cable (24) is sheathed, in a further method step, with an external encapsulation (42) and joined together to form a strong component unit that is well protected against environmental factors.

Abstract: A position control product uses a signal from an electomagnetic field sensor 11 to cause a positioning sub-system 31 to keep at least a first target coordinate 121 in a preplanned relationship with at least a first reference coordinate 111, the product being especially useful in radiation oncology where it is important to keep a target volume 71 in a body 81 in a preplanned relationship with a radiation beam, the product being useful also in other cases where the position of a reference coordinate relative to a target coordinate can not be determined by other means.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a signal related to a position of a part comprises an exciter coil, and a receiver coil disposed proximate to the exciter coil. The exciter coil generates magnetic flux when the exciter coil is energized by a source of electrical energy, such as an alternating current source. The receiver coil generates a receiver signal when the exciter coil is energized, due to an inductive coupling between the receiver coil and the exciter coil. The receiver coil has a plurality of sections, the inductive coupling tending to induce opposed voltages in at least two of the sections. Embodiments of the present invention include linear sensors, rotational sensors, and novel configurations for improved ratiometric sensing.

Abstract: An inductive presence, proximity or position sensor includes an inductive coil defining a working or active face of the sensor corresponding to the external face of a covering plate or a substantially plane part of the housing or casing containing the coil, the plate or plane part being made of a metal with high mechanical resistance and being disposed substantially perpendicularly to the coil axis. Sensor (1) is characterised in that the plate or plane part (4) includes at least one cut or similar linear discontinuity (6), extending at least partly accross the plate or plane part (4).

Abstract: Position sensing of movable elements including but not limited to machine components is disclosed. Motion of a movable element can produce motion of a magnetic field, which can be detected by magnetic sensors. The motion and/or variations of a magnetic field and/or a magnetic flux may be produced by any combination of a motion of the sensors, associated magnets, or associated magnetic material. Magnetic sensors maybe capable of measuring either rotary, or linear motion, or both. Such sensors can provide indication of an incremental position change, an absolute position, or both. Absolute position and high-resolution position sensing may be produced for measurement of either linear and/or angular motion. Suitable magnetic sensors include, but are not limited to, Hall effect devices and/or magneto-resistive elements, and may include multi-element magnetic sensors. Suitable signal conditioning and/or control means such as control electronics can be used to receive output signals from the sensors.

Abstract: A stationary position detection circuit and a motor drive circuit capable of more properly detecting the rotor position are disclosed. The stationary position detection circuit supplies an alternating current to each phase load of the motor. The time during which the current flows in a first direction and the time during which the current flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction are converted into electrical signals and amplified. In accordance with the value of the electrical signals, the position of the motor rotor in stationary mode is determined. The use of the alternating current, unlike the kickback voltage, makes it possible to improve the detection accuracy by amplifying the electrical signals with an increased number of alternations. An increased number of alternations can amplify the electrical signals without increasing the value of the alternating current, and therefore, unlike in the case of the kickback voltage, the alternating current of a large value is not required.

Abstract: A method of determining a first thickness of a first conductive layer formed of a first conductive material on a target substrate, the target substrate further having a second conductive layer formed of a second conductive material different from the first conductive material, is disclosed. The method includes positioning a first eddy current sensor at a given position relative to the target substrate, the first eddy current sensor being in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the target substrate when positioned at the given position. The method also includes measuring, using the first eddy current sensor while the first eddy current sensor is positioned at the give position, a first set of electrical responses that includes at least one of a first voltage measurement and a first current measurement, the measuring the first set of electrical responses being performed at a first target substrate temperature.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive microelectromechanical system (MEMS) element based magnetometer includes a MEMS element with any type of magnetostrictive material. The MEMS element can be made with or coated by the magnetostrictive material. The magnetometer can include a frequency measuring device, such as an oscilloscope, a frequency counter, a wave meter, a spectrum analyzer or the like. The magnetostrictive MEMS element can be used as a resonator in any type of oscillator circuit, such as a Pierce, a Colpitts, or a Clapp oscillator circuit. The magnetometer can be calibrated. The magnetostrictive MEMS element can be placed proximate a magnetic field, a resonant frequency of the magnetostrictive MEMS element proximate the magnetic field can be determined, and a property of the magnetic field can be determined based on a change in the resonant frequency of the magnetostrictive MEMS element proximate the magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of MR imaging whereby a k-space blade extending through a center of k-space from a subject in motion is acquired. A high-pass convolution of the k-space blade with a reference k-space blade is then determined and converted to a ? function. In-plane motion of the subject during data acquisition of the k-space is then determined from the ? function.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, NMR probes, and NMR systems for the analysis of the contents of sealed food and beverage containers and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of a moving object, wherein motion data are acquired about movement of the object in multiple dimensions during a “pre-scan” of the object, prior to the acquisition of image data during a succeeding “imaging scan” of the object. Because motions of the object in one dimension are to some degree correlated with object motions in other dimensions, in accordance with the invention, the pre-scan multi-dimensional motion data are used to develop algorithms that relate the motion data of the object in a first dimension to the motion data of the object in a second or third dimension. Thus, during the subsequent acquisition of the image data during the imaging scan, it is only necessary to measure the object motion in one dimension, which measured data are then used in order to estimate object movement in the other one or two dimensions using the algorithms developed from the pre-scan motion data.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in which vibration of a gradient magnetic field coil is reduced, the vibration is not transmitted to a static magnetic field correcting unit, and the space can be saved. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A tabular gradient magnetic field generating unit is placed over each opposing surface of support member therebetween. A static magnetic field correcting unit for correcting the uniformity of the static magnetic field is placed between the static magnetic field generating unit and the gradient magnetic field generating unit. The static magnetic field correcting unit is a tabular shim tray provided with magnetic body pieces for correcting the uniformity of the static magnetic field, and is placed over each of the pair of the opposing surfaces of static magnetic field generating units, with a second supporting member therebetween.

Abstract: A transmitting or receiving coil assembly for nuclear spin tomographs comprises a multi-layer structure of conducting layers forming inductive components on an insulating support layer. Discrete components such as capacitors are accommodated in recesses of the support layer. Reinforcement members make it possible to increase the mechanical stability of the arrangement.

Abstract: A device for detecting wear of switching contacts in an electric switch appliance is disclosed, the wear of the contacts being caused at least at a pair of switching contacts appliance. The device includes a lightwave guide and a detector. A light exiting from at least one light source is capable of being injected into the lightwave guide and guided by the lightwave guide up to the detector. The lightwave guide is arranged relative to the pair(s) of switching contacts, such that the intensity of the light injected in the lightwave guide, which is measured by the detector, decreases in the switching appliance as the number of wear particles of contacts generated by the wear of the contacts increases.

Abstract: A collision sensing apparatus includes an acceleration sensor, first and second connector terminals, reference connector terminals and leads. The acceleration sensor is shaped into a square form. First and second contacts are provided in two diagonally opposed corner portions of the sensor. Reference contacts are arranged in the other two diagonally opposed corner portions of the sensor. The first and second connector terminals are opposed to the first and second contacts, respectively. The reference connector terminals are opposed to the reference contacts, respectively. The leads connect the first and second connector terminals and the reference connector terminals to the first and second contacts and the reference contacts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus of estimating a state of health (SOH) of a battery using internal resistance, which has been found to act as a parameter exerting the greatest influence on the SOH of the battery. The method comprises the steps of: storing an SOH estimation table constructing SOH values corresponding to various values of internal resistance according to temperature and a state of charge (SOC) in a memory; performing measurement of the temperature and estimation of the SOC of the battery when a request is made to estimate the SOH; detecting the internal resistance value of the battery; and reading the SOH values corresponding to the measured temperature, the estimated SOC of the battery, and the detected internal resistance value of the battery from the SOH estimation table.

Abstract: There is disclosed a storage battery which is capable of self-monitoring by detecting and indicating the actual capacity and the expected remaining life-span of the battery, the condition of its charging system and the discharge level. The battery is provided with an integrally assembled detection and indicating means which measure the actual potential across its terminal (indicative of the state of charge of the battery) and the internal resistance of the battery (indicative of its health). The expected remaining life-span of the battery is derived from the calculation of current from these measurements. The battery is assembled to include a casing (2), a cover (3) and a capacity detection and indicating means. The detection and indicating means consist of an electronic circuit that measures the electromotive force and the internal resistance of the battery and indicate the same on a display means (9).

Abstract: Provided is an input device capable of determining an output signal according to approach or contact of a portion of a human body and an output signal including noise to perform an input operation, although the output signal output from an electrostatic sensor includes the noise.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a structure for testing location-specific wire delay at a chip-level independent of silicon delay. The invention incorporates the use of a tester embedded in a metal layer of a chip. The tester comprises a ring oscillator that is selectively connected to either a first wire or a second wire by a multiplexer. A monitor measures ring frequencies of the ring oscillator when connected to either the first or second wire. A processor determines the wire delay based upon differences in the ring frequencies. Additional testers or multiple stages of a single tester may be embedded into either the same metal layer at a different location or into a different metal layer to allow for intra-metal layer or inter-metal layer comparisons of wire delay. Since metal capacitance and silicon load remains constant for both the first and second wires and the transient voltage change along the wire is hold small, metal delay is separable from delay due to silicon device performance.

Abstract: The invention comprises, inter alia, a portable and easy to use tester for troubleshooting and determining the location of wiring intermittence shorts and wiring intermittence opens. The tester can also check the wire ability to carry a load and detect corrosion and bad contacts. Finally, the invention provides a method to apply the characteristics and qualities of a coaxial cable, to a regular, discrete, multi-wire harness. This method will improve the functionality of a conventional Time-Domain Reflectometer (TDR) system that typically can test only two wires at a time, connected to its input. By providing regular wires the characteristics and qualities of a coaxial cable this method will allow the creation of an expansion box that can interface to a conventional TDR system, and increase the number of wires it can test.

Abstract: A voltage detection device includes a processor that has a first input port, and a second input port grounded at a first ground potential part, a first Schottky barrier diode that has a cathode connected to a junction of an electric wire between the first input port and a voltage detection object part, and an anode grounded at a second ground potential part, and a second Schottky barrier diode that has an anode connected to a junction of an electric wire between the second input port and a third ground potential part, and a cathode connected to a positive terminal of a power supply. When the processor detects a voltage at the voltage detection object part, the processor detects a value obtained by adding a voltage applied to the second input port to a voltage applied to the first input port as the voltage.

Abstract: The structural and termination characteristics of a telephone or other wiring circuit can be determined by generating a continuous stream of low-energy electrical signals, injecting these into the circuit under test, and analyzing the energy reflected at impedance changes in the frequency domain. Standing waves occurring in the circuit can be identified as a function of frequency and analyzed to locate the impedance discontinuities. An unambiguous numerical representation of the circuit can be generated and used to categorically determine if two circuits are indeed alike, or whether the structural and termination characteristics of a particular circuit has remained the same or changed over time. Waveforms are employed that are not sensed by circuits that carry digital telephone traffic, so that the invention is useful in characterizing and providing security protection for those type of circuits in situ.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting open defects on non-probed node under test of an electrical device using capacitive lead frame technology is presented. In accordance with the method of the invention, a probed node neighboring the non-probed node under test is stimulated with a known source signal. A sensor of a capacitive sensing probe is capacitively coupled to at least the probed node and non-probed node under test of the electrical device, and a measuring device coupled to the capacitive sensing probe measures a capacitively coupled signal present between the sensor of the probe and at least the probed and non-probed node of the electrical device. Based on the value of the capacitively sensed signal, a known expected “defect-free” capacitively sensed signal measurement and/or a known expected “open” capacitively sensed signal measurement, a determination is made of whether an open defect exists on the non-probed node under test of the electrical device.

Abstract: Capacitive leadframe testing techniques are improved through knowledge of characteristics of semiconductor junctions specific to nodes of device under test (DUT) that are connected to nodes under test of the DUT.

Abstract: Capacitive leadframe testing techniques are improved through knowledge of characteristics of semiconductor junctions specific to nodes of device under test (DUT) that are connected to nodes under test of the DUT.

Abstract: The field of the invention is that of devices for detecting non-metallic objects concealed on human subjects. These devices are more particularly dedicated to the surveillance and protection of reserved access areas, such as airport areas. The device according to the invention comprises a portable detector comprising a transmitter and a receiver of microwave frequency signals disposed in an enclosure of chaotic geometry including a plurality of measurement holes. The microwave frequency signal measured by this detector depends on the nature of the objects disposed under the holes. A processing device linked to this detector is used to correlate the measured signals with prerecorded signals. When the correlation exceeds a certain threshold corresponding to the presence of suspect objects, an alarm is generated.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a beam splitter providing a high-contrast image and preventing light from scattering, and a laser scanning microscope provided with the above, in which there is provided a high-quality probe coming in contact with an electrode pad of a semiconductor device, in which a foreign substance is not likely to attach, a configuration is not likely changed and a preferable electrical contact can be maintained for a long time. According to the present invention, a probe coming into contact with an electrode pad of a measurement object comprises a connection terminal part integrally formed and connected to a substrate, a contact part having a tapered configuration, and a supporting part which supports the contact part. The contact part extending from an end of the supporting part has a sectional configuration which shares at least one side face with the supporting part.

Abstract: An improved probing system is provided for facilitating the making electrical connections to a variety of connectors. The system can be implemented with a plurality of probes capable of being independently translated and pivoted in a plurality of directions under computer control for contacting portions of an electrical connector under test. Probes of the system can be easily reconfigured to test a plurality of different connector types without requiring the use of custom harnesses. A connector having a plurality of contact portions can be received into a gripping mechanism of the probing system. An image of the connector can be captured by a camera of the system and processed by a computing device. Various probes can be positioned to contact the connector to facilitate the performance of tests on the connector, including the application of voltages and currents to the connector, as well as the detection of the same from the connector.

Abstract: The present invention is made with the aim of suppressing heat generation and thus reducing voltage drop, regarding a socket comprising probes to be connected to an electronic device such as an IC package. This is achieved by the socket 6 comprising heatsink components (heatsink plates 74, 76, 201, and 202) disposed adjacent to probes 32, 34, 36 so that the heatsink components move heat of the probes to a heatsink area 84. The socket 6 includes an air layer AL encompassing at least heat-generating portions 104 and 106 in the probes. The heat-generating portions are extended to the side of the socket 6 and heatsink fins (heatsink slit 86) are formed at its end portion.

Abstract: A test probe for a finger tester for the testing of non-componented circuit boards has a test needle with a probe tip which may be brought into contact with a circuit board test point, and which may be pivotably attached to a mount by means of at least two flexible sprung retaining arms. It is distinguished by the fact that at least one of the retaining arms is made of an electrically conductive material and is electrically connected to the test needle. In a corresponding finger tester, the test probe is driven by a linear motor.

Abstract: A method includes measuring a temperature for a portion of an electronic component, determining the voltage being applied to the portion of the component, and determining a leakage power for the component portion based on a measured temperature and determined voltage for the portion of the component. The method also includes measuring a temperature for another portion of the component, determining the voltage being applied to the other component portion, and determining a leakage power for the other component portion based on the measured temperature and determined voltage for the other portion of the component. The method also includes summing the leakage power for the portion with the leakage power for the other portion of the component.

Abstract: A contact spring probe includes a plunger and a spring with a pair of opposed closed coils separated by an open coil. The plunger is secured at one end to one set of closed coils with a shoulder, flange or barb extending from the body of the plunger.

Abstract: An electronic device and an electronic assembly are disclosed. The main body of the electronic device has a first surface, a second surface, an accommodating portion, at least one first pin disposed on the first surface, a plurality of second pins disposed on the second surface and at least one coil disposed within the accommodation portion. The coil is connected to the first pin and the second pin, respectively. There is at least a part of the second pins extending forward to the first surface and penetrating through the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit comprises at least one measurement unit configured to generate an output indicative of a supply voltage at which the integrated circuit is operable for a given operating frequency and a control unit coupled to receive the output. The control unit is configured to generate a voltage control output indicative of a requested supply voltage for the integrated circuit responsive to the output. The voltage control output may be output from the integrated circuit for use by circuitry external to the integrated circuit in generating the supply voltage for the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A surface contact card holder (200) for an electronic device includes a latching portion (30) and an elastic frame (40). The electronic device has a device body (10) with a receiving groove (20) defined therein for receiving a surface contact card (50) therein and the receiving groove has a card entrance (1002). The latching portion (30) is located adjacent to the card entrance of the receiving groove and the elastic frame is configured for attaching to the device body. The elastic frame has a first frame end (402) located adjacent to the card entrance, and an opposite second frame end (4013). The first frame end has a pressing portion configured for pressing the surface card against the body. The second frame end and the latching portion are configured for sandwiching the surface card therebetween.

Abstract: A product comprising a substrate and a plurality of test structures formed in and/or on a surface of the substrate, wherein the test structures are positioned in such a predefined spatial relation with respect to each other to be indicative, by an optical inspection, of the geometrical properties of the product.

Abstract: An interconnect for testing semiconductor components includes interconnect contacts configured for bonding to, and then separation from component contacts on the components. The interconnect can be utilized with a method that includes the steps of bonding the interconnect to the component to form bonded electrical connections, applying test signals through the bonded electrical connections, and then separating the interconnect from the component. The bonding step can be performed using metallurgical bonding, and the separating step can be performed using solder-wettable and solder non-wettable metal layers on the interconnect or the component. During the separating step the solder-wettable layers are dissolved, reducing adhesion of the bonded electrical connections, and permitting separation of the component and interconnect.