Abstract: Pulse width modulation (PWM) controllers and output stage driver circuits and related methods of communicating switching regulator mode information. The controller includes circuitry that recognizes intervals when the load driven by the regulator is in a low power mode. Responsive to recognizing the low power mode, the controller generates a PWM mode signal having at least three (3) different levels including at least one intermediate level that is coupled to at least one driver. Based on the PWM mode signal, the regulator is switched into a power saving low power operational mode.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a plurality of DC-DC switching cells each configured to generate an output voltage in response to receiving a PWM control signal from the controller. The controller includes a plurality of output ports for outputting a plurality of PWM control signals, and at least one input port for receiving a plurality of output voltages from the plurality of switching cells. The controller is configured to sample the plurality of output voltages one at a time via a multiplexer and to regulate the output voltages in response to the sampling.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a DC-DC converter including a soft-start function of a soft start in response to a soft-start signal, comprises: a detection circuit that detects whether the soft-start signal is active at an end of a soft-start operation; and an output voltage control circuit that controls an output voltage based on detection result of the detection circuit.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a DC-DC converter comprises: an error amplifier that receives a soft start signal and amplifies a difference between an output voltage signal and a reference voltage signal; a PWM control circuit that controls ON and OFF states of a first switching transistor and a second switching transistor based on the output of the error amplifier; a frequency divider that divides a frequency signal and outputting a divided frequency signal; an accumulator that performs an adding operation based on the divided frequency signal and a control signal; and a DA converter that generates the soft start signal based on an output of the accumulator.

Abstract: A feedback controller comprises first and second feedback circuits. The first feedback circuit is connected between an input node and an output node and has an error node. The first feedback circuit comprising a feedback amplifier for comparing a feedback signal to a reference signal and providing an error signal, and a comparator for comparing the error signal to a second reference signal and providing an output signal. The second feedback circuit is connected between the input node and the error node and comprises a current source coupled to the error node and a controller coupled to the input node for controlling the current source in response to a value of the feedback signal being above or below a threshold value.

Abstract: For soft start of a switching regulator, the output voltage of the switching regulator is fed back to be compared with a ramp signal, in order to trigger a comparison signal when the ramp signal rises up to reach the feedback signal, to enable the switching regulator such that the output voltage changes from a residual voltage toward a target value. The low side switch of the switching regulator is kept off for a period of time after the switching regulator is enabled, so as to prevent a reverse current during the soft start period.

Abstract: Techniques pertaining to device and method for controlling an analog signal are disclosed. Using a single connection (e.g., a connector or a pin) without an external resistive element (e.g., a resistor), an analog output is digitally controlled and produced. According to one aspect of the present invention, a precisely controlled current is generated from a coded data that represents. A control unit is designed to control a working mode based on an input signal from the connection. In one embodiment, the working mode includes a default mode, a programmable mode, a testing mode and a shutdown mode. Under the programmable mode, a user determines a signal coupled in from the connection as desired, and a code unit codes the signal in accordance with a predefined protocol. The code unit then sends the coded data to a decode unit.

Abstract: A buffer circuit is selectively operative in one of at least a first mode and a second mode as a function of a first control signal supplied to the buffer circuit. The buffer circuit includes interface circuitry operative to receive at least second and third control signals referenced to a first voltage level, and to generate an output signal referenced to a second voltage level, the second voltage level being greater than the first voltage level. The output signal is a function of the second control signal in the first mode and is a function of the third control signal in the second mode. The buffer circuit further includes at least first and second circuit portions coupled to the interface circuitry, each of the first and second circuit portions including at least one control input operative to receive the output signal generated by the interface circuitry.

Abstract: Circuits and methods that improve the performance of reference circuits are provided. A reference generator circuit maintains a substantially constant output current over an extended temperature for use as a reference. Output current fluctuations caused by a poorly specified power source or process variations are minimized or eliminated.

Abstract: A circuit includes a current divider to divide a current from a current source into a first current and a reference current. The circuit also includes a current mirror coupled to the current divider to receive the first current from the current divider and to receive an adjustment current. The adjustment current is to set the reference current.

Abstract: A control unit includes an input terminal and an output terminal for a signal to be controlled, a control input terminal and a control output terminal for a control signal, variable capacitors connected in a bridge configuration between the input terminal and control input terminal, between the input terminal and control output terminal, between the control input terminal and output terminal, and between the control output terminal and output terminal, capacitances thereof being changed by the control signal, and a differential signal-controlled power source in which the control signal is applied across the control input terminal and control output terminal in a differential mode with a pair of signals having the same absolute value and mutually opposing polarities. Voltage or current of the signal to be controlled is controlled by the control signal changing the capacitances of the variable capacitors in the bridge configuration.

Abstract: A sensing device having a sensing surface for placing against a wall for detecting objects behind a wall lining has first and second sensors, each sensor including at least first and second capacitor plates and associated resistors forming RC circuits having time constants dependent on the adjacent wall material. Detection circuits connected to the RC circuits provide first and second voltage signals having amplitudes dependent on capacitance changes. A processor effects a comparison of the first and second voltage signals, and compares them to establish the magnitude of the voltage difference between the voltage signals, indicating a detected object center position when the difference signal is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Applicants have created an improved method and apparatus for remotely monitoring an electrical load and assessing key attributes of power-related anomalies and line disturbances caused or created by the electrical load and qualifying their conformity to certain expected steady state conditions. The apparatus includes an intelligent power distribution module that can include a power output section, a power input section, a communication section, and related circuitry. The intelligent power distribution module can further include a memory section, a sensing device, a processing device, and a switch. The method for monitoring an electrical load having a current and voltage requirement supplied by an electrical source coupled to the load generally includes: interfacing a sensing module between the load and the electrical source; sensing one or more characteristics of the load; and determining the performance of the load sensing.

Abstract: A radio-frequency (RF) measurement system for measuring a reflection coefficient an RF device under test (DUT) incorporates a reflection mode electro-absorption modulator (REAM) assembly coupled to the RF DUT. Also included in the measurement system, is a first optical fiber coupled to the REAM assembly, the first optical fiber configured to propagate a first optical signal into the REAM assembly and propagate a first reflected optical signal out of the REAM assembly. Furthermore, a second optical fiber is also coupled to the REAM assembly, the second optical fiber configured to propagate a second optical signal into the REAM assembly and propagate a second reflected optical signal out of the REAM assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides improved resolution in an analog signal, relative to the resolution of a digital-to-analog converter producing the signal. In one embodiment, a digital electrical power and energy meter varies a digital input to a digital-to-analog converter such that an average of the output of the digital-to-analog converter indicates a value with greater resolution than the instantaneous resolution of the digital-to-analog converter.

Abstract: A system and method for voltage sensing at active power gated cores of a multi core CPU wherein a Controlled Collapse Chip Carrier bump in a gating region for an associated core is isolatable from an ungated power region by a power gate to allow voltage sensing at a designated location with substantially no current passing there through.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention improve probes and probe assemblies. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a probe test head comprising a plurality of novel probes inserted in an array of holes in upper and lower dies of the assembly. The novel assembly includes a novel alignment layer for easy repair and maintenance of the probes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a probe with at least two test prods, which are provided on a changing device connected to the probe and which can be alternately connected to an electric waveguide running inside the probe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to compensate for the sensitivity drift of a magnetic field sensor for sensing a magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor comprises at least four electrodes. The method comprises a first step where a first set of two electrodes is used to bias the sensor and a second set of two electrodes is used to sense an output signal of the magnetic field sensor, and a second step where the second set of two electrodes is used to bias the sensor and the first set of two electrodes is used to sense an output signal of the magnetic field sensor. The method is characterized in that at least one of the first or the second step is subdivided in at least a first sub-step and a second sub-step. A reference magnetic field has first magnetic field parameters, e.g. a first amplitude and/or direction, in the first sub-step and second magnetic field parameters, a second amplitude and/or direction, in the second sub-step.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor device is suggested. The magnetic sensor device comprises at least one magnetic field generator, a magnetic sensor element (8), means (17) for supplying a frequency modulated sense current to the magnetic sensor element (8). A rejection means (18) is arranged in the signal path between the magnetic sensor element (8) and an amplifier (11). The rejection means (18) is apt for rejecting a signal component at the modulation frequency. The rejection means (18) allows reducing the required dynamic range of the amplifier (11) significantly because a large part of the sensed signal carrying no measurement information is not transmitted to the amplifier (11).

Abstract: A position sensor system for detecting an absolute angular position of a rotor axle of an electric motor at a predetermined angular resolution W. The position sensor system include, a first Hall sensor device having a first sensor magnet set-up, set up on the rotor axle, and two first Hall sensors, which are set up at an angular offset with respect to the rotor axle so as to achieve a position angle resolution of 90°, and having a second sensor magnet set-up, set up on rotor axle, having n pole pairs and a number m of second Hall sensors, which are set up at an angular offset to one another with respect to the rotor axle, the set-up and the number n of pole pairs and the set-up and the number m of the second Hall sensors being selected so as clearly to detect angular segments at the predetermined angular resolution W within the angular range of the angular offset of 90°.

Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic tracking system, comprising a coil arrangement comprising a first coil configured to generate a first magnetic field and a second coil configured to generate a second magnetic field and a drive unit configured to provide a first drive current to the first coil and to provide a second drive current to the second coil, wherein the first drive current and the second drive current are at about the same frequency, wherein the frequency is below 60 Hz, and wherein the first electromagnetic field and the second magnetic field are generated out of phase.

Abstract: A motion sensor for measuring motion information of a subject comprises a coil substrate having transmitting or receiving coils piled one on top of another and a holder in which the coil substrate is mounted. Formed on the holder are curved surfaces to which an adhesive sheet is stuck and at which the holder is attached to a nail of a subject via the adhesive sheet. Further, there is provided a casing where first and second containing space are formed to contain measurement instruments including an adhesive member where a plurality of the adhesive sheets are laid one on top of another, the motion sensor, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring system for contactless detection of a rotational angle, having a first body on which at least one magnet is disposed and having at least one magnetic-field-sensitive element, supported by a second body, for generating a measurement signal, the first body and the second body being rotatable counter to one another about an axis of rotation, and the magnet having a blind-borelike recess. The invention provides that the at least one magnetic-sensitive element protrudes at least partway into the recess.

Abstract: A rotation angle detector includes a rotator, first and second detecting bodies, an auxiliary detecting body, first and second detectors, an auxiliary detector, and a controller. The first detecting body rotates in association with the rotator, and the first detector detects rotation of the first detecting body. The second detecting body rotates in association with the first detecting body at a different speed therefrom, and the second detector detects rotation of the second detecting body. The auxiliary detecting body is engaged with the rotator at a position symmetrical to the first detecting body with respect to a rotation axis of the rotator. The auxiliary detector detects rotation of the auxiliary detecting body. The controller detects a rotation angle of the rotator based on detection signals from the first, second, and auxiliary detectors.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a magnetic substance detection sensor: which permits a high sensitivity magnetic field detection element to be effectively operative even in the vicinity of a magnet; which permits quantitative detection without depending upon the magnetic characteristic of a medium, e.g., soft magnetic material, etc.; which is compact and permits realization of reduced space; and which has high productivity. In addition, the present invention aims at providing a compact and high performance magnetic substance detecting apparatus.

Abstract: A method for handling a cast iron component adapted for use in a vehicle or engine, the method comprising measuring at least one magnetic Barkhausen noise parameter on at least one surface of the cast iron component, estimating the hardness of the material in the cast iron component based on the at least one magnetic Barkhausen noise parameter, and determining whether the estimated hardness lies within an allowed hardness interval.

Abstract: A condenser lens is incorporated into the end portion of a magnetic field measuring apparatus including a magneto-optical crystal. Alternatively, the end portion of the magnetic field measuring device includes an optical fiber having a core diameter smaller than that of a normal single-mode optical fiber.

Abstract: The magnetic sensor comprises a spin-valve GMR including a free layer having an elongated form as seen in a laminating direction and a permanent magnet layer having an elongated form as seen in the laminating direction. The permanent magnet layer is arranged in parallel with the free layer.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an imaging condition setting unit and an image data acquisition unit. The imaging condition setting unit sets an imaging condition with applying first and second suppression pulses of which at least ones of types, center frequencies and frequency bands are different from each other. The first and the second suppression pulses frequency-selectively suppress at least one of fat and silicone. The image data acquisition unit acquires image data according to the imaging condition.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a data acquisition unit and an image data generating unit. The data acquisition unit acquires data according to a sequence derived by adding a coherent control pulse on a Steady-State Free Precession pulse sequence for repeating plural radio frequency excitations with a constant interval. The coherent control pulse has a center at a substantially center time between adjacent radio frequency excitations and a zero-order moment of which amount is zero. The image data generating unit generates image data based on the data.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for accelerating MR temperature imaging used in MR-monitored high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy, temperature changes are determined at the focus of the ultrasound during MR temperature imaging; determining the ideal acceleration rate needed for data sampling according to the temperature changes at said focus is determined, the variable-density (VD) data sampling in k-space is adjusted according to the determined ideal acceleration rate, and the data obtained from sampling are reconstructed to form an image. The capability of accelerating MR temperature imaging with both good temporal resolution and good spatial resolution is improved by determining the acceleration rate according to temperature changes at the ultrasound focus and by adjusting the VD data sampling of k-space and thereby the benefits of good flexibility, feasibility and stability are achieved.

Abstract: A radio frequency coils array includes a plurality of conductive RF loops (62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, 162a, 162b, 262a, 262b, 362a, 362b, 362c, 462a, 462b, 462c, 562a, 562b) configured to excite or receive magnetic resonance signals, and a plurality of electronics modules (64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 164a, 164b, 264a, 264b, 364a, 364b, 364c, 464a, 464b, 64c, 564a, 564b) corresponding to the plurality of conductive RF loops. The electronics modules are grouped together in a compact electronics region (66, 166, 266, 366, 466, 66). Each RF coil is operatively connected with a corresponding electronics module. Each electronics module includes at least a pre-amplifier.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for designing RF pulses which have improved magnetization profiles. By utilizing an optimal control approach as an alternative to, or in combination with, non-iterative approximations, RF pulses generated by the system and method described herein will exhibit less deviation from that of “ideal” Bloch solutions. Consequently, the magnetization profiles produced by the RF pulses generated by the system and method described herein will be closer to the desired profiles. In addition, limitations of non-iterative approximations, such as maximum tip angle limits and linearity constraints, can be avoided.

Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance (MR apparatus for reducing aliasing artifacts in the imaging for MR-monitored high intensity focused ultrasound HIFU therapy, a primary coil is used to receive the MR signals, and an additional coil is provided to receive interfering MR signals that form aliasing artifacts in the MR-monitored HIFU therapy imaging. The MR signals received by the primary coil and the interfering MR signals received by the additional coil are concurrently acquired. The interfering MR signals received by the additional coil are removed from the MR signals received by the primary coil. MR images are generated based on the MR signals with the interfering MR signals removed. Aliasing artifacts caused by the interfering MR signals thus are removed from the MR images without reducing the resolution of the scanned body parts in the MR images. In addition, the MR scanning time can be maintained by using a proper phase oversampling technology in the concurrent signal acquisition.

Abstract: A well logging instruments includes an electrically conductive sonde mandrel. At least one electrical sensor is affixed to an exterior of the mandrel. The sensor is configured to be attached to the mandrel by sliding along an exterior surface thereof. A pressure-sealing electrical feedthrough bulkhead makes electrical connection from the at least one sensor through a wall of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method for determining a formation electrical property under a sea floor includes obtaining measurement data using a receiver having an impedance lower than an impedance of seawater at a measurement site; correcting the measurement data to obtain corrected data corresponding to data that would have been acquired using a receiver having an impedance matched with the impedance of the seawater; and deriving the formation property from the corrected data.

Abstract: A receiver for electromagnetic measurements includes a polyhedron structure having m faces, where m?4 and m?6: n electrodes each disposed on one face of the polyhedron structure, wherein 3?n?m; and at least one circuitry connected to the n electrodes for signal measurement. A method for electromagnetic measurements includes obtaining a plurality of electric current measurements using a plurality of electrodes each disposed on a surface of a polyhedron receiver, wherein the plurality of electric current measurements comprise at least three different measurements; and determining electric field components in a three dimensional space from the plurality of electric current measurements by using a number of matrices that correlate orientations of surfaces of the polyhedron receiver to a coordinate system in the three dimensional space.

Abstract: Methods and associated apparatus for testing an electrochemical device, such as a fuel cell. A first method involves charging the fuel cell during a charge period; discharging the fuel cell during a discharge period; and monitoring the response of the fuel cell during at least part of the discharge period or the open-circuit response of the fuel cell. Another method involves testing the fuel cell when the fuel cell is in a passive state in which substantially no electrochemical reactions are taking place in the fuel cell. simultaneously applying a stimulus to all of the devices, and independently monitoring the response of each of the devices to the stimulus. Further methods involve obtaining test data from a device being tested; obtaining equivalent circuit values; calculating sets of simulation data for each equivalent circuit value; comparing sets of simulation data with the test data; and selecting one of the equivalent circuit values based on the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an electrical variable of a rechargeable battery and a method for producing said apparatus, has: a measuring element (1), a printed circuit board (4) and a contact element (5) having a first end (6) and a second end (7), wherein the first end (6) of the contact element (5) is electrically connected to the printed circuit board (4), and the second end (7) of the contact element (5) is electrically connected to the measuring element (1) by a welded joint.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system is provided to monitor a battery stack having multiple cells connected in series. The monitoring system includes monitor modules to monitor respective subsets of the cells of the battery stack, each monitor module, in response to one or more control signals, measuring cell voltages of the respective subset of cells and providing at least one readout signal that represents the sampled cell voltages, the monitor modules being electrically connected in a stack such that each monitor module is referenced to the voltage of the respective subset of cells, and the control signals and the readout signal are connected through the monitor modules of the stack, and a system control unit to provide the control signals to the monitor modules and to receive the readout signals from the monitor modules.

Abstract: A sensor product for electric field sensing. The sensor includes a substrate, at least one electrically conductive area on the surface of the substrate, an output, and at least one conductor between the at least one electrically conductive area and the output. Also a sensor product web.

Abstract: In a surface voltmeter (1), a surface voltage on a measurement area on a semiconductor substrate (9) on which an insulating film is formed is measured while applying light to the measurement area. With this operation, a voltage induced on a main body of the substrate (9) by charge which is charged on a surface of the insulating film is balanced out. Consequently, it is possible to measure a surface voltage on the measurement area with high accuracy. Since an electrode wiring (164) used for application of an electrode voltage to an electrode (12) extends from the electrode (12) in a direction away from the substrate (9) along a vibration direction, it is possible to prevent influences of noises caused by vibration of the electrode wiring (164) in vibrating the electrode (12) and to measure the surface voltage on the measurement area more accurately.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool for testing an integrated circuit device directs a beam of laser energy to stimulate at least a portion of the device. In one mode, electromagnetic waves from said device may be detected at the same time in response to the stimulation. A processor collects image data and determines as a function of the collected image data whether the device has a defect. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method and system to detect and evaluate improper grounding/grounded bonds in an electrical power system is disclosed. An example method is detecting improper grounding in an electrical power system having a plurality of monitoring devices coupled to a grounded conductor and a grounding conductor. Data of the voltage between the grounded conductor and the grounding conductor is received from the plurality of monitoring devices. The spatial orientation of the data from the plurality of monitoring devices is determined within a hierarchy of the electrical power system. The voltage data received from the plurality of monitoring devices is compared to determine a bond (or lack of a bond) between the grounded conductor and the grounding conductor.

Abstract: A test circuit arrangement for testing latch units is provided which includes a) a voltage generator configured to adjust a voltage potential difference between a first ground line and a second ground line of the latch units and/or to adjust a voltage potential difference between a first supply voltage line and a second supply voltage line of the latch units; b) combiner configured to combine logical outputs of the latch units; and c) determiner configured to determine the voltage potential difference between the first ground line and the second ground line and/or the voltage potential difference between the first supply voltage line and the second supply voltage line in a state when all of the latch units have identical logical outputs.

Abstract: The present document describes a system for offline testing of an installed wiring harness, comprising: at least a first and a second testing module, having: a communication module for receiving test specifications and for sending test measurements; testing equipment for generating the test measurements from the test specifications; each of the first and second testing modules being adapted for connection at a connection point in the wiring harness; a central network management module, having: a communication module for providing the test specifications to the testing modules and for receiving the test measurements; and a test management module for controlling the testing modules.

Abstract: A method of testing a fuse element for a memory device is provided. A first test probe is electrically connected to a program terminal of the memory device. A second test probe is electrically connected to a ground terminal. The fuse element is on an electrical circuit path between the program terminal and the ground terminal. The first and second test probes are electrically connected to a testing device. A first voltage is applied with the testing device between the program terminal and the ground terminal. At least part of a first current of the first voltage flows across the fuse element. The first voltage and the at least part of the first current that flows across the fuse element is not large enough to change the conductivity state of the fuse element. The first current is measured and used to evaluated the conductive state of the fuse element.

Abstract: A measuring system measuring an impedance of an object to be measured, including an impedance measuring instrument; a casing formed of a grounded conductor and capable of locating the object to be measured therein; and a radially-shaped electrode connected to the impedance measuring instrument and capable of being connected to the object to be measured.

Abstract: A noise receiver is included in a network analyzer block diagram such that noise power and S-parameters measurements can be made almost simultaneously without mechanical switching in the test set. Additionally, a variable mismatch device tuner that is used by the network analyzer for S-parameter calibrations, is further used during the noise figure measurements method to remove the effect of source match variations so that the expected noise figure performance of the DUT when connected to a desired input (probably 50 ohms) can be determined.