Abstract: A self-contained, rechargeable LED flashlight uses a zener diode in reverse-breakdown avalanche mode as a low-cost voltage regulator. A second embodiment of the LED flashlight incorporates boost-buck circuitry to allow the internal rechargeable flashlight battery to be recharged through external dry cells. An LED or LED array of the flashlight may be by passed with operator control to allow an internal battery to operate an external device, such as a cellular telephone or the like.

Abstract: The embodiment disclosed herein relates to a lighting system that includes an auxiliary lighting circuit for use with an electronic HID ballast. The lighting system comprises a power supply configured to provide power to a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp via an electronic ballast and a ballast power sensing component configured to determine the amount of power drawn by the electronic ballast and to convert this power drawn by the electronic ballast to a scaled voltage that is representative of the power drawn by an HID ballast. A lamp driver component is configured to provide power to an auxiliary lamp via the same power supply when the scaled voltage reaches a triggering threshold. A voltage regulation component is configured to regulate the power delivered to the auxiliary lamp such that the auxiliary lamp power stays within a predefined range.

Abstract: A circuit includes a capacitive element for coupling across a load element to be energized by a DC signal, a first sense element to monitor an instantaneous sum of currents through the load element and the capacitive element, a switching element to control current through the first sense element, a second sense element coupled to the switching element to sense current through the switching element, an energy storage element coupled to the switching element, a unidirectional current flow element allowing current flow to the load element, and a converter circuit to control the switching element, wherein the converter circuit regulates to the current level monitored across the first sense element, and wherein a converter regulation loop includes a dominant pole to average the current sensed through the first sense element.

Abstract: A current source generates, with high efficiency, a current that is substantially constant over a wide range of output voltages. This current is injected into the first end of a series-connected string of LEDs, with the second end of the string connected through a resistor to ground. The voltage developed across this resistor, which is a measure of current flow in the series string, is fed back to the current source, wherein feedback maintains nearly constant current output over a wide range of output voltages. A field effect transistor (FET) is placed in parallel with each LED in the string. A level shift gate driver couples a pulse width modulated control signal to the gate of each FET. With the FET being coupled across a particular LED, the LED can be bypassed when the FET is actuated or receive current when the FET is deactuated. By modulating the duty cycle of each FET, the brightness of each associated LED may be varied smoothly over its full range.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an LED ballast circuit for dimming one or more LEDs using a phase controlled dimmer switch. The LED ballast circuit has a power conditioning unit which includes a substantially fixed duty cycle clock for outputting a clock cycle and a transformer configured to store energy and discharge a substantial portion of the stored energy once per clock cycle in order to power one or more LEDs. The LED ballast circuit and load collectively behave like a resistor.

Abstract: A sub-mm wave source based on Cherenkov resonant radiation of a microbunched electron beam radiating coherently in a dielectric-loaded pipe. The microbunched electron beam is produced in a pulse photoinjector by illuminating a metal photocathode with sub-ps or multi-ps intensity-modulated laser beam with a beat wave or multiplexing at terahertz frequencies, the photoelectrons generated at the photocathode being accelerated by an electric field and sub-wavelength focused by magnetic field to propagate through a resonant radiator comprising a corrugated wall or smooth-wall metal capillary pipe internally coated with dielectric and attached to an antenna.

Abstract: A method and a circuit for controlling a motor and a brushless motor using the same are provided. The brushless motor includes three phase coils, wherein the first terminals of all the phase coils are coupled to a common node. The method includes following steps: among the above-mentioned three phase coils, when there is no current flowing through the first phase coil of the above-mentioned three phase coils and a current flows from the second terminal of the second coil to the second terminal of the third phase coil, detecting the voltage at the second terminal of the first phase coil to be a first specific voltage; detecting the voltage drop of a DC sensing resistor to be a second specific voltage; and utilizing the first specific voltage, the second specific voltage and the DC voltage supplied to the motor to estimate zero crossing points for controlling the motor.

Abstract: A disk drive system including retract logic for control of the voice coil motor in a retract operation, in which the voice coil motor positions the read/write head actuator arm in a safe place in a loss-of-power event, is disclosed. The retract logic includes circuitry for controlling the application of power to the voice coil motor from an external capacitor in a pulse-width modulated manner. Current from the capacitor is coupled to the voice coil motor in a drive phase of the pulse-width modulation cycle, and is recirculated through the voice coil motor in a complementary phase of the pulse-width modulation cycle. The recirculation is accomplished by a recirculation transistor that is smaller than the pull-down transistor used in the drive phase.

Abstract: A mobile robot has a mobile mechanism, a swing mechanism and a control unit. The mobile mechanism is of a coaxial two-wheeled type and controls a forward thrust using inverted pendulum control. The swing mechanism actively swings an upper body laterally with respect to the mobile mechanism. A centrifugal force and a gravitational force act on a center of gravity of the mobile robot. A swing attitude is controlled such that a location of intersection of an extension of a composite vector of the forces acting on the center of gravity of the mobile robot and a ground plane of wheels is kept between left and right wheels.

Abstract: A motor control system uses an incremental encoder that provides a signal indicative of motor position. If an illegal state change is detected in the same sampling interval, an error event is recorded and an error counter is incremented. When the number of counts exceeds a pre-determined threshold, the motor is disabled so that appropriate corrective action can be taken.

Abstract: A damping apparatus is provided for a positioning stage that is operative to move and position an object along a motion axis. The damping apparatus comprises a motion transformation device operative to rotate the positioning stage about a rotary axis that is substantially perpendicular to the motion axis, in response to forces generated to the positioning stage during acceleration or deceleration thereof. Resilient elements connected to the positioning stage serve to reduce transmission of vibration generated from the positioning stage.

Abstract: A vehicular power system includes: a secondary battery; an up-converter receiving a voltage of the secondary battery at a first connection node thereof, and up-converting a voltage between terminals of the secondary battery and outputting the up-converted voltage at a second connection node thereof; system main relays switching between connection and disconnection of the voltage up-converted by the up-converter to and from a load of a vehicle; and a case housing the secondary battery, the up-converter and the system main relays. Preferably the vehicular power supply system further includes a capacitor having one end connected to the second connection node of the up-converter and the case further houses the capacitor. Preferably the capacitor includes a plurality of series connected, electric dual layer capacitors. A vehicular power supply system suitable for being mounted in a vehicle and miniaturized, and a vehicle having the system mounted therein, can thus be provided.

Abstract: A rechargeable DC power supply includes a housing including an interior, an exterior, and an integral heat sink including a heat absorbing surface formed in said interior and a heat dissipating surface formed in said exterior. The rechargeable DC power supply includes a rechargeable battery having battery terminals positioned in said interior, power supply terminals positioned at said exterior of said housing, and a first printed circuit board (PCB) assembly including a bidirectional DC-DC converter module connected between said battery terminals and said power supply terminals. The first PCB assembly is in coplanar contact with said heat absorbing surface.

Abstract: A power tool and a method of operating a power tool. The power tool can include a housing supporting a motor, a switch assembly, and a fuel gauge. The method can include the acts of activating the switch assembly to electrically connect the motor and a battery, measuring a state of charge of the battery, displaying the state of charge on the fuel gauge before electrically connecting the motor and the battery, and stopping the display of the state of charge before deactivating the switch assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a state of charge (SOC) compensation method of a battery and a battery management system using the SOC compensation method. The charge and discharge current of the battery is used to calculate a first SOC and a first voltage corresponding to the first SOC, the charge and discharge current of the battery, the battery pack voltage, and an internal resistance of the battery are used to calculate a rheobasic voltage of the battery, an integration error corresponding to a difference between the first voltage and the rheobasic voltage is calculated, and a SOC compensation factor corresponding to the error is added to or subtracted from the first SOC to determine a more accurate SOC of the battery.

Abstract: A remaining battery capacity indicating apparatus includes an end voltage accumulated value setting unit operable to set an accumulated value indicative of a remaining capacity of a lithium-ion secondary battery, the accumulated value being set in a fully charged state of the battery so that the accumulated value reaches zero when a voltage in the battery is a device-side end voltage. It is determined whether a battery-side end voltage which ends discharges from the lithium-ion secondary battery corresponds to the device-side end voltage. If the battery-side end voltage does not correspond to the device-side end voltage, then the accumulated value is corrected in response to the device-side end voltage. A remaining capacity of the battery, corresponding to the device-side end voltage, is calculated based on the corrected accumulated value, and the calculated remaining capacity of the battery is displayed on a display unit.

Abstract: A protecting circuit monitors a voltage of a secondary battery and supplies the signal to permit a discharge to a gate terminal of a discharge control FET when the voltage is equal to or more than a lower limit value in a rated voltage range. When the discharge control FET receives this signal, it is connected and passes a discharge current. In the other cases, it shuts off the discharge current. Further, when the voltage is equal to or more than a predetermined value, a signal of a voltage of a battery voltage or more is supplied from a voltage converter to the gate terminal. When the voltage is equal to or less than an upper limit value in the rated voltage range, the protecting circuit supplies the signal to permit a charge to a gate terminal of a charge control FET. Further, when the voltage is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the voltage output from the voltage converter is supplied to the gate terminal.

Abstract: A storage battery unit (1) including a storage battery (2) and a monitoring device (3) that monitors a state of the storage battery using an output of the storage battery as an input, wherein, in order to prevent the monitoring device from consuming electric power in a state before use of the storage battery and prevent nonfunctioning of the monitoring device in use of the storage battery, a starting circuit (4) is provided between the storage battery and the monitoring device (3), the starting circuit including: a main switch that holds an OFF state in a state before a load is connected to the storage battery and interrupts supply of electric power from the storage battery (2) to the monitoring device; and a switch drive circuit that detects a reduction in terminal voltage of the storage battery that occurs when the load exceeding the set value is connected to the storage battery, and sets the main switch to an ON state.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems for charging a battery in a power management unit include a power regulator having an input power supply and a processor that regulates a charging rate of the battery based on measured parameters of the power regulator and the battery. The processor is programmed to perform exemplary methods that include receiving an output voltage signal and a battery temperature signal from the power regulator, and comparing the output voltage to a first threshold to determine a charge level of the battery. An exemplary method includes selecting a charging mode based on the comparison, and sending a first control signal to the power regulator to adjust a charging rate of the battery based on the battery temperature.

Abstract: Electrical connection between a charging device and a secondary battery is checked during a wait time in which a charge mode of the charging device is selected. When the electrical connection is not successfully established, a charge current is not supplied from the charging device to the secondary battery.

Abstract: A system for a supplemental power source for a hand held portable electronic device is provided. A super capacitor is connected in parallel to a main battery of the portable electronic device. When the main battery becomes disconnected, the super capacitor is used to power the portable electronic device. The super capacitor is also used to provide compensation for the internal impedance of the main battery and the path impedance between the main battery and the load.

Abstract: An integrated circuit and method in an integrated circuit for providing electrical power utilizing digital power regulation. Various aspects of the present invention provide an integrated circuit comprising a power supply module that outputs electrical power at an output voltage level. An error determination module may receive a power supply reference signal and a signal indicative of the output voltage level and output a power supply error signal. A digital controller module may receive the power supply error signal, digitally process the power supply error signal, and output a power supply control signal. A power output-monitoring module may monitor the electrical power output from the power supply module and output the signal indicative of the output voltage level. The power supply module may receive the power supply control signal and output the electrical power based, at least in part, on the power supply control signal.

Abstract: A switching regulator including an inductor and a switching transistor and having a normal operational mode and a light-load operational mode is disclosed. The switching regulator includes an operational mode switching part configured to switch the normal operational mode and the light-load operational mode, and a light-load detection part configured to detect the light-load state of a load. The light-load detection part is configured to detect the light-load state of the load by a change in the voltage at the connection of the switching transistor and the inductor when the switching transistor is OFF. The operational mode switching part is configured to switch the normal operational mode to the light-load operational mode in response to the detection of the light-load state of the load by the light-load detection part.

Abstract: A system and method to evaluate characteristics of notches in sine wave type electrical signals. An example method includes measuring a voltage waveform. A reference waveform is derived from the measured voltage waveform. A series of threshold voltage values is determined based on corresponding voltages of the reference waveform. The voltages of the voltage waveform are compared with the corresponding threshold voltages. The presence of a notch is indicated when a voltage of the voltage waveform is lesser in magnitude than the corresponding threshold voltage.

Abstract: An auxiliary element includes an end plate having an inner face which is intended to be applied against a large surface of a sensor and an outer face which bears two spaced-apart mounting lugs on a first edge thereof, the lugs extending outwards perpendicularly to the outer face. A first pair of passages is formed in the lugs for first screws used to fix the auxiliary element to a support. In addition, the end plate includes a through opening for the electrical conductor and a second pair of passages, symmetrically on either side of the opening, for second screws used to fix the end plate to the sensor. The through opening is formed by a recess provided on a second edge, opposite the first edge, and the second pair of passages are formed by two parallel slits which extend perpendicularly to the first edge of the end plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a switching device with a sensor unit located at a measurement end of a casing sleeve and connected to an electronic circuit located on a support received in the casing sleeve, and with a connection part located at a rear end of the casing sleeve. The method is characterized in that the sensor unit, support and connection part together with a shielding sleeve surrounding the support are assembled to form a dimensionally stable module and the latter is subsequently inserted in the casing sleeve, where it is received in fixing manner. According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a module for a switching device.

Abstract: A railcar presence detector including magnetic field sensors spaced along the length of a rail track for detecting magnetic field disturbances caused by ferromagnetic objects, such as railcars, passing along the rail track. Each of the magnetic field sensors generates an output signal that is received by a control unit. The control unit compares the output signal from each of the magnetic field sensors to a detection threshold and controls the position of a contact member dependent upon the comparison between the output signal and the detection threshold. Each of the magnetic field sensors includes a test device that is selectively operable to modify the magnetic field near the magnetic field sensor to test the operation of the magnetic field sensor. During operation of the system including the magnetic field sensor, the control unit can automatically activate the test device to assure that each of the magnetic field sensors are operating properly.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method enabling one to shield a device that measures weak biomagnetic signals from strong magnetic interference fields. The measurement sensors are provided with a feedback compensation loop, the difference signal of which is obtained from the measurement sensors themselves. As the actuator of the feedback function, one or more coils are responsible for eliminating, the external interference fields in the region of the sensors. Difference signals can be generated as a linear combination from the signals of two or more sensors. In the control logic, the SSS method can be used to numerically separate the biomagnetic signal being measured from the signals produced by the sources—compensation coils and interference sources—disposed outside the measurement region. The interference suppression can be enhanced by placing the assembly of sensors and the actuators within a magnetically shielding room.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor comprises a first and a second carrier foil and a spacer arranged there between. The spacer delimits a sensing region of the sensor in which the first and second carrier foils can be brought together against the their resiliency. At least two electrodes are arranged in the sensing region in such a way that an electrical contact is provided between them when the first and second carrier foils are brought together. The magnetic field sensor further comprises additional magnetizable layer associated with the first or the second carrier foil so that the first and second carrier foils can be brought together in response to a magnetic field.

Abstract: In an MR imaging method and apparatus which MR images with improved signal intensity, improved signal-noise ratio, improved contrast and improved image homogeneity can be acquired, the polarization state of the magnetic field of the RF pulses radiated into the measurement subject and of the resonance signals emitted by the measurement subject are distorted by the interaction with electrically-active materials of the measurement subject. In the transmission branch of the RF system the RF pulses emitted by a transmission coil are pre-distorted with regard to their polarization state. The sensitivity of the reception branch is optimized such that it is capable of detecting resonance signals independent of their polarization state.

Abstract: A multi-shot three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data view-ordering strategy for uniform or variable density k-space sampling schemes is presented. The ky-kz plane is partitioned into multiple wedge-shaped “blades” (or radial fan beams). The angular size of individual blades may be adjusted according to the desired number of views for each blade. Each blade includes views near the origin that contain low-frequency information about the imaged object such that views having the most desirable characteristics may be used to fill the central portions of k-space.

Abstract: A method of operating a DNP system comprising: a cryostat (1); a magnetic field generator (2) located in the cryostat for generating a magnetic field in a working volume; a microwave cavity (8) within which the working volume is located; and a waveguide (18) for supplying microwave power to the microwave cavity; the method comprising: a) locating a sample in the working volume and subjecting the sample to a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator; b) supplying liquid coolant to the working volume to cool the sample; c) irradiating the sample with microwave power so as to hyperpolarize nuclear spins in the sample; and d) warming the sample following the irradiation step by expelling liquid coolant from the working volume while leaving the sample in the working volume.

Abstract: A pulse induction metal detector having high efficiency and sensitivity. Within the scope of the invention is a high efficiency hand-held metal detector for detecting a metal object, comprising a coil and a source of current flow in the coil. The source is adapted to produce one or more pulses of current in the coil. Preferably, at least two of the pulses are spaced apart in time at least about 20 microseconds during which current flow in the coil is substantially constant. The metal detector also comprises a detecting circuit for detecting a response to the current pulses, and a sampling circuit for sampling the response at predetermined times at least during the time of one of the pulses.

Abstract: A connector for a downhole tool includes a body with one or more conductors positioned at least partially axially adjacent to an axial bore that extends at least partially through the body. In embodiments, one or more seals surrounding the body prevent fluid from flowing from a lateral opening into the interior of the downhole tool. Additionally, the body of the connector can include a circumferential or annular recess that acts as a reservoir to contain or capture fluid that might otherwise enter the sub. Leak protection can also be protected by applying a pressure compensating material around the body.

Abstract: A signal processing circuit includes an ion sensitive field effect transistor, a reference electrode for the ion sensitive field effect transistor, a metal oxide semiconductor transistor having its gate coupled to the reference electrode, and a biasing circuit. The biasing circuit is configured to bias the ion sensitive field effect transistor and the metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor to operate in a weak inversion region and to provide an output current signal.

Abstract: A chemical and biological agent sensor includes an electrostatic thin film supported by a substrate. The film includes an electrostatic charged surface to attract predetermined biological and chemical agents of interest. A charge collector associated with said electrostatic thin film collects charge associated with surface defects in the electrostatic film induced by the predetermined biological and chemical agents of interest. A preferred sensing system includes a charge based deep level transient spectroscopy system to read out charges from the film and match responses to data sets regarding the agents of interest. A method for sensing biological and chemical agents includes providing a thin sensing film having a predetermined electrostatic charge. The film is exposed to an environment suspected of containing the biological and chemical agents. Quantum surface effects on the film are measured.

Abstract: Apparatus for AC fault (ACF) detection are provided. In addition, apparatus for AC fault (ACF) detection and verification are provided. In addition, apparatus for identification of a module which is the cause of an AC fault (ACF) are provided. In one implementation, one or more of these apparatus can be combined to provide a fast, simple, low cost and reliable ACF detection, verification and/or identification circuit.

Abstract: Making process test capacitors simultaneously with circuit capacitors that are to be embedded into a printed wiring board and firing the test capacitors to result in fired-on-foil test capacitors for the purpose of using the test capacitors as test substitutes for the embedded circuit capacitors to predict whether capacitance, dissipation factor or insulation resistance of the circuit capacitors will fall within acceptable specified ranges prior to and after embedment.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for testing a catalysis electrode of a fuel cell. The apparatus includes a driving module, a loading module, a containing module and an analyzing unit. The containing module includes a hollow threaded bolt, a sleeve and a contact plate. The hollow threaded bolt is operatively connected to driving module. The sleeve receives and is operatively connected to the hollow threaded bolt. The contact plate is located below the hollow threaded bolt in the sleeve. The analyzing unit includes a working electrode, an auxiliary electrode and a reference electrode. The working electrode is connected to the contact plate. The auxiliary electrode includes an end located below the containing module in the loading module. The reference electrode is connected to the loading module.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool for performing electrical measurements to calibrate a plasma processing chamber probe is provided. The diagnostic tool includes an RF generator. The diagnostic tool also includes a first impedance circuit. The first impedance circuit is a voltage-load network, configured to deliver RF voltage outputs from the RF generator for voltage measurements when RF power from the RF generator is delivered to the first impedance circuit. The diagnostic tool further includes a second impedance circuit. The second impedance circuit is a current-load network, configured to deliver RF current outputs from the RF generator for current measurements when the RF power from the RF generator is delivered to the second impedance circuit. The diagnostic tool further includes a coaxial switch network arrangement configured to provide switchable RF delivery paths to deliver the RF power from the RF generator to one of the first impedance circuit and the second impedance circuit.

Abstract: A circuit includes a MOS transistor having a control electrode and a control capacitance, and including a control circuit for the MOS transistor. The control circuit includes an input to supply a control signal and an output to supply a drive signal, the output being connected to the control electrode of the MOS transistor. A calibration circuit is connected to the control electrode of the MOS transistor, and generates a calibration signal dependent on the capacitance value of the control capacitance. A drive circuit generates the drive signal with an amplitude dependent on the calibration signal as determined by the control signal.

Abstract: A method of inline inspection of photovoltaic material for electrical anomalies. A first electrical connection is formed to a first surface of the photovoltaic material, and a second electrical connection is formed to an opposing second surface of the photovoltaic material. A localized current is induced in the photovoltaic material and properties of the localized current in the photovoltaic material are sensed using the first and second electrical connections. The properties of the sensed localized current are analyzed to detect the electrical anomalies in the photovoltaic material.

Abstract: A contactor device comprising a plurality of probes disposed to contact ones of the electronic devices can be electrically connected to a source of test signals. A switch can be activated electrically connecting a connection to the source of test signals to a selected one of a first group of electrically connected ones of the probes disposed to contact a first set of a plurality of the electronic devices or a second group of electrically connected ones of the probes disposed to contact a second set of a plurality of the electronic devices.

Abstract: A vertically folded probe is provided that can provide improved scrub performance in cases where the probe height is limited. More specifically, such a probe includes a base and a tip, and an arm extending from the base to the tip as a single continuous member. The probe arm is vertically folded, such that it includes three or more vertical arm portions. The vertical arm portions have substantial vertical overlap, and are laterally displaced from each other. When such a probe is vertically brought down onto a device under test, the probe deforms. During probe deformation, at least two of the vertical arm portions come into contact with each other. Such contact between the arm portions can advantageously increase the lateral scrub motion at the probe tip, and can also advantageously reduce the probe inductance.

Abstract: Double-sided interposer assemblies and methods for forming and using them. In one example of the invention, an interposer comprises a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite of said first surface, a first plurality of contact elements disposed on said first side of said substrate, and a second plurality of contact elements disposed on said second surface of said substrate, wherein said interposer connects electronic devices via said first and said second plurality of contact elements.

Abstract: In accordance with an increase in speed, a wiring structure has rapidly become more microscopic and thinner and a wiring layer has become extremely thin, and therefore, giving a contact load to a probe for the inspection as has been conventionally done causes damage to a wiring layer and an insulation layer because the probe penetrates not only the oxide film but also the wiring layer or because of a concentration stress from the probe. On the other hand, decreasing the contact load causes unstable continuity between the probe and an electrode pad. It is an object of the present invention to surely and stably inspect an object to be inspected by breaking an oxide film with a low stylus pressure.

Abstract: An evaluation method of a probe mark of a probe needle of a probe card, includes the steps of: forming the probe mark of the probe needle on a probe mark evaluation wafer; recognizing the probe mark with imaging; and overlapping an imaginary electrode pad with the probe mark recognized by imaging so that the probe mark is evaluated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a thermal stratification test providing cyclical and steady-state stratified environments. In order to test an electronic device, for example one having one or more levels of ball-grid-array interconnections, e.g., connecting a chip to a flip-chip substrate and connecting the flip-chip substrate to a printed circuit board of a device, an apparatus and method are provided to heat one side of the device while cooling the second side. In some embodiments, the process is then reversed to cool the first side and heat the second. Some embodiments repeat the cycle of heat-cool-heat-cool several times, and then perform functional tests of the electronic circuitry. In some embodiments, the functional tests are performed in one or more thermal-stratification configurations after cycling at more extreme thermal stratification setups. In some embodiments, a test that emphasizes solder creep is employed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for inserting and replacing swaged probe pins in a lower die portion of a head having an array of micro-holes for receiving the probe pins are disclosed. The methods and systems include the following: swaged probe pins including substantially cylindrical ends and a swaged center portion; and an assembly aid film including an array of slotted holes, each of the slotted holes including a substantially round portion for receiving the substantially cylindrical ends of the swaged probe pins and slot portions for receiving the swaged center portion of the swaged probe pins. The array of slotted holes is configured to properly align the swaged probe pins with the array of micro-holes.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes one or more voltage drop detection circuits located at one or more measurement points within the integrated circuit to detect drops in the power supply potential at those points. The voltage drop detection circuits output signals indicating whether the power supply potential is within tolerance, or whether the power supply potential has fallen and corrective action is required. Being located near the measurement points, the voltage drop detection circuits can measure the power supply potential without being disturbed by electrical noise elsewhere in the semiconductor integrated circuit. The signals output by the voltage detection circuits can be reliably brought to external terminals despite the presence of such noise, because the output signals are bi-level signals.