Abstract: A method determines the topology of a DERs system having a plurality of assets, where at least one of the assets is a controllable asset. The method injects a power signal at a given frequency from a controllable asset into the DERs system. The voltage at each of the plurality of assets is measured, and the magnitude of perturbation of the voltage at the given frequency is determined for each of the plurality of assets. The method then constructs the topology of the DERs system as a function of the differences of the magnitude of perturbations of each of the plurality of assets.

Abstract: Systems (10) and methods (12) of controlling an ultrasonic surgical tool (20) with a console (22) are provided. A first drive signal (40) is applied to the ultrasonic surgical tool (20). A characteristic of a harmonic signal (44) resulting from application of the first drive signal (40) to the ultrasonic surgical tool (20) is acquired. A cancellation signal (70) is generated based on the characteristic of the harmonic signal (44). The first drive signal (40) and the cancellation signal (70) are combined to produce a second drive signal (80) that is sinusoidal. The second drive signal (80) is applied to the ultrasonic surgical tool (20) such that presence of the harmonic signal (44) resulting from application of the second drive signal (80) is reduced relative to presence of the harmonic signal (44) resulting from application of the first drive signal (40).

Abstract: A low frequency active load pull tuner allows creating and controlling the reflection factor in a different frequency range than the operation frequency. It includes an active feedback loop and a remotely controlled digital electronic tuner, wherein the electronic tuner operates at an ordinary octave wide (Fmax/Fmin=2) frequency range (i.e. as an example 1-2 GHz), which leads to a low intermediate frequency band of 6 octaves or more. All required MHz range components for the tuner, except the custom-made digital electronic tuner, are readily available.

Abstract: Systems (10) and methods (12) of controlling an ultrasonic surgical tool (20) with a console (22) are provided. A first drive signal (40) is applied to the ultrasonic surgical tool (20). A characteristic of a harmonic signal (44) resulting from application of the first drive signal (40) to the ultrasonic surgical tool (20) is acquired. A cancellation signal (70) is generated based on the characteristic of the harmonic signal (44). The first drive signal (40) and the cancellation signal (70) are combined to produce a second drive signal (80) that is sinusoidal. The second drive signal (80) is applied to the ultrasonic surgical tool (20) such that presence of the harmonic signal (44) resulting from application of the second drive signal (80) is reduced relative to presence of the harmonic signal (44) resulting from application of the first drive signal (40).

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a device under test is provided. The system includes a signal source for generating an incident signal. The incident signal is routed to one or more inputs of the device under test. The system further includes signal separation and routing circuitry for measuring a portion of the incident signal to provide a reference signal and for separating the incident signal and a reflected signal at the one or more inputs of the device under test. The signal separation circuitry for separating the incident signal and the reflected signal at the input of the device under test is accomplished by a resistive device. The system may further include sampling device operationally coupled to the resistive device. The system and method may further include a signal switching mechanism for sequentially routing time slices of two or more signals to be coherently compared.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) can include a shaft; an electric motor configured to rotatably drive the shaft; a housing; a stack of diffusers disposed in the housing; impellers disposed in the housing and operatively coupled to the shaft; and a proximity sensor operatively coupled to the housing.

Abstract: An electrical circuit is disclosed and methods for controlling the same. The electrical circuit may comprises a plurality of color strings coupled in series, where each color string has at least one lamp, preferably a light emitting diode. Improved efficiency may be accomplished in some embodiments using certain of the disclosed systems and methods.

Abstract: A transmitter channel interference mitigation processing method for cancellation of intermodulation products are described.

Abstract: A loudspeaker noise inspection method is to be implemented by an electronic device and includes the steps of: obtaining a frequency sweeping audio signal from an audio output generated by a loudspeaker in response to a frequency sweeping input signal; performing differentiation upon the frequency sweeping audio signal so as to generate a differentiated frequency sweeping audio signal; and dividing the differentiated frequency sweeping audio signal by a constant which is greater than 2? times a maximum frequency of the frequency sweeping audio signal, so as to obtain an attenuated frequency sweeping audio signal for inspection of a noise pulse in the frequency sweeping audio signal.

Abstract: A method for estimating the characteristic impedance of a structure comprising the following steps: providing a current probe comprising a magnetic core having an aperture therein and a primary winding wrapped around the core; measuring, with a calibrated vector network analyzer (VNA), the impedance (Zop) of the current probe while in an open configuration wherein nothing but air occupies the aperture and the current probe is isolated from a ground; measuring, with the VNA, the impedance (Zsh) of the current probe while in a short configuration, wherein the current probe is electrically shorted; measuring, with the VNA, the impedance (Zin) of the current probe while the current probe is mounted to the structure such that the structure extends through the aperture; and calculating an estimated characteristic impedance (Z?mast) of the structure according to the following equation: Z?mast=(Zin?Zsh)(Zop?Zsh)/(Zop?Zin).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grid monitoring system, in particular a grid monitoring system enabling real-time monitoring of grid variables, e.g. voltage and current, in electrical power systems, such as single or three-phase networks. The grid monitoring system includes a harmonic detection unit being adapted to subtract harmonics of an input signal before feeding the input signal to a plurality of signal generators in the harmonic detection unit.

Abstract: Various embodiments for detecting a high Intensity radiated field (HIRF) in a line replaceable unit are provided. In an embodiment, the internal detector comprises a receiving means for receiving HIRF and generating an AC signal proportional to the HIRF, an RF filter configured to sample the AC signal to create a DC signal; and a detecting section configured to compare the DC signal with a threshold and output a result of the comparison to a built-in test section. The internal detector may be used to test EMI filter pin connectors of a closed line replaceable unit.

Abstract: A method for instantaneously determining rates of distortion on variable frequency signals, and an associated device, in which a harmonic distortion rate is calculated across the shortest possible temporal window, corresponding to the duration of a period of a given signal's fundamental. Hence, the aim being to precisely determine the signal frequency value, whose HDR is to be calculated, an iteration of certain measurements, achieved at the time of a given calculation, is embodied in order to calculate the HDR on subsequent signals.

Abstract: A testing method or apparatus utilizes multiple frequencies applied to a device under test for measuring newly discovered frequency modulation effects. An embodiment may include a lower frequency signal with a smaller amplitude higher frequency signal to test a dynamic change in frequency response, gain, and or phase. This dynamic test can reveal frequency modulation effects. Another embodiment may include the use of a multiple frequency signal to dynamically induce a time varying phase or frequency distortion for the device that has differential phase distortion. The device's output is then measured with an FM detector or spectrum analysis system to measure a shift in one of the frequencies used in the test signal or to measure frequency modulation effects of any signals, including distortion products, from the device.

Abstract: A testing method or apparatus utilizes multiple frequencies applied to a device under test for measuring newly discovered frequency modulation effects. An embodiment may include a lower frequency signal with a smaller amplitude higher frequency signal to test a dynamic change in frequency response, gain, and or phase. This dynamic test can reveal frequency modulation effects. Another embodiment may include the use of a multiple frequency signal to dynamically induce a time varying phase or frequency distortion for the device that has differential phase distortion. The device's output is then measured with an FM detector to measure a shift in one of the frequencies used in the test signal or to measure frequency modulation effects of any signals, including distortion products, from the device.

Abstract: A testing method or apparatus utilizes multiple frequencies applied to a device under test for measuring newly discovered frequency modulation effects. An embodiment may include a lower frequency signal with a smaller amplitude higher frequency signal to test a dynamic change in frequency response, gain, and or phase. This dynamic test can reveal frequency modulation effects. Another embodiment may include the use of a multiple frequency signal or a modulated signal such as an amplitude modulated to dynamically induce a time varying phase or frequency distortion for the device that has differential phase distortion.

Abstract: A method of determining the harmonic and anharmonic portions of a response signal (RS) of a device (2), e.g. an electro-acoustic or electric device, comprises the steps of supplying an input signal (IS) to the device (2) causing the device (2) to respond with a response signal (RS), wherein the input signal (IS) is a sinusoidal signal having a continuously increasing or decreasing frequency (f), capturing the response signal (RS), transforming the captured response signal (RS) from the time space into the phase space and analyzing the phase space transformed response signal (TRS) in respect of its harmonic and/or anharmonic portions or establishing reference functions when defining the input signal (IS) and analyzing the response signal (RS) by Fourier transformations carried out by numerical integrations of the reference functions.

Abstract: A distance to PIM measurement circuit is made using a device such as an AWS transceiver that has separate transmit and receive bands. With a typical AWS transceiver placed in close proximity to a PCS transceiver, the AWS device will include a band reject filter to eliminate interference from the PCS signals. The PIM measurement circuit includes two frequency sources F1 and F2 that are provided through a combiner for characterization of the PIM circuit. To enable distance determination, an FM measurement is created by using an offset sweep generator attached to one of the two frequency sources. To avoid frequencies blocked by the band reject filter, a desired harmonic of a test PIM harmonic signal is selected outside the band of the band reject filter.

Abstract: A method of measuring a power quality index. A total current waveform of an ingress from a customer, and a current waveform and a voltage waveform of each of at least one load installed at the customer are measured. A load composition (LC) of the customer using the total current waveform of the ingress and the current waveform of each of the at least one load is computed. A total harmonic distortion (THD) of each of the at least one load using the current waveform and the voltage waveform of each of the at least one load is computed. Thereafter, a distortion power quality index (DPQI) of each of the at least one load using the LC and the THD is computed.

Abstract: A testing method or apparatus utilizes multiple frequencies applied to a device under test for measuring newly discovered frequency modulation effects. An embodiment may include a lower frequency signal with a smaller amplitude higher frequency signal to test a dynamic change in frequency response, gain, and or phase. This dynamic test can reveal frequency modulation effects. Another embodiment may include the use of a multiple frequency signal to dynamically induce a time varying phase or frequency distortion for the device that has differential phase distortion. The device's output is then measured with an FM detector to measure a shift in one of the frequencies used in the test signal or to measure frequency modulation effects of any signals, including distortion products, from the device.

Abstract: A power factor correction circuit (42/44) responsive to an input power supply signal at an input supply voltage (VAC) that varies largely sinusoidally with time at a fundamental supply frequency contains regulator/control circuitry (60, 62, and 64) for measuring and removing overtones (ILDm or IFWRm) in the input supply current (ILD) or in a rectified form (IFWR) of the input supply current. Each overtone is expressible as the product of an amplitude component (Im) and a sinusoidal function (Im sin [(m+1)?ACt]) that varies with time at an integer multiple of the fundamental supply frequency. The regulator/control circuitry measures an overtone by determining the overtone's amplitude component. After generating an adjustment factor (SADJ) largely as the product of that overtone's amplitude component and an associated sinusoidal function, the regulator/control circuitry adjusts the input supply current or its rectified form by an amount corresponding to the adjustment factor for each measured overtone.

Abstract: A method for determining input tones required to produce a desired output includes the step of extracting a linearization of a spectral map representing a device under test (DUT) that i) is under drive of a large signal having one or more fundamental frequencies with associated amplitudes and phases, and ii) produces an approximation of a desired output having at least one unwanted spectral component. The method includes the further step of using an inverse of the extracted linearization to determine the input tones required to produce the desired output under a given load condition.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating a permanent magnet motor are provided. The method includes the steps of spinning a rotor of the permanent magnet motor; determining a total harmonic distortion of the permanent magnet motor; and comparing the determined total harmonic distortion of the permanent magnet motor with a baseline total harmonic distortion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing harmonic distortion in a power system resulting from non-linear loading on the power system. The power at an interface with a power source is measured, and then distortion in the waveforms of the supplied power is identified. Cancellation signals which cancel all or part of the distortion are then generated and injected at the interface. In one embodiment, the power is sampled to determine the waveform, and then a Fast Fourier Transform is performed on the waveform to convert it to the frequency domain. Harmonics of the fundamental frequency can then be identified, and conjugates of the harmonics generated. An inverse Fast Fourier Transform is performed on the conjugates to generate a signal which is amplified to produce the cancellation signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring electrical signals measures an electromagnetic wave having an interference component at a center frequency and at multiple times to obtain data points. The positions of the data points on a complex plane are calculated. Chords of a circle on the complex plane, wherein the chords passing between pairs of the data points, and the circle fit to the data points are calculated. The chords are used to determine an approximate center of the circle wherein the position of the approximate center of the circle on the complex plane represents the electromagnetic wave with the interference component removed. An indication of the measured electromagnetic wave having the interference component removed is output from the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating a permanent magnet motor are provided. The method includes the steps of spinning a rotor of the permanent magnet motor; determining a total harmonic distortion of the permanent magnet motor; and comparing the determined total harmonic distortion of the permanent magnet motor with a baseline total harmonic distortion.

Abstract: A power factor correction circuit (42/44) responsive to an input power supply signal at an input supply voltage (VAC) that varies largely sinusoidally with time at a fundamental supply frequency contains regulator/control circuitry (60, 62, and 64) for measuring and removing overtones (ILDm or IFWRm) in the input supply current (ILD) or in a rectified form (IFWR) of the input supply current. Each overtone is expressible as the product of an amplitude component (Im) and a sinusoidal function (Im sin [(m+1)?ACt]) that varies with time at an integer multiple of the fundamental supply frequency. The regulator/control circuitry measures an overtone by determining the overtone's amplitude component. After generating an adjustment factor (SADJ) largely as the product of that overtone's amplitude component and an associated sinusoidal function, the regulator/control circuitry adjusts the input supply current or its rectified form by an amount corresponding to the adjustment factor for each measured overtone.

Abstract: An active filter that can remove harmonic noises other than the fundamental wave in a system having many unspecified harmonics and can contribute to the stable operation of the system, and improvement in the quality of power is provided. Using the following power equation (1) for a single-phase circuit as a basic expression, an active power effective value P and a reactive power effective value Q are obtained by integration operation with an active power instantaneous value and a reactive power instantaneous value, an instantaneous voltage estimation value is calculated, the system side fundamental wave current is obtained based on these values, and then the system side fundamental wave current is subtracted from the load current to obtain compensation current as the output of the active filter.

Abstract: A method of determining at least one characteristic parameter of a resonant structure (4) comprising the following steps: firstly placing the resonant structure (4) at a location, said location being located in the far field of a first antenna (2) and in the far field of a second antenna (5), and secondly emitting electromagnetic waves (EEW) with different frequencies in a given frequency range by means of the first antenna (2) such that the emitted electromagnetic waves (EEW) are modified by the resonant structure (4) and modified electromagnetic waves (MEW) are achieved, and thirdly determining during a first determining step a first electric power-value being representative of the power associated with the emitted electromagnetic waves (EEW), and fourthly receiving the generated modified electromagnetic waves (MEW) by means of the second antenna (5) and fifthly determining during a second determining step a second electric power-value being representative of the power associated with the received modified

Abstract: A method for instantaneously determining rates of distortion on variable frequency signals, and an associated device, in which a harmonic distortion rate is calculated across the shortest possible temporal window, corresponding to the duration of a period of a given signal's fundamental. Hence, the aim being to precisely determine the signal frequency value, whose HDR is to be calculated, an iteration of certain measurements, achieved at the time of a given calculation, is embodied in order to calculate the HDR on subsequent signals.

Abstract: A method for detecting stator ground faults in a generator is described. The method includes receiving a neutral voltage signal from a neutral point of a stator, receiving a plurality of terminal voltage and current signals from the stator, deriving a magnitude of a harmonic component from the neutral voltage signal, deriving a total complex power from the terminal voltage and current signals, calculating an expected value of a harmonic based on the complex power at a first time and a plurality of values of the complex power, where the values of the complex power are measured at times before the first time, and comparing the expected value and a measured value of the harmonic.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating a permanent magnet motor are provided. The method includes the steps of spinning a rotor of the permanent magnet motor; determining a total harmonic distortion of the permanent magnet motor; and comparing the determined total harmonic distortion of the permanent magnet motor with a baseline total harmonic distortion.

Abstract: A harmonic rejection load pull tuner uses a resonant pre-matching module in order to enhance the reflection factor (tuning range) at the fundamental frequency without affecting the tuning range at the harmonic frequencies. The insertion loss of the harmonic tuner itself, if such a pre-matching module is not used, reduces the tuning range, generated by a wideband tuner at the fundamental frequency, connected after the harmonic tuner. In order to re-establish and increase the tuning range of the fundamental tuner a resonant pre-matching module is used, which increases the tuning range at the fundamental frequency and has no effect on the harmonic impedances. A wideband pre-matching module is not useful, since while it increases the tuning range at the fundamental frequency, it limits the tuning range at the harmonic frequencies.

Abstract: A novel method is described that enables the measurement of the phase of the spectral components generated by an harmonic phase reference generator without using a calibrated sampling oscilloscope. First one uses a vector network analyzer to measure the output reflection coefficient of an harmonic phase transfer standard and of the harmonic phase reference generator that needs to be characterized. Next one connects the transfer standard to a microwave receiver and one measures the spectral components that are generated by the transfer standard. One then connects the harmonic phase reference generator to be characterized to the microwave receiver. The spectral components of the harmonic phase reference generator to be characterized are calculated by using the spectrum of the transfer standard as measured by the receiver, the spectrum of the harmonic phase reference generator to be characterized as measured by the receiver and the known spectrum of the transfer standard.

Abstract: A method for detecting stator ground faults in a generator is described. The method includes receiving a neutral voltage signal from a neutral point of a stator, receiving a plurality of terminal voltage and current signals from the stator, deriving a magnitude of a harmonic component from the neutral voltage signal, deriving a total complex power from the terminal voltage and current signals, calculating an expected value of a harmonic based on the complex power at a first time and a plurality of values of the complex power, where the values of the complex power are measured at times before the first time, and comparing the expected value and a measured value of the harmonic.

Abstract: A proximity sensor includes an antenna having a resonant frequency selected to correspond to a resonant frequency associated with a selected dimension of an item of interest. In one example, the antenna is selected to have a resonant frequency corresponding to a resonant frequency associated with the width of a turbine blade. The amount of electromagnetic coupling between the item of interest and the antenna provides an indication of the proximity or distance between them. Several embodiments for incorporating such a structure into a gas turbine air seal are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for determining harmonics caused by non-linear loads are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment is a method comprising metering voltage on an electric power system; metering current on the electric power system; determining a predicted current based upon the metered voltage; comparing the predicted current with the metered current; and determining a harmonic current component using a plurality of weights determined when the predicted current converges with the metered current.

Abstract: A method for controlling the non-uniformities of plasma-processed semiconductor wafers by supplying the plasma with two electrical signals: a primary electrical signal that is used to excite the plasma, and a supplemental electrical signal. The supplemental signal may be composed of a plurality of electrical signals, each with a frequency harmonic to that of the primary signal. The phase of the supplemental signal is controlled with respect to the phase of the primary signal. By adjusting the parameters of the supplemental signal with respect to the primary signal, the user can control the parameters of the resultant plasma and, therefore, control the non-uniformities induced in the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a low pass filter is disclosed. The low pass filter comprises a plurality of transconductor cells. The method comprises generating a test signal to the low pass filter and suppressing even-order harmonics due to transistor mismatches within the plurality of transconductor cells. By adding a small number of transistors, the mismatch-induced even order harmonics can be greatly reduced. Even-order harmonics are minimized through the application of a control voltage. A method for calibrating against transistor mismatch utilizing a CMOS transconductor that is based on the regulated cascode topology is disclosed. The method is designed to provide suppression of the even-order harmonics, a very small increase in power and a silicon area of the transconductor cell. A well-defined offset is provided by biasing one of the mismatched transistors.

Abstract: A distortion measurement method uses alternative measurements to determine the distortion of a DUT, depending on the ratio of the distortion at an output of the DUT to distortion of a source stimulating the DUT. The method includes calibrating the VNA at a distortion frequency, measuring a first gain of the DUT with the source and the receivers of the VNA set to the distortion frequency, and measuring a second gain of the DUT with the source of the VNA set to a fundamental frequency and the receivers of the VNA set to the distortion frequency. When the second gain is less than a predesignated threshold, a match-corrected source signal is acquired and used with the first gain and the second gain to determine the distortion of the DUT. When the second gain is not less than the predesignated threshold, a match-corrected DUT output signal is measured and used with the first gain and the second gain to determine the distortion of the DUT.

Abstract: A high-frequency oscillation circuit incorporates a crystal resonator having a natural oscillation frequency in a high-frequency area within a closed circuit including one or more logic elements. Therefore, this circuit copes with an oscillation frequency of 1 MHz to 2 GHz or more in basic oscillation frequency of a crystal resonator and it oscillates with stability at the basic oscillation frequency of the crystal resonator.

Abstract: A capacitive amplifier is described for detecting and amplifying an electrical tone conducted by one of a group of wires or a pair of wires in order to identify and trace a particular wire or pair of wires. The capacitive amplifier comprises a probe for being placed adjacent a wire under test, an input terminal coupled to the conductive probe for receiving an input signal therefore, a suppression unit coupled to the input terminal for receiving the input signal and for suppressing the noise signals, and an amplifier coupled to the suppression unit to amplify the noiseless output signal. The suppression unit can be composed of an analog/digital converter, a digital/analog converter, a CPU and a memory for suppressing noise frequencies contained in the digital signal values by subtracting from the input signal a time-delayed signal wherein the time-delay period corresponds to the period of the unwanted noise frequency.

Abstract: A distortion measurement method uses alternative measurements to determine the distortion of a DUT, depending on the ratio of the distortion at an output of the DUT to distortion of a source stimulating the DUT. The method includes calibrating the VNA at a distortion frequency, measuring a first gain of the DUT with the source and the receivers of the VNA set to the distortion frequency, and measuring a second gain of the DUT with the source of the VNA set to a fundamental frequency and the receivers of the VNA set to the distortion frequency. When the second gain is less than a predesignated threshold, a match-corrected source signal is acquired and used with the first gain and the second gain to determine the distortion of the DUT. When the second gain is not less than the predesignated threshold, a match-corrected DUT output signal is measured and used with the first gain and the second gain to determine the distortion of the DUT.

Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.

Abstract: A method and system for determining an inductance value of an inductive element are presented. The method includes energizing the inductive element using an N-pulse AC to DC converter in electrical communication with the inductive element and an AC source. The method further includes determining at each of a plurality of periodic time intervals an inductive element voltage value, an inductive element current value, and an equivalent source phase angle. An Nth harmonic impedance squared value is then determined for the inductive element using the inductive element voltage and current values and the equivalent source phase angles. The inductive element inductance value is then calculated using the Nth harmonic impedance squared value and an AC source frequency value.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the conditions in a gas plasma processing system while varying or modulating the RF power supplied to the system, so that resulting signals of the electrical circuits of the system provide information regarding operational parameters of the system or the state of a process. Significant improvements in sensitivity and accuracy over conventional techniques are thereby achieved. In addition, the plasma processing system can be thoroughly tested and characterized before delivery, to allow more accurate monitoring of and greater control over a process, thereby improving quality control/assurance of substrates being produced by the system. The information obtained by the modulation technique can be displayed on a monitor screen, in order to allow an operator to accurately monitor the system/process and diagnose any problems with the system/process.

Abstract: A method and system for determining an inductance value of an inductive element are presented. The method includes energizing the inductive element using an N-pulse AC to DC converter in electrical communication with the inductive element and an AC source. The method further includes determining at each of a plurality of periodic time intervals an inductive element voltage value, an inductive element current value, and an equivalent source phase angle. An Nth harmonic impedance squared value is then determined for the inductive element using the inductive element voltage and current values and the equivalent source phase angles. The inductive element inductance value is then calculated using the Nth harmonic impedance squared value and an AC source frequency value.

Abstract: There is provided an adjustable harmonic distortion detector that includes a clock signal source, means for the detection of a first period of evaluation, and means for the detection of a second period of evaluation. The detector has the characteristic that a first block memorizes a number equal to the clock pulses present in the first period of evaluation, a multiplier block performs a multiplication between the number stored in the first block and a multiplicative factor during the second period of evaluation, and a second block memorizes the outcome. The second block is adapted to generate an output signal when the outcome in the second block is equal to zero.

Abstract: A method is provided for eliminating the source harmonic component from VNA measurements of the output of a device under test (DUT). A standard vector measurement, GHx, is first measured from the DUT using the VNA. The value GHx is composed of two elements, the DUT's harmonic response to a fundamental input from the source, and the DUT's linear response to the harmonic input from the source. The harmonics from the source which are linearly passed by the DUT, GNx, are then measured with the VNA. The output harmonic generated by the DUT, Hx, is then calculated using vector subtraction according to the equation Hx=GHx−GNx. The output harmonic Hx will then be free from source harmonic components.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the conditions in a gas plasma processing system while varying or modulating the RF power supplied to the system, so that resulting signals of the electrical circuits of the system provide information regarding operational parameters of the system or the state of a process. Significant improvements in sensitivity and accuracy over conventional techniques are thereby achieved. In addition, the plasma processing system can be thoroughly tested and characterized before delivery, to allow more accurate monitoring of and greater control over a process, thereby improving quality control/assurance of substrates being produced by the system. The information obtained by the modulation technique can be displayed on a monitor screen, in order to allow an operator to accurately monitor the system/process and diagnose any problems with the system/process.