Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to reducing wander created by AC couplers. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit is disclosed that includes an AC coupler and a DC-level shifter. The AC coupler is configured to receive a differential input signal at first and second nodes, and to shift a common-mode voltage of the differential input signal. The DC-level shifter is coupled to the first and second nodes, and configured to reduce wander of the AC coupler. In various embodiments, the DC-level shifter is configured to supply a differential reference signal to the AC coupler, and to create the differential reference signal from the differential input signal at the first and second nodes by changing a common-mode voltage of the differential input signal.

Abstract: A level shifter includes a driving signal generating unit, a driving unit, and a current path forming unit. The driving signal generating unit is configured to generate a pull-up signal and a pull-down signal in response to an input signal, which may swing between a first high level and a first low level. The driving unit is configured to generate an output signal swinging between a second high level and a second low level in response to the pull-up signal and the pull-down signal. The current path forming unit is configured to form a current path between the pull-up signal and the pull-down signal in response to the pull-up signal and the pull-down signal.

Abstract: A level shift circuit including a level conversion unit that converts an input signal having a signal level of a first voltage into a signal having a signal level of a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage. The level conversion unit includes first and second MOS transistors of a first conductivity type and third and fourth MOS transistors of a second conductivity type, which differs from the first conductivity type and of which switching is controlled in accordance with the input signal. The third and fourth MOS transistors include drains supplied with the second voltage via the first and second MOS transistors, respectively. A control unit, when detecting a decrease in the first voltage, controls a body bias of the third and fourth MOS transistors to decrease a threshold voltage of the third and fourth MOS transistors.

Abstract: A method of converting a periodic pulse width modulated input signal into a voltage output signal wherein the input signal is in an active state for a first portion of each of successive time periods and in an inactive state for a second portion of each time period. A first and second input is supplied to an integrator circuit and a first capacitor is coupled between a first output of the integrator circuit and the first input and a second capacitor is coupled between a second output and the second input of the integrator circuit during a first time period of the pulse width modulated signal. A third capacitor is coupled between a first output of the integrator circuit and the first input and a fourth capacitor is coupled between a second output of the integrator circuit and the second input during a successive second time period of the pulse width modulated signal.

Abstract: A Gilbert mixer (200) comprising four switching transistors (Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6), two intermediate frequency transistors (Q1, Q2), and one or more DC decoupling components (202). The one or more DC decoupling components (202) are coupled between the switching transistors (Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6) and the intermediate frequency transistors (Q1, Q2) in order to DC decouple the switching transistors (Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6) from the intermediate frequency transistors (Q1, Q2).

Abstract: For detecting a sufficiently large voltage level and providing sufficient output power, a trigger circuit is provided. A rectifier can also be provided, providing effectively greater output power compared to known solutions at the same input voltage. Two competing field effect transistors are used in the trigger circuit. A field effect transistor connected as a diode is connected in parallel to an active rectifier in the rectifier circuit. The trigger circuit and rectifier are useable in a self-powered microsystem including a piezoelectric microgenerator.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a driver circuit includes a low-side driver having a first output configured to be coupled to a control node of a first semiconductor switch, and a reference input configured to be coupled to a reference node of the first semiconductor switch. The low-side driver also includes a first capacitor coupled between an output node of the first semiconductor switch and a first node, a first diode coupled between the first node and a first power input of the driver, and a second capacitor coupled between the first power input of the low-side driver and the reference node of the first semiconductor switch.

Abstract: A power supply switch apparatus includes a main outlet, first and second load outlets, a manual switch, and first and second electronic switches. The positive terminal of the main outlet is connected to the positive terminal of the first load outlet and connected to the second terminal of the first electronic switch. The third terminal of the first electronic switch is connected to the positive terminal of the second load outlet. The first terminal of the first electronic switch is connected to the second terminal of the second electronic switch and connected to a voltage terminal through a first resistor. The third terminal of the second electronic switch is grounded. The first terminal of the second electronic switch is connected to the voltage terminal through the manual switch and a second resistor in that order, and grounded through a third resistor.

Abstract: A die temperature sensor circuit (200) includes an amplifier (203) that has first and second stages of amplification and that has bipolar transistors (201 and 202) as an input differential pair. The bipolar transistors have different current densities. A difference between base-emitter voltages of the bipolar transistors is proportional to absolute temperature of the bipolar transistors. The bipolar transistors also provide amplification for the first stage of amplification. Multiple feedback loops maintain a same ratio between the current densities of the bipolar transistors over temperature by changing collector currents that bias the bipolar transistors. A feedback loop includes a second stage of amplification and such feedback loop cancels effect that base currents of the bipolar transistors have on an output signal of the die temperature sensor circuit.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus may include a plurality of through-semiconductor chip lines which pass through a plurality of stacked semiconductor chips. An uppermost semiconductor chip among the plurality of stacked semiconductor chips is configured to transfer its internal information signal to an assigned corresponding through-semiconductor chip line, and at least one semiconductor chip other than the uppermost semiconductor chip is configured to logically combine respective internal information signals transferred through through-semiconductor chip lines and their internal information signals and sequentially transfer resultant signals to assigned corresponding through-semiconductor chip lines. The at least one semiconductor chip other than the uppermost semiconductor chip logically combines the internal information signals transferred through the through-semiconductor chip lines from adjoining semiconductor chips and its internal information signals.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to improved regulators for charge pumps. Such regulators selectively activate a charge pump based not only on the voltage output of the charge pump, but also on an series of wake-up pulses that are delivered at predetermined time intervals and which are delivered independently of the voltage output of the charge pump. Hence, these wake-up pulses prevent extended periods of time in which the charge pump is inactive, thereby helping to prevent latch-up in some situations.

Abstract: A booster circuit includes a pump circuit having a plurality of charge pump circuits that output a boosted voltage. The booster circuit also includes a clock adjusting circuit that generates a second clock signal for operating the charge pump circuits from a first clock signal to a first output terminal. The booster circuit additionally includes a pump controlling circuit that outputs the first clock signal for operating the pump circuit, a first comparator that outputs a first output signal, a second comparator that outputs a second output signal, and a third comparator that outputs a third output signal. A gradient of the boosted voltage is decreased when the first output signal is output. A frequency of the first clock signal is reduced when the second output signal is output. The third output signal is output when the boosted voltage is higher than a set value of the boosted voltage.

Abstract: A direct conversion radio-frequency (RF) receiver includes a controller and an adaptive continuous-time filter. The adaptive continuous-time filter receives a multiple-bit control signal generated by the controller to adjust a characteristic of the continuous-time filter. The controller generates the multiple-bit control signal in response to process variation in the semi-conductor material used to implement the controller and the adaptive continuous-time filter. A method for tuning an adaptive continuous-time filter comprises determining a RC time constant, converting the RC time constant to a digital word, comparing a select bit of the digital word to a respective bit of a predetermined reference word to generate a control bit, applying the control bit to an adjustable element to modify the RC time constant, repeating the determining, converting, comparing and applying steps until the control bits generate an output word and providing the output word to the adaptive continuous-time filter.

Abstract: An example embodiment relates to a semiconductor device including a semiconductor package in which a semiconductor chip is mounted on the package substrate. The semiconductor package may include a temperature measurement device and a temperature control circuit. The temperature measurement device may measure a temperature of the semiconductor package. The temperature control circuit may change an operation speed of the semiconductor package on the basis of the temperature of the semiconductor package measured by the temperature measurement device.

Abstract: Electronic apparatus and methods of forming the electronic apparatus may include one or more insulator layers having a refractory metal and a non-refractory metal for use in a variety of electronic systems and devices. Embodiments can include electronic apparatus and methods of forming the electronic apparatus having a tantalum aluminum oxynitride film. The tantalum aluminum oxynitride film may be structured as one or more monolayers. The tantalum aluminum oxynitride film may be formed using atomic layer deposition. Metal electrodes may be disposed on a dielectric containing a tantalum aluminum oxynitride film.

Abstract: A single-phase electronic power-saving device includes at least one power-saving unit. The power-saving unit includes two ceramic piece capacitors, a safe capacitor, an inductor, a SCR, a first resistor, a second resistor, a live wire and a zero line; the two ceramic piece capacitors connected in series as a whole is connected in parallel with the safe capacitor to two terminals of which are connected the anode and the cathode of SCR, respectively; the anode of SCR is also connected to one terminal of the inductor, the branch composed of the first and the second resistors connected in series is connected in parallel so that one terminal of which is connected to one terminal of the inductor and the other is connected to the cathode of SCR; the gate of SCR is connected between the first and the second resistors.

Abstract: An audio amplification circuit is provided having an amplifier that receives an input signal, an output, and a digital control input for receiving a control value in a number n of bits; a comparator having a first input that receives the amplifier's output signal image, a second input that receives a reference potential, and an output; and a thermometer counter having a selection input coupled to the comparator output, and an output delivering an n-bit digital value to the amplifier control input. The amplifier comprises a differential input stage having a first and a second differential branch, each traversed by a bias current, the current in the first branch being modifiable by n basic current sources which each deliver either a current identical for all current sources, or no current, as a function of one respective bit of the digital control value received at the control input.

Abstract: In order to realize a wider bandwidth of a frequency characteristic of a power amplification circuit, outputs of differential push-pull amplifiers which are matched at respectively different frequencies are combined together by secondary inductors, and the combined signal is outputted.

Abstract: An audio amplifier circuit is described which comprises an operational amplifier. The operational amplifier receives an audio input signal and provides an output suitable for connecting a headphone, or a loudspeaker. A step-up converter is provided which supplies the operational amplifier. The audio amplifier is configured to operate in one of multiple operating modes, each of which uses a distinct supply voltage Vcc of the operational amplifier in the audio amplifier. Comparators are used to compare the output voltage of the operational amplifier with a first reference voltage to raise the supply voltage of the operational amplifier, if clipping is imminent. A second comparator is used to compare the output voltage of the operational amplifier with a second reference voltage, indicating that the supply voltage of the operational amplifier can be lowered without the risk of clipping.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for and a method of controlling a predistorter, and a method of detecting power control state. The method of controlling a predistorter, which is for predistorting a signal input into a power amplifier, comprises storing predistortion coefficients used by the predistorter; acquiring indices each indicative of an output power of the power amplifier; detecting, based on the indices acquired in the acquiring, whether the power amplifier is in a state of undergoing power control; and supplying the stored predistortion coefficients to the predistorter when it is detected that the power amplifier is in the state of undergoing power control, or supplying, when it is detected that the power amplifier is not in the state of undergoing power control, to the predistorter predistortion coefficients calculated by a unit that performs predistortion coefficient adaptive updating operation.

Abstract: A digital pre-distortion system and method are provided. The method includes performing a digital pre-distortion operation; and limiting an input of the power amplifier to be no greater than a limit threshold.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided an amplification circuit. The amplification circuit includes: a plurality of amplifiers configured to amplify an input signal and output the amplified signal; a control circuit configured to control a current supplied to each of the plurality of amplifiers; and a switching circuit configured to switch the amplified signal output from the plurality of amplifiers in response to current control performed by the control circuit.

Abstract: A power amplifier includes an input terminal, an input matching circuit connected to the input terminal, an amplifying transistor having a gate connected to the input matching circuit, an output matching circuit connected to the drain of the amplifying transistor, an output terminal connected to the output matching circuit, and an inverting differentiator circuit for either inverting and then differentiating, or differentiating and then inverting, a signal from the input terminal. The output of the inverting differentiator circuit is connected to the gate.

Abstract: A sense amplifier according to the present invention for detecting a potential difference of signals input to a first input terminal and a second input terminal, includes a first means for applying voltages corresponding to threshold voltages of first and second transistors to gate-source voltages of the first and second transistors, and a second means for transferring signals input to the first and second input terminals to gates of the first and second transistors. In this case, a threshold variation of the first and second transistors is corrected.

Abstract: A differential amplifier has an interpolating function and has: first and second differential pairs including transistors of a first conductivity type; third and fourth differential pairs including transistors of a second conductivity type; first and second current sources providing operating currents to the first and second differential pairs; third and fourth current sources providing operating currents to the third and fourth differential pairs; a first control circuit which controls, in a first operating range where the amounts of currents flowing through the first and second differential pairs become smaller, respectively, a changing point at which the operating current of the first differential pair changes; and a second control circuit which controls, in a second operating range where the amounts of currents flowing through the third and fourth differential pairs become smaller, respectively, a changing point at which the operating current of the fourth differential pair changes.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises: an OTA (operational trans-conductance amplifier) with a positive input terminal coupled to a reference voltage, a negative input terminal coupled to a feedback node, and an output terminal shunt to a ground node via a shunt capacitor; a resistor coupling the output terminal of the OTA to the feedback node; and a load circuit coupled to the feedback node via a switch controlled by a logical signal, wherein: an impedance of the shunt capacitor is substantially smaller than an input impedance of the load circuit. In an embodiment, the load circuit is a switch capacitor circuit. A corresponding method using an OTA is also provided.

Abstract: A power amplifying device includes earth parts which are connected with via holes for grounding, source electrode earth conductors which connect the earth parts, source electrodes which are coupled to the source electrode earth conductors, an inner source electrode which is not in contact with the source electrode earth conductors, a drain electrode, a gate electrode and an air bridge which directly connects the inner source electrode and earth parts.

Abstract: An electronic circuit includes: a first transistor having a control terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal; a second transistor having a control terminal connected to the second terminal of the first transistor, a first terminal, and a second terminal connected to a DC power supply; a plurality of DC paths that are mutually independent of each other and supply DC currents from the first terminal of the second transistor to the second terminal of the first transistor; and distributed constant lines connected in series with the plurality of DC paths.

Abstract: An integrated radiofrequency amplifier with an operational frequency includes first and second Doherty amplifiers each having a main device, and a peak device connected at respective inputs and outputs by respective phase shift elements configured to provide a 90 degree phase shift at the operational frequency. An input of the amplifier is connected to the input of the main device of the first Doherty amplifier, an output of the amplifier is connected to the outputs of the peak devices of the first and second Doherty amplifiers and the input of the peak device of the first Doherty amplifier is connected to the input of the main device of the second Doherty amplifier by a phase shift element providing a 90 degree phase shift at the operational frequency.

Abstract: A device is provided having a local oscillator (LO) configured to generate a first signal having timing information, frequency information, phase information or combinations thereof. The device also includes a prioritizer comprising at least two inputs, each input configured to receive a respective second signal having timing information, frequency information, phase information or combinations thereof. The prioritizer is configured to determine an accuracy of at least one second signal of the at least two second signals in relation to a second signal assigned to be a most accurate of the at least two second signals. The prioritizer is also configured to order the at least two second signals from most accurate to least accurate. The LO is disciplined to correct an offset error of the LO relative to a most accurate second signal that is available to the device, based on the order of the at least two second signals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a phase-locked loop device and a clock calibration method thereof, wherein the phase-locked loop device comprises a first oscillating module, a second oscillating module, a comparison module and a control module. The first oscillating module generates a first clock signal. The second oscillating module generates a second clock signal. After comparing the first clock signal with the second clock signal, the comparison module generates a difference signal. According to the difference signal, the control module, electrically connected with the first oscillating module, the second oscillating module and the comparison module, interactively tunes the first clock signal and the second clock signal to be as close as possible.

Abstract: Improvements in and relating to electronic pulse generation or oscillation circuitry based on a signal path exhibiting endless electromagnetic continuity and affording signal phase inversion in setting pulse duration or half-cycles of oscillation within time of signal traverse of said signal path, and having active switching means associated with said signal path to set rise and fall times of each said pulse or said half-cycle of oscillation, including for frequency adjustment by selective inductance and power saving without stopping pulse generation or oscillation.

Abstract: A circuit includes an oscillator circuit including a first oscillator and a second oscillator. The first and the second oscillators are configured to generate signal having a same frequency and different phases. A transmission line is coupled between the first and the second oscillators.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a surface mount oscillator that can suppress a change with the lapse of time in frequency characteristics. A surface mount type crystal unit 1 includes: a framed crystal plate 2 in which an oscillating part 6 having a first excitation electrode 5a and a second excitation electrode 5b on opposite principal surfaces thereof is surrounded by a frame 7, and the oscillating part 6 and the frame 7 are connected by connecting parts 8a and 8b; a base 3; and a cover 4. The surface mount type crystal unit 1 has such a configuration that a first metal film 17 is formed in one area of two areas formed by dividing the principal surface of the frame 7 facing the base 3 at two positions around a circumferential direction of the frame 7, and a second metal film 18 is formed in the other area. The first metal film 17 is electrically connected to the first excitation electrode 5a, and the second metal film 18 is electrically connected to the second excitation electrode 5b.

Abstract: A mechanical oscillator arrangement includes a mechanical structure (30) having at least one transmission path through it, and at least one mode. A controller (40) is provided with an amplifier (70) and a feedback network (80, 90) which together provide a positive feedback oscillator for exciting a mode of the mechanical structure (30). The feedback network (80, 90) comprises a non linear amplitude control element (N-LACE) (90), a frequency dependent gain element with an electronic transfer function, and a phase compensator (80). The mechanical oscillator arrangement also includes an actuator (606) which excites the mechanical structure (30) based upon an output from the controller (40), and a sensor (60a) which senses vibrations in the mechanical structure (30) and then outputs a signal to the controller (40) based upon the sensed vibrations.

Abstract: A movable section located in a hollow portion covered with a wall and a first sealing layer which are on a substrate and the first sealing layer located in an area facing the movable section are provided, the movable section is located between the substrate and the first sealing layer, and at least part of the movable section and the first sealing layer is an electric conductor.

Abstract: A method of multi-stage substrate etching and a terahertz oscillator manufactured by using the method are provided. The method comprises the steps of forming a first mask pattern on any one surface of a first substrate, forming a hole by etching the first substrate using the first mask pattern as an etching mask, bonding, to the first substrate, a second substrate having the same thickness as a depth to be etched, forming a second mask pattern on the second substrate bonded, forming a hole by etching the second substrate using the second mask pattern as an etching mask, and removing an oxide layer having the etching selectivity between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: A function generator circuit for outputting a control signal to an oscillating circuit includes a temperature detecting circuit for outputting a detection voltage corresponding to an ambient temperature and having a linear temperature characteristic, a zeroth-order component generating circuit for generating a zeroth-order component of the control signal, a first-order component generating circuit for generating a first-order component of the control signal, a second-order component generating circuit for generating a second-order component of the control signal, a third-order component generating circuit for generating a third-order component of the control signal based on the detection voltage, and an adder-subtractor that generates the control signal by obtaining a sum of the zeroth-order component, the first-order component, and the third-order component and adding or subtracting the second-order component to or from the sum.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include methods of modifying synthetic garnets used in RF applications to reduce or eliminate Yttrium or other rare earth metals in the garnets without adversely affecting the magnetic properties of the material. Some embodiments include substituting Bismuth for some of the Yttrium on the dodecahedral sites and introducing one or more high valency ions to the octahedral and tetrahedral sites. Calcium may also be added to the dodecahedral sites for valency compensation induced by the high valency ions, which could effectively displace all or most of the Yttrium (Y) in microwave device garnets. The modified synthetic garnets with substituted Yttrium (Y) can be used in various microwave magnetic devices such as circulators, isolators and resonators.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit for reducing EMI noise in a driver IC including at least one or more input ports, and at least one or more output ports, the circuit including a power unit connected to any one of the input ports to output a current to the driver IC, and at least one or more resistors arranged in series between the at least one or more output ports of the driver IC and an output terminal connecting an exterior device operated by the driver IC.

Abstract: The invention is related to a microstrip line structure, which comprises: a first microstrip line and a second microstrip line, paralleled with the first mircostrip line for transferring a transmission signal, and a plurality of grooves periodically arranged on both sides of the second microstrip line by using subwavelength, and each period length in the plurality of grooves is smaller than the wavelength of the transmission signal.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for generating quadrature signals utilizing an on-chip transformer are provided. In this regard, a pair of phase-quadrature signals may be generated from a single-phase signal via a transformer, one or more variable capacitors, and one or more variable resistors integrated on-chip. The transformer may comprise a plurality of loops fabricated in a plurality of metal layers in the chip. Each of the one or more variable capacitors may comprise a configurable capacitor bank and each of the one or more variable resistors may comprise a configurable resistor bank. The one or more capacitor banks may be programmatically configured on-chip, based on a frequency of the single-phase signal. The one or more resistor banks may be programmatically configured on-chip, based on a frequency of said single-phase signal.

Abstract: A splitter circuit for separating voice and data signals includes an input, a first output, a second output, a first inductance transformer, a second inductance transformer, a plurality of capacitors, and a plurality of resistors. The first inductance transformer and the second inductance transformer are connected in series. The second inductance transformer includes a core, a first coil winding, and a second coil winding. The first coil winding and the second coil winding are wound on the core and are connected in series. Two connecting terminals of the first inductance transformer are connected to the input, and two connecting terminals of the first coil winding are connected to the second output. Capacitors and the resistors are interconnected between the first inductance transformer and the second inductance transformer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved high frequency filter (high pass filter) that is characterized by the following features: in addition to the at least both capacitively coupled inner conductor front faces (5b) or the capacitively coupled inner conductor end segments (5c) of two coupled inner conductor segments (5a), at least one further inner conductor coupling device (15) or at least one further inner conductor coupling element (115) is provided, the at least one further inner conductor coupling device (15) or the at least one further inner conductor coupling element (115) is arranged in an at least partially overlapping manner with the inner conductor end segments (5c) of the coupled inner conductor segments (5b), and the branch line (7) runs between the inner conductor coupling device (15) or the inner conductor coupling element (115) and the outer conductor (1).

Abstract: A signal line that can be easily bent and significantly reduces loss generated in a high-frequency signal includes a main body including a plurality of insulating sheets made of a flexible material and stacked on each other in a stacking direction. Ground conductors are provided in the main body on the positive z-axis direction side of a signal line. The ground conductors have a slit S formed therein that overlaps the signal line when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. A ground conductor is provided in the main body on the negative z-axis direction side of the signal line, and is overlapped by the signal line when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. The ground conductors and the signal line define a strip line structure. A distance between the ground electrodes and the signal line is smaller than a distance between the ground electrode and the signal line.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a capacitor coupled between a first node responsive to receive an input signal and a second node. The apparatus includes a first circuit coupled to the second node and a third node. The first circuit is selectively operable to separately configure at least one of a low-frequency gain of an equalizer and a pole of the equalizer. The equalizer includes the first circuit and the capacitor. The second node is responsive to receive an equalized version of an AC signal of the input signal in a first mode of the apparatus. The second node is responsive to receive a non-equalized version of the AC signal of the input signal in a second mode of the apparatus. The equalized version of the AC signal of the input signal may be a level-shifted and equalized version of the AC signal in the first mode of the apparatus.

Abstract: Two electromagnetic contact devices 1a, 1b are arranged adjacently, a reversible unit 2 is detachably mounted on these electromagnetic contact devices, and two auxiliary contact point units 4a, 4b are detachably mounted on the reversible unit. In addition, two surge absorption units 3a, 3b are detachably mounted on the electromagnetic contact devices.

Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor (1a) is provided with an erroneous mounting prevention unit (8) which permits an entry of a connection piece when a connection piece (6f) of a reversible unit (6) attempts to enter a normal position (NP) inside a display window (3a) where the connection piece is connectable to an operation display piece (4a), and prevents the entry of the connection piece when the connection piece attempts to enter a position inside the display window (3a) deviated from the normal position (NP).

Abstract: The electromagnetic contactor enables a reliable return to a pole open position without increasing the spring force of a return spring. In an electromagnetic contactor, an electromagnetic device having an exciting coil and a contact mechanism having a return spring are disposed in parallel, and the electromagnetic device and contact mechanism are linked by a drive lever. The electromagnetic device has a polarized electromagnet having a magnetic circuit that includes a permanent magnet generating a suction force that moves the contact mechanism to a pole open position side when the exciting coil is not energized. The drive lever is fixed to either one of the electromagnetic device or contact mechanism and contacts with the other with no gap at least when the contact mechanism is moved to the pole open position side. The return force of the contact mechanism is covered by the suction force of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A mechanical switching device including a base member, at least one pair of elongated conductor members mounted on the base member, each conductor member with a conductor end, wherein the conductor ends of the pair of conductor members are separated by a gap, a middle member mounted on the base member, a switch member adapted to establish and disestablish an electrical connection between the conductor ends of the pair of conductor members. Each of the conductor members includes an opening in which a respective protruding part is received. The protruding parts are provided on and extend from the middle member so that the conductor members are electrically isolated and protected from the surrounding environment around the device.