Abstract: A method for determining scattering parameters of a device under test using a real-time oscilloscope. The method includes calculating a reflection coefficient of each port of a device under test with N ports, wherein N is greater than one, based on a first voltage measured by the real-time oscilloscope when a signal is generated from a signal generator. The method also includes determining an insertion loss coefficient of each port of the device under test, including calculating the insertion loss coefficient of the port of the device under test to be measured based on a second voltage measured by the real-time oscilloscope when a signal is generated from a signal generator.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) reflecting apparatus includes a curved reflecting element and resistive material coupled to the curved reflecting element proximate two or more edges of the curved reflecting element. The resistive material has a first portion with a first conductance and a second portion with a second conductance that differs from the first conductance. The RF reflecting apparatus also includes a frame coupled to the curved reflecting element and at least one wheel coupled to the frame. The at least one wheel is configured to enable to translation of the curved reflecting member.

Abstract: An approach for cancelling reverse reflections in very-fast transmission line pulse (VFTLP) testing of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) device in a semiconductor is provided. A method includes generating an incident pulse in a VFTLP system for applying to a device under test (DUT). The method also includes generating a delayed replica of the incident pulse. The method also includes cancelling a portion of a reverse reflection of the incident pulse by combining the delayed replica with the reverse reflection at a power divider.

Abstract: A leakage current detection device includes a test detection circuit, a reference detection circuit, a comparator, and a latch circuit. The test detection circuit is coupled between a test node and a test line, provides a voltage to the test node to charge the test line, floats the test node and the test line, and decreases a voltage of the test node based on leakage current of the test line. The reference detection circuit is coupled between a reference node and a reference line, provides the voltage to the reference node to charge the reference line, floats the reference node and the reference line, and decreases a voltage of the reference node based on self-discharge of the reference line. The comparator outputs a comparison signal by comparing voltages of the test node and the reference node. The latch circuit latches the comparison signal to output a test result signal.

Abstract: A leakage current detection device includes a drive voltage generation circuit, a reference voltage generation circuit, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a comparator, and a latch circuit. The drive voltage generation circuit provides a drive voltage to a test line in response to a charge control signal to charge the test line. The reference voltage generation circuit generates a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage, and provides the first reference voltage to a detection node in response to a switch control signal. The first capacitor is coupled between the test line and the detection node. The second capacitor is coupled between the detection node and a ground voltage. The comparator outputs a comparison signal by comparing a voltage of the detection node with the second reference voltage. The latch circuit latches the comparison signal, and outputs the latched comparison signal as a test result signal.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus for detecting leakage current in a suspension-type insulator of an electrical power system includes: a housing having a first half of a leakage current sensor contained therein; a door pivotally connected to the housing by a hinge, and having a second half of the leakage current sensor contained therein, the door pivotable about the hinge between an open position in which the first and second halves of the leakage current sensor are separate from each other, and a closed position in which mating surfaces of the first and second halves of the leakage current sensor join together to define a closed perimeter; and a clamping mechanism connected to the housing comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the jaws are moveable between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A method for determining continuity in a PV panel string by calculating a discharge ratio includes operatively coupling a PV panel to a PV panel string; measuring a first voltage between points of coupling of the PV panel to the PV panel string; disconnecting the PV panel from the PV panel string; waiting for a discharge period to expire; measuring a second voltage at an expiration of the discharge period; calculating a discharge ratio of the second voltage to the first voltage; and comparing the discharge ratio to a predetermined threshold ratio. An apparatus for determining continuity in a PV panel string includes a discharge resistance serially connected in the PV panel string; a capacitance parallel connected to the discharge resistance; a voltage sensor parallel connected to the discharge resistance; and a first switch parallel connected to the discharge resistance.

Abstract: A fault current detection circuit according to the invention comprises a primary current transformer that detects a current; a pair of secondary current transformers that convert a current detection signal into secondary conversion signals with a small current; a fault detection circuit section that determines whether or not a fault current occurs by comparing a current value according to a secondary conversion signal with a predetermined reference current value; a surge detection circuit section that determines whether or not a surge current occurs on the electric power circuit; and a trip determination unit that receives a fault detection signal and a surge detection signal, and generates a trip control signal when at least either one of the fault detection signal and the surge detection signal is received.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for localizing an outage in a power grid. An outage is detected in a power grid, the power grid comprising interconnected nodes. At least one candidate network topology (in the power grid) with respect to the outage is determined, and power consumption information and measured voltages relative to the nodes in the power grid are received. Voltage at a plurality of the nodes in the power grid is estimated based on the received power consumption information and on the at least one candidate network topology, and a location of the outage is estimated, based on the estimated node voltages and measured voltages. Other variants and embodiments are broadly contemplated herein.

Abstract: In a non-contact discharge test performed in a poor electromagnetic noise environment, the energy of discharge is evaluated by detecting weak light emission and processing the intensity waveform of light emission of the discharge. A database is created by measuring the intensity waveform of light emission of discharge generated as a result of application of a voltage or current to a measurement object through use of a light emission measuring device, simultaneously measuring the current waveform of the discharge through use of a current measuring device, and storing in the database the relation between analysis data sets obtained through analysis of the waveforms on the basis of information of the voltage or current applied to the measurement object. The intensity waveform of the light emission of the discharge or spark generated from the measurement object is measured while an electromagnetic wave generated as a result of the discharge of the measurement object is used as a reference.

Abstract: Devices and methods for testing the operation of acoustic devices such as ultrasonic probes. The disclosed devices and methods identify failures of individual piezoelectric elements of various types of ultrasonic probes free of family-specific adapters to interface with such probes and free of acoustic coupling fluids or the like to establish acoustic coupling with the probes. In one arrangement, a testing appliance is disclosed that includes a testing unit and first and second probes electrically connected thereto. After an operator has established electrical connections between the first probe and a first contact of a connector assembly of the acoustic probe and between the second probe and a ground return path of the connector assembly, the testing device may pass a current through an electric circuit between the first and second probes and determine one or more corresponding electrical quantities of the circuit for establishing statuses of the probe.

Abstract: An electrical check executed on wafer tests for the correct positioning or alignment of the probes of a probe card on the pads or bumps of the electronic devices integrated on the wafer. A signal is applied to cause a current to circulate in at least part of a seal ring of at least one of the electronic devices. In a case where the current flows between and through multiple electronic devices, the seal rings of those electronic devices are suitably interconnected to each other by electronic structures that extend through the scribe line between electronic devices.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus which comprises: a first voltage regulator (VR) having a reference input node; and a first multiplexer to provide a reference voltage to the reference input node and operable to select one of at least two different reference voltages as the reference voltage.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus includes a recording unit, an operation unit, a processing unit and an abnormality detector. The recording unit records configuration data therein. The operation unit performs arithmetic and logical operations on an input signal and outputs an operation signal indicative of the result of the operations. The operation unit has a circuit configuration defined by the configuration data recorded in the recording unit. The processing unit acquires the operation signal outputted from the operation unit, produces an output signal based on the acquired operation signal and outputs the produced output signal. The abnormality detector detects an abnormality of the circuit configuration of the operation unit. Moreover, in the signal processing apparatus, the processing unit is configured to further acquire an abnormality detection result from the abnormality detector after the acquisition of the operation signal and output the output signal depending on the abnormality detection result.

Abstract: An arrangement for the partial release of a debug interface of a programmable hardware component, whereby a first logic for the programmable hardware component can be stored in a configuration memory and a configuration device is designed to program the programmable hardware component via a configuration interface of the programmable hardware component according to the first logic. The configuration device is further designed to register a programming process of the programmable hardware component which occurs via the debug interface according to a second logic and, upon termination of the programming process occurring via the debug interface, reprograms the programmable hardware component according to the first logic.

Abstract: An arrangement for disabling a configuration of a first programmable hardware component, having the first programmable hardware component, a second programmable hardware component, and a switching element. The first programmable hardware component has a configuration interface for configuring a logic of the first programmable hardware component, a data interface for communication of the logic with the second programmable hardware component, a debugging interface for debugging and configuring the logic, and a configuration monitoring interface for signaling a configuration process of the logic. The switching element is designed and connected to the debugging interface such that access to the debugging interface during a configuration process of the logic can be disabled.

Abstract: A motor drive is provided with integrated frequency response analysis tools for generating drive performance metrics that are independent of motion profile and tuning. The metrics are broadly applicable to a wide range of applications, tunings, and load types, and can be used to fairly compare performance across different drives models and assist in drive selection. The frequency analysis tools include a transformation algorithm that reduces or eliminates spectral leakages, a signal generation component that scales the test input signal as a function of frequency avoid saturation based on defined limits of the controlled system, and a phase unwrapping algorithm that correctly unwraps the phase of open-loop and closed-loop response curves. The frequency response analysis tools yield an open-loop response, a closed-loop response, a tracking error response, and a disturbance rejection response, which are used to derive performance metrics for the drive.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the detection and diagnosis of faults in running electric machines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating the state of charge (SOC) of a battery when battery is in the at least states of: charging, discharging, and relaxing. The invention makes use of the battery voltage (Vbat) instead of the battery current. In order to build models in the method, we use standard charging and discharging processes to collect battery information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating the state of charge (SOC) of a battery when battery is in the at least states of: charging, discharging, and relaxing. The invention makes use of the battery voltage (VBAT) instead of the battery current. In order to build models in the method, we use standard charging and discharging processes to collect battery information.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for accurately calculating battery consumption in a wireless field device. The total current consumed by a radio board associated with a wireless field device can be determined based on the sum of the current consumed as a result of particular events occurring at the radio board. The current consumed by a sensor board of the wireless field device can then be averated with respect to particular type of sensor. The current consumed by the radio board and the current consumed by the sensor board in the wireless field device can be combined to calculate a predictive value indicative of a remaining life of a battery associated with the wireless field device.

Abstract: Vehicle systems and methods can include a traction battery and a controller to operate the traction battery according to current limits of a battery model identified from a battery response to a pulse of current injected into the battery while the battery is not being discharged to propel the vehicle or being charged. The pulse can have a sampling time and magnitude. The response is battery terminal voltages measurements at every sampling time during a set duration. The controller can implement a state estimator configured to output battery state uses a battery impulse response. The pulse input into the battery can be a current signal and the measured battery response can be a voltage. The controller can select a time period for the pulse input and battery measurement response to be when the controller is not charging the battery or drawing current from the battery to propel the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery state estimation apparatus includes a sensing data acquirer configured to acquire sensing data on a battery, and a battery state estimator configured to approximate the sensing data by mapping the sensing data to a predetermined feature space, and compare the approximated sensing data to predetermined reference information to estimate a state of the battery.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for determining whether a battery or battery system has encountered a thermal failure and/or end of service life condition. The battery monitoring system is configured to generate a plurality of alarms based on the occurrence of a number of conditions in the battery system.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a voltage generation circuit configured to generate a specific voltage; a first terminal configured to output the specific voltage; a second terminal configured to receive a temperature sensitive voltage; an analog/digital conversion circuit configured to convert the specific voltage and the temperature sensitive voltage to digital values; a storage unit configured to store the specific voltage and the temperature sensitive voltage; and a third terminal configured to transmit the specific voltage and the temperature sensitive voltage to an external semiconductor device.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor system has a plurality of magnetic field sensor elements, which each are configured to provide an individual sensor value, and of which a first portion is arranged in a first contiguous area and a second portion is arranged in a second contiguous area, and a coil wire arrangement with a first coil portion and at least a second coil portion being connected to the first coil portion, wherein the first coil portion is arranged close to the sensor elements of the first area and the second coil portion is arranged close to the sensor elements of the second area such that, if a predetermined current is applied to the coil wire arrangement, a first magnetic field component is generated at the first area and a second magnetic field component is generated at the second area being opposite to the first magnetic field component.

Abstract: A molded sensor package includes a leadframe having a sensor die attached to the leadframe, a magnet aligned with the sensor die and a single molding compound encasing the sensor die and attaching the magnet to the leadframe. A method of manufacturing the molded sensor package includes loading the magnet and the leadframe into a molding tool so that the magnet is aligned with the sensor die in the molding tool, molding the magnet and the sensor die with the same molding compound while loaded in the molding tool and curing the molding compound so that the magnet is attached to the leadframe by the same molding compound that encases the sensor die.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor using a thin-film field effect transistor configured to control sensitivity appropriately includes a semiconductor film, a drain electrode, a source electrode, a gate electrode, a first hall electrode, and a second hall electrode, in which a drain current passes through a channel region of the semiconductor film between the drain electrode and the source electrode according to a drain voltage applied to the drain electrode and a gate voltage applied to the gate electrode. A hall voltage is generated between the first hall electrode and the second hall electrode according to the drain current and a magnetic field present in the channel region. The gate voltage applied to the gate electrode is substantially higher than a threshold voltage and outside a low voltage range that is substantially lower than the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A vertical Hall sensor, a Hall sensor module, and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. By applying a trench structure inside a substrate with respect to a ground terminal, a directional component parallel to surface of the substrate is maximized with respect to a current flow to detect the magnetic field with improved sensitivity.

Abstract: An apparatus includes circuits and a module configured to determine an external magnetic field based on a parameter of each circuit. Each circuit includes an array of magnetic tunnel junctions partitioned into subarrays. The magnetic tunnel junctions in each subarray are arranged in rows, the magnetic tunnel junctions in each row are connected in series, and the rows are connected in parallel. The subarrays are connected in series. Each magnetic tunnel junction includes a storage layer having a storage magnetization and a sense layer having a sense magnetization. Each magnetic tunnel junction is configured such that the sense magnetization and impedance of each magnetic tunnel junction vary in response to an external magnetic field. The parameter of each circuit varies based on a combined impedance of the multiple magnetic tunnel junctions. The module is implemented in at least one of a memory or a processing device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes circuits including a first circuit and a second circuit, each circuit including subarrays of magnetic tunnel junctions, where: (1) the magnetic tunnel junctions in each subarray are arranged in rows, the magnetic tunnel junctions in each row are connected in series, and the rows are connected in parallel; and (2) the subarrays are connected in series. The apparatus further comprises a field line configured to generate a first magnetic field for configuring an operating point of the first circuit based on a current flow through the field line, where the impedance of a subset of the plurality of rows in each subarray of magnetic tunnel junctions included in the first circuit is configured based on the first magnetic field.

Abstract: An apparatus includes circuits including a first circuit and a second circuit, each circuit including subarrays of magnetic tunnel junctions, where: (1) the magnetic tunnel junctions in each subarray are arranged in rows, the magnetic tunnel junctions in each row are connected in series, and the rows are connected in parallel; and the subarrays are connected in series. The apparatus further comprises a field line configured to generate a first magnetic field for configuring an operating point of the first circuit based on a current flow through the field line, wherein impedance of one or more of the magnetic tunnel junctions in each of the plurality of rows of each subarray of magnetic tunnel junctions included in the first circuit is configured based on the first magnetic field.

Abstract: An apparatus includes groups of magnetic tunnel junctions, where the magnetic tunnel junctions in each group are arranged in rows, the magnetic tunnel junctions in each row are connected in series, and the rows are connected in parallel. The apparatus further includes a first conductive layer including conductive interconnects, a second conductive layer including straps, and a third conductive layer including field lines, each field line configured to generate a magnetic field for configuring an operating point of a corresponding subset of the magnetic tunnel junctions in each group based on a current flow through each field line. The magnetic tunnel junctions in each group are disposed between and connected to a corresponding one of the conductive interconnects and a corresponding one of the straps. The second conductive layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the third conductive layer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a circuit including multiple magnetic tunnel junctions, the circuit configured to convert a quadrature modulated magnetic field to a quadrature modulated electrical signal, each magnetic tunnel junction including a storage layer having a storage magnetization and a sense layer having a sense magnetization, each magnetic tunnel junction being configured such that the sense magnetization and impedance of each magnetic tunnel junction vary in response to the quadrature modulated magnetic field. The apparatus further includes a module configured to demodulate the quadrature modulated electrical signal to recover a signal encoded in the quadrature modulated magnetic field.

Abstract: A distribution analyzing device (20) includes: an obtaining unit (21) which obtains measurement data of a field measured, through a sensor sensing area, independently at each of rotation angles and at each of grid coordinate positions of the sensor sensing area; and a calculation unit (22) which calculates a distribution of the field from the measurement data, using an arithmetic expression obtained by deriving a target harmonic function, which indicates the distribution of the field, using a condition that a convolution of the target harmonic function and a shape function, which indicates a shape of a cross section of the finite sensor sensing area along a plane parallel to the measurement plane, is equal to a provisional harmonic function derived by solving the Laplace equation using the measurement data and a size of the sensor sensing area in a direction perpendicular to the measurement plane.

Abstract: A method for recognizing a magnetic object includes holding the object immobile in front of an array of N (where N is >five) tri-axial magnetometers (Mij) linked with no degree of freedom. There is a fixed distance between two consecutive magnetometers less than the maximum separation between the magnetic parts of the magnetic object furthest away from one another. The method includes measuring by each magnetometer a vector bi,m of which each coordinate represents the value of the magnetic field projected onto a respective measurement axis of the magnetometer, and a union of vectors bi,m forming a measured magnetic signature Sm, where the index “i” is an identifier of the magnetometer. The method includes computing of a deviation E between the magnetic signature Sm and a prerecorded magnetic signature SRef of a known magnetic object. The method includes comparing E to a predetermined threshold and recognizing the magnetic object.

Abstract: Ferromagnetic Group III-V semiconductor/non-magnetic Group III-V semiconductor heterojunctions, with a magnetodiode device, to detect heterojunction magnetoresistance responsive to an applied magnetic field.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having a display and a method for controlling the same are provided. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a magnet assembly; a transfer table configured to move into the magnet assembly or out of the magnet assembly; and a display configured to move into the transfer table or move out of the transfer table.

Abstract: In a method for correlating magnetic resonance images with histological sections, a target tissue of a living animal is embedded in an enclosed matrix of an optical cutting temperature compound to obtain a packaged specimen on a platform oriented in a first guiding plane. The packaged specimen on the platform is subjected to an MRI examination by scanning along imaging planes parallel to the first guiding plane, and then subjected to a frozen sectioning procedure along sectioning planes in parallel with a second guiding plane which is parallel to the first guiding plane.

Abstract: The inventors have established design principles for phased-array MRI coils from the considerations of the target region of the anatomy being evaluated and physical anatomy of the patients. Accordingly, the inventors have demonstrated shape-optimized phased array coils with dense packing of 32 channels for posterior-head imaging exhibiting the SNR gains required to realize not only sub-millimeter fMRI BOLD imaging but also allowing single-shot Gradient Echo-EPI imaging to be performed upon general 3 T MRI instruments. At the same time the design techniques address ergonomic considerations of the patient and designing shape-optimized phased-array MRI coils and patient supports that account for variations within the human population arising from factors such as race, gender, etc.

Abstract: A medical device to be introduced into the body of a subject has at least one MR coil that can be introduced into the body at the same time and at least one shim coil that can be introduced into the body at the same time. The device can be formed as an endorectal probe, vaginal probe and transesophageal probe as well as an implant.

Abstract: Described embodiments include an apparatus, and a method. An apparatus includes an array of at least two artificially structured electromagnetic unit cells. The at least two artificially structured electromagnetic unit cells are configured to generate a pulse of radiofrequency magnetic field B1 orientated transverse to the quasistatic magnetic field B0 parallel to the z-axis of the bore of a MRI or NMR device by transforming an incident pulse of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves. The generated pulse having magnetic field intensity sufficient to excite a detectable magnetic resonance in magnetically active nuclei located within at least a portion of an examination region located within the bore. The apparatus includes a radiofrequency electromagnetic wave conducting structure configured to distribute a received pulse of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves as an incident pulse of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves to the at least two artificially structured electromagnetic unit cells.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, apparatus, and method. A system includes an array of at least two groups of at least two artificially structured electromagnetic unit cells. Each group includes a controllable amplifier responsive to a B1 localization control signal and configured to amplify a received pulse of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves. Each group includes an electromagnetic wave conducting structure configured to deliver an amplified pulse of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves to the at least two artificially structured electromagnetic unit cells. The at least two artificially structured electromagnetic unit cells are configured to transform the incident amplified pulse into a pulse of radiofrequency magnetic field B1 orientated transverse to a segment of the z-axis.

Abstract: Nuclear magnetic resonance properties of a sample containing fast relaxation components are determined using direct detection of the longitudinal component of the nuclear magnetization. Excitation and detection can be performed in different frequency ranges, which enables short dead time of measurements. In some implementations a nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus can be configured for use in oil well logging.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, apparatus, and method. An apparatus includes an array of at least two groups of at least two artificially structured electromagnetic unit cells. Each group of the at least two groups configured to be respectively linearly arranged with respect to the z-axis of the bore of MRI or NMR device. Each group of the at least two groups of artificially structured electromagnetic unit cells configured to transform an incident pulse of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves into a pulse of radiofrequency magnetic field B1 orientated transverse to a segment of the z-axis and spatially proximate to the group. The apparatus includes a radiofrequency electromagnetic wave conducting structure configured to selectably distribute a received pulse of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves to a group of the at least two groups.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, apparatus, and method. An apparatus includes an assemblage of artificially structured electromagnetic unit cells. The assemblage of artificially structured electromagnetic unit cells includes a first artificially structured electromagnetic unit cell configured to transform incident radiofrequency electromagnetic waves into a radiofrequency magnetic field B perpendicular to the plane of the assemblage. The assemblage of artificially structured electromagnetic unit cells includes a second artificially structured electromagnetic unit cell configured to transform the incident radiofrequency electromagnetic waves into an electric field E counteracting a non-vanishing electric field component generated by the first artificially structured electromagnetic unit cell.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a new MRI method to image the buildup of exchange transfer processes from nuclei in mobile solute molecules in tissue via another molecule (e.g. solvent such as water). The pulse sequence can detect Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST), relayed Nuclear Overhauser Enhancement (rNOE) CEST, and selective induced exchange transfer processes. Further, the proposed MRI pulse sequence involves acquiring two or more images with a difference in waiting period (delay) after a radiofrequency excitation, saturation pulse, or series of such pulses. This produces a series of exchange transfer images sensitive to the speed of transfer of changes in magnetization. Subtracting two images or fitting a time series produces maps with minimum interference from direct water saturation and from semi-solid magnetization transfer and other fast exchanging protons.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. The MRI apparatus includes a scanner, and a controller configured to control the scanner to receive magnetic resonance (MR) signals corresponding to a magnitude of a y-axis gradient magnetic field in a respiration cycle of a patient, each of the MR signals being received at a time interval equal to a time period of the respiration cycle over a number of the received MR signals. The MRI apparatus further includes a processor configured to extract an MR signal received in a respiration condition of the patient from the received MR signals, fill a k-space with the extracted MR signal, and generate an MR image by reconstructing data of the filled k-space.

Abstract: A parallel magnetic resonance imaging system (1) includes at least one radio frequency (RF) coil (10, 12) with a plurality of coil elements, a smart select unit (24), a parallel imaging parameter unit (28), and a sequence control (16). The smart select unit (24), from a pre-scan or prior scan of a subject with the at least one RF coil, constructs (60) a signal map and a plurality of noise maps based on different sets of reduction factors. The parallel imaging parameter unit (28) selects a set of reduction factors corresponding to a noise map which includes a highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The sequence control (16) performs a magnetic resonance imaging scan of the subject based on the selected reduction factors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of MR imaging of an object (10) placed in an examination volume of a MR device (1). The method comprises the steps of: —subjecting the object (10) to an imaging sequence comprising phase-modulated multi-slice RF pulses for simultaneously exciting two or more spatially separate image slices, —acquiring MR signals, wherein the MR signals are received in parallel via a set of at least two RF coils (11, 12, 13) having different spatial sensitivity profiles within the examination volume, and —reconstructing a MR image for each image slice from the acquired MR signals, wherein MR signal contributions from the different image slices are separated on the basis of the spatial sensitivity profiles of the at least two RF coils (11, 12, 13) and on the basis of the phase modulation scheme of the RF pulses.