Abstract: A control circuit generates a driving signal indicating an actuator torque. A first operation unit generates position, speed, and acceleration signals, based upon a detection signal indicating the actuator mover state. A second operation unit generates a first difference signal indicating the difference between a target signal and the position signal. A third operation unit generates a second difference signal indicating the difference between signals based on the first difference signal and the speed signal. A fourth operation unit generates a position control signal such that the second difference signal becomes zero. A fifth operation unit generates a third difference signal indicating the difference between signals based on a driving signal and the acceleration signal. A sixth operation unit generates a driving signal by summing a signal based on the position control signal and a disturbance estimation signal based on the third difference signal.

Abstract: An electric power supply system has a power bus for providing DC power, and a control unit for a source of power to supply the power bus. The power unit includes a damping algorithm to provide damping to power supplied on the power bus. A motor and a motor control include a compensation block for tapping power from the bus, and identifying a portion of a supplied signal due to the damping. The compensation block provides a signal to a summing block that addresses the damping on the power bus prior to the power being supplied to the motor. A method of utilizing such a system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is provided having computer readable program code embodied therein which implements modeling of a system (e.g., an electromagnetic aircraft launch system) having at least a linear motor and a block switching controller. The computer readable program code implements the following steps: (a) generating a model of the system, the model having a plurality of sub-models, the plurality of sub-models comprising at least a sub-model of the linear motor and a sub-model of the block switching controller; (b) inserting at least one simulation artifact (e.g., a capacitive element) into the system model between two sub-models, the simulation artifact creating a virtual voltage state; and (c) simulating the operation of the system using the generated model. The insertion of a simulation artifact into the model between sub-models can enable the sub-models to be independently modeled in different reference frames (e.g., the stator abc-reference frame and the dq-reference frame).

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are disclosed for identifying one or more parameters of an induction machine when the induction machine is connected to the output phases of a voltage source inverter and the induction machine is in standstill state. The method can include a first phase for magnetizing the machine by providing a first DC magnetization current until the induction machine reaches steady state, the current reference of the inverter having a first value (idc—ref1). A first maximum value (imz—max) of the stator current (isd) is measured during a zero voltage vector. In a second phase, the machine is magnetized by providing a second DC magnetization current, the current reference having a second value (idc—ref2) which is higher than the first reference (idc—ref1). A second maximum value of (isdz—max) the stator current is measured during a zero voltage vector, and a parameter of the induction machine is estimated when the measured first and second maximum values are equal.

Abstract: The present invention can have an article comprising a belt with two ends that can be selectably fastened together. A power source and an inverter can be secured within the belt. A buckle with an integrated outlet can be utilized within the belt. The buckle first piece has two cavities that each can have an electrical contact therein. A bridge can electrically connect the contacts. A second buckle piece can have first and second arms that are received within the cavities, respectively, of the first piece. The second piece can engage the first piece in two distinct positions, wherein in the first position the buckle is fastened but no electrical connection is made therein, and in the second position an electric circuit is completed. Breaking the electrical connection within the buckle electrically separates the power source and the inverter to prevent drawdown of the power source.

Abstract: A charge instructing device installed in a space such as an indoor space in which the security is ensured reads key information (ID) stored in a vehicle key held in a key holding unit and transmits the read ID to an electric powered vehicle. Electric powered vehicle performs authentication by checking the ID transmitted from charge instructing device against registration information stored in advance. The result of the authentication is then transmitted from electric powered vehicle to charge instructing device. Charge instructing device permits a charger to charge electric powered vehicle according to the result of the authentication transmitted from electric powered vehicle.

Abstract: When an arriving electric vehicle arrives at a car park with parking spaces, a parking state detection means in a parking and power charging system detects the presence of empty parking spaces. An assignment means assigns a ranking of charging performance to each detected empty parking space so that the empty parking space having the charging device of a higher charging performance has a higher ranking of charging performance on the basis of descending order of charging performance of the charging devices. A communication means obtains vehicle parameters of the arriving electric vehicle. A parking space instruction means instructs the arriving electric vehicle to move to and be parked in the empty parking space having the ranking of charging performance selected on the basis of the vehicle parameter such as necessity to charge or degree to easily charge the on-vehicle battery mounted on the arriving electric vehicle.

Abstract: A charger has its one side provided with terminals. The charger is provided with a connector. The terminals and the connector are electrically connected with a charging circuit within the charger. The charger has a panel connecting piece for connecting to a socket panel. The present invention further provides a combination of a charger and a socket panel. The charger is combined with the socket panel, so that the user can use the charger easily. The problem that the user may not find the charger is eliminated.

Abstract: A toolbox device for allowing a user to charge a battery pack of a battery-powered tool. The device features a first half housing pivotally attached atop a second half housing with an inner compartment, the second half housing is longer than the first half housing thereby exposing a top area of the second half housing with a battery pack compartment. An AC-DC converter unit is operatively connected to contact strips disposed on the inner surface of the battery pack compartment. A male power plug is operatively connected to the AC/DC converter unit, the male power plug is adapted to receive a power cord for a standard power outlet. A charger component for accepting a battery pack is adapted to be inserted into the battery pack compartment. When inserted into the battery pack compartment, the interchangeable charger component operatively connects to the contact strips.

Abstract: To provide a power tool which can supply electric power again from a battery even in a case where the supply of electric power from the battery is stopped by an over-discharge detection means. A power tool 1 includes an FET driving circuit 36 which permits the supply of electric power again to a motor 31 from a battery pack 2 in response to the turning-on of a trigger switch 33 even in the case where the battery pack 2 is placed in an over-discharge state and so the supply of electric power to the motor 31 from the battery pack 2 is stopped.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mobile device comprising: a battery module configured to receive at least one rechargeable battery, a device circuitry module configured to communicate between the battery module and a charging circuit located on an external charging unit; and, a connector port configured to couple the external charging unit to the battery module for providing an electrical charge to said at least one rechargeable battery.

Abstract: The invention is based on a rechargeable battery charging case, in particular a cordless handheld power tool case, having at least one battery attachment device and a case body. It is proposed that the rechargeable battery charging case has an electrical energy output and a supply unit, which in at least one operating state is connected to the energy output and to the battery attachment device for supplying the energy output.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a power conditioning module. The power conditioning module includes an input that is operable to receive a first power from an aircraft. The power conditioning module includes electronic circuitry that is operable to transform the first power to a second power. The second power is different from the first power and is suitable for charging a portable electronic device. The power conditioning module includes a status indication mechanism that is operable to indicate a status of the power conditioning module.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that monitors a battery in a portable electronic device. During operation, the system applies a pulse load to the battery and determines an impedance of the battery by measuring a voltage of the battery during the pulse load. Next, the system assesses a health of the battery based on the impedance. Finally, the system uses the assessed health to manage use of the battery in the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A switch embedded integrated circuit for battery protection includes a MOSFET having a body diode, and a control logic circuit for switching the MOSFET and the direction of the body diode to control the charge current to and the discharge current from a battery. The control logic circuit turns off the MOSFET once any abnormal operation such as over-voltage and under-voltage happens, and turns on the MOSFET according to an OVPR threshold, an OVPR delay time, an UVPR threshold and an UVPR delay time. The OVPR threshold and the OVPR delay time are determined depending on the battery being coupled to a load or a charger, or floating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high efficiency power circuit. It includes an input transistor having a negative-threshold coupled to a voltage source for providing a supply voltage to the output terminal of the power circuit. An input detection circuit is coupled to the voltage source to generate a control signal when the voltage level of the voltage source is higher than a threshold voltage. A second transistor is coupled to the input detection circuit to turn off the input transistor in response to the control signal. An output detection circuit is connected to the supply voltage to generate a first enable signal when the voltage level of the supply voltage is higher than an output-over-voltage threshold. The first enable signal is used to switch off the input transistor. The output detection circuit generates a second enable signal when the voltage level of the supply voltage is lower than an output-under-voltage threshold. The second enable signal is used to turn off the output of the power circuit.

Abstract: An example battery charging circuit includes a rectifier circuit for rectifying a three-phase AC voltage outputted from an electric power generator and generating a charge voltage for charging a battery. A voltage detection circuit detects that the voltage of the battery exceeds a predetermined voltage. A switching circuit, in an off-state, charges the battery through the rectifying circuit and, in an on-state, short-circuits the electric power generator through the rectifier circuit. A switch control circuit brings the switching circuit into the on-state, when it is detected by the voltage detection circuit that the voltage of the battery exceeds the predetermined voltage. A control circuit allows the switch control circuit to subsequently perform a control for bringing the switching circuit into the off-state.

Abstract: Provided is a power supply device including: a magneto generator (1), which includes: a rotor including a magnet forming a magnetic field; and a stator which generates an alternating current in stator windings by rotation of the rotor; a rectifying unit (3) which rectifies the alternating current generated by the magneto generator to a direct current; a variable transformation-ratio direct current voltage transformer (40) which transforms an output voltage of the direct current of the rectifying unit to a voltage between input terminals of an electrical load (2) to which electric power is supplied; and a voltage control unit (5) which controls a transformation ratio of the variable transformation-ratio direct current voltage transformer in accordance with at least one of an operating state signal regarding the rotation of the rotor of the magneto generator and an electrical load state signal of the electrical load.

Abstract: A power supply device includes: a rectifier having a full-wave rectification circuit whose low side elements are made of MOSFETs; an electrical load supplied with DC power from the rectifier; and a control circuit having a load voltage detector and an AC voltage detector for detecting an input terminal voltage from a permanent-magnet generator; wherein when a terminal voltage across the electrical load is lower than a predetermined value, the control circuit operates the rectifier in full-wave rectification mode, whereas when the terminal voltage across the electrical load is higher than the predetermined value, the control circuit short-circuits input terminals of the permanent-magnet generator with each other, and when power for driving the control circuit is not secured, the control circuit retains the full-wave rectification mode even if the terminal voltage across the electrical load is higher than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A switching control circuit includes an N-channel MOSFET having an input electrode applied with an input voltage and an output electrode connected to one end of an inductor and one end of a rectifying element. The other end of the inductor is connected to a first capacitor. A bootstrap circuit is configured to generate a bootstrap voltage on a second capacitor having one end connected to the output electrode of the N-channel MOSFET. The bootstrap voltage is required when the N-channel MOSFET is turned on. A driving circuit is configured to be applied with a driving voltage corresponding to the bootstrap voltage and turn on/off the N-channel MOSFET to generate an output voltage of a target level on the first capacitor. A clamping circuit is configured to clamp the driving voltage to be at a predetermined level or lower.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling a DC-DC converter, with the converter including an inductor and associated switching circuitry, with the switching circuitry including a first transistor switch connected intermediate an input voltage terminal and a first terminal of the inductor, a second transistor switch connected intermediate the first terminal of the inductor and a circuit reference, a third transistor switch connected intermediate a second terminal of the inductor and an output voltage terminal and a fourth transistor switch connected intermediate the second terminal of the inductor and the circuit reference.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic voltage regulator, and more specifically, to an automatic voltage regulator capable of precisely controlling the output voltage level by using a toroidal autotransformer. The present invention has precise voltage control to enable the output of the voltage level desired by the user, and precisely carries out a variety of applications of power saving and voltage booster. In particular, the present invention can boost/reduce the input voltage to provide a desired target voltage within an error range of 1 volt or less. The present invention also comprises a simple relay switching circuit and excludes semiconductor switching devices, thereby being capable of operating adaptively in different system environments without an additional modification.

Abstract: A power regulation scheme includes a first voltage regulation portion having a first voltage regulator, a second voltage regulator, and a switching system. The first voltage regulation portion is connected in parallel with a second voltage regulation portion. The second voltage regulation portion regulates an input voltage if an open condition occurs within the first voltage regulation portion. The switching system forces the second voltage regulator to regulate the input voltage if a short condition occurs within the first voltage regulator.

Abstract: A multiphase DC-DC converter including at least one conversion path, multiple switch capacitance networks, and a multiphase switch controller. Each conversion path includes first and second intermediate nodes. Each switch capacitance network includes a capacitance coupled in parallel with an electronic switch and is coupled to one of the intermediate nodes. The switch controller controls the switch capacitance networks using zero voltage switching. Multiple phases may be implemented as multiple conversion paths each having first and second intermediate nodes coupled to first and second switch capacitance networks, respectively. A single conversion path may be provided with multiple switch capacitance networks coupled to each intermediate node for multiple phases. Alternatively, a common front end with a first intermediate node is coupled to one or more switch capacitance networks followed by multiple back-end networks coupled in parallel for multiple phases.

Abstract: Traditionally, buck-boost switching regulators with bridge topologies have been avoided due to their inability to seamlessly transition between buck mode and boost mode. Here, however, a buck-boost switching regulator with a bridge topology has been provided, which has an improved controller. Namely, a processor (such as a digital signals processor or DSP) provides digital control for the bridge to enable it so substantially seamlessly transition between buck mode and boost mode.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique to widely spread the frequency spectrum of switching noise generated by a switching action and to reduce the noise level at a particular frequency. A switching regulator (6A) includes a computing unit with computing function. First, in the computing unit, a pulse-width-modulation processing unit (PWM) (2a) performs pulse-width-modulation processing of receiving a feedback signal corresponding to the output of a detector 1 to determine an on-duty cycle of a pulse signal. Subsequently, for the signal and data obtained by the PWM (2a) to be subjected to further modulation processing for spectrum spreading, a branching processing is performed by making changing-over unit (2d) randomly select asynchronous-modulation processing unit (ASM) (2e) or pulse-position-modulation processing unit (PPM). When the PPM is selected, another branching processing is performed by making the changing-over unit (2d) select a first PPM (2f) or a second PPM (2g) depending on the on-duty cycle.

Abstract: A circuit and method for operating a circuit is provided that includes a circuit section that has a number of memory elements, a first voltage regulator that can be connected or is connected to the circuit section in order to operate the circuit section, a second voltage regulator that can be connected or is connected to the circuit section in order to preserve an information item stored in the memory elements, a switching device that is connected to the circuit section and is designed to deactivate and activate inputs of the circuit section. The circuit being configured to control a deactivation and activation of the first voltage regulator and the deactivation and activation of the inputs of the circuit section.

Abstract: A temperature compensation circuit, comprises a temperature sensor circuit. The circuit comprises two or more temperature sensitive devices. In use, the devices are operated at different current densities and sense virtually the same ambient temperature. The devices provide temperature dependent signals having linear components with slopes of identical signs. The circuit further comprises one of more differential signal providing device for generating a difference of the signals generated by the temperature sensitive devices. A method for generating a voltage reference with a well-defined temperature behavior, comprises applying different current densities to two or more temperature sensitive devices of a temperature sensor circuit; sensing virtually the same ambient temperature with the two or more temperature sensitive devices.

Abstract: A method for identifying and reducing spurious frequency components is provided. A method in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure may include generating a digital sinusoidal waveform at a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) and receiving the digital sinusoidal waveform at an audio digital-to-analog converter. The method may further include converting the digital sinusoidal waveform to an analog sinusoidal waveform containing spurious frequency components, combining the analog sinusoidal waveform with an analog distortion correction waveform to generate a composite output waveform and receiving the composite output waveform at notch filter circuitry. The method may also include filtering the composite output waveform to generate a filtered composite output waveform and amplifying a difference between the filtered composite output waveform and a signal from a circuit-under-test (CUT) to generate an amplified analog signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring current includes sensing a first voltage at the output of an amplifier and computing a current based on the first voltage and the resistance of a first resistive element, which is electrically coupled between an inverting input of the amplifier and the output of the amplifier, if the first voltage is below a predetermined level. The method also includes sensing a second voltage at the output of a buffer and computing a current based on the first and second voltages and the resistances of the first resistive element and a second resistive element, which is electrically coupled between the inverting input of the amplifier and an input of the buffer and is also electrically coupled to the output of the amplifier through a at least one diode, if the voltage output from the amplifier is above the predetermined level.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a probe for measuring an electrical field is disclosed, including at least one antenna, a detection circuit for each antenna, which detection circuit is connected to the corresponding antenna for detecting an RF signal, and a housing in which is received a processing circuit for processing a detected signal, wherein the housing is conductive and includes at least partially a substantially spherical surface for the purpose of forming a ground plane for the at least one antenna, wherein the detection circuit is arranged outside the housing and is coupled to the processing circuit via a feedthrough capacitor with a feedthrough terminal and a shield, wherein the feedthrough terminal connects the detection circuit conductively to the processing circuit and the shield is connected conductively to the conductive surface of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stabilizing ac magnetic susceptibility of a magnetic fluid, comprising the following steps: (A) preparing two reagents of known magnetic concentration, including a first one in a mixture of an xC1 ?l, m1-emu/g magnetic fluid and a yC1 ?l PBS solution and a second one in a mixture of an xC2 ?l, m2-emu/g magnetic fluid and a yC2 ?l PBS solution, in addition to a to-be-detected reagent in a mixture of an xS ?l, mS-emu/g magnetic fluid and a yS ?l PBS solution: (B) detecting alternatively ?ac,o signals; (C) calculating a new ?ac,o value, i.e. ?ac,cal, for S via ? ac , cal = ? ac , o , S - ? ac , o , C ? ? 1 ? ac , o , C ? ? 2 - ? ac , o , C ? ? 1 × ( x C ? ? 2 - x C ? ? 1 ) + ? C ? ? 1 ; and (D) repeating steps (B) and (C) to find the ?ac,cal for a next run, and then finding a time dependent ?ac,cal for S.

Abstract: A sheet coil type resolver includes: a stator section in which a stator transformer coil composed of first and second stator transformer coil layers is disposed to axially overlap with a resolver stator coil composed of first and second resolver stator coil layers; and a rotor section in which a rotor transformer coil composed of first and second rotor transformer coil layers is disposed to axially overlap with a resolver rotor coil composed of first and second resolver rotor coil layers, whereby the axial dimension is reduced, lead wires can be easily led out from the coils, and high reliability is achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed are absolute measuring systems comprising measuring rods that are composed of groups of at least two magnetic segments. The magnetic segments of at least one group have the same length in the direction of measurement while the magnetic segments of the different groups have different lengths. For arrangements encompassing more than two sensors on the single-track measuring rods, multistage phase difference processes are disclosed which result in high resolutions and accurate measurements while allowing for great measured lengths and, when anisotropic magnetoresistive sensors are used, for example, an unambiguous angle measurement range of 360°. FIG. 6a best represents the essence of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for the nondestructive measurement of materials that includes at least two layers of electrical conductors. Within each layer, a meandering primary winding is used to create a magnetic field for interrogating a test material while sense elements or conducting loops within each meander provide a directional measurement of the test material condition. In successive layers extended portions of the meanders are rotated so that the sense elements provide material condition in different orientations without requiring movement of the test circuit or apparatus. Multidirectional permeability measurements are used to assess the stress or torque on a component. These measurements are combined in a manner that removes temperature effects and hysteresis on the property measurements. This can be accomplished through a correction factor that accounts for the temperature dependence.

Abstract: A current sensor includes an annular magnetic core that includes a closed magnetic path including a void in a portion thereof, and a magnetic body for focusing flux of a magnetic field generated around a conductor that carries a measured current, and a magnetic detecting portion for detecting flux of a magnetic field generated in the void of the magnetic core. The magnetic core includes a plurality of pairs of stepped portions on a pair of opposing end surfaces that form the void, the stepped portions descending along a direction separating from the conductor.

Abstract: In a device and a method to determine the position of at least one local coil for a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus, the field strength of a magnetic field is measured at multiple locations with at least one magnetic field strength sensor, and the position of the local coil (6) is determined based on the field strength measured at multiple locations.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively operating an array of RF receive coils in a transmit mode is disclosed. The system includes an RF transmit coil configured to generate an RF field that excites nuclei of a subject to generate RF resonance signals, an array of RF receive coils to receive the RF resonance signals, and a detuning circuit coupled to each RF receive coil in the array of RF receive coils that is selectively switched between a disabled and an enabled state to control a resonance and impedance of the RF receive coil. Each RF receive coil is caused to receive RF resonance signals when its respective detuning circuit is in the disabled state and is caused to modify an amplitude and phase of the RF field generated by the RF transmit coil when its respective detuning circuit is in the enabled state.

Abstract: An upconverter has a two port parametric amplifier that has a first port to receive an input signal to be amplified and upconverted and a second port to receive a local oscillator signal and to output the amplified, upconverted signal at upper and lower sideband frequencies. The upconverter further has an antenna coupled to the second port and a power splitter inserted between the second port of the parametric amplifier and the antenna.

Abstract: A superconducting magnet coil interface and method providing coil stability are provided. A superconducting coil arrangement includes a superconducting coil and a thermal interface coupled to the superconducting coil. The thermal interface is configured to intercept frictional heat before reaching the superconducting coil. The superconducting coil arrangement further includes a plurality of channels extending within at least a portion of the thermal interface and towards the superconducting coil. The plurality of channels are configured to receive therein a cooling liquid.

Abstract: A hybrid upconverter has a low noise amplifier and a two port parametric amplifier. The parametric amplifier has a first port to receive an input signal to be amplified and upconverted and a second port to receive a local oscillator signal and to output the amplified, upconverted signal at upper and lower sideband frequencies. The parametric amplifier further has an antenna coupled to the second port to receive the local oscillator signal and transmit the amplified, upconverted signal at upper and lower sideband frequencies. The low noise amplifier drives the first port of the parametric amplifier. The two port parametric amplifier has a pair of varactor diodes connected between the first port and the second port. The diodes are connected in parallel from the first port and in series from the second port. The low noise amplifier is connected directly to the pair of varactor diodes.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus that calculates a polarization voltage of a secondary battery. A temperature sensor detects a temperature of the secondary battery; a voltage sensor detects a voltage of the secondary battery; and a current sensor detects an electric current of the secondary battery. A battery ECU calculates a polarization voltage based on the electric current and adaptively sets an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the polarization voltage according to a temperature characteristic of the secondary battery. The calculated polarization voltage is compared with an upper limit value and a lower limit value, whereby the polarization voltage is corrected. An SOC is estimated based on the corrected polarization voltage.

Abstract: An electrical test device including at least one transducer to detect a status of a circuit under test, and at least one indicator located remotely from the at least one transducer to display the status of the circuit under test.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided, which includes a current supplying stage which is adapted to supply a first compensation current and a second compensation current to a first wire or a second wire, wherein the first compensation current is determined during a first clock period, when the first wire and the second wire are connected. The second compensation current is determined during a second clock period while the first wire and the second wire are not connected and the magnitude of the second current represents a ratio of a resistance value of the first wire and a resistance value of the second wire.

Abstract: A capacitance measurement circuit and method are provided. A storage capacitor is pre-charged. Charge transfer is performed between an under-test capacitor and the storage capacitor. The storage capacitor is discharged and charged according to a relationship between a voltage of the storage capacitor and a reference voltage. The capacitance of the under-test capacitor is measured according to the voltage on the storage capacitor.

Abstract: A capacitive imaging sensor device includes a sensor substrate. A first set of sensor electrodes is disposed on a first surface of the sensor substrate, substantially in parallel with a first axis, and with at least two of its sensor electrodes extending for different lengths along the first axis. A second set of sensor electrodes is disposed on the first surface, substantially in parallel with the first axis, and in a common single layer with the first set. A processing system is coupled with the first and second sets and configured for: measuring a first capacitive coupling between a first sensor electrode of the first set and a sensor electrode of the second set; measuring a second capacitive coupling between a second sensor electrode of the first set and the sensor electrode of the second set; and determining a capacitance image using the first and second measurements of capacitive coupling.

Abstract: First, second, and third sets of sensor electrodes are disposed in a single layer on a first surface of a substrate of a transcapacitive sensor device. Sensor electrodes of the first set are substantially parallel to a first axis and are substantially identical to one another. The second set comprises a rotated mirror symmetric version of the first set, disposed parallel to the first axis. The third set is disposed between sensor electrodes of said first set and said second set, and includes a sensor electrode comprising a rectangular shape with a long side aligned paralleling the first axis. The first and third sets of sensor electrodes are configured for providing a first capacitive coupling therebetween that varies substantially along the first axis. The second and third sets are configured for providing a second capacitive coupling therebetween that varies substantially inversely to the first capacitive coupling along the first axis.

Abstract: A capacitance sensing apparatus for use in a position sensing apparatus, comprising a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes and a capacitance sensing circuit arranged to determine, in use in a normal operating mode, the capacitance between each pairing of electrodes comprising one from the first set and one from the second set, in which the apparatus is further provided with at least one group switch arranged to selectively electrically connect together groups of the electrodes within the sets of electrodes, in which, in use in a low resolution mode of the apparatus the or each group switch connects together the groups of electrodes and the capacitance sensing circuit is arranged to determine the capacitance between the each pairing of groups of electrodes in one set and the electrodes or groups of electrodes of the other set. Typically, the apparatus is used in conjunction with a display to form a touch-sensitive display.

Abstract: A method may include illuminating a first area of a semiconductor utilizing a light source. The method may also include measuring at least one characteristic of electrical energy transmission utilizing a probe for placing at least one of at or near the illuminated first area of the semiconductor. The method may further include varying the measured at least one characteristic of the electrical energy transmission generated by the light from the light source incident upon the semiconductor while maintaining an intensity of the light source. Further, the method may include determining a sheet resistance for the junction of the semiconductor utilizing the varied at least one characteristic of the electrical energy transmission.

Abstract: An electric security fence. An electric signal generator generates an initial electric signal. The generated initial electric signal is transmitted through a transmission line. The transmission line will generate a reflected electric signal when the transmission line is disturbed by the presence of a human or animal at a disturbance area. A receiver receives the reflected electric signal and forwards it to a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit calculates the location of the disturbance area after receiving the reflected electric signal. In one preferred embodiment, the signal processing unit calculates the location of the disturbance area by determining the amount of time required for the reflected signal to travel from the disturbance area.