Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor package structure. The semiconductor package structure includes a substrate, a first electronic component and a support component. The first electronic component is disposed on the substrate. The first electronic component has a backside surface facing a first surface of the substrate. The support component is disposed between the backside surface of the first electronic component and the first surface of the substrate. The backside surface of the first electronic component has a first portion connected to the support component and a second portion exposed from the support component.

Abstract: Described are structures and techniques for providing high-efficiency, high-power-density piezoelectric resonators (PRs) for use in power converters. In some embodiments, a power converter can include a PR for energy transfer, where the PR substantially satisfies geometry conditions disclosed herein for achieving high-efficiency and high-power-density. The geometry conditions can be defined in terms of the converter's specified (e.g., rated) voltage and power level.

Abstract: In certain examples, methods and semiconductor structures are directed to operation of a piezoelectric-based device (e.g., a DC-DC converter) and such operation may involve selectively switching inputs of the piezoelectric-based device at a modulation frequency and, in response, decoupling of the modulation frequency from output power delivered by the piezoelectric-based device. In some examples, the inputs of the piezoelectric-based device are selectively switched to cause decoupling the modulation frequency from output power delivered by the piezoelectric-based device and/or cause operation of the piezoelectric-based device without spurious mode operation.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring device includes a camera or other optical sensor configured to be disposed at a trailing end of a first vehicle system. The camera or other optical sensor is configured to output one or more images or video of a field of view behind the first vehicle system. The monitoring device also includes a controller configured to receive output from one or more sensors and to activate the camera or other optical sensor to output the one or more images or video based on the output from the one or more sensors. The output from the one or more sensors indicates one or more of a change in movement of the first vehicle system, a temperature, an acoustic sound, or movement of a second vehicle system.

Abstract: An oven-controlled crystal oscillator according to one or more embodiments may include a core section having a crystal resonator, an oscillator IC and a heating IC, wherein the core section is supported by a package via an interposer, and furthermore the core section is hermetically encapsulated in the package.

Abstract: Actuator assemblies, mechanical assemblies including the actuator assemblies, and methods of fabricating the same are disclosed herein. The actuator assemblies include a piezoelectric element having a first side and a second side, a first electrode in electrical communication with the first side, and a second electrode in electrical communication with the second side. The first electrode includes a flexible, electrically conductive membrane. The mechanical assemblies include a first structure, which includes a first interface surface, a second structure, which includes a second interface surface, and the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is configured to provide a motive force for relative motion between the first structure and the second structure. The methods include defining a first electrode on a first side of a piezoelectric element and defining a second electrode on a second side of the piezoelectric element. The first electrode includes a flexible, electrically conductive membrane.

Abstract: The switch contacts of a MEMS relay for a circuit interrupter are coated with a thin layer of liquid metal, and the MEMS relay is disposed in a sealed enclosure containing a gas medium. The gas medium provides an environmentally desirable alternative to sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), prevents oxidation of the liquid metal coating the relay switch contacts, and has sufficient dielectric strength in order to prevent current flow after separation of the switch contacts.

Abstract: A timing device includes an oven having a chamber, a crystal oscillator disposed in the chamber that generates a clock signal, and one or more sensors to generate operational characteristic signals indicative of respective operational characteristics of the crystal oscillator or the oven. The timing device includes a plurality of I/O connections and an IC device. The IC device includes processing logic to generate information that indicates how the generated clock signal is to be modified and a modulator coupled to the processing logic and the crystal oscillator. The modulator modulates the generated clock signal in relation to the information to generate a modulated clock signal indicative of the one or more operational characteristics of the crystal oscillator or the oven. The modulator outputs the modulated clock signal over a single one of the plurality of I/O connections.

Abstract: Various implementations include a common mode voltage controller for a self-boosting push pull amplifier. In some implementations, input signal are processed by: calculating, based upon the input signal, a maximum duty cycle to achieve a target differential in an output of the self-boosting push pull amplifier; calculating, based on the input signal, a set of control parameters associated with adjusting a common mode voltage of the output; and generating, based on the input signal, a pair of signals configured to adjust the common mode voltage of the output, wherein the pair of signals include a gain adjustment and offset based on the maximum duty cycle and the set of control parameters, and wherein the pair of signals are configured to maintain the target differential in the output of the self-boosting push pull amplifier as the common mode voltage is adjusted to a different operating point.

Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates to quartz crystal devices and more particularly to quartz crystal devices configured to vibrate in torsional mode. In one aspect, a quartz crystal device configured for temperature sensing comprises a fork-shaped quartz crystal comprising a pair of elongate tines laterally extending from a base region in a horizontal lengthwise direction of the fork-shaped quartz crystal, wherein each of the tines has formed on one or both of opposing sides thereof a pair of vertically recessed groove structures laterally elongated in the horizontal lengthwise direction, wherein the pair of groove structures are separated in a horizontal widthwise direction by a line structure.

Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates to quartz crystal devices and more particularly to quartz crystal devices configured to vibrate in torsional mode. In one aspect, a quartz crystal device configured for temperature sensing comprises a fork-shaped quartz crystal comprising a pair of elongate tines laterally extending from a base region in a horizontal lengthwise direction of the fork-shaped quartz crystal. Each of the tines has formed on one or both of opposing sides thereof a vertically protruding line structure laterally elongated in the horizontal lengthwise direction. The quartz crystal device further comprises a first electrode and a second electrode formed on the one or both of the opposing sides of each of the tines and configured such that, when an electrical bias is applied between the first and second electrodes, the fork-shaped quartz crystal vibrates in a torsional mode in which each of the tines twists about a respective axis extending in the horizontal lengthwise direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an object recognition apparatus, which includes: an actuator unit configured to contact an object and generate vibrations and transmit them through objects based on the inherent characteristic of the object; and a sensor unit connected to the actuator unit to receive the vibration and generate a voltage signal.

Abstract: An EMI suppression component includes a piezoelectric element that is configured to provide a low impedance propagation path for electromagnetic disturbances at a resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (PMUT) array may comprise PMUT devices with respective piezoelectric layers and electrode layers. Parasitic capacitance can be reduced when an electrode layer is not shared across PMUT devices but may expose the devices to electromagnetic interference (EMI). A conductive layer located within the structural layer or on a shared plane with the electrode layers may reduce EMI affecting the PMUT array operation.

Abstract: A privacy filter includes a plurality of micro louvers. Each micro louver of the plurality of micro louvers is a same size. Each micro louver of the plurality of micro louvers are laid flat on top of each other to form the privacy filter. The plurality of micro louvers includes a first micro louver and a set of micro louvers. The first micro louver is in a fixed position. The set of micro louvers has a first piezo element at a first end of each micro louver and a second piezo element at a second end of each micro louver. The first end is opposite the second end.

Abstract: Various implementations include systems for amplifying input signals. In particular implementations, a system includes a common mode voltage controller configured to receive an input signal and output a pair of adjusted signals; a modulator that generates a pair of pulse width modulation (PWM) signals in response to the adjusted signals; and a self-boosting push pull amplifier configured to receive the PWM signals and generate an amplified output, wherein the self-boosting push pull amplifier is configured to generate a differential mode voltage representative of an amplified version of the input signal, wherein the adjusted audio signals generated by the common mode voltage controller include a dynamically adjusted gain and duty cycle offset that causes the self-boosting push pull amplifier to operate with a reduced common mode voltage.

Abstract: A blood pressure measuring apparatus may include: a touch sensor; a pulse wave measurer configured to measure pulse waves from a user's finger when the user's finger is in contact with the touch sensor; a contact pressure measurer configured to measure a contact pressure between the user's finger and the touch sensor; a fingerprint recognizer configured to recognize a fingerprint of the user's finger; and a processor configured to determine a degree of position coincidence between the user's finger and the pulse wave measurer based on the recognized fingerprint, and to estimate a blood pressure of the user based on the pulse waves and the contact pressure according to the determined degree of position coincidence.

Abstract: A cylindrical secondary battery includes a jelly-roll type electrode assembly having a structure in which a long sheet type positive electrode and a long sheet type negative electrode are wound with a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The cylindrical secondary battery also includes a cylindrical battery case configured to receive the jelly-roll type electrode assembly, and a piezoelectric element configured to generate electrical energy due to the volumetric expansion of the jelly-roll type electrode assembly caused by charging and discharging the jelly-roll type electrode assembly.

Abstract: A method of operating a sound generation mechanism includes determining a temperature of the sound generation mechanism, identifying a resonant frequency of the sound generation mechanism associated with the determined temperature, and communicating an excitation frequency to the sound generation mechanism. The excitation frequency is selected in response to the resonant frequency associated with the determined temperature. The sound generation mechanism is operated to produce one or more sounds.

Abstract: A display panel is disclosed. The display panel includes a flexible substrate; a display sub-region on the flexible substrate including a light emitting device; a peripheral region of the display sub-region spacing the display sub-region from an adjacent display sub-region; and a current compensator in the peripheral region for compensating a current flowing through the light emitting device of the display sub-region in response to deformation of the flexible substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for generating a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma are disclosed. In an embodiment, an apparatus for generating a non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma includes a first piezoelectric transformer, a second piezoelectric transformer, and a drive circuit configured to apply an input voltage to each of the piezoelectric transformers, and wherein the input voltage applied to the first transformer is phase-shifted by 90° in relation to the input voltage applied to the second transformer.

Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates to quartz crystal devices and more particularly to quartz crystal devices configured to vibrate in torsional mode. In one aspect, a quartz crystal device configured for temperature sensing comprises a fork-shaped quartz crystal comprising a pair of elongate tines laterally extending from a base region in a horizontal lengthwise direction of the fork-shaped quartz crystal, wherein each of the tines has formed on one or both of opposing sides thereof a pair of vertically recessed groove structures laterally elongated in the horizontal lengthwise direction, wherein the pair of groove structures are separated in a horizontal widthwise direction by a line structure.

Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates to quartz crystal devices and more particularly to quartz crystal devices configured to vibrate in torsional mode. In one aspect, a quartz crystal device configured for temperature sensing comprises a fork-shaped quartz crystal comprising a pair of elongate tines laterally extending from a base region in a horizontal lengthwise direction of the fork-shaped quartz crystal. Each of the tines has formed on one or both of opposing sides thereof a vertically protruding line structure laterally elongated in the horizontal lengthwise direction. The quartz crystal device further comprises a first electrode and a second electrode formed on the one or both of the opposing sides of each of the tines and configured such that, when an electrical bias is applied between the first and second electrodes, the fork-shaped quartz crystal vibrates in a torsional mode in which each of the tines twists about a respective axis extending in the horizontal lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A device for generating an atmospheric-pressure plasma is disclosed. In an embodiment the device includes a piezoelectric transformer comprising an input region and an output region, wherein the input region is designed to convert an applied alternating voltage into a mechanical oscillation, wherein the output region is designed to convert a mechanical oscillation into a voltage, and wherein the output region adjoins the input region in a longitudinal direction, a contact element fastened to the piezoelectric transformer, the contact element being designed to apply the alternating voltage to the input region and a holder, wherein the contact element is connected to the holder by a form-fit connection, in such a manner that a movement of the piezoelectric transformer in the longitudinal direction, relative to the holder, is prevented.

Abstract: An elliptical-shaped resonator device. The device includes a bottom metal plate, a piezoelectric layer overlying the bottom metal plate, and a top metal plate overlying the piezoelectric layer. The top metal plate, the piezoelectric layer, and the bottom metal plate are characterized by an elliptical shape having a horizontal diameter (dx) and a vertical diameter (dy), which can be represented as ellipse ratio R=dx/dy. Using the elliptical structure, the resulting bulk acoustic wave resonator (BAWR) can exhibit equivalent or improved insertion loss, higher coupling coefficient, and higher quality factor compared to conventional polygon-shaped resonators.

Abstract: A suppressing circuit is provided with a diode of which an anode is connected to a first neutral point between a drive circuit and a control electrode of a semiconductor switch; a capacitor disposed between a cathode of the diode and a reference potential; a constant voltage circuit connected to a second neutral point between the diode and the capacitor; an adjusting resistor disposed between the constant voltage circuit and the second neutral point; and a cutoff switch disposed between a constant voltage circuit side of the adjusting resistor and the reference potential.

Abstract: A capacitive load charging/discharging device, including a first capacitor, a down-up converter including a first and a second switching element connected across the first capacitor, wherein a connecting point of the switching elements is connected to a first output terminal of the converter through a main coil. The device further includes an output circuit with a capacitive load arranged between first and second output circuit terminals, which are connected to output terminals of the converter. A discharge circuit is formed with the output circuit, the main coil and the second switching element, including an additional capacitor which is connected to a charging circuit for charging to a specified voltage, wherein the polarity of the voltage corresponds to that of the load voltage in the charged state of the capacitive load.

Abstract: A writing device to write on a media, which includes a passive electronic paper display and a storage medium. The writing device comprises a first component to at least read the storage medium and a second component to at least write to the electronic paper display during relative movement between the second component and the media.

Abstract: A first rectification circuit is connected to an output side of a first piezoelectric transformer and outputs a voltage of a first polarity. A second rectification circuit is connected to an output side of the second piezoelectric transformer and outputs a voltage of a second polarity. A frequency adjustment unit is connected between the second rectification circuit and an output of the second piezoelectric transformer, and adjusts a relationship between an output voltage and a drive frequency of the second piezoelectric transformer. A driving circuit supplies a drive signal to both the first piezoelectric transformer and the second piezoelectric transformer.

Abstract: An illumination device generally has at least one light source and an attachment assembly that connects the light source to a computing device. The light source may be one or more LEDs or a light panel using electroluminescent lighting. The illumination device includes a power source coupled to the light source and a light control mechanism to change at least one of an operative state or an intensity of the light source. The illumination device may also be integrally connected to the computing device. A light cover is implemented to cover the light source and diffuse light emanating therefrom.

Abstract: A system includes at least one circumferentially-polarized d15 shear ring transducer and a controller electrically coupled to the at least one circumferentially-polarized d15 shear ring transducer. The at least one circumferentially-polarized d15 shear ring transducer is configured to be disposed on a structure and to detect at least one shear horizontal-type acoustic emission from damage to the structure. The controller includes a machine-readable storage medium and a processor in signal communication with the machine-readable storage medium. The processor is configured to store acoustic emission signal data in the machine-readable storage medium when a signal amplitude detected by the at least one circumferentially-polarized d15 shear ring transducer crosses a first threshold.

Abstract: Provided is an examination system including a mobile apparatus and an examination apparatus. The mobile apparatus includes: a biological object information storing unit configured to store biological object information; a reading unit configured to read biological object information; a comparing unit configured to compare the biological object information; and an outputting unit configured to output a result of comparison, and the examination apparatus includes: an examination information acquiring unit configured to acquire examination information; and a controlling unit configured to control the operation of the examination apparatus.

Abstract: This disclosure describes controlling a variable delay system with a control signal generated in a phase-locked loop (PLL). Furthermore, aspects describe generating a compensation current based on a number of edges of pulses propagating through a variable delay line including multiple delay elements. The number of edges propagating through the variable delay is determined by computing a difference between a number of edges entering the variable delay line and a number of edges exiting the variable delay line. The compensation current is derived from a mirrored version of the current of the control signal of the PLL. Thus, the techniques and systems in this disclosure provide accurate and repeatable control of a variable delay line over variations in temperature and process using low-power circuits. Furthermore, the input signal to the variable delay line may be asynchronous with respect to a system clock or a reference signal of the PLL.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an ultrasonic transducer and a manufacturing method. The ultrasonic transducer for an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor comprises a piezoelectric layer, receiving electrode lines, emitting electrode lines, a substrate, connecting electrodes and bonding wires. Wherein the piezoelectric layer comprises an array of piezoelectric pillars. The plurality of receiving electrode lines are formed on the piezoelectric layer. The plurality of emitting electrode lines being formed beneath the piezoelectric layer. The substrate is formed under the emitting electrode lines. The connecting electrodes are formed under the substrate. The bonding wires are configured to connect the receiving electrode lines with the connecting electrodes and to connect the emitting electrode lines with the connecting electrodes.

Abstract: A corona ignition device is described, with a central electrode, an insulator, in which the central electrode sits, a coil, which is connected to the central electrode, a metal housing, which holds the insulator and surrounds the coil, and a cover, which closes the metal housing at its end facing away from the insulator. According to this disclosure, provision is made for a spring arranged between the cover and the coil. In another aspect, a shield is provided that surrounds the housing and comprises several shell elements which each surround a section of the circumference of the coil.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a corona ignition device having a coil, which has an elongate coil body and a coil winding wound onto the coil body, an ignition electrode connected to the coil, and an insulator, inside which the ignition electrode is situated. According to the present disclosure, the coil body has a hollow section.

Abstract: A power conversion device includes a step-down-type transformer and a bridge circuit that rectifies output voltage of the transformer and supplies the rectified output voltage to a load. The bridge circuit is connected to a secondary winding of the transformer and includes MOS-FETs connected in series and diodes connected in series. A gate of the MOS-FET is connected to one end of a primary winding of the transformer with a capacitor interposed therebetween and a gate of the MOS-FET is connected to the other end of the primary winding of the transformer with a capacitor interposed therebetween. With this, a power conversion device and a wireless power transmission system that can achieve space saving and reduce loss in a rectifying element are provided.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems to improve thermal sensitivity of resonant circuits. One aspect utilizes tracking near-resonance complex impedance for a quartz resonator based calorimeter sensor to derive ultra-sensitive temperature measurement from the sensor. Another aspect includes a quartz resonant or -based calorimetric sensor placed close to but not touching the analyte being measured to eliminate mass loading effect on the temperature measurement.

Abstract: What is specified is a piezoelectric transformer (10) having a surface structure which has at least one protruding surface structure segment (5), wherein the piezoelectric transformer has a contour (3) and is suitable for discharging a gas in conjunction with a counter electrode (10) for generating a plasma, wherein the surface structure is configured such that the gas discharge takes place at a multiplicity of discharge initiation points (6) on the contour (3). A width of the surface structure segment (5) is smaller than the width of the piezoelectric transformer (1).

Abstract: A control method for a power transmitter, a power transmitter and a noncontact power transfer apparatus are disclosed. An inverter in the power transmitter is controlled to be intermittently input a voltage in the standby mode, and the input voltage of the inverter is controlled to show a gradually increasing or gradually decreasing trend when there is a voltage value input in the standby state. According to the control method for the power transmitter, the power transmitter and the noncontact power transfer apparatus of the present disclosure, it can achieve smooth transition from the standby state to the normal state, and the standby efficiency and the normal operation efficiency can both be improved.

Abstract: Current transducers are widely used in current measuring systems. They provide good isolation between the supply voltage and the measurement equipment. However they can introduce small phase errors which can become significant sources of error if the current to a load is out of phase with the supply voltage for the load. This disclosure discusses a robust measurement apparatus and method that can be used in situ to monitor for and correct phase errors.

Abstract: A main power line (+ and ? lines) is coupled to a power supply, for example a car battery, grounded to a vehicle chassis. Positive and negative main power lines are coupled to a power line gateway module, and spliced to carry power for a segment, until receiving, by splices, RF power line communcations. The main power lines, now carrying power and RF power line communications are then coupled to remote modules. RF power line communication carries signal from the power line gateway module to a impedance matching network or a transformer are used to match impedances.

Abstract: A voltage measuring apparatus is configured to measure voltages of respective battery cells of a battery cell array including a plurality of battery cell groups each including a predetermined number of battery cells connected in series. The voltage measuring apparatus includes a plurality of measuring units each provided for each of the battery cell groups. The adjacent measuring units are connected through a communication channel so as to perform current communication therebetween. A bidirectional diode circuit element is connected to the communication channel extending between the adjacent measuring units.

Abstract: In one form, a multi-mode converter includes first, second, third, and fourth transistors having respective control terminals and arranged in a four-switch buck-boost (FSBB) configuration for coupling to an inductor. The multi-mode converter also includes a first driver having an input for receiving a first switching signal and an output, a first charge pump having an output, a second driver having an input for receiving a second switching signal and an output, a second charge pump having an output, and a control circuit. The control circuit alternatively couples an output of the first driver or an output of the first charge pump to the control terminal of the first transistor, and the output of the second driver or the output of the second charge pump to the control terminal of the fourth transistor in response to a mode of operation of the multi-mode power converter.

Abstract: A ring oscillator includes a plurality of inverters. A closed loop structure is formed by cascading the inverters. The inverter includes at least one sensitive inverter with a diode-connected transistor. A variation in an MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) threshold voltage of the ring oscillator is detected by analyzing the oscillation frequency of the ring oscillator.

Abstract: An LED constant-voltage dimming power supply being electrically connected to a dimmer and configured for changing duty ratio of output voltage thereof according to a controlling signal from the dimmer, includes a constant-voltage source, a damping discharge circuit module, a phase detecting circuit module, a duty ratio controlling module, and a switcher. The damping discharge circuit module is electrically connected to an input end of the constant-voltage source. The phase detecting circuit module is electrically connected to an output end of the constant-voltage source. The duty ratio controlling module is coupled to the phase detecting circuit. The switcher is electrically connected to the duty ratio controlling module. The LED constant-voltage dimming power supply adjusts the luminance of the LED lamp and has high universality. Moreover, each of lots of LED lamps has high consistency during adjusting its luminance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biological probe structure, as well as apparatuses, systems, and methods employing this structure. In particular embodiments, the structure includes a hermetically sealed unit configured to receive and transmit one or more optical signals. Furthermore, the structure can be implanted subcutaneously and interrogated externally. In this manner, a minimally invasive method can be employed to detect, treat, and/or assess the biological target. Additional methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of forming micro-electromechanical device include a semiconductor substrate, in which a first microstructure and a second microstructure of reference are integrated. The first microstructure and the second microstructure are arranged in the substrate so as to undergo equal strains as a result of thermal expansions of the substrate. Furthermore, the first microstructure is provided with movable parts and fixed parts with respect to the substrate, while the second microstructure has a shape that is substantially symmetrical to the first microstructure but is fixed with respect to the substrate. By subtracting the changes in electrical characteristics of the second microstructure from those of the first, variations in electrical characteristics of the first microstructure caused by changes in thermal expansion or contraction can be compensated for.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a substrate, a dielectric disposed on the semiconductor substrate, an acoustic resonator disposed on the dielectric, and an electrical interconnect disposed in the dielectric and configured to transmit an electrical signal to or from at least one electrode of the acoustic resonator through a signal path disposed at least partially below a level of the acoustic resonator.