Abstract: A primary device for inductive power transfer to a secondary device is disclosed. The primary device includes a primary coil, the primary device being configured to (i) operate in a first mode during which the primary coil transfers power through inductive coupling to the secondary device, and (ii) operate in a second mode during which a foreign object is detected. The primary device further includes a primary controller configured to operate the primary coil (i) using a first frequency during the first mode, and (ii) using a second frequency during the second mode. A method to detect a foreign object which is in proximity of an inductively coupled environment of a primary device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Position sensor (10?) and method for measuring the position of an object comprising, a sensing element and an oscillator (30) coupled to the sensing element such that an electromagnetic field is emitted from the sensing element. An output, arranged to provide a signal, varies in dependence upon a change in an electrical property of the oscillator (30). Change in object position relative to the sensing element alters the electrical property of the oscillator (30). Sensing element comprises at least one discontinuity arranged to perturb the signal at a predetermined object position. Alternatively, there is a temperature compensator in proximity to the sensing element and arranged to compensate the signal for changes in temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (300) for the relative positioning of an electromagnetic probe network (100) and of an object being tested (200), wherein said device includes at least a means (301) or the relative sliding of the object being tested (200) and of the electromagnetic probe network (100), capable of moving the object being tested (200) or the probe network (100) along at least one sliding direction included in a plane of the probe network (100), and on which are provided a means (320) for the relative rotation of the object being tested (200) and of the probe network (100) about a main rotation axis perpendicular to the sliding direction.

Abstract: A substrate including a semiconductor layer, where characteristics of an element can be evaluated with high reliability, and an evaluating method thereof are provided. A substrate including a semiconductor layer of the invention has a closed-loop circuit in which an antenna coil and a semiconductor element are connected in series, and a surface of an area over which the circuit is formed is covered with an insulating film. By using such a circuit, a contactless inspection can be carried out. Further, a ring oscillator can be substituted for the closed-loop circuit.

Abstract: Pulses of signals in the terahertz region are generated using an apparatus made up of a mode-locked semiconductor laser diode with a short duty cycle that is optically coupled to a biased Auston switch. The output from the mode-locked semiconductor laser diode may first be supplied to a pulse compressor, and the resulting compressed pulses supplied to the Auston switch. Preferably, the mode-locking of the semiconductor laser diode is controllable, i.e., it is an active mode-locking semiconductor laser, so that the phase of the output optical signal from the laser is locked to the phase of an input control signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for characterising a biologically active biochemical element by analysing low-frequency electromagnetic signals transmitted by a solution prepared from an analysable material sample characterised in that it comprises a pre-filtering stage.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatus for characterizing a tuner. For a given tuner, a processing system is adapted to measure scattering parameters for a plurality of characterization points that are non-uniformly distributed across a Smith chart, and to store the scattering parameters in a tuner characterization file. Interpolation and extrapolation processes are performed to determine additional scattering parameters for a plurality of additional characterization points, which are also stored in the tuner characterization file.

Abstract: An antenna for a fill level radar includes a high-temperature process separation device and an attenuation element. The attenuation element is used to improve the measuring signal in the near zone of the antenna and is affixed to the process separation device or in the process separation device. In this way antenna ringing may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A system (10) for monitoring PLC impedance of a phase conductor 12.1 of a high voltage overhead power transmission line (OHTL) 12 comprises a hybrid 40 comprising a first port (40), a second port (40.2) and a third port (40.3). The hybrid is configured to divide power received at the first port between the second and third ports, at least partially to isolate the second port from power received at the third port and at least partially to isolate the third port from power received at the second port. The isolation is a function of an impedance connected to the first port 40.1. The first port is connected to the phase conductor. The second port is connected to be driven by an alternating signal source (14). The second and third ports are connected to a monitoring logging device (42) for monitoring signals at the second and third ports, thereby to monitor the isolation at second and third ports and hence impedance at the first port.

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 method and system for improving power distribution and/or current measurement on a printed circuit board is disclosed. According to the invention, a first power plane adapted for current measurement includes a first segment to which a current source is connected and a second segment to which other devices may be connected, forming the current load. A third segment is used to measure the current between the first segment and the second segment through two vias that link two points of the third segment to, preferably, two pads of the external layer. In a preferred embodiment, vias are connected to the first segment so that current flow in the third segment is linear, to improve and simplify current determination. The resistivity between the pair of vias may be computed or estimated using calibrated currents.

Abstract: A layer height measuring system in one embodiment has a transmission line including a probe for measuring a height of a first layer within a tank and a cable that connects the probe to an electronics unit. The electronics unit cyclically transmits interrogation pulses to the probe and receives reflections therefrom for time domain reflectometric measurement of the height of the first layer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for analyzing a substance in a container, the method comprising the steps of: disposing antenna means (3) at a predetermined geometrical distance (L) from a container portion (13); transmitting a signal from said antenna means through a surface portion (12) of the substance towards said container portion; receiving a first reflected signal in said antenna means from said container portion; determining a geometrical distance (L1) from the surface portion to the container portion; varying the frequency of the transmitted signal to determine a first phase displacement between the transmitted signal and the first reflected signal; determining an optical distance from the surface portion to the container portion based on the first phase displacement; and determining the index of refraction (nt) of said substance based on the optical and geometrical from the surface portion to the container portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems method for sensing a position of an object in a body include positioning a probe in the body, making measurements of mapping electrical currents passing between at least a first electrode on the probe and a plurality of second electrodes on a surface of the body, calibrating the measurements so as to compensate for one or more non-ideal features of the measurements including effects of system-dependent electrical coupling to one or more devices other than the first electrode and the second electrodes, and computing the position of the probe in the body using the calibrated measurements.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting changes in the impedance of a segment of medium voltage power line is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving voltage data comprising data of the voltage of the power lines at locations at a plurality of different points in time, receiving current data that comprises data of the current flowing between adjacent locations at the plurality of points in time, intermittently determining an impedance of the power lines between adjacent locations based on the voltage data and current data, monitoring the impedance of the power lines between adjacent locations over time, and providing a notification of a change in the impedance of a power line between adjacent locations upon detection of a change in the impedance beyond a threshold change.

Abstract: In fill-level measuring devices according to the pulse-transit-time method, a reflection that is generated internally in a microwave module is used as a reference for transit time measuring. For generating the reference pulse, the microwave module comprises its own sampling mixer or its own oscillator. Subsequently, the echo signal and the reference pulse can be further processed separately or together. No delay line is necessary on the transmission frequency of the radar sensor. Interference as a result of leakage signals is largely prevented.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hybrid passive agent system impedance monitoring station and method. The method of monitoring impedance of an electrical system includes the steps of providing an impedance monitoring station adapted to test and monitor system impedance, solving for system impedance in a time domain, solving for system impedance in a frequency domain, and determining a time domain driving point impedance and a frequency domain driving point impedance to identify the impedance of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining location of an object hidden from view. The apparatus includes an imaging tool for detecting hidden objects. The imaging tool includes a housing including a first end and a second end, a display supported by the first end of the housing, and a tracking device supported by the second end of the housing. The imaging tool also includes a transmitter supported by the housing and operable to transmit electromagnetic radiation toward a hidden target, an analysis module supported by the housing and operable to analyze feedback data related to the interaction between the target and the electromagnetic radiation, and an image module operable to receive data from the analysis module to generate an image on the display.

Abstract: An improved E-field generator including a slow-wave transmission line structure is provided herein. In some cases, the improved E-field generator may include an inductively-loaded slow-wave transmission line structure driven by a power source at one end of the structure and terminated by a load at the other end of the structure. In other cases, the improved E-field generator may include a capacitively-loaded slow-wave transmission line structure. In either case, the improved E-field generator provides a frequency-independent, significantly increased electric field at a distance spaced from the generator without altering the dimensions of the generator and/or the input power supplied to the generator. The increase in generated field intensity is achieved by decreasing the phase velocity of the electromagnetic wave propagating along the parallel elements of the generator.

Abstract: A method for testing a radio frequency (RF) receiver as a device under test (DUT) with one or more test instruments to provide a plurality of relative power correction factors, a plurality of received signal strength indication (RSSI) calibration factors, or both.

Abstract: A system and method of using a computer system to provide utility information related to a plurality of underground power line cable segments connected on opposite ends to different distribution transformers is provided. In one embodiment the method comprises monitoring the impedance of each of the plurality of underground power line cable segments over time, detecting a change in the impedance of a set of the plurality of underground power line cable segments, storing in a memory information sufficient for identifying each underground power line cable segment of the set of the plurality of underground power line cable segments for which a change in impedance is detected, generating a report that identifies the set of the plurality of underground power line cable segments for which a change in impedance is detected, and outputting the report.

Abstract: A level measurement arrangement for measurement of a level of a product in a container, comprising: a level sensor, having: a mounting element, including a process connector, for mounting the mounting element on a mating counter connector on an opening of the container, and a conductive probe segment extending from the mounting element into the container; a conductive probe extension (19), having a first end, which is permanently fixed to an inner wall of the container, and having a second end, which is detachably connectable to an end of the conductive probe segment extending into the container; and sensor electronics comprising elements for generating and sending short electromagnetic pulses down the probe segment and the probe extension, elements for reception of the echoes of the pulses reflected at a surface of the product elements for determining the level of the product in the container, based on a time of flight needed for a pulse to travel down the probe segment and the probe extension, and its echo

Abstract: A radar level gauge system, for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, said radar level gauge system comprising: a transceiver for generating, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals within a frequency range; a waveguiding structure arranged to extend into said product contained in the tank and to guide a transmitted signal from said transceiver towards a surface of said product and to guide echo signals resulting from reflections at impedance transitions encountered by the transmitted electromagnetic signals, including a surface echo signal resulting from reflection at said surface, back to said transceiver; a plurality of reference impedance transitions provided substantially periodically along said waveguiding structure with a distance between adjacent reference impedance transitions that is selected such that signals resulting from reflection of said transmitted signal at each of said reference impedance transitions combine to form a reference signal having a frequency

Abstract: A system and method of detecting changes in the impedance of a segment of medium voltage power line is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving voltage data comprising data of the voltage of the power lines at locations at a plurality of different points in time, receiving current data that comprises data of the current flowing between adjacent locations at the plurality of points in time, intermittently determining an impedance of the power lines between adjacent locations based on the voltage data and current data, monitoring the impedance of the power lines between adjacent locations over time, and providing a notification of a change in the impedance of a power line between adjacent locations upon detection of a change in the impedance beyond a threshold change.

Abstract: A wireless sensor system for detecting electrical power lines in proximity to equipment including a sensor element for detecting the presence of power lines; a transmitter element responsive which generates a wireless signal that conveys the sensed information; and a base station for receiving the wireless signal.

Abstract: Nondestructive inspection (NDI) on a structure having a cavity includes exciting the structure with electromagnetic radiation and analyzing the cavity's electromagnetic field response to detect a state change of the structure.

Abstract: A method for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, by means of a radar level gauge system comprising a transceiver for generating, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals; a probe connected to the transceiver and arranged to guide a transmitted electromagnetic signal from the transceiver towards and into the product inside the tank, and to return a reflected electromagnetic signal resulting from reflection of the transmitted electromagnetic signal by a surface of the product back towards the transceiver; and a plurality of reference reflectors each being arranged at a respective known position along the probe and being configured to reflect a portion of the transmitted electromagnetic signal back towards the transceiver.

Abstract: A system for measuring a multiport device connected to a network analyzer via a test-set comprising a multiport network analyzer; a test-set having multiple real switches wherein at least one set of real switches is capable of being connected together as needed between selection terminals; and a device for controlling the network analyzer and the test-set, wherein two or more predetermined real switches that have been connected together, including at least one real switch with an open terminal, are regarded as one imaginary switch, and the control device controls the selection status of the real switches related to the imaginary switch based on the combination of terminals to which electricity is to be conducted as instructed by the user for this imaginary switch.

Abstract: A method for identifying a drifted dose integrator in an implantation system and an implantation system are provided. The implantation system includes a first dose integrator and a second dose integrator. The first dose integrator includes a first input configured to receive a first current generated from charges carried by implanted ions in a wafer, and a first output configured to output a first accumulated dosage value. The second dose integrator includes a second dose integrator including a second input configured to receive a second current generated from the charges carried by the implanted ions in the wafer, and a second output configured to output a second accumulated dosage value. The implantation system further includes a processing unit comparing the first accumulated dosage value and the second accumulated dosage value to detect a drift in one of the first and the second dose integrators.

Abstract: An antenna for a level sensing gauge comprises an environmentally sealed chamber extending from the level sensing gauge and mounting and positionable within the interior of a storage compartment, including a breathable aperture for permitting pressure and humidity equalization between the interior of said chamber and an exterior environment.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a protective covering. An electronics module and a pair of electrodes are disposed within the protective covering. The pair of electrodes is electrically connected to the electronics module. The electrodes are separated by a distance in an open position when unloaded and are configured to contact each other in a closed position when loaded. In one example, a plurality of resilient spacing structures is disposed between the electrodes. The electronics module is configured to obtain electrode position data by determining whether the electrodes are in the open or closed position. In one example, the electronics module is configured to remotely communicate the electrode position data. The electrodes and electronics module are embedded within the protective covering, which is integrally molded therearound.

Abstract: A radar level gauge (RLG) using electromagnetic waves for determining a process variable of a product in a tank is provided which includes timing circuitry adapted to provide timing control of a transceiver, and a communication interface arranged to receive power in an intrinsically safe manner and to connect the radar level gauge externally thereof. The RLG further comprises an isolation interface arranged to galvanically isolate the transceiver from the timing circuitry and the communication interface, the isolation interface being arranged to transfer power and timing control from the timing circuitry and the communication interface to the transceiver circuitry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, device, and method for using radar signals to measure the distance (h) to a surface from said device, the device comprising a transmitter and a transmitting antenna for transmitting radar signals, and a receiver and a receiving antenna for receiving a radar signal. The device may also comprise a first additional reflecting object separate from the receiving antenna, which additional reflector is designed so as to introduce a first predetermined alteration in radar signals upon reflection, with the device being equipped with means to differ between received signals with and without said predetermined alteration. The first predetermined alteration introduced by the first separate reflector can be, for example, a modulation shift or a shift in the polarization of the signal. In a typical embodiment the additional reflector is located close to the radar unit creating a double transition from radar unit to the surface.

Abstract: The present technology provides an Impedance Measurement System (ZMS) for measuring the complex impedance of each well of a single well or multiwell microtiter plate utilizing a novel combination of parallel impedance measurement channels, multiplexing, and reference impedance networks, allowing internal correction of impedance measurement drift, maximized measurement accuracy, and minimized system size.

Abstract: A precision pulse detection system for time-of-flight sensors detects a zero axis crossing of a pulse after it crosses above and then falls below a threshold. Transmit and receive pulses flow through a common expanded-time receiver path to precision transmit and receive pulse detectors in a differential configuration. The detectors trigger on zero axis crossings that occur immediately after pulse lobes exceed and then drop below a threshold. Range errors caused by receiver variations cancel since transmit and receive pulses are affected equally. The system exhibits range measurement accuracies on the order of 1-picosecond without calibration even when used with transmitted pulse widths on the order of 500 picoseconds. The system can provide sub-millimeter accurate TDR, laser and radar sensors for measuring tank fill levels or for precision radiolocation systems including digital handwriting capture.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for determining capacitive, inductive, and resistive components of power line impedance. A measurement circuit switches a burden resistor between power line conductors to cause a droop in a voltage waveform. The voltage waveform is sampled prior to inclusion of the resistor in the circuit, as well as after to identify the droop. The short circuit between the power lines is then removed by opening the circuit and a first effective capacitance in the test circuitry causes a resonant ring due to the inductive component of the power line impedance. The process is repeated a second time with a second effective load capacitance enabled in the test circuitry to cause a second resonant ring. Based upon the frequency of the rings and the voltage measurements, the capacitive, inductive, and resistive components of power line impedance can be computed.

Abstract: A differential signaling system, wherein a first wiring and a second wiring are coupled between a sending end and a receiving end as a differential signal line. A termination resistor is coupled between the first wiring and the second wiring in the receiving end side. A test circuit is coupled to the termination resistor in parallel, and amplifies and detects a variation of a differential impedance due to the differential signal line. The test circuit includes: a differential test amplifier for amplifying a variation in the differential impedance of the first wiring or the second wiring; a switching unit installed at an input terminal of the differential test amplifier for controlling an operation of the differential test amplifier; and a peak detector for converting an output signal of the differential test amplifier into a direct current component; and a phase detector for detecting a skew, a time delay, and/or a phase difference of a signal inputted to the differential signal line.

Abstract: A differential signaling system, wherein a first wiring and a second wiring are coupled between a sending end and a receiving end as a differential signal line. A termination resistor is coupled between the first wiring and the second wiring in the receiving end side. A test circuit is coupled to the termination resistor in parallel, and amplifies and detects a variation of a differential impedance due to the differential signal line. The test circuit includes: a differential test amplifier for amplifying a variation in the differential impedance of the first wiring or the second wiring; a switching unit installed at an input terminal of the differential test amplifier for controlling an operation of the differential test amplifier; and a peak detector for converting an output signal of the differential test amplifier into a direct current component.

Abstract: A method and system to determine freshness and palatability (tenderness, juiciness, and flavor) of live foodstuffs (meat, fish, fowl, fruit and vegetables) including the steps of; utilizing bioelectrical impedance analysis in a biological subject model for measurement and composition analysis; and a system of using the results of the utilizing step procedure to illustrate an objective scale of palatability; a ‘Palatability Index’. Also a method of whole body and regional organ and tissue vitality assessment in a biological entity, human, animal, fruit or vegetable, including the steps of: utilizing bioelectric impedance analysis in a biological model for composition analysis; and using the results of the utilizing step to provide an objective assessment of volume and distribution of fluid and tissues, and electrical health of cells and membranes of the organ or tissue.

Abstract: A measurement and correction method provides for a complete full correction of a true-mode system using only the single ended error matrix developed for 4 port correction of single ended measurements. The degree of misalignment of the balanced sources may be determined from these measurements.

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 device for measuring electrical properties, including permittivity, of a material is disclosed. The device includes a first conduit and second conduit terminating at open ends and respectively connected to a first and second connector port. Annuli are formed by the open ends to encompass portions of a flange of the device. The flange as well the portions make firm contact with the material under test, permitting simultaneous measurements of the complex scattering parameters of the material when an electromagnetic field is transmitted through the first connector port. Electrical characteristics of the material can be computed using the measurements received at the first connector port and the second connector port. Shorting screws are used for calibration by selectively opening or shorting the conduits.

Abstract: A pulse detection system for expanded time radar, laser and TDR sensors detects specific cycles within bursts of cycles. A sensor transmits and receives short bursts of RF cycles. A transmit pulse detector triggers on a selected cycle of the detected transmit burst and starts a range counter. A receive detector triggers on a selected cycle within a received echo burst to stop the range counter, thereby indicating range. Cycle selection is enabled by an analysis window of time. The detection system can provide accuracies on the order of one picosecond and is well-suited to accurate ranging along an electromagnetic guide wire.

Abstract: A test apparatus includes a signal source that generates a radio-frequency test signal and is connected to the input connection of an arrangement. The arrangement simultaneously supplies an electrical radio-frequency signal to a plurality of receivers and via a plurality of distribution lines. Each distribution line includes an end with an output connection that applies the power-matched test signal to a respective external component.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a product level in a tank which determine a first level measure using emission of electromagnetic waves into the tank, detect a differential pressure, determine an observed density based on the detected differential pressure and the first level measure, and determine a second level measure based on the observed density and a currently measured differential pressure. The present invention is based on the realization that a level measurement based on differential pressure and an observed density can provide a valuable redundant level measurement, which can provide increased reliability and enable detection of errors.

Abstract: A probe (1) for measuring the conductivity of a solution comprises a hydraulic part and an electronic part; the hydraulic part comprises a conduit (2) in the shape of a double tuning fork having an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) for the solution whose conductivity is to be measured; the electronic part comprises an energizing toroidal coil (7) and a receiving toroidal coil (22), both fitted round the conduit (2); the receiving coil (22) is mutually concatenated with the energizing coil (7) through an electromagnetic flux (F) generated by the energizing coil (7) in the respective toroid (T1) and through the solution circulating in the conduit (2); the probe (1) also comprises a feedback circuit (111) to keep the electromagnetic flux (F) constant.

Abstract: The micro sensor is fabricated with a guard that shields the electrodes from the surrounding environment, thereby reducing loss of measurement signal through the parasitic capacitances to the substrate and fluid. The guards are low impedance points in the circuit that are biased to track as closely as possible the ac voltages of the respective electrodes. Each guard is suitably connected to the output of a guard buffer that supplies the current required to ensure that the guard is at all times at nearly the same voltage as the electrode it is guarding. The micro sensor has an improved signal to noise ratio (SNR) over an extended measurement frequency range (bandwidth) for monitoring in-situ the cleaning and drying processes for high aspect ratio micro features in dielectric films oriented perpendicular to the fluid-solid interface during the manufacture of ICs, MEMS and other micro-devices.

Abstract: A method for determining a distance between a radar sensor and a reflection surface of a material comprising the following steps. The radar sensor is energized via a two-wire control loop which allows for data communication and an internal energy store. An echo profile is generated and analyzed to calculate the distance. During generation of the echo profile, the generation process is interrupted at least once to recharge the energy store via the two-wire control loop.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for measuring the potential for mutual coupling in an integrated circuit package of any type or configuration using a network analyzer in conjunction with a coaxial test probe. Simple, low-cost test fixturing and methods of testing may be used to measure the parasitic capacitance and inductance of one or more I/O leads of an integrated circuit package, the measured parasitic capacitances and inductances providing an indication of the susceptibility of the integrated circuit package to mutual coupling between electrical leads of the package or between an electrical lead and other components of the integrated circuit package.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for measuring electrical impedance comprising: two input electrodes contacted to a subject for measuring impedance; a difference amplifier to which two signals inputted to the two input electrodes are inputted; a device for extracting a common mode component of two signals inputted to the two input electrodes; the third electrode contacted to the subject for measuring impedance; the first multiplier to which the common mode component is inputted; the first filter coupled with the first multiplier; the second multiplier coupled with the first filter; wherein a feedback signal outputted from the second multiplier is inputted to the third electrode.