Abstract: A system for increasing the depth of field and decreasing the wavelength sensitivity of an incoherent optical system incorporates a special purpose optical mask into the incoherent system. The optical mask has been designed to cause the optical transfer function to remain essentially constant within some range from the in-focus position. Signal processing of the resulting intermediate image undoes the optical transfer modifying effects of the mask, resulting in an in-focus image over an increased depth of field. Generally the mask is placed at or near an aperture stop or image of the aperture stop of the optical system. Preferably, the mask modifies only phase and not amplitude of light, though amplitude may be changed by associated filters or the like. The mask may be used to increase the useful range of passive ranging systems.

Abstract: An optical device for scanning an optical record carrier (20) has a radiation source (25) that can emit two radiation beams of different wavelength along different optical paths (28, 29). The emitted radiation is focused on the record carrier and reflected back to a detection system (40). A beam combiner 43 is arranged in the optical path between the radiation source and the detection system for combining the two radiation beams on one optical path, thereby allowing the use of a single detection system for both radiation beams. The beam combiner includes a grating that passes one of the beams undiffracted and diffracts the other beam mainly in the first order. The profile of the grating lines show alternating slanting grooves and slanting lands.

Abstract: A light diffusing film which is excellent in luminance uniformity and which exhibits no partial deterioration in light transmittance, thereby eliminating the formation of black spots. The light diffusing film, which has a monodisperse light diffuser and a light diffusing layer consisting of a light diffuser and a binder resin on one plane of a base, in which the lamination ratio is 10% or less and the diameter of flocculated particles in the light diffuser is 50 ?m or less, exhibits excellent luminance and thermal properties, so that it can be suitably used in various kinds of picture display devices, in particular, in a display device employing LED (light emitting diode) lamps or an LCD (liquid crystal display device) backlight system.

Abstract: Optical multiplexers and demultiplexers are provided. In one implementation an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first laser diode pair, a second laser diode pair, a polarization rotator coupled between the first and the second laser diode pairs, and an output port. The first and second laser diode pairs include a first laser diode, a polarization beam splitter, a first quarter waveplate, a filter; a second quarter waveplate, and a second laser diode. The first and second laser diode pairs are coupled to the polarization rotator at the polarization beam splitter of each laser diode pair. In one implementation the apparatus is operable to multiplex distinct light signals emitted from the first and second laser diodes. In another implementation, an apparatus is provided that is operable to demultiplex an input light beam having a plurality of distinct channels.

Abstract: A semi-conductor based imager includes a microlens array having microlenses with modified focal characteristics. The microlenses are made of a microlens material, the melting properties of which are selectively modified to obtain different shapes after a reflow process. Selected microlenses, or portions of each microlens, are modified, by exposure to ultraviolet light, for example, to control the microlens shape produced by reflow melting. Controlling the microlens shape allows for modification of the focal characteristics of selected microlenses in the microlens array.

Abstract: A projection system for imaging an object field onto an image field, including at least two partial objectives (S1, S2); at least one intermediate image field between the partial objectives (S1, S2); and a concave reflector (119, 219) having a concave reflecting surface. The concave reflecting surface crosses an optical axis of the projection system proximate along the optical axis to the intermediate image field. Alternatively or in addition, the concave reflecting surface crosses an optical axis of the projection system at a position where the condition |HCR/HMR|?2 is met, with HCR being a chief ray height and HMR being a marginal ray height with respect to the optical axis.

Abstract: To provide an endoscope objective lens which has a lens constitution of a relatively small number of three pieces, a short total length of lens, and various kinds of good optical performances starting with curvature of field. It is constituted of a first lens L1 directing its concave surface to the image side, a second lens L2 made of a positive meniscus lens directing its convex surface to the image side, and a third lens L3 made of a planoconvex lens directing its convex surface to the object side arranged sequentially from the object side, and a stop placed between said first lens L1 and said second lens L2. It also satisfies the following Conditional Expressions: 2.00<|f1/f|<3.00,??(1) 0.50<|f2/f3|<0.70,??(2) 2.00<|f1/d1-2|<5.00 ,??(3) 0.40<|R2R/R2F|<0.60 .

Abstract: A zoom lens having at least a first lens group including a reflection member for bending an optical axis fixedly during zooming and having a negative refractive power, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, and a third lens group arranged in the order from an object side is provided. In the zoom lens, an image can be shifted into a direction perpendicular to the optical axis by moving either of the second and the third lens groups (“shift lens group”) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a following conditional expression (1) is satisfied, 0.5<(1???)×?b<3.0,??(1) where: ??: a magnification of the shift lens group in a maximum telephoto state, and ?b: a magnification of a lens group arranged on an image surface side of the shift lens group in the maximum telephoto state.

Abstract: A zoom lens system includes, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive power, a second lens group having negative power, a third lens group having positive power, a fourth lens group having positive power, and a fifth lens group having positive power. Upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, the first and fifth lens groups moves with respect to the image plane, the second lens group moves at first to the image and then to the object, and the third and fourth lens groups move to the object such that a distance between the first and second lens groups increases, a distance between the second and third lens group decreases, a distance between the third and fourth lens groups decreases, and a distance between the fourth and fifth lens groups increases. Given conditional expressions are satisfied.

Abstract: Providing an interchangeable lens capable of carrying out quick focus from infinity to a close object with a magnification of almost life size by a light-weight moving lens group, exhibiting excellent imaging performance across an entire focusing range, and obtaining excellent imaging performance by a vibration reduction lens and its drive system appropriately arranged even upon vibration reduction. The lens includes a first group having positive power, a second group having negative power, a third group having positive power, and a fourth group having negative power. The fourth group includes a front group having negative power and a rear group having positive power. When the lens is vibrated, the lens corrects image blur by shifting the front group almost perpendicularly to an optical axis. When focusing from infinity to a close object, the first and the front groups are fixed and at least the third group is moved toward the object side.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a zoom lens system, which can have a diffractive optical element, achieves high optical performance over a wide zoom range. The zoom lens system includes a first lens unit having positive optical power, a second lens unit having negative optical power, and a rear lens component including at least one lens unit having positive optical power. The first lens unit, the second lens unit, and the rear lens component are arranged in that order from an object side towards an image side of the zoom lens system. The diffractive optical element is included in the first lens unit. The rear lens component is provided with a positive lens element having extraordinary dispersion characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a zoom lens assembly with capability of assuring concentricity of at least a lens group even during activity. The zoom lens assembly includes a plurality of optical lenses, at least two internal barrels, a lens holder and an alignment element wherein the lenses can be divided into at least two lens groups. The two internal barrels are used to respectively retain corresponding lens group therein to define a first and second lens sets. The lens holder is utilized to accommodate the first and second lens set therein. After twice alignment procedures in an assembled method, an internal barrel retained with one lens group is accommodated within the other internal barrel retained with another lens group to be precisely coupled. The two lens sets with mating structures are coupled to a guiding groove defined on the lens holder thereby the lens sets can slide inside the lens holder.

Abstract: A lens barrel including a telescopic cylinder accommodated within a fixed cylinder and lenses, the lens barrel having lens retaining frames and a lens driving device which drives the telescopic cylinder between a collapsed position and an extended position, wherein the lens barrel further includes a retractable lens that is retracted into the fixed cylinder through an opening in a wall of the fixed cylinder when the telescopic cylinder is in the extended position, a retractable lens retaining frame therefor and an impact preventing member, and wherein if the lenses are in the extended position and an external impact is received by the lens barrel, the impact preventing member abuts against one of the lens retaining frames to prevent the lens retaining frames from moving to the collapsed state.

Abstract: An image pickup lens for forming image of a subject on a solid-state image pickup element includes: a first lens having a positive refractive power in a meniscus shape whose convex surface faces to an object side of the image pickup lens; an aperture stop; a second lens having a positive refractive power in a meniscus shape whose convex surface faces to an image side of the image pickup lens; a third lens having a negative refractive power whose concave surface faces to an object side of the image pickup lens. The first lens, the aperture stop, the second lens and the third lens are arranged in this order form an object side of the image pickup lens. The first lens and the third lens satisfy a predefined conditional expression.

Abstract: A holding mechanism for holding an optical element includes a rear side block that includes a rear side holding engagement part that is engageable with a rear side engagement part provided on a rear side of an optical element, a front side block that is coupled with the rear side block and includes a front side holding engagement part that is engageable with a front engagement part provided on a front side of the optical element or the holding member, wherein one of the rear side engagement part and the rear side holding engagement part has a groove and the other has a spherical part that has an at least partially spherical shape engageable with the groove, and wherein one of the front side engagement part and the front side holding engagement part has another groove, and the other has another spherical part that has an at least partially spherical shape engageable with the other groove.

Abstract: A magnifying assembly includes a plate with a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end. The plate is mountable to a planar surface. A panel has a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge wherein the first and second edges are positioned opposite of each other. The panel has a centrally disposed window extending therethrough. A pair of wells extends into the third edge. A magnifying lens is mounted to a peripheral edge of the window. Each of a pair of arms has an inner end positioned within one of the wells. The outer ends of the arms are each hingedly coupled to the first end of the plate. The panel is selectively abuttable against the plate when the arms are fully extended into the wells. The magnifying lens may be selectively pivoted and extended outwardly away from the plate.

Abstract: A coating method for a color filter, including the steps of: coating a first photoresist layer on a substrate; forming at least a aligning pattern and a first color film pattern on the first photoresist layer by exposure and development; coating a first dye on the aligning pattern and the first color film pattern; stripping the first photoresist layer; coating a second photoresist layer on the substrate, wherein the aligning pattern and the first color film pattern are formed on the substrate; aligning position by using the aligning pattern of the substrate; forming a second color film pattern on the second photoresist layer by exposure and development; coating a second dye on the second color film pattern; and stripping the second photoresist layer. The invention also discloses an aligning-assembling method for a color wheel, which includes the color filter.

Abstract: A stamper/imprinter for use in forming a magnetic transition pattern in a magnetic material by means of contact printing, comprising: (a) a non-magnetic substrate having a major surface comprising a patterned plurality of spaced-apart recesses with a plurality of non-recessed areas therebetween, the patterned plurality of recesses corresponding to the magnetic transition pattern to be formed in the magnetic material; and (b) unidirectionally permanently magnetized material filling each of the plurality of recesses and having exposed surfaces substantially coplanar with the plurality of non-recessed areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing contact printing of a magnetic transition pattern in a magnetic recording medium, comprising: (a) a stamper/imprinter including a body formed of at least one magnetic material having a high saturation magnetization Bsat and a high permeability, including an imprinting surface adapted to be placed in intimate contact with a surface of a magnetic layer, the imprinting surface comprised of a plurality of patterned areas which separate a plurality of areas which are not patterned, each of the areas which is not patterned being provided with at least one of: (i) mechanical reinforcing means for preventing deformation of the body when the imprinting surface is urged into contact with the surface of the magnetic layer; and (ii) gas venting means for facilitating removal of air or other gas from between the imprinting surface and the surface of the magnetic layer when the former is urged into contact with the latter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing write properties of a magnetic head capable of performing read/write functions on a medium including defining the magnetic head as a normal head, a low temperature weak write (WW) head, or a high temperature WW head, and optimizing the write properties using optimal over shoot control (OSC) and write current (WC) according to the defined kind of magnetic head. Accordingly, the magnetic head in a hard disk drive (HDD) can be defined as the normal head, the low temperature WW head, or the high temperature WW head. Since the method uses the optimal OSC and WC values, according to the defined kind of magnetic head, in consideration of writability of the magnetic head and environmental temperature, low temperature or high temperature WW problems are avoided.

Abstract: Synchronized data is written to magnetic tape while reducing the number of backhitches. A controller detects a pattern of synchronizing events for received data records to be written to tape; writes each transaction of data records to the magnetic; tape; accumulates the synchronized transactions in a buffer; and subsequently recursively writes the accumulated transactions of data records from the buffer to the magnetic tape in a sequence. A single backhitch may be employed to place the recursively written accumulated data records following the preceding data, maximizing performance and capacity.

Abstract: A reel driving apparatus and a magnetic recording and reproducing device including the reel driving apparatus, where the reel driving apparatus includes: a driver including at least a portion protruding under a deck chassis; a power transmitting unit transmitting a power to the driver; a power changing unit gearing with the driver and selectively transmitting a power to a plurality of reel tables according to a direction along which the driver rotates; and a fixing unit supporting the driver.

Abstract: In a beam lithography operation the relative motion between a work piece and the exposure beam produces variations in linear speed at different regions of the work piece surface. For example, if a disk work piece rotates with a constant angular velocity (CAV) relative to the beam, the linear surface speed relative to the beam impact point increases in proportion to increasing radial distance of that point from the center of the disk. To provide uniform exposure dose, the duty cycle of pulses of the exposure beam are varied in accord with radial distance.

Abstract: Servo tracks are written onto different disk surfaces using multiple recording heads within a disk drive without requiring a servo writing machine or clean room conditions. Microactuators in the reference heads in the disk drive are capable of independent motion with respect to one another, which allows the servo tracks to be written to the disk surfaces. The process begins as the recording heads are biased against a crash stop, and then moved to an adjacent track. One of the heads writes a reference track at this adjacent track position when a microactuator of the head is centered. This reference head then follows the reference track with its microactuator centered, while the other recording heads move in the radial direction to write servo information on their respective tracks. Reference tracks are then successively used to write the servo information as the recording heads move in a direction away from the crash stop.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus includes: a magnetic recording medium onto which servo information including position information is recorded by a plurality of concavo-convex patterns formed by a magnetic layer; a gate circuit that extracts a part of a reproducing signal of the concavo-convex patterns by removing an end of a signal corresponding to a concave portion or a convex portion of the concavo-convex patterns from the reproducing signal; a first integrator that obtains area integral of an extracted reproducing signal; and a second integrator that adds respective signals after area integral is obtained to each other to generate a position control signal for controlling a position of a magnetic head. Thus, the magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus can make an output of the position control signal larger and can perform positioning control for the magnetic head with high precision.

Abstract: A disc drive includes a base plate and a structural cover removably attached to the base plate to form an internal environment within the disc drive that is filled with a low density gas such as helium. A sealing cover is permanently attached to the base plate and the structural cover to form a hermetic seal for the low density gas. A first seal secured between the base plate and the removable structural cover permits short term operation of the disc drive with minimal leakage of the low density gas so that the drive can be tested prior to permanent attachment of the sealing cover.

Abstract: An assembly includes a housing with a base. A mounting pad is positioned on the base. The assembly also includes a micromechanical device coupled to the mounting pad. First and second side rails extend from the base to form first and second rail corners. The first and second rail corners are subject to striking a surface. The first and second rail corners have first and second elevations that are uneven to reduce impacts reaching the micromechanical device.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head capable of preventing unintentional erasing of information during non-recording, ensuring its magnetic operating characteristics with stability. A top read shield layer extends rearward relative to a back gap (or a back-gap rear-end position), and a write shield layer also extends rearward relative to the back gap. Thus, a stray external magnetic field generated from a voice coil motor or the like is more likely to be taken in by not only the top read shield layer but also the write shield layer; the stray external magnetic field is less likely to converge on the top read shield layer. This reduces the likelihood of an undesired magnetic closed loop being formed between the top read shield layer and magnetic pole layer and a recording medium, and thus reduces the likelihood of unintentional overwriting of information taking place during non-recording due to the undesired magnetic closed loop.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic recording head utilizing a timing based servo pattern is fabricated using a focused ion beam (FIB). The recording head is fabricated by sputtering a magnetically permeable thin film onto a substrate. A gap pattern, preferably a timing based pattern, is defined on the thin film and the FIB cuts a gap through the thin film based on that pattern. Once completed, the recording head is used to write a servo track onto magnetic tape. The timing based servo track then allows for the precise alignment of data read heads based on the positional information obtained by a servo read head which scans the continuously variable servo track.

Abstract: An information recording medium cartridge is provided with a disc, a cartridge casing having the disc accommodated therein, first and second shutters movably mounted to the cartridge casing for opening and closing recording and/or reproducing openings arranged in right and reverse sides thereof. First and second slide members having the first and second shutters are mounted on the shutters. First and second shutter plates are provided with a shutter main body that overlaps the right side or the reverse side of the cartridge casing to open and close the opening and a slide-member mounting portion for mounting the first and second slide portions to the shutter main body at an end. The slide-member mounting portion is provided with an engaging claw, wherein when mounting the first and second slide portions, the engaging claw is engaged with a claw engagement provided to the slide portion.

Abstract: A magnetic recording disk drive has a negative-pitch slider in near-contact or continuous-contact with the disk during reading and writing of data. When the disk is rotating at its operating speed, the slider has its upstream or leading portion located closer to the disk surface than its downstream or trailing portion. Both the leading and trailing portions have air-bearing surfaces that enable the slider to be partially supported above the disk surface. A contact pad that provides no substantial air-bearing support is located at the leading portion and supports or contains the magnetic elements of the read/write head. The contact pad protrudes beyond the air-bearing surface of the leading portion and is in contact with the disk. For near-contact recording the contact pad partially wears away during an initial wear-in period. For continuous-contact recording the contact pad is wear-resistant and remains in substantially continuous contact with the disk during reading and writing of data.

Abstract: The disclosed suspension assembly (S) for carrying a magnetic recording head in close following relation to a recording disc includes an improved arrangement for supplying a load to the recording head. The suspension assembly (S) includes a flexible gimbal section (10a) for mounting the recording head and accommodating dampened pitch, roll and transverse movements. The head load arrangement comprises a flexible cantilevered spring tongue (10b) and an elongate rigid load member (20) that extends from the free end of the spring tongue to contact the suspension assembly (S) adjacent the recording head. The load member (20) is configured to cause the spring tongue (10b) to resiliently deflect by a predetermined amount, resulting in a predetermined head load being supplied through the load member to the recording head.

Abstract: In a tape data storage arrangement, a magnetic detent is provided to maintain a tape read/write head in selected positions with respect to the tape, during data transfer. The tape is mounted on a carriage movable between first and second positions, with respect to a support structure, and a detent member is fixably joined to the support structure. First and second detent components mounted on the carriage engage the detent member by means of a magnetic force, when the carriage is moved to the first and second positions, respectively. Usefully, the detent member is a magnet and the first and second components comprise steel. Alternatively, the detent member comprises steel, and the first and second components are both magnets.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for selectively applying a voltage to one major surface of a pair of piezoelectric motors (PZTs) on a disk drive head suspension with a primary plane of a load beam of the head suspension parallel to the major surfaces of the PZT elements electrically insulated from the load beam. Electrical connections to the PZTs are made via wires, solder, conductive epoxy or electro-mechanical attachment of a plated surface of the PZT with a bond pad on an electrically isolated substrate. Lead extensions or separate pieces may be used to connect to the PZTs. The PZTs may be located on a major surface of the load beam, or may be assembled in a pre-fabricated motor assembly before being installed in the head suspension. Apertures in the load beam and other layers permit physical installation of the PZT motors and enable electrical connection to the PZTs.

Abstract: A head gimbal assembly comprising a slider having a read\write sensor; a suspension to load the slider; a micro-actuator; wherein the micro-actuator comprises a piezoelectric unit with two piezoelectric elements and a support base having a base to be coupled with the suspension physically, a moving plate to be coupled with the two piezoelectric elements, and a leading beam to connect with the base and the moving plate. Also disclosed is a micro-actuator comprising inter alia a piezoelectric unit with two piezoelectric elements. A method of forming a micro-actuator is also disclosed, which method comprising forming a piezoelectric unit having two piezoelectric elements; forming a support base having a base, a moving plate, and a leading beam to connect with the base and the moving plate; and bonding the piezoelectric unit to one side of the support base. Also disclosed is a method of forming a slider, a suspension and a micro-actuator.

Abstract: A spin valve type magnetoresistive effect element for vertical electric conduction includes a magnetoresistive effect film in which a resistance adjustment layer made of a material containing conductive carriers not more than 1022/cm3 is inserted. Thus the resistance value of a portion in change of spin-relied conduction is raised to an adequate value, thereby to increase the resistance variable amount.

Abstract: A magnetoresistance effect element comprises: a magnetoresistance effect film, a pair of electrodes, and a phase separation layer. The magnetoresistance effect film includes a first ferromagnetic layer whose direction of magnetization is pinned substantially in one direction, a second ferromagnetic layer whose direction of magnetization changes in response to an external magnetic field, and an intermediate layer provided between the first and second ferromagnetic layers. The pair of electrodes are electrically coupled to the magnetoresistance effect film and configured to supply a sense current perpendicularly to a film plane of the magnetoresistance effect film. The phase separation layer is provided between the pair of electrodes. The phase separation layer has a first phase and a second phase formed by a phase separation in a solid phase from an alloy including a plurality of elements.

Abstract: A free magnetic layer contains free magnetic material layers and an intermediate layer interposed therebetween. A fixed magnetic layer contains fixed magnetic material layers and a non-magnetic intermediate layer interposed therebetween. The free magnetic material layer and the fixed magnetic material layers are formed at equivalent film positions. The magnetizations of the fixed magnetic material layers provided in a vertical direction are antiparallel to each other, and the magnetizations of the free magnetic material layers provided in the vertical direction are antiparallel to each other. By an external magnetic field, the magnetizations of the free magnetic material layer are rotated in phase to magnetization directions of the fixed magnetic material layers.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor having a self pinned structure formed above a free layer and having a pinning stabilization structure to avoid flipping of the magnetic moment of the pinned layer. The pinned layer stabilization structure includes hard magnetic structures formed over the leads in an area outside of the active area of the sensor, and a magnetic layer extends over the active area of the sensor and over the hard magnetic structures outside of the active area of the sensor.

Abstract: An exchange coupling film including an antiferromagnetic layer and a ferromagnetic layer in contact with the antiferromagnetic layer so as to generate an exchange coupling magnetic field is provided. A PtMn alloy is used as the material of the antiferromagnetic layer. Crystal planes of the antiferromagnetic layer and the ferromagnetic layer preferentially aligned parallel to the interface are crystallographically identical and crystallographically identical axes lying in these crystal planes are oriented, at least partly, in different directions between the antiferromagnetic layer and the ferromagnetic layer. Thus, a proper order transformation occurs in the antiferromagnetic layer as a result of heat treatment and an increased exchange coupling magnetic field can be obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the thickness of a sensor stack in a current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) GMR/tunnel valve (TV) sensor is disclosed. A layer of alpha-Fe2O3 having a high coercivity is formed adjacent the active areas for pinning the bias layer.

Abstract: An ultracapacitor energy storage cell pack includes an ultracapacitor assembly having a plurality of series connected ultracapacitors and balancing resistors, each balancing resistor connected in parallel with each ultracapacitor to automatically balance each ultracapacitor over time, thereby automatically over time discharging the ultracapacitors of the ultracapacitor assembly; an enclosure to enclose and protect the ultracapacitor assembly; a controller for the ultracapacitor assembly; and one or more temperature sensors to monitor temperature of the ultracapacitor assembly and coupled to the controller.

Abstract: A process and device for determining a run-away condition of a rotation-speed controlled, permanent-excited synchronous motor are described. The process continuously checks, when a rotation speed controller is active and for a predetermined constant rotation speed setpoint, several conditions, either alone or in combination, and generates an error signal if the particular condition or the combination of conditions, when continuously checked, is/are always satisfied during at least a predetermined time interval. These conditions include: determining if the magnitude of a measured deviation in the rotation speed between a measured actual rotation speed value and the predetermined constant rotation speed setpoint increases or reaches a limit value; if the magnitude of a control variable present at the output of a rotation speed controller increases or reaches a limit value; and if the magnitude of a measured acceleration value and/or the magnitude of a torque-producing current increases or reaches a limit value.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection unit includes a channel, a passive filter, and an electrostatic discharge protection circuit. The passive filter and the electrostatic discharge protection circuit are formed on a substrate. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit couples the channel to the passive filter. A method includes, for a channel having a bandwidth determining the bandwidth, and generating a transfer function for a passive filter which when combined in series an electrostatic discharge protection circuit and the channel yields a combination transfer function which has a combination bandwidth that is greater than the channel transfer function bandwidth.

Abstract: A device (10) for suppressing electrostatic discharge comprises first and second multilayer structures (14, 16) surrounding an electrostatic discharge reactance layer (12), the resistance of said electrostatic discharge reactance layer (12) varying in response to the occurrence of an electrostatic discharge signal. Each multilayer structure (14, 16) comprises a barrier layer (18), a terminal layer (20) and an electrode layer (28). Alternatively, a conductive layer (80) can be used instead of a second multilayer structure (16). An ESD suppression device (110) can be embedded in a printed circuit board (122, 210) providing a way to protect board components from harmful ESD events.

Abstract: A circuit breaker (100), in particular a medium voltage circuit breaker, having a current (20) and/or a voltage measuring device (30) integrated thereon. The integration can be functional and/or physical. The functionally integrated current and/or voltage measuring device provides primary current and voltage representative signals to an on-board electronic device (50) in order to realize the measure, process, and protection functions as a whole.

Abstract: An overload current protection device for cutting off power applied from a power supply to a load (3) such as a motor by means of a contactor (switch) (2) at overloading. With the configuration, an element (40) having a magnetic impedance effect as current detection units (4a, 4b, 4c) is used to thereby expand a current detection range by eliminating magnetic saturation due to a core, a problem with a conventional current transformer, thereby providing at low costs an overload current protection device having a wide current detection range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for fault condition protection of a switched mode power supply. In one aspect of the invention, a power supply circuit having an auto-restart function to turn the power supply on and off repeatedly under fault conditions is included. In one embodiment, one or more off-times following detection of a fault condition is smaller than subsequent off-times.

Abstract: The voltage generator circuit includes a regulator, a first sensor circuit, and a second sensor circuit. The first sensor circuit includes a first transistor, a first resistor, and an error amplifier. When V1>Vth, the error amplifier senses an overcurrent condition to provide feedback to the operational amplifier to limit an output current. The second sensor circuit includes a second transistor, a second resistor, and a sensing transistor. When the output current exceeds a sense threshold current, the sensing transistor is turned ON to provide feedback to the operational amplifier 12 to limit the output current. The second sensor circuit has a higher setting of sense threshold current than does the first sensor circuit, while having a higher setting of sensing speed than does the first sensor circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective circuit for a CAN-bus transceiver that is designed voltagewise for a first vehicle electric system, said transceiver being operated in a second vehicle electric system with a voltage that is several times higher than the voltage of the first vehicle electric system, comprising two diodes arranged between the bus terminal leads of the transceivers whose cathodes are connected to one another and to which a predetermined potential is applied, in addition to a limiting resistor mounted between each of the bus terminal leads of the transceiver and the bus line assigned thereto and two current mirror circuits for maintaining the require voltage level in the bus lines.