Abstract: A system and method for controlling the electrical power consumption of an accessory device. A power transmission unit is adapted to generate electrical power. The system comprises a first controller, a current sensor and a second controller. The first controller is adapted to control the operation of the accessory device. The current sensor is configured to measure an amount of current being charged and discharged to and from the battery and generate a signal that corresponds to the measured amount of current charged and discharged to and from the battery. The second controller is configured to receive the signal from the current sensor and generate flag signal in response to detecting that current is being charged to the battery. The first controller is further adapted to control the accessory device to consume increased power from the electrical power generated by the power transmission unit in response to the flag signal.

Abstract: An overcharge detecting comparator (121) detects an overcharged state of a battery (101), and an overcurrent detecting comparator (120) detects an overcurrent state of the battery (101). In response to output signals from those comparators, a control circuit (210) performs on/off control of each of a switch (102) and a protection circuit (50). In response to an output signal from the control circuit (210), the protection circuit (50) is turned on, to thereby connect a resistor (125) to a path connecting a VSS terminal and an overcurrent detecting terminal, and is turned off, to thereby disconnect the resistor (125) from the path. As a result, even when the battery is in the overcurrent state, current consumption can be reduced.

Abstract: The current detection apparatus is provided with a current detection section (20; 30) that detects charging current and discharging current of the car driving battery (10), a level-shift circuit (40; 50) connected to the output-side of the current detection section (20; 30) that shifts the output of the current detection section (20; 30), and an A/D converter (60) connected to the output-side of the level-shift circuit (40; 50). The level-shift circuit (40; 50) shifts the current detection section (20; 30) output signal to unbalance the maximum discharging current and maximum charging current that can be detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handheld electrical machine tool having at least one electrical drive, at least one electrical device requiring electrical energy for its operation, a shut-off delay apparatus for the electrical drive and/or the electrical device and having at least one rechargeable battery for the electrical supply to the drive and the electrical device. Provision is made for the handheld electrical machine tool to have an exhaustive discharge protection apparatus (8), which predetermines the delay time (t) of the shut-off delay apparatus (3) as a function of the state of charge of the rechargeable battery (9) detected by it. In addition, the invention relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: A method for charging a lithium-ion secondary battery is so designed as to fully charge, with a voltage of the lithium-ion secondary battery being limited to a set voltage. Further, the method for charging the lithium-ion secondary battery is so designed that a degradation level of the lithium-ion secondary battery is detected, and when the degradation is advanced, the battery is fully charged with the set voltage being lowered.

Abstract: A generator device, e.g. a motor vehicle alternator, has a generator and can be electrically coupled to at least two batteries at the output end. The generator device is provided with one respective rectifier circuit for the at least two batteries. The rectifier circuits are configured and can be controlled such that power generated by the generator can be fed to the respective battery independently of the at least one other battery.

Abstract: A battery connection detection circuit is disclosed that is able to correctly determine an operation condition of a secondary battery and a connection condition between the secondary battery and a charging device. A determination circuit monitors both the voltage Vt1 on the battery connection terminal T1 and the current supplied to the secondary battery BAT, and therefore, the determination circuit can correctly determine the operation condition of the secondary battery and the connection condition between the secondary battery and the charging device even when high frequency noise is superposed on the power supply voltage Vdd, and when the power supply voltage decreases.

Abstract: An electrical power generation system and method for generating electrical power are provided. The electrical power generation system utilizes a master controller for controlling operation of devices coupled to an AC electrical grid and DC electrical grid based on parameter values associated with a renewable power generator.

Abstract: An electric power generation control apparatus for a vehicle alternator mounted on a motor vehicle performs one of a constant output voltage control a constant torque control and a constant exciting current control in order to suppress a hunting phenomenon of the vehicle alternator. First of all, the electric power generation control apparatus performs the constant output voltage control when a rotation speed is within an idling rotation speed range or a periodic change of the rotation speed is not less than a predetermined value. After completion of the constant output voltage control, when judging that the idle hunting phenomenon is not adequately suppressed, the electric power generation control apparatus performs one of the constant torque control and the constant exciting current control.

Abstract: An embodiment of a DC voltage converter, producing an output voltage (VS) at an output terminal from an energy source, comprises: a selector switch comprising a first input coupled to the energy source, a second input coupled to a ground, and an output coupled to a first terminal of an inductor, a second terminal of which is coupled to the output terminal of the converter, a capacitor being coupled between the output terminal and the ground, a regulator to produce a control signal as a function of a result of a comparison of the output voltage with a reference voltage, a control circuit to couple the output of the selector switch to the first or second input of the selector switch, as a function of the control signal. According to an embodiment of the invention, the converter may also comprise a means of inhibition adapted to inhibiting the control circuit when a current flowing in the inductor gets cancelled.

Abstract: The low voltage circuit for starting up a synchronous step-up DC/DC converter, which connects to a voltage source through an inductor, includes a P-type power transistor, an N-type power transistor and a controller. The P-type power transistor includes a body diode, and one end of the P-type power transistor acts as a power source of an oscillator. The N-type power transistor connects the P-type power transistor in series, and both of the power transistors are not enabled at the same time. The oscillator electrically connects to the controller, which enables the P-type power transistor at initialization time, and enables the N-type power transistor a period after the initialization time.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter prevents localization of switching operations at light loads and is able to improve power conversion efficiency. The DC-DC converter of some variations performs pulse frequency modulation control at light loads, and includes a reducing circuit configured to skip an oscillation frequency signal at light loads and to generate a skipped signal.

Abstract: A voltage regulator converts a voltage from a direct current power supply into a predetermined voltage, and outputs the predetermined voltage from an output terminal thereof to supply electric power to a load. The voltage regulator includes a first power supply circuit and a second power supply circuit. The first power supply circuit supplies the electric power to the load in accordance with a switching signal, when a load current is relatively high. The second power supply circuit supplies the electric power to the load in accordance with the switching signal, when the load current is relatively low. A bias current for operating the second power supply circuit is set to be proportional to the load current during the supply of the electric power to the load by the second power supply circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a voltage clamping circuit which is operated in a stable manner with the simple constitution and a switching power source device which enables a high-speed operation. In a switching power source device, one of source/drain routes is connected to an input terminal to which an input voltage is supplied, a predetermined voltage to be restricted is supplied to a gate, and using a MOSFET which provides a current source between another source/drain route and a ground potential of the circuit, a clamp output voltage which corresponds to the input voltage is obtained from another source/drain route. The switching power source device further includes a first switching element which controls a current which is made to flow in an inductor such that the output voltage assumes a predetermined voltage and a second switching element which clamps an reverse electromotive voltage generated in the inductor when the first switching element is turned off to a predetermined potential.

Abstract: A method of obtaining an optimized dead time for a synchronous switching power supply comprising a control IC and two series-connected switches, comprising packaging the control IC and the series-connected switches in a co-packaged module; providing a dead time delay circuit within the control IC circuit which has variable dead time; testing the switching power supply; varying the dead time in a defined sequence during the step of testing; monitoring a parameter during testing of the switching power supply as the dead time is varied; determining an optimal dead time based upon monitoring the parameter; and setting the dead time at the optimal dead time.

Abstract: A controller for a multi-phase switching power supply shuffles the sequence of the phases in response to a load transient to prevent synchronization of one or more phases with high-frequency load transients. The sequence may be shuffled by varying the frequency and/or sequence of the switching control signals to introduce a random variation in the phases.

Abstract: A regulator to provide an output voltage of a constant level at an output node. In an embodiment, the regulator contains a pass transistor to provide a conductive path between a pair of terminals, with the resistance offered by the path being determined by a control voltage on a third terminal of the pass transistor and the conductive path coupling a first reference potential (e.g., power supply) to the output node. An amplifier generates the control voltage based on a difference of a reference voltage and a voltage proportionate to the output voltage. A control unit turns on a current source when the voltage at the output node is below the desired constant level and turns on a current sink when voltage at said output node is above the constant level, to quickly correct for any variations in the output voltage due to load changes.

Abstract: To enhance a safety of a voltage regulator, provided is a control circuit (22), which controls the PMOS (1) to be turned on and operates so as to increase the output voltage (VOUT) when the output voltage (VOUT) drops transiently due to rapid fluctuations of a load (RL) connected to an output terminal and the predetermined conditions are not satisfied, and does not perform an operation for increasing the output voltage (VOUT) and causes the protection circuit (50) to protect the voltage regulator when the output voltage (VOUT) drops transiently and the predetermined conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A controller for a DC to DC converter. The controller may include a resistor coupled to a switching node of the DC to DC converter. The switching node may be coupled to a high side switch and a low side switch of the DC to DC converter. A current level through the resistor may be responsive to a state of the high side switch and said low side switch. The controller may further include ramp generation circuitry responsive to the current level through the resistor to provide a ramp signal, and pulse width modulation (PWM) circuitry configured to generate a PWM signal in response to at least the ramp signal.

Abstract: A reliable start-up circuit for starting a bandgap type voltage reference generator which ensures that the bandgap reference cell will operate at a stable operating point before the start-up circuit is disabled.

Abstract: A control system for dynamically adjusting an output voltage of a voltage converter includes a signal calculation circuit, a pulse width modulator, a voltage converter, a nonlinear calibration circuit and a signal converter. The signal calculation circuit, the pulse width modulator, the voltage converter and the signal converter form a long-tail loop. The signal calculation circuit simultaneously receives a target value and a detection value from the signal converter to generate an error value for adjusting the output of the pulse width modulator. The voltage converter and the nonlinear calibration circuit form a local pulse-squashing loop. Pulse widths of an input signal to the voltage converter can be timely and effectively calibrated and controlled, thereby decreasing power consumption of the voltage converter and providing an effective protective mechanism.

Abstract: A device that includes a voltage supply unit and an integrated circuit, the device is characterized by including a voltage sampling circuit adapted to sample voltage levels at multiple sampling points within the integrated circuit, to provide multiple sampled voltages, wherein the multiple sampled voltages reflect the voltage drops; and wherein the voltage supply unit is adapted to adjust a supply voltage provided to the integrated circuit in response to at least one sampled voltage. A method for voltage drop compensation; the method includes providing a supply voltage to an integrated circuit; the method is characterized by sampling voltage levels at multiple sampling points within the integrated circuit, to provide multiple sampled voltages, wherein the multiple sampled voltages reflect the voltage drops; and adjusting a supply voltage provided to the integrated circuit in response to at least one sampled voltage.

Abstract: Briefly, a method an apparatus of a power management system of a semiconductor device capable of managing a power consumption of the semiconductor device by varying an operating voltage of the semiconductor device according to a voltage value based on a reference number.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for identifying, among a plurality of cables having respective first and second cable end portions, a connected cable connected to a selected antenna without interrupting service thereof. A signal emitter is connected to the respective first cable end portion, proximal the selected antenna, of the connected cable. A signal meter is connected to the respective second end portion of each cable. A signal is emitted from the signal emitter and the respective received signal amplitude of the signal received at the second respective cable end portion is measured. The cable for which the respective received signal amplitude of the signal received at the second respective cable end portion is greatest is the connected cable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring a coolant conductivity of a fuel cell supplying power via positive and negative buses. The method includes measuring a first voltage of the positive bus, measuring a second voltage of the negative bus, applying a resistance between the positive bus and a reference potential, measuring a third voltage of the positive bus after a period of applying the resistance, and determining an isolation resistance based on the measured voltages. The isolation resistance is a function of the coolant conductivity.

Abstract: A method of determining the condition of a bulk tissue sample, by: positioning a bulk tissue sample between a pair of induction coils (or antennae); passing a spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) through a first of the induction coils (or antennae); measuring spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) produced in the second of the induction coils (or antennae); and comparing the phase shift between the spectrum of alternating currents (or voltages) in the first and second induction coils (or antennae), thereby determining the condition of the bulk tissue sample.

Abstract: A phasemeter for estimating the phase of a signal. For multi-tone signals, multiple phase estimates may be provided. An embodiment includes components operating in the digital domain, where a sampled input signal is multiplied by cosine and sine terms to provide estimates of the inphase and quadrature components. The quadrature component provides an error signal that is provided to a feedback loop, the feedback loop providing a model phase that tends to track the phase of a tone in the input signal. The cosine and sine terms are generated from the model phase. The inphase and quadrature components are used to form a residual phase, which is added to the model phase to provide an estimate of the phase of the input signal. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A module incorporates power sensors coupled to a through line through directional couplers, all of which are mounted on a board within a housing, for measuring transmitted and received power of a system under test.

Abstract: An exemplary method for testing rotating speed of a fan, includes the following steps: coupling a fan and a resistor in series to a power supply; coupling an oscilloscope in parallel with the resistor; plotting voltage across the resistor on a screen of the oscilloscope, and obtaining the period of the voltage according to the image; and obtaining the rotating speed of the fan.

Abstract: A relative position of two articles is determined by generating a magnetic field using a magnetic element of a first article and determining a first measurement value and a second measurement value using a sensor arrangement of a second article, with the first and the second measurement values correlated to the size of the magnetic field in two different spatial directions and correspond to two different magnetic field components. The sensor arrangement is selected such that the first magnetic field component is essentially parallel to the direction of relative movement of the articles and the second magnetic field component is essentially perpendicular to the relative direction of movement of the articles. A difference signal of the absolute magnitudes of the first and second measured values is used to determine the relative position of the first and second articles. A position detector is also provided.

Abstract: In order to cope with many rotor diameters using a single type of stator portion, two stator portions, each having a built-in signal processing circuit for detecting absolute positions independently, are disposed in opposition at positions which differ from each other with respect to a rotational center of a rotor portion. When one of the stator portions receives a request command RX from an external device, it transmits a detected serial communication signal. The other stator portion receives the transmitted serial communication signal, determines a position detection abnormality, and notifies the abnormality to the external device when a difference between the received absolute position and the absolute position detected by the other stator portion exceeds a deviation previously set for 180 degrees.

Abstract: A semiconductor component on a semiconductor chip comprises at least one sensor element for measuring a physical quantity and an evaluator. The semiconductor component can be switched between a first and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the sensor element is sensitive to the physical quantity to be measured and a measurement signal output of the sensor element is connected to an input connection of the evaluator. In the second operating mode, the sensor element is not sensitive to the physical quantity to be measured and/or the signal path between the measurement signal output and the input connection is interrupted. A test signal source for generating a test signal simulating the measurement signal of the sensor element is arranged on the semiconductor chip. In the second operating mode, the test signal source is connected or capable of being connected to the input connection of the evaluator.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor comprises a magnetoresistive element (10) biased with a current (i) in order to measure an external magnetic field (Hext). A magnetic modulation field (Hm) is applied to a sensitive region of said sensor and the sensor comprises a synchronous detection device (14) for measuring the amplitude of an odd harmonic of the output signal.

Abstract: An instrument for investigating properties of an earth formation includes a body housing a nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) probe, the probe having at least one coil wound around a core material and an electronics coupling, the body being adapted for insertion into a wellbore within the earth formation. A method and computer program product are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of enhanced magnetic preparation in MR imaging. An imaging technique is disclosed such that k-space is segmented into a number of partitions, wherein the central regions of k-space is acquired prior to the periphery of k-space. The imaging technique also includes the application of magnetic preparation pulses at a variable rate. In this regard, the rate of application of magnetic preparations pulses is varied as a function of the distance from the center of k-space. The amplitude of the magnetic preparation pulses is also varied based on the incremental distance of a partition from the center of k-space.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which executes a mask scan for acquiring, as mask data, magnetic resonance signals produced in an imaging area in which a fluid flows through a subject, in a state in which a contrast agent is not injected into the fluid, and an imaging scan for acquiring, as imaging data, magnetic resonance signals produced in the imaging area in which the fluid containing the contrast agent flows after the injection of the contrast agent into the fluid, so as to correspond to a TRICKS method, thereby sequentially generating images about the imaging area along a time base, said magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a scan device which executes the mask scan and the imaging scan, wherein upon execution of the mask scan, the scan device repeatedly executes scans for transmitting a spatial saturation pulse to a corresponding area containing the fluid flowing into the imaging area and thereafter sequentially acquiring the magnetic resonance signals as the mask data every time of

Abstract: A method in the form of a sequence for magnetic resonance imaging with which image data of a subject to be examined are acquired and with which signals of nuclear spins of a specific type are suppressed, includes the steps of (a) application of a suppression module to suppress signals of the nuclear spins of the specific type, (b) application of an acquisition module after a wait time to acquire measurement data, (c) repetition of the steps (a) and (b) one or more times, respectively after a repetition time and, (d) before the steps (a), (b) and (c), application of a spin preparation module that shifts a magnetization of the nuclear spins of the specific type into a steady state condition that is maintained through the application of the subsequent steps (a), (b) and (c).

Abstract: A system and method for displaying MR spectroscopy data acquired using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes acquiring MR spectroscopy data from a region of interest using the MRI system. The MR spectroscopy data is processed to determine relative spectral amplitudes of each of a plurality of points in the MR spectroscopy data resulting from frequency components of molecules in the region of interest. Each of the plurality of points is mapped to a particular optical parameter based at least upon on the relative spectral amplitude associated with each point and a point is generated for each of the plurality of points having the optical parameter mapped thereto. The points for each of the plurality of points are arranged to form a hypsometric map.

Abstract: A radio frequency coil unit includes a plurality of surface coils and a distributing/combining unit. The plurality of surface coils are arranged in a body-axis direction. The distributing/combining unit distributes and combines reception signals output from the plurality of surface coils to generate a new reception signal.

Abstract: A field distribution correction element for positioning on an examination subject in a magnetic resonance system for local influencing of the radio-frequency field distribution during a magnetic resonance acquisition has a system of electrically conductive dipole strips essentially running in parallel, arranged on a carrier element. In a corresponding method for generation of magnetic resonance exposures of an examination subject in a magnetic resonance system, for local influencing of the radio-frequency field distribution, such a field distribution correction element is positioned on the patient.

Abstract: A device for NMR spectroscopy is disclosed. The device comprises a sealed capillary having therein a lock material.

Abstract: A metal detector using a linear current ramp followed by an abrupt current transition to energize the transmitter coil. The constant emf imposed on the target during the current ramp permits separation of transient voltages generated in response to eddy currents in the target and its environment from the voltages arising as a result of an inductive imbalance of the coil system The temporal separation of the various voltages makes reliable differentiation between ferrous and non-ferrous targets possible.

Abstract: An electromagnetic probe 1 measures the electromagnetic properties of a sub surface formation GF in a limited zone surrounding a well-bore hole WBH. The well-bore hole is filled with a well-bore fluid DM. The probe comprises a pad 2 having a first face defining a first area arranged to be positioned in contact with a well-bore wall WBW. The probe 1 further comprises: at least two transmitting antennas 4A, 4B defining a central point CP between them, each antenna being spaced from a distance do from the central point, and at least a first 5A, 5B and a second set 5C, 5D of receiving antennas, each set comprising a first receiving antenna 5A; 5C and a second receiving antenna 5B; 5D, the first receiving antenna being positioned on one side of the transmitting antennas and the second receiving antenna being positioned on other side of the transmitting antennas so that each set encompass the transmitting antennas 4A, 4B.

Abstract: A multicomponent induction logging tool uses a nonconducting mandrel. A central conducting member including wires that electrically connect at least one of the antennas to another of the antennas. Electrodes disposed about the transmitter antenna form a conductive path through a borehole fluid to the central conducting member.

Abstract: An electromagnetic antenna for Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) applications is disclosed. The antenna can include several array elements that can act alone or together in various measurement modes. The antenna elements can be disposed in tool body recesses to be protected from damage. The antenna elements can include a ferrite plate crossed or looped by independent current carrying conductors in two or more directions forming a bi-directional or crossed magnetic dipole. Although disclosed as a MWD system conveyed by a drill string, basic concepts of the system are applicable to other types of borehole conveyance.

Abstract: Provided are a device and a method of detecting signal lamps in a vehicle, in particular in a large vehicle, being provided with a plurality of signal lamps each being capable of switching between an OFF-phase and an ON-phase. The method includes the steps of during the OFF-phase of a vehicle signal lamp to be probed inducing a probing current by connecting an electric current generator to said vehicle signal lamp circuit, where the probing current is lower than the nominal current for the lamp in question. The next step is to detect the electric voltage level over the lamp circuit and determining vehicle signal lamp characteristics such as type and condition based on said electric voltage level detection. The result of the determination is that the signal lamp is a LED lamp being connected, when the detected voltage level is within a predetermined interval between a first voltage level and a second voltage level.

Abstract: In a battery management system and a driving method thereof, the system includes a sensor and a micro control unit (MCU). The sensor senses a voltage and a current of a battery, and generates an estimation current of the battery using a result of cumulatively calculating the battery current by a unit of a predetermined period. The MCU receives the battery voltage and the estimation current, sets a voltage of the battery in a key-on state as a first voltage, sets a voltage of the battery after a first period as a second voltage, and calculates an internal resistance of the battery using a difference between the first and second voltages and an average value of the estimation current.

Abstract: A systematic method and system for testing the charging and starting systems of a vehicle, which requires each individual test to pass before proceeding is provided. In addition, the invention incorporates an improved alternator test that determines whether the alternator belt is slipping using data read using a vehicle data port. Further, the invention provides a battery bank test that correlates the voltage before and after a load is applied to the battery bank to the batteries' conditions. When testing the starter, the oil temperature is read via the vehicle data port, allowing for a determination of whether the current draw is abnormally high.

Abstract: An ionization vacuum gauge includes a cathode electrode, a gate electrode, and an ion collector. The gate electrode is disposed adjacent to the cathode electrode with a distance therebetween. The ion collector is disposed adjacent to the gate electrode also with a distance therebetween. The cathode electrode includes a base and a field emission film disposed thereon facing the ion collector.

Abstract: A method of determining the state of a cable comprising at least one electrical conductor, uses a generated test signal and applies it to at least one conductor by a non-contact coupling transmitter. The resulting signal is propagated along the at least one conductor and a non-contact electrical coupling receiver picks up a reflected signal, and compares the reflected signal to expected state signal values for the cable to determine its current state.