Abstract: A magnetic field sensor comprises a reference magnetic field generator (8), a magnetic field sensing cell (6) including Hall effect sensing elements (12), and a signal processing circuit (4) connected to the output (11) of the magnetic field sensing cell and comprising one or more feedback lines (27, 28) for correcting error fluctuations in the transfer characteristic of the magnetic field sensor. The reference magnetic field generator is adapted to generate a frequency modulated reference magnetic field. The signal processing circuit further includes a modulator connected to the magnetic field sensing cell, adapted to modulate the output signal thereof at a frequency different from the modulation frequency of the reference magnetic field generator.

Abstract: A variable reluctance type angle detector 1 is provided with a rotor 5 and a stator 4. The rotor 5 is provided rotatably on the stator 4. The stator 4 has twelve teeth 2 disposed circumferentially. An excitation wire 7, a SIN output wire 8, and a COS output wire 9 are wound around the teeth 2. In the case where numbers of 1 to 12 are assigned clockwise to the twelve teeth 2, the excitation wire 7 is wound around each of the first, second, third, seventh, eighth, and ninth teeth 2 in a concentrated fashion to generate an identical polarity and wound around each of the fourth, fifth, sixth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth teeth 2 in the concentrated fashion to generate a polarity that is reverse to the polarity of the first, second, third, seventh, eighth, and ninth teeth 2.

Abstract: A rotational angle sensor and a method for manufacturing the same, and a throttle control device with a rotational angle sensor, which may lower the cost, are provided. The rotational angle sensor includes each sensor IC 50(1), 50(2) for detecting a rotational angle of a rotor based on a magnetic field generated between a pair of magnets respectively disposed across the rotational axis of the rotor; each main terminal 61, 62, 63, 64 connected with each connection terminal 55, 56, 57 of each sensor IC 50(1), 50(2); and a holder member 90 for holding each sensor IC 50(1), 50(2) and connection portions of each main terminal 61, 62, 63, 64 on each sensor IC 50(1), 50(2) side. A sensor assembly 100 is constructed to form the sensor ICs 50(1), 50(2), the main terminals 61, 62, 63, 64 and the holder member 90 into an assembly. A potting material 102 is potted into the holder member 90.

Abstract: A rotation detecting device for detecting a rotating object includes a housing having a bearing and an mounting surface, a rotor member having magnetic peripheral portion and a rotary shaft that is supported by the bearing, a biasing permanent magnet for providing magnetic field around the mounting surface and the magnetic peripheral portion, an IC sensor chip including plural magnetic sensor elements disposed on the mounting surface to provide a sensing signal related to change in magnetic field around the sensor elements, and an IC signal processing chip that provides a rotation signal according to the sensing signal. In this device, the bearing and the mounting surface are integrally formed into the housing at a prescribed distance to secure an unchanged air gap distance.

Abstract: A stray flux measurement device for detection of defects near the surface and remote from the surface on ferromagnetic specimens (10) is characterized by at least one coil (20) or an equivalently acting core/coil combination that faces the specimen (24, 22) and at least one coil (30, 40) or an equivalently acting core/coil combination (34, 32; 44, 42) that faces at an angle relative to the surface of the specimen.

Abstract: An electronic circuit includes a first substrate having a first substrate surface and a device supported by the first substrate surface. The device is selected from among a passive electronic component and an active electronic component. The electronic circuit also includes a second substrate having a second substrate surface and a conductor proximate to the second substrate. The electronic circuit also includes a magnetic field transducer disposed over the conductor and coupled to the device and an insulating layer disposed between the conductor and the second substrate. The conductor is adapted to carry an electrical current to generate a first magnetic field. The electronic circuit is responsive to the first magnetic field. In some embodiments, the conductor is a secondary conductor and the circuit further includes a primary conductor disposed proximate to the magnetic field transducer and an insulating layer disposed between the primary conductor and the second substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for spatially resolved spin resonance detection in a sample of material are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and systems for spatially resolved impedance measurements in a sample of material. The disclosed methods and samples can be used in screening of plurality of biological, chemical and material samples.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity acquisition involves a (dynamic) steady-state that is achieved by repetitive applying flip angles with the same sign. Read-out of the magnetic resonance signals is done in the form of gradient echoes that are generated by applying temporary magnetic gradient fields. Preferably, all gradients are completely compensated for Accordingly, a so-called Rephased Fast-Field Echo (R-FFE) sequence employed as the high-sensitivity acquisition sequence. It appears that a high-sensitivity is achieved when a flip angle in the range from 3° to 15° is employed. High-sensitivity is achieved for very low concentrations of contrast agent in a range suitable for molecular imaging.

Abstract: A method comprises the steps of providing a nuclear magnetic resonance cell with first, second, and third nuclear moment gases and at least one optically pumpable substance; obtaining first, second, and third measured precession frequencies that correspond to the first, second, and third nuclear moment gases, wherein the first, second, and third measured precession frequencies are altered from corresponding first, second, and third Larmor precession frequencies by a rotational rate and corresponding first, second, and third local magnetic fields; and determining the rotational rate with compensation for the first, second, and third local magnetic fields through employment of the first, second, and third measured precession frequencies.

Abstract: An fMRI study is conducted using a 2D EPI pulse sequence. A separate blood flow navigator pulse sequence is interleaved with the fMRI data acquisition to monitor blood flow in arteries that feed the brain tissue. Information in the blood flow navigator data is used to reduce errors in the fMRI data due to tissue motion caused by pulsatile blood flow. In one embodiment the blood flow navigator information is used to gate the fMRI acquisition and in another embodiment the information is used to retrospectively correct acquired fMRI data.

Abstract: Phase and magnitude correction is performed in two dimensions to reduce ghosting in single shot and multi-shot EPI scans. First, a phase/magnitude correction in the readout direction is carried out to reduce echo shifts and gradient waveform distortions. Then, a two dimensional phase/magnitude correction is performed to remove the remaining xy phase/magnitude errors.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for detection and spectral editing in MR spectroscopy by polarization transfer in which the high spin population difference of two or more energy levels of a particular nuclear spin system is transferred to the energy levels of an other nuclear spin system with lower spin population difference, all RF pulses to be irradiated are irradiated sequentially, i.e. with defined time interval to each other, so that at no time of the sequence are different RF pulses irradiated concurrently in an overlapping manner. The sequential succession of the RF pulses causes the polarization transfer between the two spin systems of atomic nuclei involved. The sequence of the RF pulses in each domain of the respective nuclei is completely symmetric.

Abstract: A method for generating a magnetic resonance image is provided. A magnetic resonance imaging excitation is applied for a plurality of cycles at a cycle rate. A plurality of magnetic resonance image echoes is acquired for each cycle. A decay map is estimated from the plurality of magnetic resonance image echoes for each cycle. The estimated decay map is used to generate an image for at least two different species.

Abstract: A method for generating a calibrated parallel magnetic resonance image is provided in a manifestation of the invention. A magnetic resonance imaging excitation is applied. A plurality of echoes at different echo times (TE) is acquired. The acquired plurality of echoes from different echo times is used to create a chemical shift corrected calibration map.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium in an example has a computer program stored thereon and represents a set of instructions that when executed by a computer during MR imaging causes the computer to: acquire a B1 field map for each transmit coil of a parallel RF transmit coil array; determine with a computational algorithm an excitation pulse scheme for a target excitation profile based on at least one effective B1 field map for a plurality of transmit coils of the parallel RF transmit coil array; and generate at least one SAR-reduced RF pulsing sequence for a respective transmit coil of the plurality of transmit coils of the parallel RF transmit coil array. The parallel RF transmit coil array is capable of having any parallel RF transmit coil array geometry. Each effective B1 field map reflects inductive coupling effects present between a transmit coil and at least another transmit coil.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus for arrangement between two surface coils of a gradient coil to dissipate the heat produced when current is supplied to the surface coils by a coolant flowing into the cooling apparatus, is formed as a flexible, mat-type surface structure, and has a coolant-holding space with at least one coolant inflow and at least one coolant outflow.

Abstract: An MR tomography apparatus has a system for contrast optimization of MRT images, with: an input unit for measurement parameters such as, for example, TR, TE, FOV, matrix size, flip angle, . . . etc. a unit for establishment of the anatomical area to be examined in the examination subject; a unit for combination of a plurality of MRT images acquired with various measurement parameters; and a unit for visualization and generation of a DICOM header for selected MRT image combinations. The tomography apparatus also has a storage unit in which predetermined experiential values for parameters of equations for combination of a number of various MRT images are stored with regard to a number of selectable anatomical areas of an examination subject; and an acquisition unit for generation of MRT images under selective consideration of the experiential values for measurement parameters that are stored for the anatomical structure to be examined.

Abstract: A cylindrical magnetic resonance antenna suitable for use as a local antenna for the reception or transmission of magnetic resonance signals, has an antenna arrangement, such as a birdcage antenna arrangement with longitudinal conductors connected at their opposite ends by end rings. In each case, two adjacent longitudinal conductors and the end ring segments therebetween form a network. In each case, the end ring segments connecting two of the adjacent longitudinal conductors are formed as end ring sections, with an end ring capacitance connected therebetween, which is the same for all of the end ring segments. A grounded screen externally encompasses the antenna arrangement. The grounded screen is composed of electrically conductive material and is coupled through a screen capacitance to the longitudinal conductors and the end rings.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system performing various types of imaging that involves movement of a patient's couch. The system has a patient's couch having a tabletop movable in a predetermined direction passing through a static magnetic field as well as reception multiple RF coils consisting of for example a plurality of coil groups. The tabletop is automatically moved in its longitudinal direction in accordance with a length of each coil group in the predetermined direction. At each moved position, scanning is performed on a given pulse sequence. An echo signal is received through the multiple RF coils, then switched over by an input switchover unit to be sent to a receiving-system circuit. The echo signal is subjected to given processing in this circuit so that it is converted to echo data. The echo data are produced into an MR image by a host computer.

Abstract: An RF coil suitable for use in imaging systems is provided which coil has a dielectric filled cavity formed by a surrounding conducting enclosure, the conducting enclosure preferably being patterned to form continuous electrical paths around the cavity, each of which paths may be tuned to a selected resonant frequency. The patterning breaks up any currents inducted in the coil and shortens path lengths to permit higher frequency, and thus higher field strength operation. The invention also includes improved mechanisms for tuning the resonant frequency of the paths, for selectively detuning the paths, for applying signal to the coil, for shortening the length of the coil and for controlling the field profile of the coil and the delivery of field to the object to the image.

Abstract: An electrode array for electric and magnetic measurements in a marine environment includes a first set of electrodes connected to a first cable, wherein the first set of electrodes and the first cable are configured to sink to a sea floor in the marine environment; a second set of electrodes connected to a second cable, wherein the second set of electrodes and the second cable are connected to the first cable and configured to float in the marine environment such that the second set of electrodes and the second cable maintain a distance from the sea floor when the first cable sits on the sea floor, and an instrument package connected to the first cable and the second cable, wherein the instrument package is configured to receive voltage signals measured by the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes.

Abstract: A boring tool is moved through the ground in a region which includes at least one electrically conductive in-ground line and which is subject to static magnetic fields including the magnetic field of the earth.

Abstract: A method of analysing an electromagnetic wavefield. The method comprises the steps of measuring the electric and magnetic fields at least one receiver; formulating a respective filter in respect of each of mutually orthogonal components of each of the electric and magnetic fields; and applying the filters to the measured data to decompose the wavefield into upgoing and downgoing components.

Abstract: An ion sensing arrangement for a small internal combustion engine includes an ion sensor placed in the engine's combustion chamber to measure the conductivity of the combusted fuel-air mixture. Scaling circuitry, such as variable voltage divider circuitry, is connected to be in electrical communication with an output of the ion sensor. The scaling circuitry operates to adjust the output signal to a value appropriate for measurement. Preferably, the scaling circuitry adjusts the output signal based on a comparison with a reference value.

Abstract: A particle detection apparatus includes a substrate support adapted to support a substrate. The substrate support includes a number of proximity pins extending a predetermined distance from a surface of the substrate support and a number of probe electrodes coupled to the surface of the substrate support. The particle detection apparatus also includes electrical circuitry electrically coupled to the substrate support and adapted to generate an electric field at a backside of the substrate in contact with the plurality of proximity pins. The particle detection apparatus further includes detection circuitry electrically coupled to the plurality of probe electrodes and a processor adapted to process electrical signals associated with the detection circuitry.

Abstract: An electric potential measuring device comprises a detection electrode of a conductive material disposed in opposition to an object and a movable structure comprised of a first solid material portion of a dielectric and a second solid material portion of another dielectric or a conductive material. A charge induced on the detection electrode by electric lines of force from the object is modulated by moving the movable structure with a drive mechanism, to measure an electric potential of the object. An image forming apparatus comprises the electric potential measuring device and an image forming means for performing a control of an image formation by using the electric potential measuring device.

Abstract: An example method of monitoring and measuring the line width of interconnects comprising the following steps. First, we measure an I-V profile of a sample interconnect structure to obtain a sample I-V profile. The I-V profile is comprised of leakage current measurements at two or more voltages. The sample interconnect structure is comprised of spaced lines having a line spacing. Next we compare the sample I-V profile with a reference I-V profile at a reference line spacing to determine if sample interconnect structure is not defective. If the sample I-V profile is similar to the reference I-V profile, then leakage currents for the sample interconnect structure are derived from the I-V profiles at a selected voltages. Then we calculate the line spacing of the sample interconnect structure using the sample I-V profile.

Abstract: An impedance conversion circuit including: a first voltage-to-current converter and a second voltage-to-current converter supplied with differential input signal voltages; an inverting amplifier; and a third voltage-to-current converter for feedback; wherein a first resistance and a second resistance are connected in series with each other between an input terminal and an output terminal of the inverting amplifier, an output terminal of the first voltage-to-current converter is connected to the input terminal of the inverting amplifier, an output terminal of the second voltage-to-current converter is connected to a connection node of the first resistance and the second resistance, the output terminal of the inverting amplifier is connected to an input terminal of the third voltage-to-current converter, an output terminal of the third voltage-to-current converter is connected to an input terminal of the first voltage-to-current converter, and an impedance is connected between the connection node and a ground.

Abstract: The measurement device includes a microwave sensor, a microwave analyzer which is essentially composed of a microwave signal generator and a microwave power meter, and a processing unit to which the analyzer is interfaced. The sensor 3 includes a resonator 9 and an open coaxial probe 11. The resonator 9 is produced by means of a length of microstrip line 13, terminating with the probe 11 and short-circuited at one end 13A. The microstrip is produced on a laminate of low-loss dielectric material 15. The collector plate forming the ground is indicated with 17. Operating on the microstrip 13 are two weakly coupled ports with coaxial output, indicated with 19 and 21 respectively.

Abstract: The device (1) allows the detection of small quantities of electrical charge (Qs) utilised for recognition of the gybridisation process of a single strand of DNA. It comprises a chip (2) in which is integrated an MOS device having a floating gate (7) a first portion (7a) of which extends in facing relation to a recess (8) formed in a surface of the chip (2) and accessible from outside the chip (2) and operable to retain an electrical charge (Qs) to be measured bound to it. A second portion (7b) of the gate (7) of the MOS device is coupled to a control electrode, (10) of the chip (2) by means of a capacitor (12) of predetermined value within the chip (2).

Abstract: A differential capacitor one terminal capacitor interface circuit for sensing the capacitance of first and second capacitors includes a differential integrating amplifier having first and second summing nodes and an input common mode voltage; and a switching circuit for charging a first capacitor of said differential one terminal capacitor to a first voltage level and a second capacitor of said differential one terminal capacitor to a second voltage level in a first phase, in a second phase connecting said first capacitor to said first summing node and said second capacitor to said second summing node of said amplifier to provide first and second output changes substantially representative of the difference between said first and second voltage levels and said input common mode voltage, in a third phase charging said first capacitor to said second voltage level and said second capacitor to said first voltage level, and in a fourth phase connecting said first capacitor to said second summing node and said seco

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a touch sensing device and method. An embodiment of the disclosed method that comprises starting to count with a counter while charging a sensing point which has distributed capacitance periodically, then transferring the charge on the sensing point to a second capacitor. Next, the voltage on the second capacitor is compared with a reference voltage, and if the former exceeds the latter, the counter stops counting and saving the count value. If the voltage on the second capacitor is less than the reference voltage, the sensing point is judged to determine whether it is in a touching state or in a non-touching state according to the saved count value while discharging the second capacitor, clearing the counter after the discharge, then restarting the method. Using the device and method of this disclosure, the touching sensing action can be tested accurately.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving the sensitivity of a variety of conductivity sensing devices, in particular capacitively-coupled contactless conductivity detectors. A parallel inductor is added to the conductivity sensor. The sensor with the parallel inductor is operated at a resonant frequency of the equivalent circuit model. At the resonant frequency, parasitic capacitances that are either in series or in parallel with the conductance (and possibly a series resistance) is substantially removed from the equivalent circuit, leaving a purely resistive impedance. An appreciably higher sensor sensitivity results. Experimental verification shows that sensitivity improvements of the order of 10,000-fold are possible. Examples of detecting particulates with high precision by application of the apparatus and methods of operation are described.

Abstract: Signal coincidence detection circuits and methods implemented in such circuits are disclosed. An example signal coincidence detection circuit includes a first differential transistor pair, a second differential transistor pair coupled with the first differential transistor pair and a third differential transistor pair coupled with the first differential transistor pair in parallel with the second differential transistor pair. The circuit also includes a first input signal terminal coupled with the first, second and third differential transistor pairs, wherein, in operation, the first input signal terminal receives a first input signal that is communicated to the first, second and third differential transistor pairs.

Abstract: A probe apparatus can include a substrate, a contact structure attached to the substrate, and an electronic component electrically connected to the contact structure. The electronic component can be attached to the contact structure.

Abstract: A method of designing and manufacturing a probe card assembly includes prefabricating one or more elements of the probe card assembly to one or more predefined designs. Thereafter, design data regarding a newly designed semiconductor device is received along with data describing the tester and testing algorithms to be used to test the semiconductor device. Using the received data, one or more of the prefabricated elements is selected. Again using the received data, one or more of the selected prefabricated elements is customized. The probe card assembly is then built using the selected and customized elements.

Abstract: A test apparatus for semiconductor elements on a semiconductor wafer has test probes in a test area, which are held by a needle card. The needle card is held by a test area housing which surrounds the test area. Pressure is applied to the test area, and the test area housing floats on an air cushion above the semiconductor wafer. The test area housing has at least three distance sensors, which detect the width of a gap between the test area housing and the semiconductor wafer upper face, and interact with at least three gap control elements. The gap control elements are supported against a stiff test apparatus plate and maintain a predetermined gap width, while the semiconductor wafer is arranged on a test table of the test apparatus.

Abstract: A probe assembly suitable for high-current measurements of an electrical device.

Abstract: A surface mount component RF test fixture and method for testing a surface mount device are provided. The test fixture includes a testing board configured to receive a surface mount device and at least one testing interface configured to connect the testing board with the surface mount device. The at least one testing interface also configured to compensate for planar deviations of the connection between the surface mount device and the at least one testing interface.

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: There is provided a testing apparatus for evaluating a device-under-test, having an extracting section for extracting jitter components out of an output signal outputted out of the device-under-test, a filter for passing predetermined frequency components in the jitter components, a phase control section for controlling phase of the output signal based on the jitter components outputted out of the filter and an evaluating section for evaluating the device-under-test based on a signal outputted out of the phase control section.

Abstract: A protection circuit is disclosed, for preventing access to stored security key data after the security key is no longer used. The protection circuit performs operations on a programming circuit used to program a bit of the security key. The protection circuit prevents inspection of the security key bit, using several techniques. Subsequent inspection of the programming circuit does not reveal the value of the security key bit.

Abstract: A logic-latching apparatus includes a noise-event detection unit, a combinational logic unit and a latch unit. The noise-event detection unit is used for detecting whether or not a noise-event occurs (for example, an ESD). The latch unit is coupled with the noise-event detection unit and the combinational logic unit for latching the state of the combinational logic unit. When the output of the noise-event detection unit indicates that a noise-event occurs, the latch unit provides the input terminal of the combinational logic unit with a corresponding input signal according to the latched state of the combinational logic unit inside the latch unit to prevent the state of the combinational logic unit from being affected by the noise-event.

Abstract: A dual-wire communications bus circuit, compatible with existing two-wire bus protocols, includes a first and second part of the communications bus circuit to couple to a communications bus. The bus has a first line for carrying data signals from a master device to one or more slave devices and a second line to carry a clock signal between the devices A pullup resistor is located in each part of the communications bus circuit; the pullup resistor in the first part couples to the first line of the communications bus and the pullup resistor in the second part couples to the second line of the communications bus. To improve data throughput and reduce noise, an active pullup device, working in conjunction with the pullup resistor, is located in each part of the communications bus circuit, providing a high logic level on at least one of the communications bus lines.

Abstract: The termination impedance of a memory agent may be selected dynamically. A transmission line may be simultaneously terminated with a first impedance at first memory agent and a different impedance at a second memory agent. A memory agent may have a terminator with at least two termination values and logic to dynamically select the termination values. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit with an operating voltage having an absolute value is 2.5 V or below includes circuit blocks to which operation voltage is supplied by first and second power lines and a first switching element for each circuit block. Each circuit block includes a first MOS transistor in which a leakage current flows even under a condition that a gate voltage is equal to a source voltage. Each of the first switching elements controls the leakage current flowing through a corresponding first MOS transistor of each circuit block. Also, while one of the first switching elements is controlled to reduce the leakage current flowing through the circuit block relating to one of the first switching elements, another one of the first switching elements is controlled to allow current to flow through the circuit block relating to another one of the first switching elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering operating power from a data terminus to a utilization device includes a first data connection connecting the data terminus to a data repeater station and a second data connection connecting the data repeater station to the utilization device. A first power sourcing equipment delivers DC operating power to the data repeater station over a physical layer of the first data connection. A second power sourcing equipment at the repeater station receives operating power over the physical layer of the first data connection and delivers operating power over a physical layer of the second data connection to the utilization device.

Abstract: A programmable semiconductor device of the invention includes: processing element unit executing a predetermined operation; input/output connection unit acting as a signal input part and/or a signal output part in processing element unit; interconnecting unit, comprised of a plurality of wires, connecting processing element unit via input/output connection unit; bidirectional repeater unit, arranged between the intersection points of interconnecting unit, performing disconnection, or driving interconnecting unit in the forward direction or in the reverse direction; and interconnection connecting unit, arranged at the intersection point, connecting interconnecting unit at the intersection point.

Abstract: A field-programmable object array integrated circuit employs a course gain architecture comprising a core array of highly optimized silicon objects that are individually programmed and synchronously connected via high performance parallel communications structures permitting the user to configure the device to implement a variety of very high performance algorithms. The high level functions available in the objects combined with the unique interconnect structures enables performance superior to existing field programmable solutions while maintaining and enhancing the flexibility. A consistent peripheral “donut” structure around the core of each object makes them interchangeable to build up complex circuits without redesign of standard objects.

Abstract: An I/O output circuit is disclosed for interfacing a first system operating at a first voltage with a second system operating at a second voltage higher than the first voltage. The I/O output circuit includes an output stage module having one or more PMOS transistors and one or more NMOS transistors for coupling with the second system. A switch module is coupled to the output stage module for selectively providing the PMOS and NMOS transistors with various gate biases. A feedback circuit is coupled between an I/O pad that couples the output stage module to the second system and the switch module for controlling the switch module to generate the gate biases in response to a voltage at the I/O pad, thereby ensuring voltages across gates of the PMOS and NMOS transistors to be within a predetermined range.