Abstract: Flexible power converter and simplified process controller capable of being configured for a variety of applications with minimal effort. The power converter has a plurality of filtered half-bridges that can be configured for multiple topologies. The process controller can be adjusted through a timing parameter to process the configured feedback signal. External settings or serial port configuration enable stand-alone or processor-based operation. The invention may be quickly and easily applied as a versatile power supply, motor driver, thermal regulator, or controller for Lighting and flow applications. The flexible power converter and simplified process controller reduces development time and cost, reduces parts count and cost, and improves performance and reliability of power and control systems.

Abstract: A voltage regulator includes a voltage divider connected between a soft-start pin and the voltage regulator's error amplifier. The voltage divider has the same divider ratio as that of the voltage regulator's feedback voltage divider, which is used to divide the regulated output voltage fed back to the error amplifier. To facilitate soft-start operations, an external, user-supplied capacitor is connected to the soft-start pin. To facilitate voltage tracking operations, a predetermined master supply voltage is applied to the soft-start pin.

Abstract: The present invention aims to share a semiconductor chip built-in circuit for a step-down function and a step-up function by or through one semiconductor product used as a DC/DC converter configured in a semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip includes a switching driver, a first switch element and a second switch element. An output current path of the first switch element and an output current path of the second switch element are connected in series. A common connecting point of the first and second switch elements is connected to one end of a smoothing coil outside the semiconductor chip, and the output current path of the second switch element is connected to a base potential. An input DC voltage is supplied from the first switch element, and a step-down voltage VOUT to a load is outputted from the other end of the coil. When a method of supplying the input DC voltage and a method of performing a connection to the load are changed, a step-up voltage is outputted.

Abstract: This patent specification describes a switching regulator which includes a step-up/step-down unit configured to generate an output voltage by stepping up or down an input voltage in accordance with a control signal, and a control unit configured to cause the step-up/step-down unit to perform the step-up or step-down operation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a switching regulator comprises a control circuit that activates and deactivates at least one power switch to control a voltage of a switching node. The system also comprises an inductor that conducts a current from the switching node to an output to generate an output voltage. The system further comprises a PWM comparison circuit that controls an on-time and/or an off-time of the at least one power switch based on a comparison of a feedback voltage and a reference voltage. The PWM comparison circuit comprises a ramp signal generator configured to provide a ramp signal having a non-zero slope that is combined with either the feedback voltage or the reference voltage at a beginning of either the on-time or the off-time. The PWM comparison circuit can be further configured to set the slope of the ramp signal to zero during the off-time in a discontinuous conduction mode.

Abstract: A switching regulator includes a first switching element for charging an inductor, a switching circuit for discharging the inductor, a controller circuit for generating a first control signal for controlling the level of an output voltage of the switching regulator, and a reverse current suppressing circuit for controlling the on-resistance of the switching circuit based on whether a reverse current is detected in the switching regulator. A circuit and method for controlling the switching regulator are also disclosed.

Abstract: Electronic circuits couple energy storage devices, such as double layer capacitors or rechargeable battery cells, to a power supply output, thereby improving noise suppression and extending ride-through capability of the power supply. In a typical circuit, an energy storage device is coupled in series with a switch that controls the charging current into the energy storage device. The switch is controlled by a comparator that receives a signal related to the voltage level of the power supply. In some embodiments, the comparator also receives a feedback signal related to a charging current flowing into the energy storage device. The circuit is configured so that the switch limits the charging current to a predetermined current level, or does not allow the charging current to flow until the output voltage of the power supply reaches a predetermined voltage level.

Abstract: A medical system control device comprises a first control unit for controlling at least a power supply to a plurality of devices configuring a medical system, a second control unit, the startup process time of which is longer than the first control unit, for controlling the entire medical system, and a storage unit for storing information at the time of an operation termination process for the medical system, which is performed by the second control unit. The first control unit controls a power supply to a predetermined device among the plurality of devices before the startup process of the second control unit is complete, according to the information stored in the storage unit in response to the power-on of the medical system.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a temperature using transistors includes a plurality of temperature detecting units that become selectively active according to predetermined temperature intervals; and a detection signal output unit that generates detection signals according to the signals transmitted by the plurality of temperature detecting units, and outputs the detection signals.

Abstract: In a Hall IC type current sensor of a vehicle-mounted power converter which includes a bus bar which supplies electricity to a vehicle-mounted power converter, a Hall IC which detects a current supplied to the bus bar, and a control board on which a control circuit which controls the vehicle-mounted power converter in response to an output of the Hall IC is mounted, the current sensor further includes a Hall IC holder which holds the Hall IC and is also fixed to the bus bar, and a through hole which is formed in the control board and which allows a lead terminal of the Hall IC to pass therethrough, and the lead terminal which passes through the through hole is connected with the control circuit by solder bonding.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a tunneling current between a first element and a second element of a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensor. The system includes a tunneling current excitation source for providing a tunneling current between the elements and a tunneling current monitor for monitoring a change in the tunneling current responsive to movement of at least one element. The system also includes a positioner for positioning at least one of the elements and a controller in communication with the tunneling current monitor for controlling the positioner to position at least one of the elements at a first spacing between the elements for configuring the system in a referencing mode; and to position the elements at a second spacing for configuring the system in a sensing mode, whereby the system is calibrated with respect to the referencing mode.

Abstract: A detecting method for detecting internal resistance of an inspective rechargeable battery when said inspective rechargeable battery is charged by the constant current-constant voltage charging regime, said detecting method comprising at least a step (a) wherein an accumulated, charged electricity quantity of said inspective rechargeable battery in the constant voltage charging mode is obtained and a step (b) wherein said charged electricity quantity of said inspective rechargeable battery obtained in the constant voltage charging mode in said step (a) is referred to previously acquired data of a normal rechargeable battery, which corresponds to said inspective rechargeable battery, with respect to relationships of charged electricity quantities Qcv thereof versus internal resistances thereof when increased or decreased or their increased or decreased magnitudes in the constant voltage charging mode.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes a sensing chip having a magnetoresistive element for sensing a magnetic vector and a magnet for biasing the magnetic vector sensed by the magnetoresistive element. The sensing chip senses change in the magnetic vector for detecting a behavior of a magnetic body based on a variation of a resistance value of the magnetoresistive element when biasing of the magnetic vector is caused by the magnet in cooperation with the magnetic body that is in motion in a proximity of the sensing chip, and the magnet takes a shape of a flat cylinder that houses the sensing chip in a hollow space bored therein.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor including a first resource (3) for the creation of a magnetic field, oriented along a first axis in the direction of the axis of movement, and a second resource (6) for the creation of a magnetic field, oriented along a second axis in the direction of the axis of movement, opposed to the first direction. The first and second field-creation resources are mounted opposite to each other in order to form, between them, a magnetic measuring gap in which the measuring element that is sensitive to the value of the magnetic flux generated by the first and second field-creation resources is located, with the measuring element or the first and second field-creation resources being linked to the mobile object.

Abstract: In an encoder which is equipped with two detectors arranged on both sides of a rotating shaft in order to eliminate an eccentricity error, the mounting of the detectors is facilitated by making provisions so as to not cause a problem in the calculating of an average even if the detectors happen to be so mounted that the difference between the angular values calculated from the outputs of the respective detectors becomes equal to 180°. In an initialization process after power on, the difference ?? between the angular values ?1 and ?2 calculated from the signals output from the respective detectors is stored as an initial value. Position data ? is output by taking an average between ?3 and ?2, where ?3 is a value obtained by correcting ?1 by the initial difference ??.

Abstract: A probe card method, wherein a base supports a probe pin and an electromagnet. When the probe pin contacts a magnetic-sensor terminal on a chip on a wafer, magnetic force is applied to a magnetic-field sensing section in the chip.

Abstract: A pulsed eddy current pipeline inspection device is provided. The pulsed eddy current pipeline inspection device comprises a plurality of stages longitudinally spaced apart from each other and adapted to move between a contracted position and an expanded position, and a plurality of sensors disposed around at least a portion of a circumference of each of the plurality of stages in the contracted position with at least one gap between sensors in each of the plurality of stages in the expanded position, the plurality of sensors being arranged such that the at least one gap in a first one of the plurality of stages is aligned with a portion of a second one of the plurality of stages that has sensors disposed thereon.

Abstract: There is provided an inspection device for the detection of flaws in a component. The inspection device comprises a magnetic field generator, a first array of magnetoresistive sensors and a second array of magnetoresistive sensors, in which the second array is substantially orthogonal to the first array. The signals generated by the first and second arrays are utilized by a processing element to determine a curl of the magnetic field signals effected by the eddy currents including the eddy currents encountering a flaw in the component. The curl of the magnetic field signals is then used to better illustrate the existence of the flaw and various parameters of the flaw. The magnetic field generator comprises a coil or linear arrays of conductors. The inspection device is preferably contained (1) within a hand-held housing or (2) mounted on any automated inspection platform, and advantageously comprises a display for illustration of the detected flaw.

Abstract: Material condition monitoring may be performed by electromagnetic sensors and sensor arrays mounted to the material surface. The sensors typically have a periodic winding or electrode structure that creates a periodic sensing field when driven by an electrical signal. The sensors can be thin and flexible so that they conform to the surface of the test material. They can also be mounted such that they do not significantly modify the environmental exposure conditions for the test material, such as by creating stand-off gaps between the sensor and material surface or by perforating the sensor substrate.

Abstract: A material properties detection system (100). The system can include an antenna (120) that is tuned for operation within a frequency band over which the antenna transmits. The system also can include a transmitter (210) that generates electromagnetic energy across the frequency band and forwards the electromagnetic energy to the antenna. An impedance measurement circuit (215) can be provided. The impedance measurement circuit can measure an input impedance of the antenna over the frequency band and generate measured impedance data (225). The system can include a material characterization application (230) that processes the measured impedance data to generate a material characterization for a structure (110) to which the antenna is proximate. The material characterization can include a dielectric constant, a permittivity, a loss tangent and/or a permeability.

Abstract: Provided is a highly accurate optical pumping magnetometer, in which a static magnetic field and an oscillating field to be applied to a vapor cell are stabilized. To this end, the optical pumping magnetometer includes: Helmholtz coils for applying a constant static magnetic field to a vapor cell serving as a magnetic field detector; fluxgate magnetometers for detecting environmental magnetic noise in two directions of X-axis direction and Y-axis direction other than Z-axis direction which is a direction for detecting a magnetic field coming out of a measurement object while locating the vapor cell in the center thereof; magnetometer drive circuits for driving the fluxgate magneotometers; current converters for converting outputs of the magnetometer drive circuits into amount of currents; and magnetic field generating coils for generating a magnetic field in a phase opposite to the environmental magnetic noise in the two directions.

Abstract: A cold mass for a superconducting magnet system in one example comprises a superconducting magnet, a cryogenic cooling circuit, and a magnet and cooling circuit support. The magnet and cooling circuit support comprises a substantially conductive coupler in a discrete path that serves to couple the superconducting magnet and the cryogenic cooling circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an MRI apparatus which prevents from developing body move artifacts on the image to improve the image quality. In the navigator sequence a scan unit emits first RF pulse so as to excite first slice plane area which is out of the imaging area and is intersecting the navigator area including the epiglottis, then it emits second RF pulse so as to excite second slice plane area which is out of the imaging area and is intersecting the first slice plane area in the navigator area including the epiglottis. Thereafter a body move detector detects the displacement of epiglottis due to the deglutition movement based on the navigator echo data, a raw data selector unit selects as raw data the imaging data thus obtained in the imaging sequence based on the displacement of epiglottis, then the image of the slice plane including the esophagus in the subject is generated from the imaging data thus selected.

Abstract: A data processing system to have in a diagnostic imaging apparatus and so on is comprised of a signal-power estimating unit for estimating signal power by using reference data containing data different from processing-target data and a data processing unit for processing the processing-target data by using a WF based on the signal power estimated by the signal-power estimating unit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for measuring contact erosion in an electrical switching device by a dynamic resistance measurement (DRM). To determine an overlap time and a contact erosion in an exemplary switching device, a change in current across the switching device can be measured indirectly by a measurement current being passed across the switching device and a parallel conductor, the change in current in the parallel conductor being measured. Exemplary embodiments relate, to the following: detection of a differential current measurement signal in the parallel conductor with the aid of a Rogowski coil; and selection of a parallel conductor resistance on an order of the switch resistance.

Abstract: A shield arrangement for a vacuum measuring cell has a tubular shield housing encompassing a shield and an exit port for connection to a vacuum measuring cell and a connection opening for the object space to be measured. The shield is between the two openings and is implemented as a screw shield with spiral convolutions, its thread flange in the outer diameter being in contact on the inner wall of the shield housing such that a gas throughflow between the outer diameter of the thread flange and the inner wall is inhibited and is substantially forced into the spiral thread flight, and the exit port is on one side of the tubular section and the connection opening is on the other, opposite side and the screw shield is implemented such that in the axial line of vision the shield arrangement between the two openings is optically tight.

Abstract: A communication semiconductor chip performs wireless communication with another communication semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip includes a communication module and a control unit. The communication module performs the wireless communication with another communication semiconductor chip and has a receiving circuit for receiving data. The control unit supplies a reference voltage to the receiving circuit and performs a calibration operation on the reference voltage.

Abstract: A trailer illumination system test device and method of use are disclosed. In one form, a device for testing the functionality of a trailer lighting system is disclosed. The device includes an in-series connection port operable to receive a trailer lighting system plug and a series of trailer light switches operable to simulate an operating condition of a trailer in tow. The device further includes an external power source connection operable to couple an external power source to provide power to simulate the operating condition.

Abstract: A novel a method for determining the internal operation of an integrated circuit (IC) includes measuring electromagnetic (EM) emissions from the integrated circuit chip and analyzing the EM emissions. In a particular method, the EM emissions from the IC are measured using an RF close end probe. In a particular method, the electromagnetic emissions are measured with the IC configured in various ways. In the normal operating mode, the emissions are measured while the IC is provided with power and any external clock signal(s). After measuring the emissions of the IC in normal operating mode, the IC is reconfigured by disabling the external clock signal(s) to the IC and remeasuring the emissions. The external clock signal is disabled by disconnecting the power to the IC, disabling the external clock signal, and then reconnecting power to the IC. In yet a third test mode, the external clock signal is reenabled while power continues to be supplied to the IC.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to corrosion sensors having one or more linear reactive impedance corrosion element capable of detecting both general and local corrosions, and to methods for detection same.

Abstract: First, second, and third semiconductor switches are connected in series terminal between input and output terminals and first and second voltage application means are connected in parallel to the first and third semiconductor switches, whereby providing semiconductor switch circuit. Each voltage application means is composed of a series-connected circuit of first or second voltage application semiconductor switch and direct current amplifier having gain state of approximately +1 and whose input side is connected to the input or output terminal. One end of the first or second voltage application semiconductor switch is connected to the junction J of the first and second semiconductor switches, or to the junction K of the second and third semiconductor switches, respectively. When first through third semiconductor switches are turned OFF, first and second voltage application semiconductor switches are turned on to apply the potential of input and output terminals to the junctions J and K.

Abstract: A cable area network (CAN) bus termination (100) is provided by an interface 104 operably coupling a cable detection input pin (3), a switch (120) and a termination resistance (130) to detect the presence and absence of one or more cables (108). The termination resistance (130) is automatically enabled to create terminations at end nodes and is automatically disabled to provide a daisy-chain connection between interim nodes of a multi-cable system.

Abstract: Various module structures are disclosed which may be used to implement modules having 1 to N channels. Bus systems may be formed by the interconnection of such modules.

Abstract: A first block represents a two or three dimensional object in a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model, and has a visual presentation in a presentation of the CAD model based on a first plurality of property values denoted by a first label in a plurality of labels. User input specifying a new value for a first property value in the first plurality of property values is received. A second plurality of property values denoted by a second label is selected. The second plurality of property values differs by at least one value from the first plurality of property values and the second plurality of property values has a second property value that is satisfied by the new value. The visual presentation of the first block is updated based on the second plurality of property values.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated apparatus includes a control circuit unit which is connected to a low potential power supply terminal and a ground potential power supply terminal, and to which a predetermined low potential power supply output is supplied via the low potential power supply terminal, an output circuit unit which is connected to a high potential power supply terminal and the ground potential power supply terminal, and to which an output from the control circuit unit is supplied, and a detection circuit unit which is connected to the low potential power supply terminal, and which detects a decline in the predetermined low potential power supply output. The apparatus further includes a level shifter circuit which is provided between the control circuit unit and the output circuit unit, and which controls an output level of the output circuit unit in accordance with a detected output from the detection circuit unit.

Abstract: System and method for providing power with a large on-current and small off-current to circuitry in an integrated circuit. A preferred embodiment comprises a switch for providing power to circuits in an integrated circuit made from a PMOS transistor and an NMOS transistor coupled in parallel. Each transistor's gate terminal is coupled to a separate control signal line. The PMOS transistor provides current to the circuits at high voltage supply levels while the NMOS transistor provides current to the circuits at low voltage supply levels, wherein the size of the PMOS and NMOS transistor can be changed during design to meet power requirements. Depending upon power requirements, multiple PMOS and NMOS transistors may be used. The combination of PMOS and NMOS transistors permit the use of limited fabrication processes wherein transistor widths can be limited.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a first transfer mode first transmitter circuit including first and second transmission drivers and a second transfer mode second transmitter circuit including third and fourth transmission drivers. A transistor PT1 of the first transmission driver and a transistor PT3 of the third transmission driver are formed in a P-type transistor area ARP1, a transistor NT1 of the first transmission driver and a transistor NT3 of the third transmission driver are formed in an N-type transistor area ARN1, a transistor PT2 of the second transmission driver and a transistor PT4 of the fourth transmission driver are formed in a P-type transistor area ARP2, and a transistor NT2 of the second transmission driver and a transistor NT4 of the fourth transmission driver are formed in an N-type transistor area ARN2.

Abstract: A memory device may include a switching device and a storage node coupled with the switching device. The storage node may include a first electrode, a second electrode, a data storage layer and at least one contact layer. The data storage layer may be disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and may include a transition metal oxide or aluminum oxide. The at least one contact layer may be disposed at least one of above or below the data storage layer and may include a conductive metal oxide.

Abstract: An improved comparator circuit and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the comparator circuit comprises two voltage-to-time converter circuits, one for each input voltage to be compared, and an arbiter circuit for receiving the time-converted output of each converter. Each converter assesses the magnitude of its input voltage, and outputs a signal that is asserted at a time in inverse proportion to the magnitude of the input voltage. In one embodiment, producing the output signal at the asserted time comprises using the input voltage to gate a transistor whose discharge rate dictates the timing of the output signal. The two output signals arrive at an arbiter circuit whose function is to determine which output arrived at the arbiter first, as is indicative of the higher magnitude input voltage, and to set the output of the comparator accordingly.

Abstract: An output driver includes a pull-up unit including a pull-up element and a first inductive peaking element connected in series between a first voltage and an output node and a pull-down unit including a pull-down element and a second inductive peaking element connected in series between a second voltage and the output node. The pull-up and pull-down elements receive an input data signal and adjust a voltage level of the output node, and the first and second inductive peaking elements perform an inductive peaking operation when the input data signal transitions.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for using a clock generating circuit to minimize settling time after dynamic power supply voltage ramping, a clock signal may be generated using a clock generating circuit having, among other things, open feedback loop switch logic and a dynamic fast lock control signal generator. Whereupon, when in operation, the open feedback loop switch logic is responsive to a controlled change in power supply voltage condition such that a feedback loop of the clock generating circuit is opened during power supply voltage ramping (e.g., during transitions to or from battery conservation modes). In response to opening the feedback loop, the dynamic fast lock control signal generator selectively applies a stabilizing control signal to a variable clock signal generator (e.g., a voltage controlled oscillator) such that the generated clock signal can quickly lock onto the proper target frequency.

Abstract: A phase- or frequency-locked loop circuit (200) that generates an accurate output signal (ACC_SYN_OUT) even in the presence of edge-triggering-type glitches (148, 304A, 304B) in the input reference clock signal (REF_CLK). The locked-loop circuit includes a phase or frequency difference detector (216) and a glitch detector (208) that generates a trigger signal (GLITCH_DETECTED) upon detection of at least one glitch. The trigger signal resets the difference detector so as to abort the updating of the output signal that the glitch would otherwise cause.

Abstract: A phase comparator detects time lag or time lead of the phase of a data signal with respect to a reproduced clock signal from a first digital VCO. A random walk filter measures a difference between number of lags and number of leads, controls the first digital VCO to shift the phase of the reproduced clock signal in a direction to cancel the difference when the absolute value of the difference reaches a predetermined value, and resets the measurement result to restart the measurement. A phase comparator detects the phase difference between reproduced clock signals from the first digital VCO and a second digital VCO and notifies it to the random walk filter. While the amount of the notified phase difference is being a predetermined amount, the random walk filter neither resets the measurement result nor shifts the phase of the reproduced clock signal from the first digital VCO.

Abstract: A phase-locked loop with reduced settling time, in particular in or for a transceiver circuit of a tire pressure monitoring system, is disclosed, The phase-locked loop includes, sequentially arranged in a signal path, phase comparators for generating a phase difference signal by comparing a reference input signal and an output signal, loop filters for filtering the phase difference signal, and an oscillator controlled by the filtered phase difference signal for generating the output signal. The phase-locked loop has an adapting circuit for reducing the settling time at switch-on of the phase-locked loop, which adapting circuit correlates the actual switch-on of the phase-locked loop with the signal behavior of the reference input signal. A transceiver circuit of a tire pressure monitoring system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A delay locked loop includes initialization circuitry that ensures that a DLL is initialized to an operating point that is not to close to either end of a delay vs. control voltage characteristic. The initialization circuitry forces the DLL to initially search for a lock point starting from an initial delay, the delay is varied in one direction, forcing the DLL to skip the first lock point. The initialization circuitry only allows the DLL to vary the delay of the voltage controlled delay loop in the one direction from the initial delay until the operating point is reached.

Abstract: A first oscillatory signal is distributed to a number of destinations in an integrated circuit die. The frequency of a second oscillatory signal is made to track the average frequency of the first oscillatory signal, using an injection locked oscillator, as such rejecting high frequency jitter. The second oscillatory signal is provided to one or more of the destinations. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A driver circuit includes first and second three-terminal active elements, and first and second delay units. The first and second three-terminal active elements are series-connected. Each of the first and second three-terminal active elements has an amplification function and first, second, and third electrodes. The second and third electrodes of each three-terminal active element are series-connected between the first and second potentials. The first and second delay units receive the same input signal. The outputs of the first and second delay units are respectively connected to the first electrodes of the first and second three-terminal active elements. The delay amount of the second delay unit is larger than that of the first delay unit. The delay amount of the first delay unit is a finite value including zero.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for generating an elevated voltage that compares an external supply voltage with a reference voltage, and performs voltage pumping using either the reference voltage or the external supply voltage as an input voltage of a pumping unit.

Abstract: A charge pump includes a resistor divider connected between an output voltage node and ground and a comparator inputting a reference voltage at one input, and a divided voltage from the resistor divider at another input. A digital control circuit is enabled by the comparator. A first transistor and a second transistor are in series between an input voltage node and the ground, both transistors controlled by the digital control circuit. A pump capacitor is connected between to the output voltage node and between the first and second transistor, and being charged by turning the first and second transistors on and off. A first diode is between the pump capacitor and the input voltage node. A second diode between the pump capacitor and the output voltage node. A reservoir capacitor between the output voltage node and ground. The digital control circuit comprises a first shift register.

Abstract: In the present semiconductor device a positive, driving pump circuit is driven by an external power supply potential EXVDD (for example of 1.8V) to generate a positive voltage VPC (for example of 2.4V). A negative pump circuit for internal operation is driven by the positive voltage VPC to generate a negative voltage VNA (for example of ?9.2V) required in an erasure or similar internal operation for a word line. The negative pump circuit for internal operation can have a smaller number of stages of pump and hence consume a smaller area than when the circuit is driven by the external power supply voltage EXVDD (for example of 1.8V) as conventional.