Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for obtaining information on the whereabouts of a vehicle key-fob. The apparatus comprises a transmitter, a receiver, a motion detector, memory, and a controller operatively coupled thereto. The controller uses instructions stored in the memory to operate the transmitter in response to a first signal provided by the motion detector indicating that the key-fob is in motion and a second signal provided by the receiver when the key-fob is in range of a communication node, to send thereto via the transmitter information useful in tracking the key-fob. The user interrogates the node to retrieve the location information deposited thereon by the key-fob. The stored information may be a time dated list of nodes the key-fob has visited or current position information generated within the key-fob itself and/or the nodes, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A device for controlling at least one electronic equipment is provided, which comprises a scanner part for reading a barcode representing formation identifying a program processable by the electronic equipment, and a remote control part capable of remotely sending at least one command signal incorporating the information to the electronic equipment so as to instruct the electronic equipment to process the program. Thus, the identification information of the program does not need to be manually input to the remote control, but instead is obtained by reading the barcode by the scanner.

Abstract: Described herein is a control system (1) for electrical loads (2) of a vehicle (3), in particular a motor car. The control system (1) comprises a plurality of wireless control devices (4) for controlling the electrical loads (3), configured for being arranged in a removable way in respective housing seats (5) and for functioning even when they are removed from their housing seats (5). Furthermore, the housing seats (5) and the control devices (4) are shaped so as to enable placing in a removable way of at least some of the control devices (4) in different housing seats (5).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a remote control system including a remote commander and a main device having a capability to connect with a subordinate device. The main device includes: display means; first storage means for storing a plurality of sets of remote control codes; first signal reception means; first signal transmission means for, e.g., transmitting to the remote commander a set of remote control codes corresponding to a subordinate device; and control means. The remote commander includes: second signal reception means for receiving the set of remote control codes; second storage means for storing the set of remote control codes; second signal transmission means; and an operation section for transmitting a remote control code transmission control signal for causing the control means to perform remote control code transmission control for selecting the set of remote control codes and transmitting the set of remote control codes.

Abstract: A pressure sensor portion includes a plurality of pressure sensors arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns inside a pressure-sensor-equipped carpet. The pressure sensor portion senses a pressure applied to the surface thereof and outputs a pressure value to a control portion. In an initial learning mode, a storage portion stores, as an initial value, the pressure value output from the pressure sensor portion. In a sensing operation mode, the control portion outputs to a modem portion a data signal indicating that an abnormal event is sensed, when the pressure value output from the pressure sensor portion is larger than the initial value stored in the storage portion by at least a prescribed threshold value. The modem portion superimposes the data signal received from the control portion on a power carrier wave (with a frequency of 50-60 Hz) and outputs the data signal to a power supply plug.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a wheel identifying apparatus includes a plurality of transceivers, each of which is located on one of a plurality of wheels of a vehicle, a triggering device, a receiver, and a wheel identifier. The triggering device is located on a body of the vehicle at different distances from the transceivers and works to transmit a trigger signal. Each of the transceivers works to receive the trigger signal, determine the strength of the trigger signal thereat, correct the determined strength using a correction value, and transmit a response signal indicative of the corrected strength. The receiver works to receive all the response signals transmitted by the transceivers. The wheel identifier works to identify, for each of the response signals received by the receiver, the wheel on which the transceiver having transmitted the response signal is located based on the corrected strength indicated by the response signal.

Abstract: A parked vehicle location system including a plurality of detectors, where each detector is operative to detect whether or not a vehicle is present in at least one of a plurality of parking spaces, and provide a notification characterizing the detection, and parking status apparatus operative to receive a plurality of the notifications from the detectors, record the notifications in a data store, and identify any of the parking spaces for which a notification was received indicating the presence of a vehicle and for which no subsequent notification was received indicating the absence of a vehicle.

Abstract: An airborne digital video system comprising a first video router adapted to receive at least one aircraft data, at least one analog to digital converter adapted to receive a routed aircraft data form the first video router and at least one digital video recorder coupled to the analog to digital converter adapted to play digital aircraft data received from the analog to digital converter.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a recording process that enables the density of recorded information to be increased on a two-dimensional medium comprising a printing surface, for example a strip of light sensitive film. The process is for a recording system for digital data (1) and a recording medium (7) to record the encoded data, for example a strip of photographic film. The process is used in particular to code data to be recorded at high density, for example the digital data of still or moving images, text, or sound.

Abstract: A verifying method verifies the operation of a semiconductor circuit device by inputting, to a logical simulator, logical models representing a logic circuit and an analog circuit. The verifying method includes the steps of adding, to the model representing the analog circuit, a function that generates a function value in accordance with the state of connections between terminals of the analog circuit and terminals of the logic circuit, outputting the result of comparing the function value generated by the function and an expected value, and, based on the result of the comparison, determines whether or not there is a connection error between the terminals of the analog circuit and the terminal of the logic circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-bit to pulse width modulated signal conversion, with extensions to digital-to-analog conversion. In particular, it has application to conversion of pulse code modulated signals, such as used in CDs and DVDs, to audio output.

Abstract: The field of the invention is that of electronic or electro-optical multiplexers for the transmission of digital data at high speed. The device according to the invention makes it possible to multiplex two NRZ-type, binary-coded signals. It mainly comprises: A generator of four primary signals; Means of electronically selecting said primary signals controlled by the two initial signals for generating the final multiplexed signal. The selection means are complemented with a logic block for generating four logic signals, all different, dependent on the two initial signals. The main advantage of this device is to allow for the use of so-called ETDM technologies for the transmission of high-speed multiplexed signals inasmuch as the necessary logic circuits operate mainly at a frequency half that of the multiplexed signal. These electronic transmission technologies are less expensive than the so-called OTDM optical technologies.

Abstract: A cross coupled folding circuit comprises a reference voltage circuit to supply m reference voltages, an amplifier circuit to provide control signals, in response to an input signal and to the reference voltages and 2n?I three times cross coupled folding circuits, each of which comprising three differential transistor pairs, said differential transistors pairs being controlled by said control signals and active in a voltage range around a respective one of said reference voltages, with m=3(2??1). In cascade with said 2n?I folding circuits, there are differential transistor pairs in n?1 successive steps 2n?1, 2n—2, 2o. To obtain complete folding, switching circuits are provided, cooperating with the transistor pairs in the last 2n?2 steps of the cascade configuration, to supply the respective control signals to those transistors of the respective differential transistor pairs that provide complete folding.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a delta-sigma modulator is constructed from one or more stages of a first order low-pass filter, which has a modest gain compared to the integrator used in other embodiments of delta-sigma modulators. Delta-sigma modulators can be converted into low-pass filter based delta-sigma modulators according to an embodiment of the invention by replacing the ideal integrator building block with a first order low-pass filter and adjusting other loop parameters, such as gain factors, accordingly. In an embodiment, a dithering technique to suppress spurious tones can be used with the low-pass filter based, ideal integrator based, or near ideal integrator based delta-sigma modulator. In another embodiment, a noise cancellation technique can also be used to cancel the dithering noise.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a delta-sigma modulator is constructed from one or more stages of a first order low-pass filter, which has a modest gain compared to the integrator used in other embodiments of delta-sigma modulators. Delta-sigma modulators can be converted into low-pass filter based delta-sigma modulators according to an embodiment of the invention by replacing the ideal integrator building block with a first order low-pass filter and adjusting other loop parameters, such as gain factors, accordingly. In an embodiment, a dithering technique to suppress spurious tones can be used with the low-pass filter based, ideal integrator based, or near ideal integrator based delta-sigma modulator. In another embodiment, a noise cancellation technique can also be used to cancel the dithering noise.

Abstract: A current steering digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is provided. At least two lower-resolution DACs are used for converting a high-resolution digital signal. One of the two lower-resolution DACs is used for converting the most significant bits (MSB) of the high-resolution digital signal. The other of the two lower-resolution DACs is used for converting the least significant bits (LSB) of the high-resolution digital signal. By such arrangement, a device mismatch problem is avoided and the chance of variation occurrence during manufacturing process is reduced. The arrangement also simplifies the layout in the significantly scaled-down chip area.

Abstract: A control module includes a plurality of switching elements, a control chip, and an identification unit. The switching elements are connected to a power terminal through a corresponding resistor each, wherein the resistances of corresponding resistors or equivalent resistance of combination thereof are different. The switching elements generate an input current according to operating conditions thereof. The input current is sent to the control chip through an input/output terminal and is transformed to a digital value. The identification unit identifies the operating conditions of the switching elements according to a lookup table and the digital value, such that the control chip executes a corresponding logic operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving display panel and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) thereof are provided. The (M+L)-bit digital data provided by the timing controller is converted into N-channel analog output voltages to control and drive the display panel. The number of the analog voltage lines and the number of the selection switches of the (M+L)-bit DAC in the apparatus for driving display panel can be greatly reduced according to the present invention. Compared to the conventional technology, the chip area of the apparatus for driving display panel is reduced and the cost is thus minimized.

Abstract: A cyclic pipeline analog to digital converter includes a dual mode sample and hold circuit, a multiplying digital to analog converter (MDAC), a sub-analog to digital converter (sub-ADC) and a decoder. The dual mode sample and hold circuit has a charge-redistribution mode and a flip-around mode. The dual mode sample and hold circuit receives first and second input voltages and first and second feedback voltages and generates a differential output signal pair. The MDAC receives the differential output signal pair and a digital multiplying word and generates the first and second feedback voltages. The sub-ADC receives the differential output signal pair and generates the digital multiplying word and a digital output word. The decoder converts the digital output word to a digital output corresponding to the first and second input voltages.

Abstract: An image sensor and a circuitry associated with the image sensor is used for recording a series of fluorescence images. The image sensor comprises a plurality of pixels for accumulating charges generated by incident radiation, and the circuitry converts the charges accumulated in the pixels into binary numbers. A gain of the circuitry is adjustable. The gain is set to a suitable maximum value at the beginning of a recording procedure. The gain is reduced if it is determined during the recording procedure that one or more brightness values of the recorded image exceed a suitably chosen maximum brightness value.

Abstract: An analog-digital converter includes an analog switch on a semiconductor substrate, the analog switch having a P-channel transistor and an N-channel transistor; and a capacitive element having a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are formed in a region in a layer different from a layer of the analog switch, the region extending over the analog switch. The first electrode and the second electrode have a comb-shaped pattern different from an arrangement pattern of the source regions and the drain regions of the P-channel transistor and the N-channel transistor.

Abstract: A mechanism for discharging parasitic capacitance at an input of an operational amplifier, which is shared between two stages of a pipelined analog-to-digital converter and/or two channels of signal processing circuitry, before the amplifier configuration of the stages/channels is switched. The discharging act occurs when a short reset pulse is generated between two clock phases. The short reset pulse is applied to a switch connected to the operational amplifier input. When the reset pulse closes the switch, a discharge path is created and any parasitic capacitance at the operational amplifier input is discharged through the path. The discharging of the parasitic capacitance substantially mitigates the memory effect and the problems associated with the memory effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for characterising an input signal within abroad frequency band by comparing the same input signal in a plurality of channels, in order to operate digital Electronic Support Measures (ESM) which require a broad bandwidth to function. The apparatus comprises one or more signal input bands spread across the broad frequency band, a means of splitting the input signal in each input band into a plurality of separate channels, and a means of sampling each channel, wherein the sampling means in each channel runs at a different clock rate from sampling means in each of the other channels within the input bands, so as to remove the ambiguities inherent in frequency aliasing.

Abstract: Method and system to identify, verify and remediate subterranean anomalies. Infrared (IR) thermographic scanning [10] of a selected surface area obtains image area data [12, 14] inferring such an anomaly. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is used [22] at predetermined surface locations penetrates subterraneously to a depth including the anomaly, creating vertical dimension radar data [120] showing anomaly depth. Surface image IR data is correlated with GPR data to verify the anomaly and its vertical dimension and finds [124] a central location in the anomaly. Anomaly volume is predetermined from the area data and vertical-dimension data. Grout injected [26, 124] into the central location at first pressure secures the anomaly by surrounding the central location. After verifying centrally securement, more grout is injected [32, 126] into the anomaly region at second pressure at least as great as the first pressure until the total grout injected approximates the predetermined anomaly volume.

Abstract: An active imaging system uses communication satellites to identify the location and physical attributes of a target. A transmitter emits a time-synchronized signal directed to a target. The transmitter radiates L-band RF signals. The transmitter can be positioned on an airborne or ground platform. A constellation of communication satellites receives and time stamps the time-synchronized signal reflected from the target to form an active image of the target. The constellation of communication satellites have multiple roles other than active imaging, such as providing voice and data communications. The time-synchronized signal reflected from the target can be received by multiple satellites within the constellation of communication satellites or by multiple antenna disposed on one satellite within the constellation of communication satellites.

Abstract: In a configuration of a technique in the related art, since two Doppler sensors are used to measure velocity in two directions, and a set of transmission circuit and reception circuit are provided for each of directions to be measured, a device becomes large and expensive. Moreover, in the related art, since signal processing is performed by using output of each of the two Doppler sensors, axis adjustment in each of emission directions of the two Doppler sensors needs to be performed separately, therefore there is a difficulty that appropriate axis adjustment is complicated and difficult.

Abstract: A radar level gauge system, for measuring a filling level of a content contained in a tank, said radar level gauge system comprising a transmitter arranged outside said tank and configured to transmit microwave energy, a receiver arranged outside said tank and configured to receive reflected microwave energy, and a transmission line probe, comprising at least one probe line, configured to guide transmitted microwave energy towards and from said content, said probe at least partly disposed inside said tank, wherein said transmission line probe further comprises a dielectric enclosing structure enclosing at least a substantial part of said at least one probe line, wherein said dielectric enclosing structure is arranged to reduce the microwave energy attenuating effect caused by said content to be gauged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for guiding an aircraft in the approach phase comprising of receiving information on a predefined approach path, this information being contained in a message M4 originating from a ground beacon transmitting on the same transmission channel as that of a beacon of a GBAS type positioning accuracy augmentation system, receiving differential positioning radio satellite signals, and correction information from these satellite radio signals in the form of a message M1? originating from a ground central station of an SBAS type positioning accuracy augmentation system, via geostationary satellites of this augmentation system, calculating a corrected position based on the positioning signals and correction information, calculating an elevation and horizontal guidance deviation of the aircraft relative to the predefined approach path, based on the corrected position and information on the predefined approach path.

Abstract: Pseudo-range processor (20) for a satellite radiolocalization receiver (100) having access to an auxiliary clock (38) used to clock an auxiliary reference timer (40). The auxiliary reference timer (40) is periodically sampled (170) during tracking, in relation to the GPS time kept by the main clock. The processor allows intermittent operations, between periods in a low-power sleep mode during which correlators (25) and main clock (37) are inactive. On wake-up a new sample is taken of the auxiliary reference timer (40), which allows an estimation of the most likely position of the correlation peaks (123a-c). The correlation engine can therefore directly start to search for peaks in appropriate code phase windows, with a high probability of immediate reacquisition.

Abstract: In a position detection system for detecting a position of a terminal apparatus of a radio communications system, a position detection time is shortened using a position detection method for determining signal times-of-arrival between the terminal apparatus and base stations neighboring the terminal apparatus. According to the present invention, means for generating a database in which received power information about signals transferred between the terminal apparatus and the base stations neighboring the terminal apparatus corresponds to position information about the terminal apparatus, and for determining the position information by searching received power information obtained in the position detection from the database, and means for determining the position by use of signal times-of-arrival are executed in parallel. Then, the use of a result of the means which has detected the position earlier than another means shortens the position detection time.

Abstract: A method and system for spatial data manipulation input and distribution via an adaptive wireless transceiver. The method and system include a wireless transceiver for automatically and adaptively controlling wireless transmissions using a Waveform-DNA method. The wireless transceiver can operate simultaneously over both the short and long distances. The wireless transceiver is automatically adaptive and wireless devices can send and receive wireless digital and analog data from various sources rapidly in real-time via available networks and network services.

Abstract: Embodiments of active array antennas are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, a reflect array antenna includes an array of rectangular monolithic sub-array modules arranged in a non-uniform pattern to leave a plurality of rectangular gaps in the pattern. A DC feed pin located within each gap may provide DC bias current to the sub-array modules. The sub-array modules may be mounted on a heat sink in the non-uniform pattern. The heat sink may have holes aligned with the gaps to allow passage of the DC feed pins. In some embodiments, an array cooling assembly may be coupled to the back of the heat sink to cool the reflect array antenna with a coolant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a partially reflective surface antenna and, more particularly, to a partially reflective surface antenna including a reflective board composed of arrays of microstrip antennas, and has advantages of low side lobe and high gain. It comprises: a substrate with an upper surface having a signal transmitting notch for transmitting and receiving a high frequency signal; a reflective board for partially reflecting the high frequency signal; and a plurality of supporting elements for supporting the reflective board on the substrate. The reflective board has a second antenna array and a first antenna array surrounded by the second antenna array, wherein the first and the second antenna array are composed of a plurality of first microstrip reflective units and a plurality of second microstrip reflective units, respectively. Besides, the distance between the first microstrip reflective units is smaller than the distance between the second microstrip reflective units.

Abstract: Provided a self-biased receiver system using a multi-fed antenna, including: at least one first port connected to an electronic circuit; and a second port connected to a feeder forming a DC (direct current) voltage using an input electromagnetic wave and feeding the DC voltage to the electronic circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an impedance transformation-type wide band internal antenna. The wide band antenna includes a radiation part, a short circuit part, a feeding part, and a feeding pin. The radiation part is formed to have a predetermined length and width according to an operating frequency, the radiation part including a plurality of stubs formed in arbitrary shapes according to location of a plurality of slots. The short circuit part causes part of a side surface of the radiation part to be connected to an external ground. The feeding part is extended from the stubs, formed on the side surface of the radiation part to be adjacent to the short circuit part, and is bent multiple times, the feeding part being formed on a bottom surface of the radiation part to have a predetermined length and width. The feeding pin is formed on an end of the feeding part and is fed with current.

Abstract: Disclosed are antenna embodiments and air vehicles so equipped that include a first antenna component, and a second antenna component, separated by a free space gap, where the antenna embodiments are adapted to capacitively couple the first antenna component and the second antenna component across one or more portions of the free space gap and where the first antenna component member has a degree or axis of rotation, relative to the second antenna component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wideband glass antenna for a vehicle. The wideband glass antenna includes a loop antenna and a pattern. The loop antenna has a loop antenna pattern, in which a first side is connected to a feeding point, a second side is connected to a ground, and the two sides are connected to each other. The loop antenna pattern forms a predetermined space in the loop antenna. The pattern is formed in the loop antenna and is connected by a plurality of tuning arms for expanding a frequency band of the antenna.

Abstract: An antenna made by winding a coil on the periphery of a rod-like core made of a magnetic material is housed inside a pillar having a relatively small width and disposed in a manner such that its axis line is nearly orthogonal to the vertical axis line of the pillar. With this arrangement, a predetermined communication range is secured as the electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna are barely absorbed by the vehicle body and radiated to inside the cabin as well as to the outside. Accordingly, an inexpensive antenna device and a communications system using it are provided which enable communication with a portable device inside and outside a vehicle cabin using a single antenna.

Abstract: The invention concerns a wrist-wearable electronic device comprising a slot antenna and a method of manufacturing the slot antenna. Such a device comprises an outer housing defining an assembly zone and a radio unit contained within the assembly zone. According to the invention the outer housing is made at least partly of conductive material and comprises an integral slot antenna formed in the conductive material portion thereof, the antenna being electrically connected to the radio unit. The invention provides a convenient antenna structure for wirelessly communicating wristop computers and the like.

Abstract: Described herein are antennae that may provide a relatively compact design that has resonances at UHF (700 MHz), L-band (1.6 GHz), and S-band (2 GHz) to allow good performance in all of these bands. Normally television antennas are relatively large and on the order of a foot long or more due to the long wavelengths of the VHF/UHF band, however the antennae described herein may be relatively small.

Abstract: A self-tuning antenna that automatically adjusts its input impedance to compensate for externally induced impedance variations is provided. A variable impedance is adjusted by a control circuit to reconfigure the input impedance of than antenna to compensate for different environmental situations and different transponder mismatch situations. A negative-feedback signal is employed to determine or infer impedance mismatches and reconfigure the antenna input impedance (e.g., capacitance and/or resistance) until a desired equilibrium of the antenna input impedance is reached. A reference measurement (e.g., VSWR measurement) is automatically performed by an antenna tuning circuit that adjusts the antenna's impedance matching circuit to compensate for object interference. The antenna's impedance matching circuit includes a variable capacitor circuit having a plurality of individually controlled parallel plate capacitors that can be added or removed from the variable capacitor circuit, as necessary.

Abstract: A coil antenna includes a magnetic core and a coil wound around a bobbin which are accommodated within a case. The magnetic core and an end of the bobbin are connected to a cap. The magnetic core and an end portion of the bobbin are covered with a foamed component, and are further covered with a gel component. The foamed component is formed by a forming process, and an adhesive compound is provided between the magnetic core and the foamed component.

Abstract: A phased array for generating a directed radiation pattern includes a plurality of power divider ports, a first tunable element connected in series between each pair of adjacent power divider ports, an antenna connected to each of the power divider ports, and a second tunable element connected in parallel with each antenna The phased array can include equal phase differences between successive power divider ports, equal amplitude of the signal at each antenna, an equal amount of successive phase change in a signal at each antenna, a source connectible to at least one power divider port including an alternating power supply through a quarter-wave transformer, the first tunable element being either an inductor or a capacitor, the second tunable element being either an inductor or a capacitor, and/or each antenna separated by a successive antenna by a half wavelength.

Abstract: An inductive miniature component comprising a winding element of ferrite material. Three windings are disposed on the multi-sided winding element such that there axes extend in three perpendicular spatial directions. A first and second winding are wound around the winding element in two directions perpendicular to one another. A third winding is wound around a narrow side of the winding element. The first guide elements are disposed on the underside of the winding element for winding one side of the third winding. Ends of the first and second windings are wound around these guide elements. Second guide elements are disposed on an upper side of the guide element for guiding another side of the third winding, and are of ferrite material and monolithic with the winding element. The coil plate of electrically non-conducting, non-ferromagnetic material is placed together and interconnected with the winding element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for user interface customization.

Abstract: A display system for presenting one or more planes of display information. The display system may include two or more display modules positioned in a spaced relationship in a stacked formation substantially along a Z-axis perpendicular to a display face of a display module. Each display module may be selectively activated to display a visual image or deactivated to a quiescent state. Further, when a display module is activated to display the viewed image, the viewed image can be viewed through a prior display module which is deactivated to a quiescent state.

Abstract: Cosmetic enhancement mirror methods and related systems

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a first panel, a second panel facing and separated from the first panel, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second panels, a plurality of sensor data lines formed on the second panel, a plurality of variable capacitors of which capacitance thereof is varied by pressure, the variable capacitors connected to the sensor data lines, a plurality of reference capacitors connected to the sensor data lines, and first reset transistors and second reset transistors connected to the sensor data lines and supplying a first reset voltage and a second reset voltage to the sensor data lines at different times, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is applied to a flat display apparatuses using organic EL devices. Switching circuits implemented by a set of transistors TR1 and TR2 that perform on/off operations in a complementary manner form a series circuit, an output of the connection midpoint of the series circuit is output to an inverter circuit 33, an input signal IN is input to one end of the series circuit, and a signal that is output from an inverter circuit 34 and that corresponds to the output of the connection midpoint of the series circuit is supplied to an opposite end of the series circuit.