Abstract: In order to determine amplitudes of measurement signals originating from an AC power supply and to determine the phase shift (ø) between measurement signals more simply, the measurement signals are processed in measurement signal operation devices to form auxiliary signals each having a constant AC amplitude and to obtain first measurement values (v, a, rssi, rssi1, rssi2), in particular, from amplification factors (v) that are applied to the measurement signal (m, m1, m2). The phase shift between two auxiliary signals (h, h?, h?1, h?2) is further determined as a second measurement value, in particular, by means of the time difference (?t) between the zero passages of the auxiliary signals (h, h?, h?1, h?2).

Abstract: A two-wire active sensor interface circuit includes a constant current circuit adapted to be coupled to a two-wire active sensor for receipt of a sensor current signal indicating one of two sensor states. The constant current circuit provides a preselected constant current amount positioned between the two sensor states that vary the sensor current signal thereby generating a current level indicator signal. Additionally, the two-wire active sensor interface circuit includes a digital interface circuit operably coupled to the constant current circuit for receipt of the current level indicator signal and produces an interface output indicating which of the two sensor states is present.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for calibrating transient behaviour of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) test system. The system includes an ESD pulse generator and probe needles for applying a predetermined pulse on a device under test. The probe needles are connected to the ESD pulse generator via conductors. The test system includes measurement equipment for detecting transient behaviour of the device under test by simultaneously capturing voltage and current waveforms the device as a result of the pulse. The method includes the steps of: (a) applying the ESD test system on a first known system with a first known impedance, (b) applying the ESD test system on a second known system with a known second impedance, and (c) determining calibration data for the transient behaviour the ESD test system on the basis of captured voltage and current waveforms, taking into account said known first and second impedances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining power line parameter of a system. Specifically, there is provided a system for determining comprising a networked device including a voltage perturbation circuit coupled to a voltage source and configured to perturb the waveform of the voltage source, and a voltage measurement circuit coupled to the voltage source and configured to transmit voltage measurements of the waveform over a network and a remote monitoring unit, coupled to the network, and configured to receive the voltage measurements over the network and to calculate an incident energy using the voltage measurements.

Abstract: A sensor incorporates a dual range ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) for accurately sensing and measuring sensor input over extensive range along with an improved resolution. The sensor can incorporate an ASIC utilizing signals from a MEMS-based piezoresistive Wheatstone bridge. Signals can also come from capacitive pressure measurement sources. The signals can be converted to digital bit counts where calibration coefficients can be implemented to achieve high precision. The calibration coefficients corresponding to bit counts can be compared with transition points that are recorded into ASIC for effectively distinguishing different sensor ranges. The transition points can be stored in an EEPROM fabricated to suit ASIC applications.

Abstract: A system and method for corner frequency compensation in a wireless receiver. A method comprises computing a corner frequency of a filter, and determining if the computed corner frequency is different from a desired corner frequency by less than a threshold. The method further comprises if the computed corner frequency differs from the desired corner frequency by more than the threshold, adjusting parameters of the filter to alter the corner frequency, and repeating the computing and the determining. The method additionally comprises if the computed corner frequency differs from the desired corner frequency by less than the threshold, leaving the parameters of the filter unchanged. The computing uses a measured phase response of the filter at a frequency outside of a passband of the filter.

Abstract: An EIT system includes a plurality of voltage sources for supplying a corresponding plurality of voltages to a corresponding number of other structures, voltage source calibration means for calibrating each voltage source, and switching means for individually connecting the calibration means to each voltage source in succession during a period when each other structure is in an inactive condition. Calibrating respective voltages and currents for each voltage source compensates for shunt impedance of each voltage source. A method for calibrating the system includes individually connecting the calibration means to each voltage source in succession during a period when each other structure is in an inactive condition for calibrating all of said voltage sources in the same way.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring an array (4) of electrical units, in particular an array of high capacity light emitting diodes (LEDs) (4.1-4.12). The electrical units are connected in series and driven by a constant electric current (I). The monitoring device has a bypass means (4.1a-4.12a) for each electrical unit (4.1-4.12), operable to bypass the respective electrical unit in case of a disconnection of the respective electrical unit, and an evaluation unit (3) connected in parallel with the array (4) of electrical units, said evaluation unit (3) being adapted to determine a total voltage (UT) of the array (4) of electrical units and to output a control signal (CS) indicative of a function status of the array (4) of electrical units in accordance with a value of the total voltage (UT) relative to a predetermined threshold value (VREF). Thus is provided an electric circuitry which allows an easy and reliable detection of a malfunction of the array of electrical units, e.g.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a measurement system for conducting measurements on a device-under-test (DUT) includes a signal transmission line, an impedance controlling tuner including a signal transmission line segment as part of the signal transmission line, and a low-loss, electrically small signal coupling probe coupled to the signal transmission line in a non-contacting relationship for sampling signals propagating along the signal transmission line.

Abstract: A Transmission Line Pulse (“TLP”) measurement system for testing devices such as integrated circuits (“ICs”), and especially for testing the electrostatic discharge (“ESD”) protection structures connected to terminals on such ICs. The TLP measurement system measures the pulsed voltage and/or current of a device under test (“DUT”) by recording voltage and/or current pulse waveforms traveling in a constant impedance cable to and from the DUT. The pulses going to and returning from the DUT are processed to create signal replicas of the voltage and current pulses that actually occurred at the DUT. Oscilloscope operating settings optimize the recording of these signal replicas by improving the measurement signal-to-noise ratio. This improved TLP system is especially useful when very short width pulses on the order of less than 10 nanoseconds are used to test the DUT's response.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for determining electrode impedances of a bioelectric signal-monitoring/recording system that includes an amplifier, and electrodes connected between a subject and the amplifier. An example apparatus includes: a voltage source outputting a voltage signal; a switching arrangement including an input electrically connected with the voltage source for receiving the voltage signal, an output electrically connected with the amplifier and the electrodes, and switches between the input and the output; and a controller in communication with the switches for opening and closing the switches to establish signal paths between the voltage source and the output, the controller calculating the electrode impedances relative to voltage outputs of the amplifier for each signal path.

Abstract: A signal including at least one group of a group comprised of two slopes having different gradients and a known temporal position relationship is applied to a device under test, the time intervals between the specific transitions of the logic level produced in the output signal of the device under test in response to the slopes included in the applied signal are measured, and the measurements are used to obtain the input threshold level of the device under test.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for determining the integrity of a faraday system are disclosed. The invention uses a computer infrastructure to control an automatic determination of a faraday system integrity, when the faraday system is not in operation. The determination is based on the variations on an impedance of the faraday system. An impedance of a faraday system is determined based on the discharge characteristics of a capacitor that discharges through the faraday system.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems to identify biometric characteristics of people and things are disclosed. Embodiments generally comprise sensors that contain arrays of pads or electrodes. In various embodiments, current or voltage sources generate quantum tunneling currents from the arrays of pads to biometric components using select elements as ground return paths. In many embodiments, currents sources apply varying magnitudes of voltages to individual pads in the arrays to create the quantum tunneling currents. In these embodiments, the sensors or electronics coupled to the sensors create voltage profiles of the biometric components by measuring the individual magnitudes of voltages. In some embodiments the individual magnitudes of voltages may be acquired via accumulation state machines and stored in random access memory. In many embodiments, the profiles are compared with other voltage profiles to identify people.

Abstract: A test instrument employs main and remote test units at respective ends of a cable under test. The units operate in an active or passive measurement mode, wherein one of the units begins as the active unit, applying test signals to the cable under test to make a set of measurements related thereto, while the other unit takes measurements based on the signals applied by the first end. Then, after a set of measurements has been completed, the units swap roles, and the original passive end becomes the active end, applying test signal stimuli, while the original active end now becomes passive, and takes a series of corresponding measurements based from the test stimuli from the active end. The measurements are thereby overlapped and accomplished from both ends of the cable, saving time.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for detecting and amplifying sensor and sensor array (102, 104) output signals are presented. According to some aspects, a nonlinear feedback loop containing a sensor element provides a nonlinear transformation that compensates for a corresponding nonlinear response of the sensor element thereby providing a linearized final output signal. In other aspects, idle sensors are coupled to a reference on non-idle sensor elements. Other aspects include sensor and amplification circuits which operate without traditional filtering or switching elements, such that a higher throughput is achieved and no settling time is required due to traditional transients, thus allowing for faster scanning of larger sensor arrays. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to variable gap capacitive sensor arrays and the signal processing electronics.

Abstract: A radio frequency communication device and methods of testing and tuning an antenna attached thereto are disclosed. A radio frequency communication device comprises internal circuitry and an antenna having a plurality of antenna segments associated therewith. Each antenna segment is associated with the antenna in either series or parallel relation through at least one of a fuse and an antifuse. In testing and tuning, a comparison is made to indicate whether the antenna is too short or too long. If the antenna is too short, an antenna segment may be attached to the antenna by initiating an antifuse. If the antenna is too long, an antenna segment may be detached from the antenna by blowing a fuse. If it is indeterminate whether the antenna is too short or too long, an antenna segment may be either attached or detached, the test repeated, and the results of the repeated test compared with the prior test to determine whether the correct action was taken.

Abstract: A QAM receiver is disclosed. According to one aspect, a QAM receiver includes a signal input for receiving an analog input signal. Further, the QAM receiver includes an anti-aliasing filter and a series connected analog/digital converter for converting the received analog input signal into a digital signal. A carrier freguency loon detects a carrier freguency of the received analog input signal. A clock phase loon detects a clock phase of the received analog input signal. A control circuit is switchable between a receive mode of operation and a test mode of operation. In the test mode, the control circuit applies a center freauency adiusting signal to the carrier freauency loon for adiustment of a center freguency and applies a freguency band adjusting signal to the clock phase loon for adiustment of a freguency bandwidth to measure power level values for the entire freauency band of the received analog input signal.

Abstract: The process comprises acquisition of experimental data from measurements of physical quantities by means of at least one sensor associated to the object. The process comprises a first reliable estimation of a first range of values with a first method. The process comprises at least one additional estimation of an additional range of values with a different method. The methods each present a predetermined reliability. The ranges of values are successively observed in order of decreasing reliability of the corresponding methods. Each additional range of values is compared with the range of values corresponding to the previous method according to said order. The additional range is chosen as result when the additional range is comprised in the range corresponding to one of the previous methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method thereof to improve a response speed of an LCD includes a noise rejection unit and a comparator. The noise rejection unit rejects noise in current digital image data and previous digital image data at a same pixel position as in the current digital image data. The comparator compares the current digital image data and the previous digital image data of which noises are rejected within a reference value, changes the current digital image data based on a comparison result, and outputs a result indicative thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring or converting voltage, the method comprising: applying an input voltage to a primary delay line; applying a reference voltage to a timer delay line; propagating a delay signal through the primary delay line; propagating a timer signal through the timer delay line; establishing a sampling period based on the timer signal propagation; and measuring an extent of delay signal propagation along the primary delay line during the established sampling period, the measured signal propagation extent being indicative of a difference between the input voltage and the reference voltage.

Abstract: An impedance analyzer includes a reference signal, a first converter a first coupler, a second converter, a second coupler, a modification circuit, a reference signal detector, and a reflected signal detector. The first coupler couples the reference signal to the first converter. The first converter produces a reference intermediate frequency signal. The second coupler couples a reflected signal to the second converter. The second converter produces a reflected intermediate frequency signal. A reflection coefficient for a device under test is determined by using a reflected value detected by the reflected signal detector and a reference value detected by the reference signal detector. In a first operating mode of the impedance analyzer, the reflected intermediate frequency signal is forwarded directly to the reflected signal detector.

Abstract: A system for determining the depth of a fluid in a storage tank. The depth of the fluid is determined after the detection of a pulsed wave that is reflected from the top surface of the fluid. The system includes a transducer, an analog-to-digital converter, and a filter. The transducer is configured to sense the reflected pulsed wave and to generate an analog input signal that corresponds to the reflected pulsed wave. The analog-to-digital converter is coupled to the transducer, and configured to convert the analog input signal into a digital input signal. The filter is coupled to the analog-to-digital converter. The filter includes a finite impulse response filter that is configured to receive the digital input signal and to generate a digital output signal.

Abstract: A measurement method or system for measuring a physical value comprises, during a same clock cycle, forming an input signal, a reference signal and an offset signal, the input signal including a parasitic value and a useful measurement value. A relationship between the input signal where the parasitic value has been cancelled out, and the reference signal is derived. From this relationship, a value relating to the physical value is determined. The input signal, reference signal and offset signal are respectively associated with an input element, a reference element and a parasitic element. All elements have a common driving signal, and the parasitic value is depending on the common driving signal.

Abstract: The time required to measure 1/f noise for a device, such as an integrated circuit, can be shortened by applying offset to a chopper stabilized circuit and then using offset removal as a surrogate measure for 1/f noise performance.

Abstract: An on-line sensing system and method for monitoring in real-time thermal-oxidative breakdown, water contamination, and/or fuel dilution conditions in operational engine lubricating oils. The method of the invention includes an electrochemical impedance analysis technique specific to the particular oil to be monitored. Sensing devices having of at least two electrodes are configured for direct installation in an existing access port, or drain port, of a lubricating oil reservoir. An AC voltage waveform is applied to the sensing device (preferably less than 100 Hz) to produce voltage and current responses between the appropriate electrodes contacting the oil. The magnitude impedance |Z| and phase angle components of the complex impedance are used to characterize the quality and/or condition of the engine oil under test. The system also provides an electrical indication indicative of the percentage remaining useful life of the oil.

Abstract: A recording card for the measurement of physical parameters includes at least one analogue-digital converter and at least one input connector for connection to a sensor. The recording card further includes a voltage source and a reference resistance arranged in series between the voltage source and a pin on the input connector. The analogue-digital converter has a reference input supplied with a voltage taken from the pins of the reference resistance and a conversion input supplied with a voltage taken from the pins of the input connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supply unit (1) and method for detecting the identity of and for supplying power to LED units (2). The supply unit (1) firstly determines, by means of a detection unit (7), the identity of a connected LED unit (2) by the application of an electrical quantity and reception of a further electrical quantity generated in response thereto by an identification unit (3). By means of a control unit (6), the power supply required for the LED unit (2) can subsequently be determined using the identity determined and said power supply can be output to the LED unit (2) via an output unit (5). In this case, both the detection of the identity and the power supply are effected via the supply terminals (4a, 4b).

Abstract: A method and device for measurement of dependency on amplitude and phase of a plurality of high frequency signals used primarily with a synchrotron accelerator of elementary particles, includes alternately directing, with a radio frequency (RF) switch, each analogue input signal to each of a plurality of RF processing units; amplifying each analogue input signal in each RF processing unit in order to adjust signals to the measuring range of a plurality of analogue digital converters; directing each amplified analogue input signal to each of a plurality of analogue digital converters; converting the analogue signals to digital signals; directing the digital signals to a plurality of amplification correctors; correcting the digital signals by means of correcting signals from an amplification equalizer; collecting corrected digital signals in a digital switch and directing the ordered recombined number of digital signals to each of a plurality of digital receivers; and filtering the recombined number of digital

Abstract: Radio Frequency (RF) signal network measurement data of a device under test are acquired by exciting the device using a modulated RF excitation signal, while measuring RF signal data at the signal ports of the device, measuring bias signal data, and processing the RF signal data and the bias signal data, providing the RF signal network measurement data of the device. By acquiring bias signal data, in particular by measuring variations in the bias signals, a more accurate and reliable characterization of the non-linear behavior of the device under test can be provided. A Non-linear Network Measurement System (NNMS) is arranged for acquiring the RF and biasing signal data and characterizing the non-linear signal behavior of a device under test.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for obtaining a representation of the distribution of electrical impedance within a multiphase flow with an electrically continuous or discontinuous principle flow contained within an electrically conductive solid ring electrode, including providing a plurality of mutually spaced electrical contacts mounted at the outside wall of the ring and electrically contacting with the ring, applying currents or voltages to the ring from the electrical contacts, generating a more homogeneous electric field distribution within the material, measuring voltage or current distribution alone the ring from other electrical contacts, relatively intensifying the imaging sensitivity at the central area of the sensing domain using a ?/2 angle sensing strategy and reconstructing the representation of the impedance distribution using CG method with an error processing strategy.

Abstract: A proximity detector having a housing and issuing an output signal whose state is a function of the position of a target or of the frequency of passage of a target, where the detector parameters can be set by an operator using operator dialog facilities communicating with the detector by dialog signals. The dialog facilities are separated from the detector housing and can be incorporated into a connection block connected to the detector housing by a connecting cable which conveys the dialog signals and the detector output signal.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the dielectric properties associated with a substrate. In one embodiment, a network analyzer measures scattering parameters for at least two lines of substantially identical cross-section embedded within the substrate over a specified frequency range. A first engine determines a complex propagation constant based on the scattering parameters and defines the complex propagation constant in terms of an attenuation component and a phase component. A second engine, responsive to the phase component, determines a relative permittivity parameter associated with the substrate over the specified frequency range. A third engine, responsive to the attenuation component and the relative permittivity parameter, performs a least squares analysis to determine a loss tangent parameter associated with the substrate over the specified frequency range.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring communications in a machine including electronic control module (ECM) components connected via datalinks. A message is received on a datalink. The source address of the received message is determined. The received message is added to an address list based on the source address, and the address list is evaluated to determine the status of a datalink associated with each ECM component.

Abstract: A measurement method or system for measuring a physical value comprises, during a same clock cycle, forming an input signal, a reference signal and an offset signal, the input signal including a parasitic value and a useful measurement value. A relationship between the input signal where the parasitic value has been cancelled out, and the reference signal is derived. From this relationship, a value relating to the physical value is determined. The input signal, reference signal and offset signal are respectively associated with an input element, a reference element and a parasitic element. All elements have a common driving signal, and the parasitic value is depending on the common driving signal.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for testing a system having a transient response that is longer than the intervals between stimulations, using a sequence of stimuli containing a small jitter. The timing sequence (called a q-sequence) is constrained by time-domain and frequency-domain rules. The system-response can be recovered from noise, despite response superposition, using deconvolution with a recovery sequence. The acronym QSD means “q-sequence deconvolution”. The invention is especially applicable to signal processing of evoked-responses, including those used for disease screening.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing a system having a transient response that is longer than the intervals between stimulations, using a sequence of stimuli containing a small jitter. The timing sequence (called a q-sequence) is constrained by time-domain and frequency-domain rules. The system response can be recovered from noise, despite response superposition, using deconvolution with a recovery sequence. The acronym QSD means “q-sequence deconvolution”. The invention is especially applicable to signal processing of evoked-responses, including those used for disease screening.

Abstract: A radio frequency communication device and methods of testing and tuning an antenna attached thereto are disclosed. A radio frequency communication device according to the present invention is disclosed comprising internal circuitry and an antenna having a plurality of antenna segments associated therewith. Each antenna segment is associated with the antenna in either series or parallel relation through at least one of a fuse and an antifuse. In testing and tuning, a comparison is made to indicate whether the antenna is too short or too long. If the antenna is too short, an antenna segment may be attached to the antenna by initiating an antifuse. If the antenna is too long, an antenna segment may be detached from the antenna by blowing a fuse. If it is indeterminate whether the antenna is too short or too long, an antenna segment may be either attached or detached, the test repeated, and the results of the repeated test compared with the prior test to determine whether the correct action was taken.

Abstract: A method for testing integrated circuits is provided. The method includes providing an excitation voltage to a device, such as a MOSFET. A power supply voltage is also provided to the device, such as a drain to source voltage or VCC. The quiescent power supply current of the device is then measured, such as the IDDQ of the MOSFET. The power supply voltage to the device is then varied, and it is determined whether a change in the IDDQ of the device exceeds a predetermined allowable change.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for deskewing single-ended signals from different driver circuits of an automatic test system provides enough of a reduction in skew to allow differential signals to cross at or near their 50%-points. In accordance with this technique, first and second driver circuits are respectively coupled to first and second inputs of a measurement circuit through pathways having known and preferably equal propagation delays. The first and second driver circuits each generate an edge that propagates toward the DUT, and reflects back when it reaches a respective unmatched load at the location of the DUT. In response to the edge and its reflection, the first and second inputs of the measurement circuit each see a first voltage step and a second voltage step. The interval between the first and second voltage steps is then measured for each input of the measurement circuit.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a sensing system and method for detecting in real-time oil degradation, water contamination, and fuel dilution in operational engine oils for internal combustion engines. The method of the invention uses an electrochemical impedance analysis technique. The sensing system has a multi-electrode sensor element that can be immersed in the engine oil being monitored. The electrode element has at least two electrodes configured so that it can be directly mounted within the oil reservoir of an internal combustion engine. The sensor configuration with a dielectric lubricant contained between the electrodes defines an electrochemical sensor output-impedance-circuit that produces an indication of the operational oil's quality or deterioration. A sinusoidal voltage waveform is applied across the electrodes of the sensor to produce a frequency dependent current through the oil and electrode system.

Abstract: A communication circuit places two communication terminals in high-impedance states, senses voltages at the two communication terminals, and determines a communication mode based on the voltages. Thereafter, the communication circuit communicates in the communication mode using the two communication terminals. The circuit is capable of communicating via the two communication terminals in any of a Serial Communications Interface (SCI) communication protocol and a Controller Area Network (CAN) communication protocol.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a first gain adjuster, a second gain adjuster, an amplifier, a demodulator, a controller, and a change measuring unit. The first gain adjuster adjusts the gain of an input signal and outputs the gain-adjusted input signal as a first modulating signal, while the second gain adjuster adjusts the gain of an inverted input signal and outputs the gain-adjusted inverted input signal as a second modulating signal. The amplifier amplifies a modulated signal output from a junction between the first and second capacitors and outputs the amplified results. The demodulator demodulates the amplified results received from the amplifier in response to a control signal and outputs the demodulated result. The controller generates the control signal per unit period of the input signal and outputs the generated control signal to the demodulator. The change measuring unit measures the change in capacitance from the demodulated results received from the demodulator.

Abstract: A apparatus for computing coefficient values for configuring a digital filter for compensating for non-linearity of an RF/IF device. The apparatus includes a reference signal generator, connected to an input of the RF/IF device, for generating an input reference signal to the RF/IF device. A vector signal analyzer, connected to an output of the RF/IF device, analyzes a response signal from the RF/IF device and outputs digital in-phase and quadrature-phase (I/Q) signals. A processor, connected to an output of said vector signal analyzer, computes a difference between the input reference signal and the digital in-phase and quadrature-phase (I/Q) signals. The processor calculates the coefficient values for configuring the digital filter based on the computed difference. A memory device, connected to the digital filter, stores the calculated coefficient values for the digital filter.

Abstract: The power and environmental condition monitoring system monitors the quality of power provided to a site as well as other environmental conditions that might affect the operation of electronic equipment at the site. The system detects and records power events, such as spikes, sags, surges, and other transients, records power conditions, such as voltage level, RMS volts, phase differential, A/C frequency, current, and impedance, and records environmental conditions, such as temperature, vibration, and humidity. The system includes an analog signal receiver that receives analog signals from measurement devices and converts the analog signals into digital signal data. At least some of the channels on the analog boards are high frequency channels capable of receiving and converting high frequency voltage event signals. The system also includes a digital signal processor (DSP) for reading the raw digital signal data from the analog signal receiver and for processing the raw digital signal data.

Abstract: A plurality of battery-operated transceivers encapsulated by lamination to form a sheet of independent transceivers is tested in a two piece fixture that forms an enclosure surrounding each in-sheet transceiver. Each enclosure has an antenna for transmitting a command signal to the transceiver at a known power level and for receiving a reply message from the transceiver containing a power level measurement made by the transceiver. Test methods using the fixture of the present invention are also described.

Abstract: An approach for impedance matching a transmission line includes using the actual line impedance. According to one example embodiment, the impedance of a line connecting first and second nodes is calibrated by first driving the line to a steady-state voltage using a first current having a magnitude greater than zero, driving the current to a zero magnitude from the first node and therein inducing a voltage transient. The resultant voltage level on the line at the first node is then measured and analyzed relative to a reference voltage. The result of the comparison is then used to adjust the conductance at the second node.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining a mechanical property of an organ or a body part. The method includes positioning an impedance sensor within a blood vessel. The impedance sensor has at least two electrodes disposed within the blood vessel, which is mechanically coupled to the organ or body part. The method further includes determining the electrical impedance between the two electrodes to obtain an impedance signal correlated with the mechanical property of the organ or body part. The organ may be the heart, lungs, uterus, urinary bladder, part of the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. The impedance sensor includes at least two spaced apart electrodes capable of being disposed within a blood vessel. The sensor is operatively connected to an impedance determining unit which determines the impedance between the electrodes. The impedance sensor may be a part of an insertable or implantable lead or catheter like device.

Abstract: A phase-locked loop (PLL) is provided, which includes a PLL reference input, a PLL output and a phase detection loop coupled between the PLL reference input and the PLL output. The phase detection loop has a loop filter node. A delay element is coupled within the phase detection loop and has a variable delay, which can be increased to a critical delay at which the phase detection loop becomes unstable. A demodulator is coupled to the loop filter node and is adapted to demodulate a modulated voltage on the loop filter node. The demodulator has a demodulated output, which is representative of a phase margin of the phase detection loop when the delay element has the critical delay.

Abstract: A line pair testing and fault diagnostic apparatus implementing three-terminal measurement techniques using a multiple frequency source waveform transmission to propagate a reflected waveform. The apparatus implements a microcomputer circuit executing a program. The program has frequency domain analysis algorithms to process the reflected waveform to provide a craftsperson with the electrical characteristic data of a line pair to inform the craftsperson the existence of a line pair fault and the location of the fault in the line pair. The apparatus implements relays for switching between several diagnostics circuits within the apparatus for providing the craftsperson with numerous methods and techniques for troubleshooting a line pair.