Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor is provided for a motor vehicle. The gas sensor contains a digital controller and a detection circuit. The digital controller captures, by a feedback input, a value of the voltage applied to the inside of the gas sensor cell. The output of the digital controller provides a control value for the current flowing in the gas sensor cell. The detection circuit is used to detect the properties of the gas sensor cell and to adjust the dynamic control properties of the digital controller corresponding to the properties of the gas sensor cell.

Abstract: An operator identifying apparatus, operator identifying method, and a vehicle-mounted apparatus.

Abstract: A multidirectional switch member and an electronic device includes an operation plate in which a pressing operation may be performed in a plurality of directions including four standard directions and a median direction extending between the four standard directions, a PCB that is located at the back side of the operation plate, a plurality of conductive bodies that are provided on the back side of the operation plate, a group of standard direction contact electrodes that each have a first electrode and a first ground potential electrode along each of the standard directions, and a group of median direction contact electrodes that have two of a second electrode and a second ground potential electrode along the median direction, wherein the two second electrodes and the first electrodes, which are located along both sides of the median direction, are located next to each other and are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: A method and sensor assembly for determining the condition of a structure, especially for confirming if a measured fingerprint is on a live finger, measures characteristics of close to the structure surface. The sensor includes a first pair of current supply electrodes coupled to a current source, providing an electrical current to the skin, at least two pickup electrodes at chosen and different positions relative to the current supply electrodes, at least a first of the pickup electrodes being coupled to an instrument for measuring the voltage between the first pickup electrode and at least one of the pickup or current supply electrodes, storage for a predetermined set of values characterizing a certain condition of the surface, and means for comparing the characteristics from each pickup electrode with the measurements of the other pickup electrodes and with the predetermined set of characteristics for determining the surface condition.

Abstract: An electric current measuring device which measures current flowing from a storage battery, as installed, for example, in an engine compartment of automotive vehicles, to a harness. The current measuring device includes a bus bar with a first securement member and a second securement member, a current measuring circuit which works to measure current flowing through a resistor disposed between the first and second securement members, and a case located between the first and second securement members. The bus bar is made of a plate strip with a bend which has a bent cross section traversing a length of the plate strip, thereby increasing the degree of mechanical strength thereof (e.g., the first securement member) to withstand unwanted deformation or damage of the bus bar.

Abstract: An impedance monitoring circuit for an electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The monitoring circuit includes an isolation transformer coupled to at least one of an active terminal and a return terminal of an electrosurgical generator, wherein the isolation transformer includes a primary winding coupled to a reference resistor and a secondary winding coupled to a load. The monitoring circuit also includes a driver configured to transmit a sensor signal to the reference resistor and the load, a primary converter coupled to the reference resistor and the load and configured to detect a primary converted signal as a function of the sensor signal passing through the reference resistor and the load.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed comprising one or more electrically conductive nano-structures defined on one or more surfaces of a microelectronic circuit such as an integrated circuit die, microelectronic circuit package (such as a TSOP, BGA or other prepackaged IC) a stacked microelectronic circuit package, or on the surface of one or more layers in a stack of layers containing one or more ICs. In one embodiment, the electrically conductive nano-structure is in electrical connection with a monitoring circuit and acts as a “trip wire” to detect unauthorized tampering with the device or module. Such a monitoring circuit may include a power source such as an in-circuit or in-module battery and a “zeroization” circuit within the chip or package to erase the contents of a memory when the electrically conductive nano-structure is breached or altered. The device may be configured to blow one or more fuses or overcurrent protection devices when the electrically conductive nano-structure is breached or altered.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in performing impedance measurements on a subject. The apparatus includes a processing system for causing a first signal to be applied to the subject, determining an indication of a second signal measured across the subject, using the indication of the second signal to determine any imbalance and if an imbalance exists, determining a modified first signal in accordance with the imbalance and causing the modified first signal to be applied to the subject to thereby allow at least one impedance measurement to be performed.

Abstract: An inclination detection method is disclosed, which uses a pair of electrodes placed so as to face each other and having a fixed positional relation and an electric conductor which can move between the pair of electrodes, wherein the pair of electrodes is in either a conducting state or a nonconducting state depending on the position of the movable electric conductor, the conducting state in a predetermined period is expressed as any one of a plurality of level values, and a movement state of the pair of electrodes is estimated based on which of the plurality of level values the conducting state takes on.

Abstract: An electrical power transmission system includes electrical insulators arranged to electrically isolate live power lines. Measurement devices are physically incorporated or integrated in the insulator structures. The measurement devices measure and report insulator properties during live wire conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to determining attenuation factors relating to an electromagnetic signal passing through, a conductive material seen by a real sensor. A sensor is provided and disposed proximate to the material. An alternating current is passed through the sensor and the impedance of the sensor is measured. The impedance of an ideal coil is obtained from the measured impedance using electromagnetic modeling combined with a circuit analysis of the coil impedance, and the attenuation factors for the real coil in straight or feedback mode are determined by electromagnetic modeling of casing attenuation factors and impedance of an ideal coil combined with equivalent circuit modeling of the sensor transfer functions. The attenuation factors seen by the real sensor may be determined in real-time or post-survey. The material may be magnetic or non-magnetic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a monitoring system for automatically actuated, in particular power-driven closing covers, for example boot lids of motor vehicles. The invention also relates to a method and a detection system for detecting the presence of objects per se. The aim of the invention is to provide solutions for the implementation of a reliable safety system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transferring information closely connected to an object. The system is characterized in that it comprises a conductor arrangement, which comprises a number of conductor components, that forms an electromagnetic field, as well as a transmitter associated with the object. The aforementioned transmitter is arranged to connect by means of an electromagnetic field to the conductor arrangement and also to modulate the measuring signal formed by means of the field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of simultaneously determining both the conductivity and dielectric properties of a sample such as lubricating oil or a fuel. First and second signals are applied to a test cell through a combiner. Output of the cell is measured by a pair of frequency selective AC voltage measuring devices through a load on the output of the test cell. Through simultaneous readings, conductivity and dielectric properties are accurately calculated rather than estimated.

Abstract: A configurable semiconductor includes N terminals adapted to be connected to at least one of T external impedances. N is an integer greater than zero and T is an integer greater than one. The T external impedances have impedance values within predetermined tolerances. A measurement circuit measures an impedance value of at least one of the T external impedances. A control circuit compares the measured impedance value to T ranges and selects a value of a device characteristic based on comparison. The value of the device characteristic selected by the control circuit is independent of the predetermined tolerances of the T external impedances.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus and detecting method thereof. The cleaning apparatus includes a fan, a motor, a detecting device and a control unit. The motor drives the fan to create an air flow through the cleaning apparatus. The detecting device is electrically connected to the motor, and is utilized detected an impedance of the motor. The control unit is electrically connected to the motor and the detecting device respectively, for comparing the impedance of the motor with a predetermined value and outputting a signal indicative of a comparison result.

Abstract: A non-invasive Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) transmission line system 1 and method for measuring one or more parameters of an electromagnetic Radio Frequency (RF) pulse transmitted, and reflected, along a transmission line. The parameters including at least one of; amplitude, propagation velocity and/or propagation time between defined predetermined instances. The system 1 includes a transmission line 6 including three or more elongated transmission elements 2, 3, 4, 5, respectively having two distal ends 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. Each element 2, 3, 4, 5 is capable of being selectively activated to transmit the RF pulse. A mounting assembly 7 is provided for mounting the transmission elements 2, 3, 4, 5 at the first end 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a to form a spatially-separated transmission element array 6 with the other ‘second’ distal end 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b of each transmission element 2,3, 4, 5 being spaced from the mounting assembly 7.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for real-time, 3-D image guidance of invasive surgical diagnostic tools and therapy. In this method, the 3-D distribution of electrical conductivity of the surgical region of interest are derived using images derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) X-Ray Computed Tomography (CT) or other techniques. Current flows and voltages within the region due to applied currents from body surface electrodes at defined locations are simulated using a finite element method. During the surgical procedure, electrodes are placed at the same locations, and the surgical instrument is inserted into the region. By matching the potentials measured by the instrument to the simulated potentials, the instrument location may be identified in real-time.

Abstract: A method for testing a characteristic impedance of an electronic component includes sending a positioning command to a control computer through a switch, so as to drive a probe holder of a mechanical arm to position probes of a time domain reflectometer (TDR) on a position of the electronic component. The method further receives measured data collected by the TDR, and compares the measured data with preset standard values to determine if the measured data is acceptable.

Abstract: A method and the device for position detection are disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of conductive strips intersecting each other to form a plurality of intersecting regions. A pair of depressed strips intersecting on any intersecting region contact each other to form a depressed intersecting region. When a high voltage and a low voltage are separately provided to the first ends of each pair of overlapping strips, the voltages at the second ends of each pair of overlapping strips are detected so as to determine each depressed intersecting regions.

Abstract: A measuring system minimizes the parasitic affects of lumped circuit elements. The system includes two or more in-situ interfaces configured to conductively link a source to an internal load and an external load. The in-situ interfaces are linked to a shunt conductor. Two or more linear and dynamic elements conductively link the in-situ interfaces in series. The dynamic elements are configured to overwhelm the parasitic self-capacitance of an input circuit coupled to at least one of the in-situ interfaces. A shield enclosing at least one of the linear and dynamic elements has a conductive surface to fields and electromagnetic interference. The shield has attenuation ratios that substantially dampen the parasitic capacitance between the linear and dynamic elements that bridge some of the in-situ interfaces.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to a device having a first substrate comprising a transistor; a second substrate; an insulating layer in between and adjoining the first and second substrates; and an opening within the second substrate, the opening being aligned with the transistor; wherein the transistor is configured to detect an electrical charge change within the opening. Other embodiments relate to a method including providing a substrate comprising a first part, a second part, and an insulating layer in between and adjoining the first and second parts; fabricating a transistor on the first part; and fabricating an opening within the second part, the opening being aligned with the transistor; wherein the transistor is configured to detect an electrical charge change within the opening.

Abstract: The gases temperature supplied to a patient when the patient is undergoing treatment such as oxygen therapy or positive pressure treatment for conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is often measured for safety and to enable controlling of the humidity delivered to the patient. The invention disclosed is related to measurement of properties, particularly temperature, of gases flowing through a heated tube, supplying gases to a patient, which utilises the heating wire within the tube.

Abstract: A sensor system for protecting products and technology from reverse engineering by detecting attempts to probe electronic circuitry includes a sensor electrically linked to electronic circuitry. The sensor detects interaction of probe devices with the electronic circuitry for the purpose of reverse engineering the electronic circuitry. The sensor includes an exciter and an impedance counter linked to the exciter. A count rate of the impedance counter is a function of the impedance of the electronic circuitry due to the fact that oscillation frequency generated by the exciter is also a function of the impedance of the electronic circuitry. The sensor also includes an impedance register storing the binary count value from the impedance counter, wherein after the impedance counter data is transferred into the impedance register, the data is referred to as impedance data.

Abstract: A capacitive fingerprint sensor comprises a fingerprint capacitor, a reference capacitor, a first transistor, a second transistor, a comparator and a multiplexer. The fingerprint capacitor has a capacitance that is either a valley capacitance CFV or a ridge capacitance CFR, wherein CFV is smaller than CFR. One end of the reference capacitor CS is connected to the fingerprint capacitor, and the other end is connected to a trigger signal, wherein the trigger signal is initiated only during a precharge phase. The first transistor is configured to control the fingerprint capacitor during a scan line period. The second transistor is configured to precharge the fingerprint and reference capacitors. One end of the comparator is connected to the second transistor. The multiplexer is connected to another input end of the comparator for providing a first voltage VA and a threshold voltage Vth.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a dosimeter is employed to passively record a peak pressure (e.g., a peak blast pressure) and/or a maximum acceleration experienced by the dosimeter.

Abstract: An unbalanced line-to-line current is injected at an injected frequency in a three-phase ac circuit. A first set of voltages and currents are obtained. A first set of transformed voltages and transformed currents are produced. The circuit is injected with a second unbalanced line-to-line current at a frequency linearly independent of the injected frequency. A second set of voltages and current are obtained. A second set of transformed voltages and transformed currents are produced The impedance of a source portion and a load portion of the circuit are calculated using the first and second set of transformed voltages, and the first and second set of transformed currents.

Abstract: It is disclosed to measure the impedance of a read-out line. The read-out line includes at least two cascaded electrical circuit segments, each electrical circuit segment including two longitudinal arms, wherein one of the longitudinal arms includes an electrical component, and a lateral arm including a switch configured to close in the presence of an object in the vicinity of the switch. The measured impedance of the read-out line can be compared to a preset value corresponding to an allowable value of the impedance of the read-out line.

Abstract: A patch-clamp system employs a high-frequency characterization of cell wall membranes. Changes in the frequency response of a tank circuit incorporating the cell wall membrane impedance provides highly sensitive and highly time-resolved measurements of ion channel activity.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for the detection of a coil in an electronic circuit, which is operated with a direct voltage lying within a prescribed voltage range, and in which the coil together with a condenser forms an electrical oscillating circuit.

Abstract: In a method for measurement of impedance of electronic circuits, an input of the electronic circuit is acted upon by a high-frequency ac voltage with a measurement frequency f as a test signal and, from the reaction of the circuit to the test signal, the impedance Z of the circuit is determined. A parameter S, which represents the value S = Z - Z 0 Z + Z 0 at a stipulated reference impedance Z0, is produced by an analyzer with a reference impedance Z0, and from this parameter S the impedance Z is determined. To minimize the error in measuring the impedances by determining parameter S, the measurement frequency f is set so that a minimal error ?Z is produced for Z.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reliable, non-invasive, electrical test method for predicting satisfactory performance of electrostatic chucks (ESCs). In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a parameter, e.g., impedance, of an ESC is measured over a frequency band to generate a parameter functions. This parameter function may be used to establish predetermined acceptable limits of the parameter within the frequency band.

Abstract: The present invention provides a time domain reflectometer for testing an electrical cable. The time domain reflectometer includes a test signal generator, at least one line feed resistor, connected between the test signal generator and a pair of terminals, for connection to the ends of the electrical cable under test, and a signal processor, connected to the terminals, to receive a line signal including a reflection of a test signal transmitted into the cable under test. The signal processor is programmed to filter the line signal to enhance a portion of the signal indicative of any fault on the cable by balancing the signal according to the electrical characteristics of a normal cable of the same type as the cable under test by applying a filter function, and acquiring at least one estimate of the input admittance of the transmission line from known or estimated electrical characteristics of the cable under test.

Abstract: A capacitive fingerprint sensor comprises a fingerprint capacitor, a reference capacitor, a first transistor and a second transistor. The fingerprint capacitor CF has a capacitance that is either a valley capacitance CFV or a ridge capacitance CFR. The reference capacitor CS has a capacitance CS, and CFV<CS<CFR. The first transistor is configured to precharge the reference capacitor and the fingerprint capacitor during a precharge phase. The second transistor is configured to output the voltage of the reference capacitor during an evaluation phase. The precharge phase is controlled by a first readout select line, the evaluation phase is controlled by a second readout select line, the second readout select line is immediately next to the first readout select line, and the valid time to access the readout line is within an enabling period of the second readout select line.

Abstract: A capacitive fingerprint sensor comprises a fingerprint capacitor, an integrator, a first transistor, a second transistor and a third transistor. The fingerprint capacitor has a capacitance that is either a valley capacitance CFV or a ridge capacitance CFR, wherein CFV is smaller than CFR. The integrator has a reference capacitor Cfb. The first transistor is configured to control the fingerprint capacitor during a scan line period. The second transistor is configured to discharge the fingerprint capacitor. The third transistor is configured to precharge the fingerprint capacitor and to redistribute the charges between the fingerprint capacitor and the reference capacitor Cfb.

Abstract: A capacitive fingerprint sensor comprises a fingerprint capacitor, an integrator, a first transistor, a second transistor and a multiplexer. The fingerprint capacitor has a capacitance that is either a valley capacitance CFV or a ridge capacitance CFR, wherein CFV is smaller than CFR. The integrator has a reference capacitor Cfb. The first transistor is configured to control the fingerprint capacitor during a scan line period. The second transistor is configured to precharge the fingerprint capacitor and to redistribute the charges between the fingerprint capacitor and the reference capacitor Cfb. The multiplexer is connected to the integrator for providing a first voltage VA and a second voltage VB, wherein the first voltage VA is greater than the second voltage VB.

Abstract: A soot sensor has a soot-sensitive noble-metal structure formed as strip conductor sections on an electrically insulating carrier, whose strip conductor sections are between 5 and 100 ?m wide and are spaced apart from each other between 5 and 100 ?m. The electrically insulating carrier may be a single crystal and the noble metal crystallized out on a surface of the single crystal, or the electrically insulating carrier may be polycrystalline and the noble metal crystallized out on the polycrystalline, electrically insulating carrier.

Abstract: A passive wireless corrosion sensor is disclosed. A circuit is configured to provide a signal response when energized. An antenna is configured to wirelessly receive energy for energizing the circuit and to receive the signal response from the circuit and transmit the signal response. A corrosion sensitive connector interposes the circuit and the antenna. The corrosion sensitive connector conducts the energy from the antenna to the circuit and conducts the signal response from the circuit to the antenna when in a substantially non-corroded state. The corrosion sensitive connector creates an effectively non conducting link between the antenna and the circuit when in a substantially corroded state.

Abstract: A method for measuring an on resistance in an H-bridge including first and second transistors connected to a first output terminal, third and fourth transistors connected to a second output terminal, and a measurement switch connected to the first and second output terminals. The first and third transistors are connected to a first power supply terminal. The second and fourth transistors are connected to a second power supply terminal. The method includes supplying the first transistor with measurement current during a first period, measuring a first voltage at the first power supply terminal via the third transistor using the second output terminal during the first period, measuring a second voltage at the first output terminal via the measurement switch using the second output terminal during the first period, and determining the on resistance of the first transistor based on the measurement current, first voltage, and second voltage.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electrical sensing, measurement and characterization of display elements are described. An embodiment includes integrating the electrical sensing, measurement and characterization with the display drive scheme. This embodiment allows for measurement of DC or operational hysteresis voltages and/or response times of interferometric modulator MEMS devices, for example, to be fully integrated with the display driver IC and/or the display drive scheme. Another embodiment allows these measurements to be performed and used without resulting in display artifacts visible to a human user. Another embodiment allows the measurement circuitry to be integrated with the display driver IC and/or the display drive scheme re-using several existing circuitry components and features, thus allowing for integration of the measurement method and its use relatively easily.

Abstract: Various methods are described to characterize interferometric modulators or similar devices. Measured voltages across interferometric modulators may be used to characterize transition voltages of the interferometric modulators. Measured currents may be analyzed by integration of measured current to provide an indication of a dynamic response of the interferometric modulator. Frequency analysis may be used to provide an indication of a hysteresis window of the interferometric modulator or mechanical properties of the interferometric modulator. Capacitance may be determined through signal correlation, and spread-spectrum analysis may be used to minimize the effect of noise or interference on measurements of various interferometric modulator parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes, the electrodes being spaced apart from each other by spacer means, the electrodes being secured to the spacer means, the spacer means being encapsulated within a housing. The invention also relates to an implantable device comprising a multi-electrode array of the invention, a method of manufacturing electrodes for use in an array of the invention and a method for manufacturing a multi-electrode array of the invention. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring the effect of a test substance on a biological tissue using a multi-electrode array of the invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sensing or measuring capacitive or inductive reactance or changes in reactance in which the sensed reactance is coupled with a known resistance in a sensor circuit and a start signal is provided to the sensor circuit, and a programmable delay line is used to generate a programmable delay signal. The outputs of the programmable delay and the sensor circuits are compared to ascertain which transitions first, and the programmable delay value is adjusted in successive approximation fashion to identify a programmable delay that best represents the delay time of the sensor circuit from which the sensed reactance value can be determined.

Abstract: Embodiments according to the present invention provide an Impedance-based Arc-Fault Determination Device (IADD) and method that, when attached to an electrical node on the power system and through observations on voltage, current and phase shift with a step load change, determine the effective Thevenin equivalent circuit or Norton equivalent circuit at the point of test. The device and method determine the expected bolted fault current at the test location of interest, which enables calculation of incident energy and the assignment of a flash-hazard risk category.

Abstract: A signal injection unit injects a test signal at a main frequency between a reference point of an electric circuit and ground, where the electric circuit is connected with the facility and injects another test signal at a second main frequency between a reference point of the electric circuit and ground. A signal conversion unit measures first and second response voltages and first and second response currents in the electric circuit, where the response voltages and the response currents result from the test signals. A processing device determines impedances to ground of the facility from the response voltages and the response currents, analyses impedances to ground of the facility, where this analysing includes comparing each determined impedance to ground with a predetermined value, and determines a safety state of the disconnected electrical facility based on the analysed impedances to ground.

Abstract: Sensor for measuring electrical parameters in a high voltage environment comprising a high voltage side (4) for connection to high voltage conductors, a low voltage side (6) for connection to low voltage power supply and measurement signal control circuitry, a measurement signal circuit (16), and a power supply circuit (14), and at least one isolating transformer (18, 20) for transmission of electrical power supply and/or measurement signals between the low voltage side and the high voltage side. The isolating transformer comprises at least a first and a second transformer core (28), a transformer coil (33) on a circuit board around a branch (27) of the transformer core on the high voltage side and a transformer coil (32) on a circuit board around a branch (29) of the transformer core on the low voltage side, the isolating transformer further comprising an intermediate coil (36) encircling at least one branch of each said at least two transformer cores.

Abstract: Electrical impedance tomography method comprising: an electrical measurement step during which pre-determined electrical conditions are imposed on the surface of a medium to be imaged, while generating a mechanical disturbance at predefined points of the medium by locally modifying the impedance of the medium and an electrical parameter is measured at several points on the surface of the medium; and a calculation step during which the electrical impedance is determined at several points in the internal volume of the medium, taking into account the measurements carried out during the disturbance, as a function of a law for modification of the electrical impedance by this disturbance.

Abstract: A ring oscillator has an odd number of NOR-gates greater than or equal to three, each with first and second input terminals, a voltage supply terminal, and an output terminal. The first input terminals of all the NOR-gates are interconnected, and each of the NOR-gates has its output terminal connected to the second input terminal of an immediately adjacent one of the NOR-gates. During a stress mode, a voltage supply and control block applies a stress enable signal to the interconnected first input terminals, and an increased supply voltage to the voltage supply terminals. During a measurement mode, this block grounds the interconnected first input terminals, and applies a normal supply voltage to the voltage supply terminals.

Abstract: An impedance measuring instrument of a fine particle collector comprising a fine particle collection body for collecting fine particles in a fluid, a conductive can body for containing the fine particle collection body, and a buffering body disposed between the fine particle collection body and the conductive can body, wherein two or more electrodes are arranged on the fine particle collection body, at least one of the electrodes is connected with an AC power supply, at least the other electrode is connected with an ammeter, the AC power supply and the ammeter are interconnected and further connected with the conducive can body, and the conducive can body is grounded.

Abstract: A linearly polarized eddy current sensor including a source antenna and a parasitic antenna coupled to the source antenna, serves as a high sensitivity tool for the measurement of the surface impedance of sheet goods without requiring contact with the sample. Sheet goods can have an anisotropic, frequency-dependent surface impedance that is sensitive to minor changes in configuration of the sample. Because the electric field induced by the sensor is linearly polarized, measurement of directionally dependent sheet impedance can be achieved. The measurement is performed with the resonant device operating in resonance mode whereby the immediate proximity of the material to be measured causes damping and shifting of the coupled loop resonance. The resonant frequency of the sensor can be tuned by making changes to its geometry.