Abstract: The programmable wide-band radio frequency feed network is a wideband multi-port microwave/RF feed network that can operate with multiple communication bands covering a wide frequency range. In addition, the feed network is programmable via a digital controller and has two degrees of freedom, viz., amplitude and phase variations. The feed network provides amplification as well as attenuation to the amplitude of the incoming signals. The feed network is designed using discrete microwave components, and fabricated on a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) with a small footprint. The digitally controlled feed network is ideal for any antenna array application within the covered frequency range, and can be re-programmed for various wireless communication standards.

Abstract: An audio system includes a speaker and a class D amplifier with a class-D PWM (pulse width modulation) modulator configured for generating first and second PWM signals, each with three differential output levels. The class-D amplifier also has a differential output driver configured for driving a first and a second output signals onto a first and a second output terminals in response to the first and the second PWM signals, wherein each of the first and the second output signals has three differential output levels. An inverse common-mode signal generator is coupled to first and second output signals for providing an inverse common-mode signal. The audio system also includes one or more output terminals for providing the inverse common mode signal, and further includes a wire or a trace on a PCB (printed circuit board) inverse common mode signal.

Abstract: An amplifier may include a gain stage configured to convert an input voltage signal to a current signal and to amplify the input voltage signal according to a gain. The amplifier may also include a buffer stage coupled to the gain stage at an internal node. The buffer stage may be configured to convert the current signal to an output voltage signal and to buffer the current signal from the gain stage so that a frequency bandwidth of the amplifier may be approximately maintained when the gain of the gain stage is increased.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to variable-gain low noise amplifiers and RF receivers. An exemplary method for processing a RF signal provides a low noise amplifier with main and auxiliary amplifier modules. When a selection indicates the low noise amplifier operating in a high-gain mode, the main and auxiliary amplifier modules are coupled in parallel. When the selection indicates the low noise amplifier operating in a low-gain mode, the main and auxiliary amplifier modules are cross coupled. When a selection indicates the low noise amplifier operating in a moderate-gain mode, the auxiliary amplifier modules are disconnected from the main amplifier module.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) includes a programmable gain amplifier. The programmable gain amplifier comprises a first-stage amplifier configured to operate with at least one relatively high power supply voltage in order to accommodate at the input of the first-stage amplifier a relatively large range of input signals, the first-stage amplifier having a gain setting that is adjustable from a set of predetermined gain settings separated in relatively coarse increments so as to minimize the number of analog switches that must be implemented with high-voltage active devices in order to set each gain setting.

Abstract: An amplification stage comprising: a combiner to generate a sum input signal by combining a voltage signal with a DC bias voltage; a subtractor to generate a difference input signal by subtracting the voltage signal from the DC bias voltage; a first transistor for generating a first part of an amplifier output signal from the sum input signal; a second transistor for generating a second part of an amplifier output signal from the difference input signal; a combiner for combining the first and second parts of the amplifier output signal; a sensing circuit arranged to sense a current flowing in each of the first and second transistors; a control circuit arranged to determine the quiescent current of the first and second transistors in dependence on the sensed currents; and an adjustment circuit arranged to adjust the DC bias voltage in order to minimise variation in the quiescent current.

Abstract: A reduction is achieved in the primary-side input impedance of a transformer (voltage transformer) as an output matching circuit without involving a reduction in Q-factor. An RF power amplifier includes transistors, and a transformer as the output matching circuit. The transformer has a primary coil and a secondary coil which are magnetically coupled to each other. To the input terminals of the transistors, respective input signals are supplied. The primary coil is coupled to each of the output terminals of the transistors. From the secondary coil, an output signal is generated. The primary coil includes a first coil and a second coil which are coupled in parallel between the respective output terminals of the transistors, and each magnetically coupled to the secondary coil. By the parallel coupling of the first and second coils of the primary coil, the input impedance of the primary coil is reduced.

Abstract: A current mirror includes a bias branch, which includes first and second transistors in series between a voltage source and ground, a voltage divider coupled between the voltage source and ground, an op-amp configured to receive a divided voltage of the voltage divider and a voltage of a node between the first and second transistors, and drive a gate of the second transistor to pull the node to the divided voltage. The current mirror further includes a power amplifier core coupled to the bias branch. The power amplifier core includes first and second drive transistors configured in series between the voltage source and ground. Gates of the first transistor and the first drive transistor are coupled, and gates of the second transistor and the second drive transistor are coupled.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit amplifies a signal for wireless transmission. A feedback circuit, including a capacitor, is coupled to the amplifier circuit. Components of the feedback circuit are selected based on a feedback factor such that an input impedance to the amplifier circuit has a same impedance characteristic as a feedback circuit impedance of the feedback circuit.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit, comprising: an input, for receiving an input signal to be amplified; a power amplifier, for amplifying the input signal; a switched power supply, having a switching frequency, for providing at least one supply voltage to the power amplifier; and a dither block, for dithering the switching frequency of the switched power supply. The dither block is controlled based on the input signal. Another aspect of the invention involves using first and second switches, each having different capacitances and resistances, and using the first or second switch depending on the input signal or volume signal. Another aspect of the invention involves controlling a bias signal provided to one or more components in the signal path based on the input signal or volume signal.

Abstract: A frequency tuning apparatus may include an oscillator and a memory element connected to the oscillator. The memory element may have a variable resistance. An oscillation frequency of the oscillator may vary according to a resistance state of the memory element. The oscillator may be a ring oscillator. The memory element may be connected to an input terminal or a power terminal of the oscillator.

Abstract: An oscillating device includes an atomic oscillator, an oven controlled crystal oscillator, a correcting unit configured to correct an output signal of the oven controlled crystal oscillator on the basis of an output signal of the atomic oscillator, a housing configured to house the atomic oscillator and the oven controlled crystal oscillator, and a temperature adjusting unit configured to adjust the temperature in the housing to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator generating an oscillation signal according to a first control signal without a silent region. The voltage controlled oscillator includes a control signal adjuster and a plurality of delay cells. The control signal adjuster receives the first control signal and generates a second and a third control signal according to the first control signal. The voltage level of the third control signal is higher than that of the second control signal and the voltage level of the second control signal is higher than that of the first control signal. The plurality of delay cells are ring-connected and controlled by the first, the second, and the third control signals to generate the oscillation signal. Each delay cell includes three sets of current generation transistors. The three sets of current generation transistors are separately controlled by the three different control signals.

Abstract: A clock generator is disclosed for use with an oscillator device. The clock generator may include a signal conditioning pre-filter and a comparator. The signal conditioner may have an input for a signal from the oscillator device, and may include a high pass filter component and a low pass filter component. The high pass filter component may pass amplitude and frequency components of the input oscillator signal but reject a common mode component of the oscillator signal. Instead, the high pass filter component further may generate its own common mode component locally over which the high frequency components are superimposed. The low pass filter component may generate a second output signal that represents the locally-generated common mode component of the first output signal. The clock generator may have a comparator as an input stage which is coupled to first and second outputs of the filter structure.

Abstract: A radio frequency amplification stage comprising: an amplifier for receiving an input signal to be amplified and a power supply voltage; and a power supply voltage stage for supplying said power supply voltage, comprising: means for providing a reference signal representing the envelope of the input signal; means for selecting one of a plurality of supply voltage levels in dependence on the reference signal; and means for generating an adjusted selected power supply voltage, comprising an ac amplifier for amplifying a difference between the reference signal and one of the selected supply voltage level or the adjusted selected supply voltage level, and a summer for summing the amplified difference with the selected supply voltage to thereby generate the adjusted supply voltage.

Abstract: A shield for differential transmission lines formed in a first metal layer may include one or more floating shields, each floating shield comprising an upper-side tile formed in a second metal layer of the integrated circuit adjacent to the first metal layer, a lower-side tile formed in a third metal layer of the integrated circuit adjacent to the first metal layer and non-adjacent to the second metal layer, and at least one via configured to electrically couple the upper-side tile at an end of the length of the upper-side tile to the lower-side tile and at an end of the length of the lower-side tile.

Abstract: An easily bendable high-frequency signal transmission line includes a dielectric body including a protection layer and dielectric sheets laminated on each other, a surface and an undersurface. A signal line is a linear conductor disposed in the dielectric body. A ground conductor is disposed in the dielectric body, faces the signal line via the dielectric sheet, and continuously extends along the signal line. A ground conductor is disposed in the dielectric body, faces the ground conductor via the signal line sandwiched therebetween, and includes a plurality of openings arranged along the signal line. The surface of the dielectric body on the side of the ground conductor with respect to the signal line is in contact with a battery pack.

Abstract: An easily bendable high-frequency signal transmission line includes a dielectric body including a protection layer and dielectric sheets laminated on each other, a surface and an undersurface. A signal line is a linear conductor disposed in the dielectric body. A ground conductor is disposed in the dielectric body, faces the signal line via the dielectric sheet, and continuously extends along the signal line. A ground conductor is disposed in the dielectric body, faces the ground conductor via the signal line sandwiched therebetween, and includes a plurality of openings arranged along the signal line. The surface of the dielectric body on the side of the ground conductor with respect to the signal line is in contact with a battery pack.

Abstract: A switch module includes a multilayer substrate including an antenna terminal, a ground terminal, and a high-frequency-side transmission signal terminal, as external connection terminals. A common-port-side circuit, a switch circuit, and a switching-port-side circuit are provided between the antenna terminal and the high-frequency-side transmission signal terminal. A first wiring portion connects a second inductor that defines a portion of the switching-port-side circuit to the high-frequency-side transmission signal terminal. When the multilayer substrate is viewed in plan, a first inductor, the second inductor, and via electrodes connected to the ground terminal are arranged between the first wiring portion, and second and third wiring portions and a capacitor which are connected to the antenna terminal.

Abstract: In a directional coupler, a first low pass filter includes a first coil that is connected between a first outer electrode and a main line and has a characteristic in which attenuation increases with increasing frequency in a certain frequency band. A second low pass filter includes a second coil that is connected between a second outer electrode and the main line and has a characteristic in which attenuation increases with increasing frequency in the certain frequency band. A high pass filter is connected, in parallel to the main line, between a point between the first coil and the first outer electrode and a point between the second coil and the second outer electrode and has a characteristic in which attenuation decreases with increasing frequency in the certain frequency band.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave filter device uses a Rayleigh wave as a main mode, and includes a ladder type surface acoustic wave filter unit. A thickness of a dielectric layer in a surface acoustic wave resonator configuring a series arm resonator is different from thickness of a dielectric layer in a surface acoustic wave resonator configuring a parallel arm resonator. A propagation orientation of a surface acoustic wave in the surface acoustic wave resonator configuring the series arm resonator is different from a propagation orientation of a surface acoustic wave in the surface acoustic wave resonator configuring the parallel arm resonator.

Abstract: Provided are a stacked LC resonator and a band pass filter using the same. The stacked LC resonator includes a flat metal base layer; a plurality of spiral inductors disposed layer by layer, corresponding to the flat metal base layer; and a plurality of dielectric layers, formed between the spiral inductors, and between the flat metal base layer and the spiral inductor corresponding to the flat metal base layer. The band pass filter includes two resonators with symmetrical structures, wherein the spiral inductors of the two resonators are disposed corresponding to each other.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a piezoelectric resonator is provided. The piezoelectric resonator includes a piezoelectric substrate, a first electrode comprising a first plurality of electrode fingers, a second electrode comprising a second plurality of electrode fingers, wherein the first plurality of electrode fingers and the second plurality of electrode fingers are interdigitated, and wherein electrode patches are arranged along the first plurality of electrode fingers and the second plurality of electrode fingers according to a 2-dimensional lattice.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a radio frequency (RF) conductive medium for reducing the undesirable insertion loss of all RE hardware components and improving the Q factor or “quality factor” of RF resonant cavities. The RF conductive medium decreases the insertion loss of the RF device by including one or more conductive pathways in a transverse electromagnetic axis that are immune to skin effect loss and, by extension, are substantially free from resistance to the conduction of RF energy.

Abstract: Variable capacitive attenuation circuitry and associated methods are disclosed that may be implemented to employ a plurality of multi-purpose capacitors that may be selectably coupled together in different configurations to form a capacitive divider having different respective attenuation properties. In a particular embodiment, each of the capacitors of the disclosed capacitive attenuation circuitry may be selectably coupled to an RF reference as either a shunt capacitor or coupled in series between an RF signal input and an attenuated RF signal output as a series capacitor, thus forming a capacitive divider having selected attenuation properties. The disclosed variable capacitive attenuation circuitry may be advantageously utilized to attenuate an input RF signal and to provide a resulting attenuated RF output signal, for example, in the front end of RF receiver circuitry.

Abstract: Magnetic switches are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a mount and a switch actuator assembly coupled to the mount. The switch actuator assembly includes a body, a trigger, and a first magnet oriented to be attracted to a second magnet. Movement of the body from a first position to a second position is to cause relative movement between the first magnet and the second magnet and relative movement between the trigger and a switch.

Abstract: An immersion cooled inductor includes an inductor at least partially submerged in cooling liquid and a localized boiling feature operable to instigate boiling of the cooling liquid prior to oversaturation.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to a dry transformer, which includes a transformer core with at least two parallel limbs and upper and lower yokes, and at least two hollow cylindrical coils, each arranged as neighbored coils around a limb of the at least two parallel limbs. A cooling system can include at least one wall-like diaphragm in-between the neighbored coils, which is in parallel to the orientation of the limbs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a coil element and a coil element, which include a process of forming, aligning, and coupling a first auxiliary layer and a second auxiliary layer of which coil portions formed of a plating pattern are disposed on a substrate or an insulating layer, and it is possible to overcome limitations due to collapse or deformation of a photoresist pattern even when forming a fine-pitch fine conductor coil with a high aspect ratio by applying a plating method using a photoresist pattern.

Abstract: Provided is a reactor which uses a reactor core in which J-shaped iron cores are oppositely disposed in a ring shape. In the ring shape, an axial outer circumferential part of a first coil wound around a first gap and an axial outer circumferential part of a second coil wound around a second gap overlap each other in an axial direction. Regarding four holding stay parts disposed at four corners of the reactor, the rigidity of the holding stay parts close to the first gap and the second gap is lower than the rigidity of the holding stay parts far from the first gap and the second gap.

Abstract: An electromagnetic component including a multi-layer, spiral coil structure embedded in a molded body is disclosed. Each layer of the coil structure makes approximately one and a quarter turns of a winding. Each layer of the coil structure has a loose middle segment, two slim end segments overlapping each other with a spacing therebetween, and tapered neck segments respectively connecting the loose middle segment with the two slim end segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetically-countered system including at least one wave source irradiating harmful electromagnetic waves and at least one counter unit emitting counter electromagnetic waves which are capable of countering the harmful waves by such counter waves. More particularly, the present invention relates to generic counter units of various electromagnetically-countered transformer systems and to various mechanisms for countering the harmful waves by the counter units by, e.g., matching configurations of such counter units with those of the wave sources, matching shapes of the counter waves with shapes of the harmful waves, and the like. The present invention also relates to various methods of countering the harmful waves with the counter waves by such source matching or wave matching and various methods of providing such counter units as well as emitting the counter waves.

Abstract: An Fe-based amorphous alloy powder of the present invention has a composition represented by (Fe100-a-b-c-x-y-z-tNiaSnbCrcPxCyBzSit)100-?M?. In this composition, 0 at %?a?10 at %, 0 at %?b?3 at %, 0 at %?c?6 at %, 6.8 at %?x?10.8 at %, 2.2 at %?y?9.8 at %, 0 at %?z?4.2 at %, and 0 at %?t?3.9 at % hold, a metal element M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ti, Al, Mn, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, and W, and the addition amount ? of the metal element M satisfies 0.04 wt %???0.6 wt %. Accordingly, besides a decrease of a glass transition temperature (Tg), an excellent corrosion resistance and high magnetic characteristics can be obtained.

Abstract: A modular by-pass device of an electrical component comprises a housing comprising a movable means of sealing and a plurality of conducting terminals, each having one end connected to a terminal of the electrical component circuit, and each having other end fastened to the wall of the housing and projecting into the interior of the housing to form a contact post. An actuator providing transposition between two positions of a control device comprise a plunger shaft and a spring arranged in the space formed between the plunger shaft and the internal wall of the housing. A trigger comprises a retention device of the plunger shaft held in place by a fusible material. A reversing switch comprises a contact zone providing electrical continuity between two contact posts of the terminals of the housing. The claimed invention finds application in the isolation and short-circuiting of a battery element, which has become defective.

Abstract: A ceramic multilayered component which includes a layer stack having a plurality of ceramic layers. The multilayered component includes a first and a second connecting contact as well as a first and a second inner electrode, which are each arranged between two layers of the layer stack. The multilayered component includes a first and a second via electrode for electrically coupling the first connecting contact to the first inner electrode and for electrically coupling the second connecting contact to the second inner electrode.

Abstract: An automated control system for multi-level authority to operate electronic and electrical equipment, the system including one or more wireless or wired controlled devices and one or more separate communicator and/or transmitter devices for an operation authorizing code and/or separate user identifiers for communicating the codes to a customer or a device. In the process of granting authorities to operate, the system utilizes, as positional data for a user or a device, the base station information of a mobile phone network and/or at close range a wired or wireless communication link, such as a bluetooth communication link.

Abstract: A system for identifying and aiding a firefighter may include a pocket monitor to be carried by the firefighter, and a command center to be wirelessly connected to the pocket monitor. The pocket monitor may include a lost switch to communicate with the command center that the fire fighter is lost, may include a trapped switch to communicate with the command center that the firefighter is trapped and may include a injured switch to communicate with the command center that the firefighter is injured. The pocket monitor may include a video camera, and the pocket monitor may include a telephone switch to enable the firefighter to make a telephone call. The pocket monitor may include a touch screen, and the pocket monitor may include a temperature detector.

Abstract: A system digitally retransmits an emergency alert message to a plurality of recipients. A specialized category of recipients, which function to combat an emergency, receive specialized instructions to coordinate and handle an emergency situation. The digitally retransmitted emergency alert message includes a specialized unique code for each of the specialized category of recipients, along with specialized instructions along with an uncoded generic public or private emergency alert message. Each of the receivers of specialized category of recipients decodes the message pertinent to that recipient upon receipt of a matching specialized code programmed within the receiver. The generic uncoded public emergency message is received by all generic devices without specialized codes. The emergency alert message is devoid of additional information which, when present, could be burdensome. This implementation is optimized to provide very rapid alerts for specific message types e.g. earthquakes.

Abstract: A robotic system and methods for manipulation of multi-segment continuum robots. The methods relate to contact detection and estimation of contact location along a multi-segment continuum robot.

Abstract: An RFID reader and method for reading an RFID tag is provided herein. The RFID reader operates in a “bistatic” mode, utilizing two RF antennas, one for transmitting an RF signal, and one for receiving an RF signal. The transmit and receive antennas do not “point” in a same direction resulting in lobe patterns that will intersect at an angle.

Abstract: Methods, circuits, and systems are disclosed for automatically detecting connections between RFID tags. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes periodically placing a charge on a node shared between a first RFID tag and a second RFID tag. The method also comprises sensing a voltage at the node at a time subsequent to the placing of the charge. The method also comprises automatically determining whether a connection exists between the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag based on the sensing of the voltage at the node. The first RFID tag and/or the second RFID tag may include circuitry configured to perform the method.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for selecting a subset of RFID tags are provided in some embodiments. These methods and apparatuses utilize the susceptibility to light by persistent nodes found in passive tags. Light can be used to intentionally reduce persistence times in a particular subset tags or even an individual tag. Then, persistent nodes can be used as a selection criterion to distinguish previously illuminated tags from non-illuminated tags. In other embodiments, a power circuit receives a RF input source and generates a direct current (DC) output voltage. The circuit includes a bias circuit to supply a gate to source bias, which is independent of the DC output voltage. The circuit further includes a voltage multiplier circuit that is coupled to the bias circuit. The voltage multiplier circuit has MOS transistors with one transistor to receive the gate to source bias.

Abstract: This document presents a wireless location tracking system comprising a plurality of location tracking nodes to cover an area where the location tracking is to be carried out, wherein the location tracking nodes are configurable to form a static communication network infrastructure for routing communication messages; at least one mobile tag being location-tracked; and a control apparatus configured to receive through the communication network infrastructure a message associating said at least one mobile tag to at least one location tracking node and to map the location of the mobile tag on the basis of said association. The system further comprises at least one radio beacon node disposable to improve the coverage of the location tracking system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a time of a passing a detection line on a route by a participant having an RFID tag on the participant or an object associated with the participant, traveling along the route, the system includes a timing system an RFID tag reader system for wirelessly communicating with the RFID tag for communicating with RFID tags at one or more monitored points passed by the participant as the participant approaches the detection line, a tag reader system receives tag reads including a tag identifier for the RFID tags, time stamps each RFID tag read, and transmits them to the timing system, a laser detector detects a laser beam interrupt and generates a laser beam interrupt indicator, a laser detection system receives the generated laser beam interrupt indicator, and determines a beam interrupt time, and creates a laser beam interrupt message including the beam interrupt time, the timing system receives the tag read messages and the laser beam interrupt messages, determines the identity

Abstract: An RFID communication system comprising a near field coupler that is capable of selectively communicating with a targeted transponder positioned among a group of multiple adjacent transponders. The coupler is configured to receive communication signals from a transceiver and transmit the signals to a targeted transponder in a transponder operating region. The coupler includes a number of radiating elements spaced apart and a switching element. The switching element selectively couples one or more of the radiating elements to the transceiver. The coupled elements transmit the signals into the transponder operating region by emanating a near field effect. The pattern of the near field effect may be adjusted by changing the combination of the coupled radiating elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for wireless management of articles. The method is implemented by a master RFID tag. The method includes transmitting at least one first RFID read signal to a plurality of RFID tags local to the master RFID tag and receiving a first RFID response signal from each of the plurality of RFID tags in response to the at least one first RFID read signal. Each of the first RFID response signals comprises an identifier associated with an article. The method further includes maintaining an article record indicating at least one expected article that is to be managed by the master RFID tag and comparing each of the identifiers with the article record in an attempt to compile contextual information associated with the article record. Finally, the method further includes transmitting a master signal comprising the contextual information associated with the article record.

Abstract: Ubiquitous wall electrical sockets, switches, sensors, and other similar devices may be turned into intelligent units capable of being controlled by a mobile device and functioning smartly within an intelligent local or wide area network. Existing electrical outlets/switches could have an intelligent plug-in module to turn these hitherto passive outlets into active intelligent outlets and switches. An embedded RF controller may be extended to other sensors that would sense such things as light, temperature, and pressure, smoke, to name a few. The radio frequency controller consists of the transmit/receive function and the control function which includes the ability to turn the switch on and off. It is possible to assign a unique identification to each electrical outlet and each electrical switch to uniquely address and control these units using the mobile device.

Abstract: A remote control method may include: sending a control privilege request message to a control privilege manager; receiving, by an agent, a control privilege response message corresponding to the control privilege request message; and transitioning from a passive mode during which the agent is remotely controlled by an external device to an active mode during which the agent remotely controls an external device.

Abstract: Provided is a method of a control device to set an alarm. The method includes: discovering a first control target device including an alarm service and a second target device including a content providing service; receiving a device list registered for the alarm service from the first target device; receiving available content information from the second target device; selecting an alarm target device and a content from the device list and the content information; and transmitting an alarm setting request message to the first target device on the basis of the selected alarm target device and content.

Abstract: A nurse call system includes a room station located in a patient room and having a graphical display. The nurse call system also includes an equipment port located in the patient room and configured to couple to medical equipment to receive an alarm signal from the medical equipment. The room station is configured to present a list of medical equipment types on the second graphical display in response to coupling of the medical equipment to the equipment port for selection by a user of the type of medical equipment coupled to the equipment port.