Abstract: A method of estimating characteristics of new leaks formed in an isolated section of a water distribution system supplied through a pressure reducing valve. The pressure reducing valve is used to vary the pressure in the isolated section to at least two different pressure settings during a minimum night flow period at which the measured pressure and flow rate into the system are taken at each pressure setting. The leak characteristics are estimated by subtracting an estimated user consumption from the measured flow rate in each instance. The same measurements are repeated one or more days later. The estimated leak characteristics derived on a later date are compared with those derived on an earlier date to establish a difference in the estimated leak characteristics to determine if there is a new leak or leaks in the isolated section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inducing multiaxial vibrations to simulate an environment for transporting a stack of products is provided. A lower platform is provided for inducing uniaxial vibrations. A link is connected to the lower platform by a lower end of the link. The upper end of the link has a universal joint, through which the link is connected to an upper platform. The upper platform has a top surface, on which the stack of products can be placed. In operations, the uniaxial vibrations of the lower platform are transferred to the upper platform through the link and the universal joint, to induce pivotal movement of the upper platform with respect to the shaft of the link. As a result, multiaxial vibrations can be induced to the stack of products placed on the top surface of the upper platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inducing multiaxial vibrations to simulate an environment for transporting a stack of products is provided. A lower platform is provided for inducing uniaxial vibrations. A link is connected to the lower platform by a lower end of the link. The upper end of the link has a universal joint, through which the link is connected to an upper platform. The upper platform has a top surface, on which the stack of products can be placed. In operations, the uniaxial vibrations of the lower platform are transferred to the upper platform through the link and the universal joint, to induce pivotal movement of the upper platform with respect to the shaft of the link. As a result, multiaxial vibrations can be induced to the stack of products placed on the top surface of the upper platform.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that characterizes I/O performance of a computing device in terms of energy consumption across a range of vibrational operating environments. During operation, the system executes a test script on a computing device that is affixed to a programmable vibration table, wherein the test script causes the computing device to perform a predetermined I/O workload. While the test script is executing, the system controls the programmable vibration table to subject the computing device to different vibrational operating environments. At the same time, the system obtains test results by monitoring a progress of the test script and an associated power consumption of the computing device. Finally, the system uses the obtained test results to characterize the I/O performance of the computing device in terms of energy consumption across the range of vibrational operating environments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure for an optical time domain reflectometer and an optical time domain reflectometer containing such structure comprises a rear housing and a support portion, among which, the support portion comprises a cover support plate and an inner support plate; the cover support plate is connected to the rear housing through a cover rotating shaft portion, and the inner support plate is connected to the cover support plate through an inner plate rotating shaft portion; the surface area of the inner support plate is smaller than that of the cover support plate. The invention can solve the shortcoming of the instability of the support of existing optical time domain reflectometers, and provide a support structure for an optical time domain reflectometer having low cost, stable structure, and that can automatically open the support, as well as an optical time domain reflectometer used with this support structure.

Abstract: There is provided a method, system and image capture device for determining a polarity of a multi-fiber cable link comprising a plurality of optical fiber links each connected between a first multi-fiber connector and a second multi-fiber connector, according to said polarity. Test light is injected into one or more of the optical fiber links via corresponding injection ports of the first multi-fiber connector, in accordance with a defined injection pattern; at least one polarity-testing image of the second multi-fiber connector is generated in which test light exiting at least one of the optical fiber links through one or more exit ports of the second multi-fiber connector is imaged as one or more spotlight spots in the polarity-testing image; and the polarity of the multi-fiber cable link is determined based on a pattern of said one or more spotlight spots in said polarity-testing image.

Abstract: An emission control system, such as an emission control system for a diesel engine, which includes both a NOx sensor and an electrostatic Particulate Matter (ePM) sensor, and uses the signal from the ePM sensor to determine when it is safe to activate and heat up the NOx sensor after engine ignition. This is performed as soon as moisture clears the exhaust, without having to wait any additional time as a safety factor to maximize the reliability of the NOx sensor against damage from water thermal shock. It also allows for a higher degree of application flexibility for a specific engine and aftertreatment combination to be used in a variety of vehicle applications, environmental conditions, and vehicle operating profiles.

Abstract: A computing device receives a first digital signal from a data acquisition system. It is determined that a first value includes in the first signal indicates an event. A second digital signal is received from the data acquisition system. It is determined that a second value included in the second signal includes a value that indicates the event, and that the event has occurred based at least in part on the first value, the second value, and a passage of a predetermined duration of time between a time of the first digital signal and a time of the second digital signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-program products for fluid analysis and monitoring are disclosed. Embodiments include a removable and replaceable sampling system and an analytical system connected to the sampling system. A fluid may be routed through the sampling system and data may be collected from the fluid via the sampling system. The sampling system may process and transmit the data to the analytical system. The analytical system may include a command and control system to receive and store the data in a database and compare the data to existing data for the fluid in the database to identify conditions in the fluid. Fluid conditions may be determined using machine learning models that are generated from well-characterized known training data. Predicted fluid conditions may then be used to automatically implement control processes for an operating machine containing the fluid.

Abstract: Provided are low flow groundwater fluid sampling systems and related methods of collecting fluid samples, including a low flow pump, flow cell, waste container and a communication device in communication with those components. In this manner, the low flow pump may be controlled to ensure a desired constant flow-rate is achieved, and a remote operator may monitor the status of fluid being pumped to the flow cell with the communication device, such as with a portable electronic device, including a smart phone. The system may alert the operator that fluid is ready to be collected for sampling, including at an off-site laboratory. Particularly useful applications are for monitoring groundwater quality and contamination.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to capture aerosols and vapors on substrates from a large variety of sources and matrices for analysis using paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) is disclosed. A holder for a PS cartridge has better direct sampling efficiency, direct capture on substrate, and lower limits of detection thereby improving the collection and analysis of aerosols and vapors. An apparatus and method for aerosol and vapor collection, from both anthropogenic and environmental sources, for example, that is compact and compatible with hand held devices and unmanned vehicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatuses, and methods to detect the presence of fetal cells when mixed with a population of maternal cells in a sample and to test fetal abnormalities, i.e. aneuploidy. In addition, the present invention provides methods to determine when there are insufficient fetal cells for a determination and report a non-informative case. The present invention involves quantifying regions of genomic DNA from a mixed sample. More particularly the invention involves quantifying DNA polymorphisms from the mixed sample.

Abstract: A biopsy-sized tissue sample is stained for quick imaging. A significant amount of permeation enhancer is included in a mixed solution of permeant enhancer, fixative or dehydrant, and one or two fluorescent dyes to simultaneously dehydrate and dye the tissue sample. The permeation enhancer, e.g., 10% to 50% in the mixed solution, achieves an image of dyed tissue in the contacted tissue sample at a depth of at least 200 um within no more than 1.5 hours. One of the fluorescent dyes is a fluorescent nuclear dye such as DAPI, SYTOX green, acridine orange, propidium iodide, or a Hoechst dye. The other fluorescent dye is a fluorescent protein dye such as eosin or rhodamine B. The tissue sample is cleared with a clearing agent having a refractive index of at least 1.4[R2], e.g., using BABB. The mixed solution may further include Chloroform or other morphology preservative.

Abstract: A sample for microstructure diagnostics includes a sample body holder with accommodation structures to accommodate a sample body in a defined accommodation position; and at least one sample body produced separately from the sample body holder, the sample body having at least one solid handling portion and, adjoining the handling portion, a target portion thinner relative to the handling portion, the target portion being delimited at a narrow side by a sample body top side and, laterally, by side faces extending in a perpendicular or oblique manner in relation to the sample body top side, with the sample body being affixed to the accommodation structures in the accommodation position.

Abstract: In some examples, a lubricity testing device comprises a fluid tank and a rotational assembly positioned within the fluid tank. The rotational assembly, in turn, comprises a first shaft, a second shaft positioned within the first shaft, and a flexible coupling positioned between the first and second shafts. The flexible coupling is coupled to a first surface of the first shaft and to a second surface of the second shaft. The rotational assembly further comprises a shear stress sensor abutting the flexible coupling. The lubricity testing device also includes a test specimen abutting the rotational assembly.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the solubility parameters for a process stream via the joint use of turbidimetric detection of asphaltenes flocculation, which is used to determine and detect the onset flocculation of asphaltenes of the process stream, and a refractive index to determine the process stream solubility parameters such as the solubility blending number and insolubility number.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a system for classifying particles. The apparatus for classifying particles includes: an internal electrode which has a column shape; an external electrode which is spaced apart from the internal electrode and disposed to surround the internal electrode, and generates an electric field through an interaction with the internal electrode; and an aerosol supply unit which supplies aerosol particles to a separation space between the internal electrode and the external electrode, in which the separation space, through which the aerosol particles are introduced into the particle classifying apparatus and flow, is formed to be narrowed toward a lower aerosol flow side from an upper aerosol flow side into which the aerosol particles are introduced.

Abstract: A soot sensing system includes a soot sensor having a first element, and circuitry to an amount of soot accumulated on the element and to control heating of the element in response to the soot accumulation. An electrostatic repelling voltage (ERV) may be applied to a sensor/heater element(s) during a contamination prevention mode (CPM) to repel ash and reduce contamination of the sensor. A pulsed heating voltage (PHV) may be applied to the elements during the CPM and a pulsed ERV may be applied to the elements during the “off” period of the PHV. All voltage to the elements may be turned off during the CPM and the elements may be floating/ground. A PHV may be applied to the elements during the CPM and no voltage may be applied to the elements during the “off” period of the PHV. A heating voltage may be applied to the elements during a CPM corresponding to a cold start.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for analyzing and modeling natural gas flow in subterranean shale reservoirs. In preferred embodiments, methodologies and techniques for determining and modeling natural gas flow in shale formations using methodologies and techniques capable of determining natural gas properties related to dual-continuum flow, permeability and pressure within a subterranean shale reservoir. In some embodiments, the natural gas properties are determined by subjecting a subterranean shale reservoir sample to pulse-decay analysis. In certain embodiments, the methodologies and techniques described herein may be used in various reservoirs exhibiting macroporosity and/or microporosity, such as fractured reservoirs and carbonate reservoirs composed of reservoir fluids.

Abstract: The present technology provides a technology for stabilizing break-off timings. Therefore, according to the present technology, there is provided a microparticle analysis device or the like including at least: a flow path in which a fluid including a sample flow containing microparticles and a sheath flow flowing to contain the sample flow; a droplet formation unit configured to form a droplet in the fluid by imparting vibration to the fluid using a vibration element; an electric charge application unit configured to apply electric charge to a droplet containing the microparticles; an imaging unit configured to obtain a photo of a phase of a certain time; and a control unit configured to control a timing at which the droplet breaks off on a basis of the photo.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for chromatic discrimination and counting of organisms in a liquid medium with application to organisms belonging to the genus Daphnia, Ceriodaphnia, Artemia, as well Collembola; or similar organisms. The device can be applied in the field of ecotoxicology and involves technologies in the areas of analytical instrumentation, electronics, computer science and biology.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technology for more easily and accurately extracting overall cell regions from a cell morphological image. To achieve the object, first, an acquiring unit acquires a region-identifiable image for identifying a first cell region occupied by a specific portion of a cell in the cell morphological image capturing a shape of the cell using a first display element. Then, an adding unit adds, to the region-identifiable image, a second display element that identifies at least an outline portion of a second cell region occupied by a specific portion different from the first cell region in the cell morphological image depending on a predetermined signal set in advance and input in response to a user's operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise a method for multiplexed analysis. The method can comprise acquiring interrogation data associated with a microstructure in a population and analyzing the microstructure based on the interrogation data. In some embodiments, the microstructure can have a different shape than at least another microstructure in the population and comprise a plurality of cells. Additionally, the acquiring the interrogation data can comprise acquiring interrogation data of microstructures in a population at a structure concentration of at least 100 microstructures/?L. Therefore, in some embodiments, acquiring the interrogation data can comprises flowing the population through a flow cytometer.

Abstract: A cell capture system including an array, an inlet manifold, and an outlet manifold. The array includes a plurality of parallel pores, each pore including a chamber and a pore channel, an inlet channel fluidly connected to the chambers of the pores; an outlet channel fluidly connected to the pore channels of the pores. The inlet manifold is fluidly connected to the inlet channel, and the outlet channel is fluidly connected to the outlet channel. A cell removal tool is also disclosed, wherein the cell removal tool is configured to remove a captured cell from a pore chamber.

Abstract: A method for testing an electrochemical response of a sample, which is at least partially disposed within an electrolyte, includes macro scanning the sample. Macro scanning is applied across the entire sample and includes applying a first range of macro potential between the electrolyte and the sample, and measuring a first range of macro current between the electrolyte and the sample, while subject to the first range of macro potential. The macro scan is held at a first fixed macro potential within the first range of macro potential and the sample is micro scanned while held at the first fixed macro potential. Micro scanning is applied at individual points across a surface portion of the sample and includes measuring a plurality of first micro currents at each of the individual points of the surface portion of the sample. Each individual point is significantly smaller than the entire sample.

Abstract: Metrology methods, systems and targets are provided, which implement a side by side paradigm. Adjacent cells with periodic structures are used to extract the overlay error, e.g., by introducing controllable phase shifts or image shifts which enable algorithmic computation of the overlay. The periodic structures are designed to exhibit a rotational symmetry to support the computation and reduce errors.

Abstract: Provided is an excrement analysis device capable of analyzing urine and feces simultaneously without increasing a burden of maintenance. The excrement analysis device 10 of the present invention includes: a light source 20 that emits an inspection light toward an inspection area in a toilet bowl; spectroscopic information acquisition means 30 that receives an inspection light emitted toward the inspection area and acquires spectroscopic information from the received inspection light; and analysis means 40 that extracts a first space containing the largest amount of urine components and a second space containing the largest amount of fecal components from the acquired spectroscopic information, and outputs a result of analysis of urine and feces on the basis of spectroscopic information regarding the first space and the second space.

Abstract: A flow cell analyzes a fluid sample. A flow cell body contains a reference material and includes at least one hollow chamber to contain the fluid sample. Opposing surfaces of the flow cell body each have at least one transparent portion thereof. An optical path for light traversing through the flow cell body is defined in part by the transparent portions. A switching mechanism adjusts the amount of the reference material in the optical path to effect switching of the flow cell between a reference measurement state and a fluid sample measurement state. The reference measurement state corresponds to a first light intensity measurement and the fluid sample measurement state corresponds to a second light intensity measurement.

Abstract: The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide sample verification capabilities in a single device or system. Devices are disclosed herein. Systems including these devices are also provided. These devices and systems may be configured for verifying sample integrity prior to a subject leaving a sample collection site so that any further samples or other corrective action can occur without having to make a separate visit.

Abstract: A flexible waveguide structure including a waveguide on a flexible substrate, both having transparent windows in the mid-infrared range, may serve as a photonic chemical sensor for measuring characteristic absorptions of analytes brought in physical contact with the waveguide. Such a sensor may, in accordance with some embodiments, be formed by an aluminum-nitride waveguide on a borosilicate substrate.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and software products for analyzing liquids dispensed from a chemical dispensing system. Beams of light having different wavelengths are passed through a liquid dispensed by the dispensing system. The intensity of each beam of light is measured after passing through the liquid. A transmission coefficient is determined by comparing the intensity of the beam of light to a calibration parameter obtained by passing the beam of light through an unadulterated diluent. The transmission coefficients for the beams of light are then compared to corresponding transmission coefficients obtained for one or more known reference solutions to determine one or more characteristics of the liquid being dispensed from the chemical dispensing system.

Abstract: This application is directed to methods of assessing polymer deposition on dental surfaces using near infrared spectroscopy, providing a rapid and efficient method to screen for and identify optimal polymers for use in oral care formulations, (i) near infra red (IR) absorption of a dental substrate is measured in the absence of a polymer under test, and subsequently of the test sample comprising the dental substrate contacted with the test polymer. After washing or rinsing the test sample near IR of it is determined again (iii). The IR absorption of the test polymer itself is also measured (ii). Through the comparison of the three measurements (i), (ii), and (iii) the degree of deposition and retention of the test polymer on the test sample is determined.

Abstract: A fluid analyzer includes a substrate, a quantum cascade laser formed on a surface of the substrate and including a first light-emitting surface and a second light-emitting surface facing each other in a predetermined direction parallel to the surface, a quantum cascade detector formed on the surface and including the same layer structure as the quantum cascade laser and a light incident surface facing the second light-emitting surface in the predetermined direction, and an optical element disposed on an optical path of light emitted from the first light-emitting surface across an inspection region in which a fluid to be analyzed is to be disposed and reflecting the light to feed the light back to the first light-emitting surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the osmolarity of a sample are provided. Aspects of the subject methods include contacting a sensing surface of a surface plasmon resonance based sensor with a sample, and generating one or more data sets at at least two wavelengths over a time interval, wherein the data sets are used to determine the osmolarity of the sample. The subject methods find use in determining the osmolarity of a sample, such as a biological sample (e.g., a tear fluid), and in the diagnosis and/or monitoring of various diseases and disorders, such as, e.g., dry eye disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure a biochip including a side emitting-type light-emitting device, in which the bio-chip includes: a light-emitting device for emitting light from a fluorescent material; reflective layers provided over and under the light-emitting device so as to emit light from the sides of the light-emitting device; and reaction regions formed by etching of flanking regions of the light-emitting device. In the biochip, light emitted from the sides of the light-emitting device causes a biochemical reaction in the reaction regions. According to the present disclosure, light emitted from the light-emitting device moves only laterally without being transferred to the top or bottom of the bio-layer, and is transferred to the reaction regions formed by etching of flanking regions of the light-emitting device, so that a biochemical reaction in the reaction regions can be more efficiently performed.

Abstract: An instrument for processing and/or measuring a biological process contains a sample processing system, an excitation source, an excitation optical system, an optical sensor, and an emission optical system. The sample processing system is configured to retain a first sample holder and a second sample holder, wherein the number of sample cells is different for each sample holder or a characteristic dimension for the first sample cells is different from that of the second sample holder. The instrument also includes an excitation source temperature controller comprising a temperature sensor that is coupled to the excitation source. The temperature controller is configured to produce a first target temperature when the first sample holder is retained by the instrument and to produce a second target temperature when the second sample holder is retained by the instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hyperspectral imaging are described. In one implementation, a hyperspectral imaging system includes a sample holder configured to hold a sample, an illumination system, and a detection system. The illumination system includes a light source configured to emit excitation light having one or more wavelengths and a diffractive element. The illumination system is configured to structure the excitation light into a predetermined two-dimensional pattern at a conjugate plane of a focal plane in the sample, spectrally disperse the structured excitation light in a first lateral direction, and illuminate the sample in an excitation pattern with the one or more wavelengths dispersed in the first lateral direction.

Abstract: A pH micro-probe, a temperature micro-probe, and an immuno-based micro-probe each include a shaft for transmuting an input light signal and a tip for inserting into a cell or other substance for measuring pH, temperature, and/or antigens. The pH micro-probe and the temperature micro-probe each include a luminescent material positioned on the tip of the micro-probe. The light signal excites the luminescent material so that the luminescent material emits a luminescent light signal. The luminescent light signal has a property value dependent on the pH or temperature being measured and reflects back through the shaft for being measured by a light signal measuring device. The immuno-based micro-probe includes a reflective material that has an effective refractive index dependent on the number of antigen-antibody bonds present on the reflective material.

Abstract: This invention discloses a new class of pH indicators suitable for use in agricultural compounds. The class comprises naturally occurring substances which are extracts from grape skins, cabbage and lecithin. Safety concerns are now causing regulatory bodies to prohibit use of chemical pH indicators in compounds which are used for crops and animals. The naturally occurring compounds of this invention satisfy these concerns of the regulators and function as well as chemical indicators of the prior art.

Abstract: An in-line laser profilometry inspection system broadly comprises a first laser, a first sensor, a second laser, a second sensor, a camera, a calibration standard, and an interface. The lasers transmit first and second light signals to a stringer charge or other part. The sensors detect the light signals reflecting off first and second edge walls of the part. The camera obtains a top-down image of the part. The calibration standard provides structure for calibrating the inspection system via the lasers and sensors. The interface allows a user to oversee part inspection. Data generated from the reflected light signals corresponding to a part profile may be analyzed based on at least first and second derivatives of the part profile such that the part is inspected during a cutting procedure.

Abstract: A beverage bottle checking arrangement is designed to check beverage bottles in a beverage bottle handling arrangement. The beverage bottle checking arrangement includes a single framework and checking devices mounted on the framework, which checking devices are designed to essentially simultaneously check characteristics of beverage bottles being moved through or past the framework.

Abstract: A particle detection system is provided. The particle detection system comprises at least one transmitter; at least one receiver; a first interrogation volume formed by a first intersection of a first pair of a transmitter beam of a transmitter and a receiver field of view of a receiver; and a second interrogation volume formed by a second intersection of a second pair of a transmitter beam of a transmitter and a receiver field of view of a receiver.

Abstract: A non-destructive, inline, multi-channel fabric conductivity measurement system uses an array of opposing paired transmit/receive microwave horns on opposite sides of a fabric material moving in a production line, each horn pair corresponding to a channel in the system. A processor-based controller can control channel hopping, frequency hopping, and measurement orientation to acquire measurements of material conductivity and anisotropy, which measurements can be analyzed for defects that can be flagged in real time during production. Measurements and/or analyses can be stored to make roll-to-roll, batch-to-batch, day-to-day, or production-phase-to-production-phase comparisons useful in identifying the sources of production problems and/or the causes of corrections.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an X-ray scanning system with a non-rotating X-ray scanner that generates scanning data defining a tomographic X-ray image of the object and a processor executing programmatic instructions where the executing processor analyzes the scanning data to extract at least one parameter of the tomographic X-ray image and where the processor is configured to determine if the object comprises a liquid, sharp object, narcotic, currency, nuclear materials, cigarettes or fire-arms.

Abstract: An X-ray diffraction measurement method includes an arranging step of arranging a shielding plate and a two-dimensional detector on an outgoing optical axis, and a calculating step of calculating a diffraction profile indicating an X-ray intensity with respect to a diffraction angle of the object to be measured, on the basis of a two-dimensional X-ray image detected by the two-dimensional detector. In the arranging step, the shielding plate is arranged in a manner so that the slit is inclined at least in a direction about the outgoing optical axis with respect to an orthogonal direction which is orthogonal to both the incident optical axis and the outgoing optical axis.

Abstract: Apparatus including an electrically conductive housing, an electrically non-conducting pipe carrying the slurry through the housing, one or more primary coils each encircling the pipe within the housing and having a capacitor unit coupled thereto with a capacitor unit value chosen so that a primary coil series resonance is formed close to the value of a target magnetic resonance frequency, and for each primary coil, a drive coil and associated electrical network positioned to magnetically couple the drive coil to that primary coil. An impedance monitor coupled to each electrical network measures a complex input impedance thereof. An RF transmitter transmits a signal to one or more of the electrical networks with a frequency approximately equal to the target magnetic resonance frequency, and an RF receiver receives from each electrical network magnetic resonance signals from the target and forms an output signal of detected signals.

Abstract: A heat source position inside a measurement object is identified with high accuracy by improving time resolution. An analysis system according to the present invention is an analysis system that identifies a heat source position inside a measurement object, and includes a condition setting unit that sets a measurement point for one surface of the measurement object, a tester that applies a stimulation signal to the measurement object, a light source that irradiates the measurement point of the measurement object with light, a photo detector that detects light reflected from a predetermined measurement point on the surface of the measurement object according to the irradiation of light and outputs a detection signal, and an analysis unit that derives a distance from the measurement point to the heat source position based on the detection signal and the stimulation signal and identifies the heat source position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for detecting the presence of a botulinum neurotoxin in a sample, the sensor comprising: (a) an electrically conductive substrate coated with at least one SNAP-25, VAMP or syntaxin protein; and (b) a detection arrangement adapted to enable the detection of the cleavage of at least one SNAP-25, VAMP or syntaxin protein by the botulinum neurotoxin. The invention also relates to methods of making a sensor, methods of detecting and a detection kit for botulinum neurotoxin.

Abstract: A control circuit for use with a four terminal sensor, the sensor having first and second drive terminals and first and second measurement terminals, the control circuit arranged to drive at least one of the first and second drive terminals with an excitation signal, to sense a voltage difference between the first and second measurement terminals, and control the excitation signal such that the voltage difference between the first and second measurement terminals is within a target range of voltages, and wherein the control circuit includes N poles in its transfer characteristic and N?1 zeros in its transfer characteristic such that when a loop gain falls to unity the phase shift around a closed loop is not substantially 2? radians or a multiple thereof, where N is greater than 1.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising a connector including a plurality of contacts and a liquid detection module coupled to at least one contact in the plurality of contacts. The liquid detection module can be configured to generate and apply a time varying voltage or current to the at least one contact over a range of frequencies, measure complex impedance including phase and magnitude at the at least one contact, and determine whether liquid intrusion has occurred on the contacts based on previously measured signatures of phase and magnitude versus frequency.