By Capacitance Measuring Patents (Class 324/519)
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Patent number: 12244759Abstract: It is suggested to detect a single wire interruption (SWI) of a line comprising two wires, wherein such line is part of a vectoring group, comprising (i) determining a capacitance between the single wires of the line; and (ii) determining whether a single wire interruption is present based on the determined capacitance.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2019Date of Patent: March 4, 2025Assignee: Adtran GmbHInventors: Martin Kuipers, Nils Asmussen
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Patent number: 12228598Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system of measuring capacitance of a device-under-test (DUT). The system includes first switch, second switch, and a capacitance measurement device. The first switch is configured to receive a supply voltage. The first and second switches are electrically connected to the DUT. The capacitance measurement device is configured to provide a first pair of non-overlapping periodic signals with a first frequency, and a second pair of non-overlapping periodic signals with a second frequency. The second frequency is ? times the first frequency. When the first switch and the second switch receive the first pair of non-overlapping periodic signals, a first current is transmitted through the first switch and the second switch. When the first switch and the second switch receive the second pair of non-overlapping periodic signals, a second current is transmitted through the first switch and the second switch.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2022Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.Inventors: Mao-Hsuan Chou, Ruey-Bin Sheen, Chih-Hsien Chang
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Patent number: 12140644Abstract: A capacitor inspection method includes applying a direct current (DC) bias voltage to an inspection capacitor with a value which is equal to or lower than a rated value of the inspection capacitor; inputting a first electric signal to the inspection capacitor, switching the input electric signal from the first electric signal to a second electric signal having a different waveform than the first electric signal and thereby generating a vibration containing a transient vibration in the inspection capacitor and eliciting a reaction voltage as an output from the inspection capacitor which contains a vibration response voltage generated by the vibration and the DC bias voltage; and measuring a transient response waveform from the vibration response voltage contained in the reaction voltage. A capacitor inspection apparatus includes a holder for the inspection capacitor; a DC voltage supply device; a signal generator; and a voltage or current measurement device.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2022Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: YURI HOLDINGS CO., LTD.Inventor: Reijiro Matsuo
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Patent number: 12105128Abstract: A method and a device for impedance monitoring for a single-phase or multiphase, ungrounded power supply system. The method comprising the following steps: measuring a complex impedance against ground simultaneously for each active conductor using a measuring device; calculating a complex touch current for each active conductor; testing in the computing unit whether the corresponding complex touch current exceeds a settable body-current threshold value; generating a switch signal in the computing unit upon the body-current threshold value being exceeded; and controlling a switch element using the switch signal for shutting off or isolating the power source.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2022Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: Bender GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Dennis Haub, Wolfgang Hofheinz
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Patent number: 12044691Abstract: A measuring apparatus usable in a liquid handling apparatus, and method, for detecting a deformed pipetting container using a first and a second measuring device, the measuring apparatus being configured to determine the position of an end region of the pipetting container as a f unction of a position of a measurement support section of the pipetting container as relative position data in a data storage device, so that subsequently the position of the end region of the pipetting container can be determined by measuring the position of the measurement support section and from the relative position data.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: Eppendorf SEInventors: Markus Lapczyna, Uwe Dunker, Burkhardt Reichmuth, Maik Radke
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Patent number: 11994021Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for determining the propagation delay for a downhole wire and/or for monitoring the integrity of a downhole wire. The apparatus includes a first tool component and a second tool component spaced apart from the first tool component and communicatively coupled by a wire. The tool components include impedance altering devices configured to alter, for a predetermined period of time, either the source impedance at a first termination point of the wire and/or the load impedance at a second termination point of the wire sufficient to generate a characteristic signal reflection upon the transmission of a signal along a length of the wire between the first tool component and the second tool component.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Imran Sharif Vehra, Christopher Golla, Matthew Chase Griffing, Zinovy B. Krugliak
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Patent number: 11933830Abstract: An apparatus and methods for testing a trailer light system including a trailer connector for coupling a first voltage to a first trailer light and a second voltage to a second trailer light, a transmission state detector for determining a vehicle transmission state, and a trailer interface module for detecting an electrical connection to a trailer at the trailer connection, and for applying the first voltage to the trailer connector and the second voltage to the trailer connector in response to the detection of the electrical connection and the vehicle transmission state being in a park state.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Harold Bruton Thibodeau, Ansaar Beg, Andreea Sofia Ungureanu
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Patent number: 11913845Abstract: A temperature indicator includes a first capacitor configured to change capacitance when exposed to a temperature above a first threshold temperature, a second capacitor configured to change capacitance when exposed to a temperature above a second threshold temperature. The first capacitor is electrically connected to the second capacitor. The second threshold temperature is different than the first threshold temperature. The first capacitor and the second capacitor retain their changed capacitance permanently after they return to a temperature below their respective threshold temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: TEMPTIME CORPORATIONInventors: Ravi Bhatia, Thi N. Do, Brian S. Huffman, Mohannad Abdo
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Patent number: 11562595Abstract: A fingerprint sensor is provided and includes substrate; sensor electrodes on substrate; first switches coupled to sensor electrodes; organic layer covering sensor electrodes; control line drive circuit in first direction; signal line drive circuit in second direction orthogonal to first direction; signal lines coupled to first switches; control lines coupling first switches to control line drive circuit; sensor drive electrode surrounding sensor electrodes; second switches between signal line drive circuit and signal lines; and first number of third switches between signal line drive circuit and first number of second switches, wherein distance of sensor drive electrode from surface of substrate is larger than distance of sensor electrodes from surface of substrate, and wherein first number is less than number of all second switches.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Japan Display Inc.Inventors: Fumihito Shibano, Hiroshi Mizuhashi, Toshinori Uehara, Kimiyo Nonoyama, Hayato Kurasawa
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Patent number: 11489434Abstract: An electronic circuit includes an output node configured to output a DC signal indicating a rate of change over time of voltage at a measurement target node. The rate-of-voltage change detection circuit includes a first capacitor and a first resistor connected in series between the measurement target node and a reference voltage node, a first rectifier circuit connected between the output node and a connection node of the first capacitor and the first resistor, and a second capacitor connected between the output node and the reference voltage node.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2020Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: Kentaro Ikeda
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Patent number: 11300605Abstract: The present disclosure describes printed circuit board performance evaluation techniques. In some cases, a printed circuit board performance evaluation process may include determining a first set of electrical properties associated with an interface between components of a printed circuit board, where the interface is disposed on an internal or external layer of the printed circuit board. After selective application of a sheet of dielectric material to a portion of a transmission line in the interface, a second set of electrical properties associated with the interface may be determined. The first set of electrical properties may be compared to the second set of electrical properties to evaluate printed circuit board performance. In other cases, the interface may include a trace inductor, and electrical properties of the interface before and after application of a ferrous material may be compared to evaluate printed circuit board performance.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2018Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Layne A. Berge, Matthew S. Doyle, Manuel Orozco, John R. Dangler, Thomas W. Liang, Jason J. Bjorgaard
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Patent number: 11079428Abstract: A test circuit includes an amplifier configured to receive an AC signal, and output an amplified AC signal based on the AC signal, a first detection circuit configured to generate a first DC voltage having a first value based on an amplitude of the AC signal, and a second detection circuit configured to generate a second DC voltage having a second value based on an amplitude of the amplified AC signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.Inventors: Hsieh-Hung Hsieh, Yen-Jen Chen, Tzu-Jin Yeh
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Patent number: 11061060Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing defects on a cable, including the following steps: measuring parameters S of the cable; determining the apparent impedance of the cable as a function of the position z along the cable, from one end of the cable ZI(z), as well as from the other end of the cable Zr(z); determining an estimation of the linear resistance R(z) of the cable as a function of the position z along the cable; and detecting a defect on a cable when the estimated linear resistance R(z) deviates from a reference value.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Inventors: Nassif Berrabah, Qinghua Zhang
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Patent number: 10996257Abstract: An insulating substrate inspecting method includes bringing a lower electrode into contact with lower metal of an insulating substrate including an insulating layer, the lower metal in contact with a lower surface of the insulating layer, and upper metal in contact with an upper surface of the insulating layer, and bringing an upper electrode into contact with the upper metal, and applying an AC voltage to the lower electrode and the upper electrode to detect electromagnetic waves generated at a defect in the insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Tetsuya Ueda, Kazuki Sameshima, Hiroki Shiota
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Patent number: 10876984Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for measuring the dryness of primer on a substrate in an inline priming system. In implementations, the apparatus comprises a plurality of measurement electrodes spaced laterally to extend across and contact a primed surface of a substrate following application of a primer to the substrate as it is fed through the inline priming system. A resistance measurement unit is provided as part of the dryness measuring apparatus to, in use, measure the surface resistance of the primed substrate between different measurement electrodes across the primed surface of a substrate. A controller is provided in the dryness measurement apparatus, the controller arranged to, in use: receive the measured surface resistance value and to generate, based on the measured surface resistance values, a dryness profile indicative of the dryness of the primer at locations across the substrate in the direction of the spacing of the electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: HP Indigo B.V.Inventors: Matan Schneider, Eli Shoshani, Fernanda Orlik
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Patent number: 10837810Abstract: In a method for calibrating a measuring device by using a case which includes a case main body configured to accommodate the measuring device, a restricting portion configured to restrict translation of the measuring device accommodated in the case main body and reference surfaces provided in the case main body to face the respective sensor electrodes, a plurality of detection values is acquired in a state where translation of the measuring device accommodated in the case is restricted by the restricting portion, the reference surfaces face respective sensor electrodes of the measuring device and a high frequency signal is applied to the sensor electrodes. Then, coefficients in functions used in calculating measurement values are calibrated such that the measurement values become a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITEDInventors: Kippei Sugita, Tomohide Minami
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Patent number: 10777106Abstract: An electronic device includes a display having a number of pixels, source driving circuitry that drives data to the pixels, and data lines that communicatively couple the source driving circuitry with the pixels. The electronic device also includes quality monitoring and calibration circuitry that identifies degradation in the source driving circuitry, one or more of the data lines, or both. The electronic device may be controlled based at least in part upon identification of the degradation.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Hung Sheng Lin, Jie Won Ryu, Kingsuk Brahma, Hyunwoo Nho, Baris Cagdaser, Junhua Tan, Sun-Il Chang, Luigi Panseri, Injae Hwang, Jesse A. Richmond, Toshiaki Sawada, Hyuck-Jae Lee
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Patent number: 10621405Abstract: A fingerprint sensor and includes a first substrate having a first surface; an insulating layer having a second surface opposed to the first surface of the first substrate, and a third surface opposed to the second surface; sensor electrodes arranged in a matrix in the third surface; and a conductive portion arranged in the first surface of the first substrate and configured to supply a drive signal, wherein a height of the conductive portion is higher than a height of one of the sensor electrodes in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the first substrate.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Japan Display Inc.Inventors: Fumihito Shibano, Hiroshi Mizuhashi, Toshinori Uehara, Kimiyo Nonoyama, Hayato Kurasawa
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Patent number: 10565420Abstract: A capacitive sensing circuit (10) includes a sample-and-hold circuit (SH) coupled to the contact capacitor (Cf); an integrating circuit (100) coupled to the sample-and-hold circuit (SH); a comparator (comp) coupled to the integrating circuit (100); a counter (cntr) coupled to a comparison output terminal and configured to accumulate a cumulative number (Nout) of transitions of the comparator (comp); a voltage boost circuit (104) coupled to the integrating circuit (100) and configured to add a specific value (Vk) to an integrating output voltage (Vout) when the comparator (comp) performs a transition; and a logic circuit (102) coupled to the counter (cntr), where the logic circuit (102) outputs an integration time (Tout) of the integrating circuit (100) when the cumulative number is equal to a predetermined number (Nth), and the integration time (Tout) correlates with a capacitance value of the contact capacitor (Cf).Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: SHENZHEN GOODIX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Yu An Liang
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Patent number: 10466297Abstract: An integrated circuit detection method, apparatus, and system are disclosed, which relate to the field of electronics and resolve a problem of detecting an electrical parameter of an integrated circuit on a printed circuit board in a power-on state. A specific solution is as follows: N detection circuits (101) are disposed, where each detection circuit (101) is connected to a different integrated circuit (102), the detection circuit (101) is provided with a first detection point (a) and a second detection point (b), and the detection circuit (101) is configured to detect the electrical parameter of the integrated circuit (102) that is connected to the detection circuit (101); and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The solution is used in a process of detecting the electrical parameter of the integrated circuit on the printed circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Jianping Deng, Cheng Zeng, Qingsong Zhu
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Patent number: 10355425Abstract: The disclosure proposes a cable for connecting to an electronic device. The cable comprising an electrical cord, a connector, a sensor device and an alarm unit. The connector is connected to one end of the electrical cord, and adapted to connect the cable to the electronic device. The sensor device is arranged at the connector and is adapted for collecting sensor data from the electronic device when the connector is connected to the electronic device. The alarm unit is connected to the sensor device and arranged to initiate an alarm based on output data from the sensor device.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: SCUDI ABInventor: Mattias Gustafsson
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Patent number: 10338552Abstract: A simulation apparatus for simulating a peripheral circuit arrangement connected to a regulating device and has a first current controller for influencing a first load current and a second current controller for influencing a first source current. The first current controller is controlled by a model code and used to set the first load current, and the first load current is routed to a first load connection of the regulating device. The second current controller is controlled by the model code and used to set the first source current, which is routed to a first supply connection of the regulating device. The model code influences the model code on the first current controller and the second current controller allows the first load current to be recovered at least proportionally from the first source current and/or the first source current to be recovered at least proportionally from the first load current.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2017Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: dSPACE digital signal processing and control engineering GmbHInventor: Joerg Bracker
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Patent number: 10215874Abstract: A capacitive detection and display device and method is used to simultaneously detect and display an image of an object hidden behind an obscuring surface. An electrode applies an electric field to a chamber having a visual display material which is located between the electrode and the obscuring surface. A sensitivity enhancement device is located within the electric field between the chamber and the obscuring surface to increase the sensitivity of the detection and display device and increase its depth of penetration through the obscuring surface. In one embodiment, the sensitivity device comprises an array of sensitivity electrodes formed on a nonconductive substrate. The shape of a hidden object is visually displayed by the visual display material.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2018Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Inventor: Lanny Starkes Smoot
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Patent number: 10203828Abstract: A low cost, two-dimensional, fingerprint sensor includes a pixel array, each pixel including a switch and a pixel electrode for forming a capacitance with a fingertip. One or more active transmission electrodes are spaced from a selected row of the pixel array, and transmit a carrier signal into the finger without direct coupling into the selected pixels. Signals sensed by the pixel array are coupled to an independent integrated circuit, and connections between the IC and the pixel array are reduced by demultiplexing row select lines, and by multiplexing sensed column data. Differential sensing may be used to improve common mode noise rejection. The fingerprint sensor may be conveniently incorporated within a conventional touchpad LCD panel, and can mimic the performance of lower density touchpad pixels.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: EGIS TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventors: Richard B. Nelson, Richard A. Erhart
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Patent number: 10203826Abstract: A low cost, two-dimensional, fingerprint sensor includes a pixel array, each pixel including a switch and a pixel electrode for forming a capacitance with a fingertip. One or more active transmission electrodes are spaced from a selected row of the pixel array, and transmit a carrier signal into the finger without direct coupling into the selected pixels. Signals sensed by the pixel array are coupled to an independent integrated circuit, and connections between the IC and the pixel array are reduced by demultiplexing row select lines, and by multiplexing sensed column data. Differential sensing may be used to improve common mode noise rejection. The fingerprint sensor may be conveniently incorporated within a conventional touchpad LCD panel, and can mimic the performance of lower density touchpad pixels.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: EGIS TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventors: Richard B. Nelson, Richard A. Erhart
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Patent number: 10203816Abstract: A low cost, two-dimensional, fingerprint sensor includes a pixel array, each pixel including a switch and a pixel electrode for forming a capacitance with a fingertip. One or more active transmission electrodes are spaced from a selected row of the pixel array, and transmit a carrier signal into the finger without direct coupling into the selected pixels. Signals sensed by the pixel array are coupled to an independent integrated circuit, and connections between the IC and the pixel array are reduced by demultiplexing row select lines, and by multiplexing sensed column data. Differential sensing may be used to improve common mode noise rejection. The fingerprint sensor may be conveniently incorporated within a conventional touchpad LCD panel, and can mimic the performance of lower density touchpad pixels.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2014Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: EGIS TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventors: Richard B. Nelson, Richard A. Erhart
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Patent number: 10203827Abstract: A low cost, two-dimensional, fingerprint sensor includes a pixel array, each pixel including a switch and a pixel electrode for forming a capacitance with a fingertip. One or more active transmission electrodes are spaced from a selected row of the pixel array, and transmit a carrier signal into the finger without direct coupling into the selected pixels. Signals sensed by the pixel array are coupled to an independent integrated circuit, and connections between the IC and the pixel array are reduced by demultiplexing row select lines, and by multiplexing sensed column data. Differential sensing may be used to improve common mode noise rejection. The fingerprint sensor may be conveniently incorporated within a conventional touchpad LCD panel, and can mimic the performance of lower density touchpad pixels.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: EGIS TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventors: Richard B. Nelson, Richard A. Erhart
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Patent number: 10175284Abstract: In a circuit board testing apparatus for performing a four-terminal measurement method on a wiring pattern formed of a plurality of wires on a circuit board, a control part connects in series contact probes to be connected to upstream-side voltage detection terminals or downstream-side voltage detection terminals, via connection terminals, allows a power supply part to apply power between the test points with which the contact probes connected in series are in contact, allows a voltage detection part to detect a voltage between the test points, and makes a determination as to conductive contact states of the contact probes with the test points, based on the detected voltage.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2015Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: NIDEC-READ CORPORATIONInventor: Munehiro Yamashita
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Patent number: 10153593Abstract: A capacitive coupling system includes a plurality of conductive pads situated on a dielectric layer. A plurality of switches are connected between pairs of the conductive pads via conductive linkages. The switches are operable to selectively connect selected pairs of the conductive pads to selectively adjust capacitances between conductor pairs of an electrical connector.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2017Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Joseph C. Coffey, Christine Anne Dooley
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Patent number: 10109424Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layer capacitor. The multi-layer capacitor of the present invention includes a main body formed by alternately stacking a plurality of dielectric layers and a plurality of inner electrode layers, in which all the plurality of dielectric layers are poled in a same direction; a cover layer for covering and protecting the main body from outside; and outer electrodes electrically connected to the inner electrode layers to apply voltage to the inner electrode layers. Since deformation is offset overall in the multi-layer capacitor of the present invention, the piezoelectric effect occurs in an opposite direction in each of adjacent dielectric layers due to the poling process, and thus the present invention has an effect of reducing vibration and noise.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION YONSEI UNIVERSITYInventors: No Cheol Park, Byung Han Ko, Kyoung Su Park, Sang Geuk Jeong
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Patent number: 10078775Abstract: A sensor has parallel upper pickup lines in an upper conductive layer, parallel lower pickup lines in a lower conductive layer, parallel drive lines oriented transversely to the upper and lower pickup lines in a middle conductive layer, a first insulating layer separating the upper pickup lines from the drive lines, and a second insulating layer opposite the first insulating layer and separating the lower pickup lines from the drive lines. Upper electrode pairs are defined at locations where an upper pickup electrode crosses a drive line, and each upper electrode pair has an impedance that is sensitive to a first object contacting or in close proximity to the upper electrode pair. Lower electrode pairs are defined at locations where a lower pickup line crosses a drive line, and each lower electrode pair has an impedance that is sensitive to a second object contacting or in close proximity to the lower electrode pair.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2016Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: IDEX ASAInventor: Fred G. Benkley, III
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Patent number: 10048307Abstract: A method and system for performing electrical tests on complex devices. The method comprises: a first stage that includes generating a model of the device in a digital electronic circuits description language based on stimuli transfer, preparing a stimulus vector and simulating the model with the stimulus vector for obtaining the continuity and insulation test program to be performed to the device; a second stage where the device is connected to a workbench formed by an electrical testing machine and a matrix switch via a connection interface; and a third stage where the test program on the device is executed. The system comprises the workbench and a computer system with software adapted to execute the method.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE S.A.Inventors: Josef Ignacio Hotz Ordono, Alberto Martinez Perez, Agustin Mendez Delgado, Juan Manuel Mogollon, Elisa Jimenez Luengo
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Patent number: 9964576Abstract: A capacitance detection circuit detects changes in the capacitance of a variable capacitor by using the change in capacitance to change the resonant frequency of a variable capacitor oscillator. The resonant frequency of the variable capacitor oscillator is converted from the time domain to the frequency domain, and then selected frequencies values are compared to known frequency domain values to detect the magnitude of the change in capacitance.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2014Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Peyman Hojabri, Charles Yong Yi Guan
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Patent number: 9897641Abstract: A method for real-time monitoring of an operational state of a capacitive sensor capable of being mounted on a rotating machine, and connected to an electronic measuring module via a high frequency transmission line. The method includes generating, within the electronic module, a signal for compensating in capacitance parasitic effects from the transmission line and the sensor, generating, within the electronic module, a signal for compensating in conductance parasitic effects from the transmission line and the sensor, extracting a signal representative of the capacitance compensation and of a signal representative of the conductance compensation so as to determine an operating point of the sensor and analyzing the operating point so as to check if it is located in a predetermined area.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: FOGALE NANOTECHInventors: Christian Neel, Nicolas Billiard
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Patent number: 9835681Abstract: A probe card for testing electrical properties of a device under test (DUT) includes a plurality of semiconductor devices, which includes a substrate; and at least one transmission antenna, which is implemented as a chip on film (COF) type and attached to the substrate, wirelessly transmitting at least one of electric power and data to each of the plurality of semiconductor devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyoung-hoon Jeon, Yo-jong Kim, Kyu-jeong Lee, Il-kyo Jeong
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Patent number: 9828950Abstract: A positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system for an engine includes: a PCV tube defining a flowpath extending along an axis; a damage detection circuit associated with the PCV tube. The PCV system also includes a damage detection module that selectively indicates that a fault is present in the PCV tube based on a change in a characteristic of the damage detection circuit and that illuminates a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the fault is present.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Marie-Christine G. Jones
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Patent number: 9801329Abstract: An on-the-go monitor and control means and method for an agriculture machines includes on-the-go soil sensors that can be used to control tillage and seeding depth. On seeder implements, the sensors provide information that affects uniform plant emergence.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Ag Leader TechnologyInventor: Roger R. Zielke
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Patent number: 9784555Abstract: An example process for determining electrical path lengths includes: injecting current into a transmission line having a known capacitance per unit of length; determining a rate of change in voltage on the transmission line in response to the current; determining a capacitance of the transmission line based on the change in voltage; and determining an electrical path length of the transmission line based on the determined capacitance of the transmission line and the known capacitance per unit of length.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.Inventor: Marc Spehlmann
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Patent number: 9778314Abstract: A probe assembly for capacitive testing electrical connections of a low profile component to a circuit assembly. The probe assembly is configured to reduce coupling of noise signals from the circuit assembly to the capacitive probe. The probe assembly includes a sensing member with a geometry that allows the probe to preferentially couple to test signals from the pins of a component under test rather than conductive structures on the circuit assembly, such as pads, and signal traces to which those pins are attached. The sensing member may be a vertical capacitive sense plate such that coupling is to an edge of the plate. The sensing member alternatively may be a horizontal capacitive sense plate with an active area of the probe surrounded by an isolation ring. Measurements made with such capacitive probes may provide test measurements that yield a reliable discrimination between a properly attached pin and an open pin.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.Inventor: Anthony J. Suto
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Patent number: 9766053Abstract: A system and method for determining a change in a thickness and temperature of a surface of a material are disclosed herein. The system and the method are usable in a thermal protection system of a space vehicle, such as an aeroshell of a space vehicle. The system and method may incorporate micro electric sensors arranged in a ladder network and capacitor strip sensors. Corrosion or ablation causes a change in an electrical property of the sensors. An amount of or rate of the corrosion or the ablation and a temperature of the material is determined based on the change of the electrical property of the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of NASAInventor: Robert Okojie
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Patent number: 9739816Abstract: The present disclosure describes a differential shield capacitive sensor design. The sensor design uses a differential measurement to measure capacitance and a pair of traces are used to differentially reject the response of the sensor traces and balance any parasitic capacitances. In some embodiments, the sensor design includes a differential sensor design on a bottom side of a flex circuit to differentially balance the environment and reject noise coupling to the sensor. The top side of the flex circuit can include a single ended design for proper environment sensing. The spatial arrangement and size of the sensors may vary depending on the application.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.Inventor: Adrian Anthony Flanagan
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Patent number: 9735509Abstract: A capacitive coupling system includes a plurality of conductive pads situated on a dielectric layer. A plurality of switches are connected between pairs of the conductive pads via conductive linkages. The switches are operable to selectively connect selected pairs of the conductive pads to selectively adjust capacitances between conductor pairs of an electrical connector.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Joseph C. Coffey, Christine Anne Dooley
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Patent number: 9714973Abstract: A microelectronic short circuit detection module is disclosed that locates and distinguishes among different types of short circuits in touch screen panels. Individual short circuit detection circuits are coupled to force and sense lines throughout a wire matrix within the touch screen. If the line is shorted to a neighboring line or any other line carrying an opposite logic state, its logic state will be corrupted by the short and will be held at a value opposite that of the intended input signal. Comparing the input and the output therefore provides an indicator of a short circuit to another force or sense line in the wire matrix. A pair of pull up/down stages is engaged to detect whether the short is coupled to power or ground. A threshold resistor can be varied to adjust detection sensitivity. By conducting a serial test, matrix coordinates of the short circuit can be identified.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte LtdInventors: Dianbo Guo, EngJye Ng, Abhishek Singh
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Patent number: 9671457Abstract: A method comprises connecting a testing setup having a plurality of probes to a device under test having a plurality of vias, wherein a probe is aligned with a corresponding via of the device under test and conducting a plurality of via electrical characteristic tests through a conductive path comprising the vias, the probes and a plurality of conductive devices, each of which connects two adjacent probes, wherein the conductive devices are in the testing setup.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Chih-Chia Chen, Hung-Chih Lin, Ching-Nen Peng, Hao Chen
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Patent number: 9385709Abstract: A capacitive distance sensor is provided having an elongated sensor element. The sensor element comprises a cylindrical carrier body, which is made of an electrically non-conductive material and has a round cross-sectional areas, and a sensor area which substantially surrounds the carrier body in the manner of a sheath and is made of an electrically conductive material.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG HallstadtInventors: Holger Wuerstlein, Thorsten Kuhnen
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Patent number: 9244117Abstract: Systems and methods which utilize spread spectrum sensing on live circuits to obtain information regarding a circuit under test are provided. In some embodiments S/SSTDR testing may be utilized to obtain R, L, C and Z measurements from circuit components. In yet further embodiments, these measurements may be utilized to monitor the output of sensors on a circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: LiveWire Innovation, Inc.Inventors: Cynthia Furse, Faisal Khan
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Patent number: 8975899Abstract: An inverter device for feeding electrical energy from a DC-power source into a power grid includes a pair of bus lines to be connected to the DC-power source; a plurality of capacitors connected in series between the bus lines; a surveying topology surveying an integrity of the plurality of capacitors, and to provide a signal indicating a loss of integrity of one capacitor of the plurality of capacitors; a voltmeter measuring a voltage drop over the plurality of capacitors; a DC/AC-inverter; and a controller. in case of the signal indicating a loss of integrity of one capacitor of the plurality of capacitors, the controller compares the voltage drop over the plurality of capacitors to a lost integrity threshold voltage value, and reduces a current load to the plurality of capacitors by reducing the power uptake of the DC/AC-inverter, when the voltage drop exceeds the lost integrity threshold voltage value.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Henrik Wolf, Thomas Wegener, Daniel Clemens, Harald Drangmeister
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Patent number: 8975902Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for controlling sub-system components during power disturbance events. More particularly, various embodiments provide systems and methods for preventing a controller (215) within a sub-system from turning OFF a switching device (220) during power disturbance events related to other sub-systems.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Samuel M. Babb
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Patent number: 8970237Abstract: A system and method for low-cost, fault tolerant, EMI robust data communications, particularly for an EV environment.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel Brian Martin, Ian Casimir Dimen, Samuel Douglas Crowder
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Patent number: 8912802Abstract: In a component-embedded circuit substrate having a plurality of capacitors embedded therein, the capacitors are connected in parallel, inspection electrodes are formed, and the inspection electrodes connect to respective terminal electrodes of the capacitor through via conductors. At the terminal electrodes of the capacitor, the connection position of the via conductors for connecting the inspection electrodes differs from the connection position of via conductors for connecting respective terminal electrodes of the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeo Sakurai, Tetsuo Saji