Abstract: A plasma display panel having an active area and a non-display area positioned at the outside of the active area wherein dummy electrodes positioned within said non-display area have a narrower gap between electrodes than sustain electrode pairs positioned within said active area. Accordingly, the plasma display panel has a narrower gap between electrodes of the dummy electrodes than the sustain electrode pair within the active area and has a narrow electrode width thereof, so that it can easily generate a discharge between the dummy electrodes well and reduce a generation of electric charges accumulated onto the dummy electrodes. As a result, the plasma display panel can prevent an abnormal discharge to improve a picture quality.

Abstract: A plasma display apparatus is equipped with a signal input terminal responsive to a user's application. The plasma display apparatus includes a panel including a pair of substrates, wherein at least one of the substrates is transparent. The substrates are placed opposite to each other to form a discharge space in between, and electrodes are provided to the substrate. The plasma display apparatus also includes a display driving circuit block, disposed on a chassis and equipped with at least one signal inputting connector which applies a signal to the panel to perform displaying, and an input signal circuit block detachable to the signal inputting connector of the display driving circuit block.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for balancing current in multiple negative impedance gas discharge lamp loads. Embodiments advantageously include balancing transformer configurations that are relatively cost-effective, reliable, efficient, and good performing. Embodiments include configurations that are applicable to any number of gas discharge tubes, such as cold cathode fluorescent lamps. The balancing transformer configuration techniques permit a relatively small number of power inverters, such as one power inverter, to power multiple lamps in parallel. One embodiment of a balancing transformer includes a safety winding which can be used to protect the balancing transformer in the event of a lamp failure and can be used to provide an indication of a failed lamp.

Abstract: Beam processing methods including e-beam welding and e-beam evaporation for thin film deposition are implemented with a novel high power, long focus electron source. The high power, long focus electron source generates an e-beam. The e-beam is transported through a series of steering magnets to steer the beam. At least one refocusing magnet is provided to refocus the e-beam. A final steering magnet bends the e-beam to focus on a target, such as a weld joint or a deposition target.

Abstract: A bottom and top emission OLED structure includes: first and second anodes; first and second organic light-emitting layers disposed between the first and second anodes. A first electrode may be disposed between the first and second organic light-emitting layers or first and second electrically isolated electrodes may be disposed between the first and second organic light-emitting layers.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method of spark processing silicon and resulting materials. The subject invention also relates to electroluminescent devices incorporating the materials produced by the subject method. The subject method for spark-processing can enhance the EL output, as compared with conventional spark-processed (sp) silicon. The enhancement of EL output can be due, at least in part, to increasing the light emitting area. The subject method can smooth the sp surface, so as to allow more complete coverage of the sp area with a continuous, semitransparent, conducting film. The smoothening of the sp surface can be accomplished by, for example, introducing into the spark plasma a volatile liquid, such as methanol, ethanol, acetone, in which particles can be suspended and/or in which a heavy ion salt is dissolved. The particles preferably float in the volatile liquid, rather than settle quickly. In a specific embodiment, silicon particles in the range of about 0.

Abstract: An improved decorative light string circuit comprises full bridge rectification located in or downstream of the front plug, wherein the rectification circuit contains one or more voltage reducing and/or filtering elements in order to reduce or limit LED drive current and reduce (filter) DC ripple and 1 or 2 LED series sets. Additional rectification circuits and LED series sets can be added in parallel to the first in “stacked mode”, with each rectification circuit and LED series set electrically independent of prior and subsequent circuits. This eliminates the rectifying diode current summation load restrictions imposed by prior art and associated safety hazard due to diode overheating.

Abstract: A backlight system drives multiple lamps using balanced groups of serially-connected lamp transformers. A plurality of lamp transformers is divided into multiple transformer groups. Primary windings of the lamp transformers are coupled in series in each transformer group. Lamps are coupled to secondary windings of the lamp transformers. The transformer groups are arranged in a parallel configuration. One or more balancing transformers couple the transformer groups to a common power source. The balancing transformers divide a common current from the common power source into multiple balanced currents for the respective transformer groups.

Abstract: A system for providing a controllable current to a high intensity discharge lamp is provided. The system includes a current controller that is configured to receive input power and to provide an output current waveform to the high intensity discharge lamp. This current causes a discharge of light from the lamp. The output current waveform includes an absolute value amplitude in each half cycle that is generally constant during a first portion and that which increases non-linearly from the generally constant amplitude to a peak amplitude during a second portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for self-commuting control of a brushless, permanently excited direct current motor. Said circuit arrangement determines the commutation interval by evaluating the induction signal of a signal phase. A capacitive interference suppression component is arranged between the signal phase and an adjacent motor phase in the commutation cycle in order to suppress interferences of the induction signal. The capacitive interference suppression component is dimensioned in such a way that interfering influences of the power-switch element upon the induction signal are compensated for. This makes it possible to more accurately determine the momentary rotating position of the rotor and, hence, a differentiated control or adjustment of performance-influencing manipulated variables during operation. This has positive effects upon the efficiency, the power/weight ration and energy consumption of the motor and enables stable operation.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a switched reluctance machine, comprising a rotor; and a stator encircling said rotor and comprising a plurality of radially distributed stator poles, each of said stator poles comprising a set of coils, each set of coils comprising: a phase coil adapted to be switched to affect a rotation of said rotor; and a field excitation coil adapted to, while said rotor is rotating, generate a magnetic field from a received excitation current.

Abstract: A driving circuit of a fan includes a magnetic pole sensor for generating a magnetic pole sensing signal, a first waveform generator coupled to the magnetic pole sensor for generating a first waveform according to the magnetic pole sensing signal, a second waveform generator for generating a second waveform, a comparison circuit coupled to the first waveform generator and the second waveform generator for comparing the first waveform and the second waveform for generating a third waveform, a control signal generator coupled to the comparison circuit for generating a control signal according to the third waveform and an external signal, and a current generator coupled to the magnetic pole sensor and the control signal generator for outputting current to a coil of a stator of the fan according to the magnetic pole sensing signal and the control signal.

Abstract: A motor drives a window glass of a door of a vehicle in an opening direction and a closing direction. A rotation sensing device outputs a pulse signal in response to rotation of the motor. A controller senses pinching of an object by the window glass based on the rotational speed signal. Specifically, the controller computes a rate of change in the rotational speed, i.e., a rotational speed difference based on the rotational speed signal. The controller senses start of the pinching based on the rotational speed difference. When an amount of change in the rotational speed since the time of sensing the start of the pinching exceeds a pinching determining threshold value, the controller confirm the pinching of the object.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus includes a detection device for detecting a rotation speed of a motor, a storing section for successively storing the rotation speed detected by the detection device, a calculation device for calculating a variation amount of the rotation speed from current rotation speed which is output from the detection device and from past rotation speed stored in the storing section, a determining device for determining whether there is rotation abnormality of the motor based on a result of comparison between the variation amount calculated by the calculation device and a preset threshold value, and a control device for controlling the motor in accordance with a result of determination of the determining device. The calculation device calculates the variation amount from a sum of the current rotation speed and a rotation speed detected before predetermined times thereof, and a sum of the past rotation speed and a rotation speed detected before predetermined times thereof.

Abstract: A nonlinear hysteresis control system for controlling an actuator with nonlinear hysteresis effect is disclosed. An improved extended hysteresis effect profile further stores the displacement when a applied voltage of the actuator is from 0 voltage to a specific voltage and back to that specific voltage. Therefore, the system can be used under the condition of not very slow motion of the actuator.

Abstract: A method for estimating the rotor time constant (?r) of an induction machine when the stator resistance (Rs) and rotor resistance (Rr) of the induction machine are known. The method comprises the steps of feeding a DC current to the stator of the induction machine, injecting a sine-wave current component into the stator of the induction machine, the current having an amplitude (isc) and an angular frequency (?c), measuring the voltage component (uscd) of the stator voltage of the induction machine in the same direction and with the same angular frequency as the injected current, and calculating the rotor time constant using equation ? r = 1 ? c ? u scd - R s ? i sc ( R s + R R ) ? i sc - u scd .

Abstract: In a method of generating pulse-width modulated waveform, the cycle of a carrier wave for the waveform is determined together with a first dead time value and a second dead time value both of which are set in a plurality of up-down counters, respectively. Using the plurality of the up-down counters is effective to assign individual dead times to upper and lower arms and to linearly control a PWM duty from 0% to 100%.

Abstract: A method for calculating available power of a battery includes steps of calculating an equivalent charge resistance at a current charge current, a current SOC (state of charge), and a current battery temperature using predetermined equivalent charge resistance data, calculating an effective no-load charge voltage at the current charge current, the current SOC, and the current battery temperature using predetermined effective no-load charge voltage data, calculating a maximum charge current based on the equivalent charge resistance, the effective no-load charge voltage, and a predetermined maximum charge voltage, and calculating available charge power based on the maximum charge current, the predetermined maximum charge voltage, and a predetermined battery maximum current. A system for executing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit for providing power factor correction includes a bridgeless boost converter circuit and a control circuit receiving an input AC line voltage of the bridgeless boost converter circuit, wherein the control circuit provides a pulse width modulated signal to control the on time of a PFC switch of the bridgeless boost converter circuit. The control circuit also includes a scaling device operable to scale down a bi-polar AC voltage of the input AC line voltage to a uni-polar AC voltage, an analog to digital converter operable to convert the uni-polar AC voltage into digital data and a digital rectifier operable to process the digital data of the uni-polar AC voltage to provide a half-sinusoidal AC signal that is proportional to and in phase with the input AC line voltage for use in providing the pulse width modulated signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at circuit for controlling a voltage applied to an output voltage terminal from a first voltage level supplied by an input voltage terminal comprising a first switch and a second switch connected in series between said input voltage terminal and a common terminal; a transformer, having a primary side and a second side, connected with said first switch on the primary side and to said output terminal on the secondary side; wherein when said first switch is closed and said second switch open, said first voltage level is supplied to said output voltage terminal; and wherein when said first switch is open and said second switch is closed, a second voltage level is supplied to said output voltage terminal.

Abstract: A quasi average current mode control scheme is provided. The control scheme allows only detecting one part of the inductor current of the switching converter to control the inductor current and make the average current of the inductor follow the reference current. The control scheme is noise insensitive and makes the whole controlled system cost effective.

Abstract: In a DC-DC converter of synchronous rectifying system, a control circuit of DC-DC converter capable of improving the control voltage value of output voltage at light load and enhancing the power conversion efficiency, and its control method are presented. An inverting input terminal of comparator COMP2 of which non-inverting input terminal is connected to a grounding potential is connected to one terminal of choke coil L1 by way of terminal (X). An output terminal (N1) of comparator COMP2 is connected to a delay circuit DL, and an output terminal (N2) of delay circuit DL is connected to AND gate circuit AND1. The delay circuit DL is a circuit for delaying the transition from high level to low level of input terminal (N1). Excessive power supplied more than demanded by the load at light load is returned to choke coil L1. Elevation of output voltage VOUT due to excess power accumulated in output capacitor C1 can be suppressed.

Abstract: A power supply switching regulator including a common terminal; an input terminal for supplying a direct current input; an output terminal; a recirculating diode having a first terminal connected to the common terminal; an inductor having a first terminal connected to a second terminal of the recirculation diode and a second terminal connected to the output terminal; a capacitor having a first terminal connected to the output terminal and a second terminal connected to the common terminal; a switch connected between the input terminal and the first terminal of the inductor, the switch operable for switching between an ON state in which the direct current input is coupled to the inductor, and an OFF state in which the direct current input is isolated from the inductor; and a controller coupled to the switch and operable for controlling the amount of time the switch is in the ON state and the OFF state such that the duration of time the switch is in the ON state is inversely proportional to the difference betwe

Abstract: A radiometer system includes a dual channel, quadrature hybrid amplifier circuit that receives an antenna signal and a known reference signal to equalize gain in two parallel gain stages. A detector circuit receives a signal from the quadrature hybrid amplifier circuit and detects the signals to form a detected output for eliminating sensitivity to gain variations, improving dynamic range of the input signal, and reducing calibration requirements. A log ratio amplifier receives and linearizes the detected output. An integrator circuit receives a signal from the log ratio amplifier and sums the signal over an observation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for current sensing including a first Hall effect sensor and a second Hall effect sensor constructed to provide feedback indicating current flow through a conductor susceptible to external magnetic flux. A housing is configured to position the first Hall effect sensor and the second Hall effect sensor about the conductor to provide generally magnitude equal feedback of the current flow through the conductor and generally polarity opposite feedback of the external magnetic flux.

Abstract: A current sensor includes a first magnetic core that surrounds a portion of a conductor as a current path and has gaps therein, each of which is defined by adjacent ends spaced from each other by a first distance, a magnetic sensing element placed in at least one of the gaps, and a second magnetic core placed near the surrounded portion of the conductor to divide the conductor into channels. The second magnetic core is spaced from the first magnetic core by a second distance smaller than the first distance. Therefore, a magnetic resistance of the second magnetic core is smaller than that of the first magnetic core in a magnetic circuit formed by the first and second magnetic cores. As a result, a disturbance magnetic field mainly passes through the second magnetic core.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for testing and orientation of components for assembly, including a component selection tester for testing, prior to assembly, the correct selection of a desired component. The component selection tester includes at least one sensor configured to provide an indication of correct selection only if the desired component is placed for testing on the at least one sensor in a correct orientation for assembly. The sensors may be configurable to provide the indication of correct selection in dependence upon a specified orientation required for assembly. The sensors may also be configurable to test a characteristic of the component. In an embodiment, the component is an electronic component, and the sensors are electrical contacts.

Abstract: A system comprises a printed circuit board (PCB). A system on chip (SOC) mounted on the PCB includes a controller that communicates with an external interface that receives test configuration data, transmits test result data, and transmits and receives application data. At least one chip mounted to the PCB, wherein the SOC comprises an SOC component that includes an integrated system test (IST) module. At least one chip comprises a chip component that includes an integrated system test (IST) module. At least one of the SOC component and the chip component, communicates with the controller. At least one of the IST modules is a master IST module that receives the test configuration data and configures the IST modules for testing at least one of the SOC component and the chip component.

Abstract: A probe station for probing a test device has a chuck element for supporting the test device. An electrically conductive outer shield enclosure at least partially encloses such chuck element to provide EMI shielding therefor. An electrically conductive inner shield enclosure is interposed between and insulated from the outer shield enclosure and the chuck element, and at least partially encloses the chuck element.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a sensor attachment mechanism capable of attaching a position detecting sensor having directivity in a proper direction to a fluid pressure cylinder having a rail extending along the length of a cylinder tube on the outer surface thereof. Embodiments include a position detecting sensor for sensing the operating position of a piston is attached with a sensor holder to a grooved rail extending along the length of a cylinder tube on the outer surface thereof. The position detecting sensor has directivity in magnetic detection. The sensor holder includes a base mounted on the rail and a sensor holding part extending from the base. The sensor holding part is close to or in contact with the surface of the cylinder tube outside rail walls.

Abstract: Disclosed are a magnetic field assembly and method of configuring the same for use in position sensors of the type, which include a magnetic field sensor. First and second magnets in the field assembly are positioned on a surface of a magnetic plate (return path) and separated from one another by a separation distance. The first magnet has a magnetic axis substantially transverse to the surface of the magnetic plate, and the first magnet has a polarity opposite a polarity of the second magnet. The thicknesses of the first and second magnets are selectively varied along a stroke direction, and the separation distance is selected along with a gap length distance between the magnetic sensor and the field assembly, so that a predetermined flux density versus stroke characteristic can be provided for the position sensor.

Abstract: A magnetic variation sensor includes a magneto-electricity conversion element for picking up variations in magnetic fields and converting the variations picked up into electric signals. A cable is connected to the magneto-electricity conversion element. The magneto-electricity conversion element and a portion of the cable where the cable is connected to the magneto-electricity conversion element are embedded in a resin shell. A mounting piece in the form of a metallic plate is secured to the shell with its portion embedded in the shell. The portion of the mounting piece embedded in the shell is formed with a hole through which the cable passes. The hole includes a radial recess formed along the outer circumference of the hole. The recess is filled with a portion of the resin forming the shell, whereby the resin filling the recess serves to prevent the mounting piece from rotating relative to the shell.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for determining rotational angular displacement of a first moving component in a machine relative to a second component in the machine includes a base, a magnet housing, and a flexible member. The base is configured to be rigidly secured to the first moving component for movement therewith. The base defines a first axis of rotation. The magnet housing supports a sensor magnet and is rotatably received in the second component. The magnet housing defines a second axis of rotation. The flexible member has a first end rigidly secured to the magnet housing coaxially with the first axis of rotation. A second end of the flexible member is rigidly secured to the magnet housing coaxially with the second axis of rotation. A flexible body portion of the flexible member is capable of accommodating misalignment between the first and second axes of rotation.

Abstract: A material analysis system configured to determine whether a circuit is defective includes a magnetic field generator configured to generate a first magnetic field that is configured to induce at least one eddy current in a conductive portion of the circuit, wherein the eddy current induces a second magnetic field; a set of magnetic field sensors configured to detect the second magnetic field and generate a set of image information therefrom; a database that includes circuit information for the circuit; and a computing device configured to receive the image information from the set of magnetic field sensors and retrieve the circuit information from the database, wherein the computing device is configured to compare the image information to the circuit information to determine whether the circuit is defective.

Abstract: A non-destructive method of narrowing down the location of a failure in a sample includes a first step of acquiring first and second images of magnetic-field distributions obtained by scanning a laser beam irradiating first and second samples, respectively, and if there is a difference between the first and second images of the magnetic-field distributions, a second step of acquiring first and second current images from magnetic-field distributions acquired by scanning the first and second samples by a magnetic-field detector in a state in which a prescribed location on the first and second samples is being irradiated by the laser beam. The difference between the first and second current images is found and, based upon the difference image found, it becomes possible to identify a disparity in current paths relating to the prescribed location on the first and second samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated circuit and a method for noise removal in a magnetic nano-particle sensor device. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of sending a conductor current through a conductor to generate a first horizontal magnetic field component at the location of a magneto-resistive sensor. In a further step the optimal operation point of the magneto-resistive sensor is determined by minimizing the noise at the output of the magneto-resistive sensor by means of a noise optimization circuit. By applying an external magnetic field such that nano-particles in the vicinity of the sensor are vertically magnetized, a second horizontal magnetic field component is generated at the location of the sensor. Then, the conductor current is adjusted such that the first horizontal magnetic field component compensates for the second horizontal magnetic field component.

Abstract: The magnetic sensor is fabricated such that a magnetic sensor chip, having a one-chip structure in which MRE bridges and a comparator are included, is mounted onto a lead frame using an adhesive material, and then the magnetic sensor chip mounted on the lead frame is encapsulated by molding in a molded material. The magnetic sensor includes a magnetic-field generating portion formed by magnetizing at least one of the chip mounting member, the adhesive material, and the encapsulating material.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging equipment stand made of nonmagnetic materials having a supported counterbalanced adjustable angular arm supporting a vertically disposed mounting arm having a mount support thereon for holding selected medical equipment.

Abstract: Coil sensitivity of a receive coil to a gradient null location is measured and, from the measurements, a coil calibration value is determined and used to modify the MR data acquired with that receive coil to reduce the adverse effects of gradient nulling on MR images. Coil sensitivity values are determined for each coil of a coil array and the data for each coil is respectively weighted. An image that is substantially free of gradient null artifacts or ghosting is then reconstructed from the weighted data.

Abstract: A coil assembly (11) comprising two coil sections (13a and 13b). Each of the sections (13) consists of a combinat of a spiral coil (15) having a variable coil pitch arranged in a saddle shape configuration. The saddle shape has a central port (17) and a pair of outer coextending portions (19). The coil sections (13) are located opposite each other with the central p(17) of the respective sections disposed in parallel spaced apart relationship and the corresponding coextending portions (19) of respective sections disposed in coplanar alignment with each other so that the sections combine to circumscribe a scanned volume within which the target substance is to be disposed.

Abstract: A dome resonator (11) includes a resonator circuit (70) that excites and/or receives radio frequency magnetic resonance signals that emanate from a region of interest (14). The resonator circuit (70) includes multiple longitudinal conductive elements (110) that are coupled at a first end (80) and a second end (82) and tapered from the first end (80) to the second end (82). A resonator circuit support (74) is coupled to and supports the resonator circuit (70). A shield (76) is coupled to the resonator circuit support (74) and electrically isolates the resonator circuit (70) from a surrounding environment.

Abstract: Magnetic resonance device with an assembly having a recess, in which a gradient coil unit is attached with at least one attachment means, the attachment means having two members, between which an elastic element is disposed, only one of the members in each instance being in contact with either the gradient coil unit or the assembly, with the attachment means acting as an attachment means having no elastic element in a first attachment state, in which at least a minimum force presses the two members together, in that the two members have stop surfaces, which are in contact with each other due to the minimum force acting on the members compressed elastic element and with the attachment means acting as a spring unit in a second fixing state, in that the elastic element pushes the members apart in the event of forces smaller than the minimum force and causes the attachment means to be fixed in relation to the gradient coil unit and the assembly.

Abstract: A gradient coil apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging system includes a plurality of gradient coils 11a, 11b and 11c for applying a gradient magnetic field to a test object and an internal heat exchanger 14 to be immersed in insulation oil 13 in a container 12. A pump 16 is disposed to circulate coolant between the internal heat exchanger 14 and an external heat exchanger 15 is disposed outside of the container 12. This arrangement allows the insulation oil only inside of the container, thereby ensuring a substantial reduction in the amount of insulation oil.

Abstract: A method for introducing a liquid sample into an NMR spectrometer to measure an NMR spectrum of the liquid sample, wherein the liquid sample is injected into a supply line and wherein further liquids are supplied into the supply line following the liquid sample, which are separated from each other and from the liquid sample by gas bubbles is characterized in that the liquid sample is supplied via an injection inlet to a valve configuration whose output side can be connected to the supply line and the further liquids and gas are supplied to the valve configuration via supply lines, wherein a desired sequence of sample segments, gas bubbles and further liquid segments is generated through temporally matched switching of the valve configuration in the supply line and is supplied to the NMR spectrometer. The inventive method realizes supply of a liquid sample into an NMR spectrometer with rapid sample transfer while thereby preventing mixing and dilution of the individual segments.

Abstract: A resistivity sub including a resistivity sensor forms part of a bottom hole drilling assembly. The sensor is maintained at a substantially fixed offset from the wall of a borehole during drilling operations by, for example, a stabilizer. In WBM, galvanic sensors may be used, with or without commonly used focusing methods, for obtaining a resistivity image of the borehole wall. In OBM, capacitive coupling may be used. The apparatus is capable of using other types of sensors, such as induction, MPR, shielded dipole, quadrupole, and GPR sensors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for identifying the presence of leaks in a fluorescent bulb or other lamp suitable for use as a backlight in an avionics or other liquid crystal display (LCD). The lamp is first placed in a bath of helium or another vaporous substance having relatively small molecular size. The vaporous material is allowed to permeate through any leaks that may exist in the lamp and to thereby intermix with the light-producing vaporous material contained within the channel of the lamp. The lamp is removed from the bath and subsequently operated (e.g. at a low intensity), and the output electrical or optical characteristics of the lamp under test are obtained. If the output characteristics of the lamp under test substantially correspond to characteristics obtained from a lamp that is known to be in proper working order, then the absence of leaks in the lamp under test can be presumed.

Abstract: It is provided a semiconductor integrated circuit device capable of easily designing a large scale circuit, particularly a circuit of a system LSI designed by combining circuits using plural intellectual properties and the like. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a driving unit which is connected to a driven circuit via a transmission line and supplies a driving signal for driving the driven circuit to the driven circuit, a switch which is inserted into the transmission line between the driven circuit and the driving unit and which causes the driving signal, which is to be supplied to the driven circuit, to flow or to be cut off, and a transmission unit which is connected to the transmission line between the switch and the driving unit, and which transmits, to the driven circuit, a test signal supplied from outside the semiconductor integrated circuit device instead of the driving signal.

Abstract: A cable tester comprises a test initiating module that performs B cable tests. Each of said B cable tests includes selectively transmitting a test pulse on the cable, measuring a reflection amplitude, and calculating a cable length. A test results module determines a cable status for each of said B cable tests based on said measured amplitude and said calculated cable length and that determines an overall cable status of the cable based on the cable at least one of passing and failing A out of B cable tests. A and B are integers greater than zero and B is greater than A.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a signal path includes (i) generating a reference spread-spectrum signal; (ii) coupling the reference spread-spectrum signal into the signal path while the signal path is carrying an operational signal; (iii) receiving a reflected spread-spectrum signal from the signal path generated in response to the reference spread-spectrum signal; and (iv) correlating the reflected spread-spectrum signal with the reference spread-spectrum signal to produce a correlation result corresponding to a characteristic of the signal path.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting a difference in capacitance between a first capacitor and a second capacitor provided in a sensor includes an oscillator configured to generate an oscillating signal, a phase comparator coupled to the oscillator to output a signal responsive to a phase difference between the oscillating signal delayed by the first capacitor and the oscillating signal delayed by the second capacitor, an integration circuit coupled to the phase comparator to output an integrated signal made by integrating the signal responsive to the phase difference over a time period equal to a predetermined number of cycles of the oscillating signal, and a sample-and-hold circuit coupled to the integration circuit to output a signal made by sampling and holding the integrated signal at substantially an end of the time period.