Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a first mechanical structure having a first rigid surface, an area of the first rigid surface having a nanostructured surface. The apparatus also includes a second mechanical structure having a second rigid surface and opposing the first mechanical structure. The second rigid surface is cooperable with the nanostructured surface such that a microscopic particle is locatable between the nanostructured surface and the second rigid surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing characteristics of a liquid are disclosed. The exemplary embodiment may have an electrode for transmitting electrical signals associated with characteristics of the liquid to and from the liquid. The electrode may have an aperture on the interior of the electrode with the aperture surface in contact with the liquid. The electrode may have a sensor portion in contact with the liquid and a coupling portion with a tapered thread. The electrode may contain an electrical coupling on the isolated outer surface of the electrode for communicating the electrical signal from the electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a measurement device for measuring two capacitances. The apparatus also includes a display module that simultaneously displays at least two numerical values based on the measured capacitances.

Abstract: A system for testing a solar panel is described.

Abstract: A system to measure an impedance of an effluent associated with a foreline (effluent line or exhaust) is provided. This system includes a remote plasma source, a process chamber, an effluent line, an electrode assembly, an RF driver, and a detector. The remote plasma source couples to the process chambers and is operable to supply chamber-cleaning gas to the process chamber. The effluent line also couples to the process chamber where chamber-cleaning effluent exhausts the process chamber via the effluent line. The electrode assembly, located in the effluent line, is exposed to the effluent exhausting from the process chamber. The electrode assembly, coupled to the RF driver, receives an RF signal from the RF driver. The RF signal applied to the electrode assembly induces a plasma discharge within the electrode assembly and effluent line. A detector coupled to the electrode assembly detects an end point of a chamber clean of the process chamber.

Abstract: Techniques, systems and apparatus are disclosed for detecting impedance. In one aspect, a microelectrode sensing device includes a substrate and an array of microelectrode sensors formed on the substrate. Each sensor includes at least one conductive layer formed above the substrate and patterned to include a counter electrode and multiple sensing electrodes to detect an electrical signal in absence and presence of one or more target cells positioned on at least a portion of a surface of each sensing electrode. The sensing electrodes are spaced apart and arranged around the counter electrode to provide a spatially averaged value of the detected electrical signal.

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 method for assessing one or more temperatures of an electrically powered subsurface heater includes accessing an impedance profile of the electrically powered subsurface heater while the heater is being operated in the subsurface. The impedance profile is analyzed with a frequency domain algorithm to assess one or more temperatures of the heater.

Abstract: A fuel amount control system of a fuel cell includes a fuel storage unit that stores the fuel to be supplied to the anode, a diluent storage unit that stores a diluent generated as a result of the chemical reaction in the cathode, a fuel mixing unit that mixes the fuel supplied from the fuel storage unit and the diluent supplied from the diluent storage unit to supply a fuel mixture solution to the anode, a sensor located inside the fuel mixing unit, which has a various volume that depends on the concentration of the fuel in the fuel mixture solution and outputs an electrical signal according to a volume variation, and a control unit that receives the electrical signal output from the sensor and outputs electrical signals to open and close the fuel storage unit and the diluent storage unit such that the fuel mixture solution having an appropriate concentration is supplied from the fuel mixing unit to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating a physical characteristic of a seafood product are provided. In one system, the estimate is based on a slope defined by a ratio of changes in peak resonant amplitude and frequency of an electromagnetic resonant circuit in loaded and unloaded states. In another system, a first probe of a plurality of probes is driven with a test signal when the plurality of probes is loaded by a seafood product and the estimate is based on received test signals at one or more of the other probes. In another system, the estimate is based on the loading effect of a seafood product on an electromagnetic resonant circuit, which is also used to read an ID from an RFID associated with the seafood product. The systems and methods may be used for individual specimens, or to determine an average estimate for multiple specimens at one time.

Abstract: A detection system for monitoring an engineered structure includes an array of sensors disposable in a predetermined pattern on the engineered structure and disposable between a surface of the engineered structure and a protective coating substantially covering the surface. The detection system also includes a controller in communication with the array of sensors for retrieving data from the sensors. The controller communicates with the sensor array via an optical fiber backbone. The array of sensors can remotely provide data corresponding to at least one of a degree of cure of the protective coating, a health of the cured protective coating, and a corrosion rate of the engineered structure at each of the sensors.

Abstract: The characteristics of an object are measured using an electrical characteristics measurement device in which a probe includes a signal terminal, a ground terminal, and a variable resistance element is connected via a coaxial cable to a measuring instrument. The calibration of the probe entails adjusting the resistance value of the variable resistance element, setting the impedance of the distal end vicinity of the probe essentially to zero, and establishing a match with the coaxial cable and measuring instrument. When the electrical characteristics of the object are measured, the resistance value of the variable resistance element is varied in accordance with the impedance created by the side of the circuit containing the measurement object as viewed from the contact between the object and the signal terminal and ground terminal, and the input impedance of the probe is set to a value that does not affect the operation of the object.

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: 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: A resistive force sensor with capacitive discrimination is disclosed. According to an example of the disclosure, a sensor is directed to detect resistance and capacitance in an alternating fashion, the resistance indicating a force being applied to an input area of a device, and the capacitance indicating a proximity of a body part to the input area of the device, and the detected resistance and capacitance are utilized to determine whether the body part has pressed the input area of the device.

Abstract: Devices usable as sensors, as transducers, or as both sensors and transducers include one or more nanotubes or nanowires. In some embodiments, the devices may each include a plurality of sensor/transducer devices carried by a common substrate. The sensor/transducer devices may be individually operable, and may exhibit a plurality of resonant frequencies to enhance the operable frequency bandwidth of the devices. Sensor/transducer devices include one or more elements configured to alter a resonant frequency of a nanotube. Such elements may be selectively and individually actuable. Methods for sensing mechanical displacements and vibrations include monitoring an electrical characteristic of a nanotube. Methods for generating mechanical displacements and vibrations include using an electrical signal to induce mechanical displacements or vibrations in one or more nanotubes.

Abstract: A method for measuring electrical parameters of a DUT having at least three terminals includes applying a first AC voltage to a first terminal; separately driving a second and a third terminal each to a virtual second AC voltage, each virtual voltage requiring a respective current; and measuring an electrical parameter of the DUT based on the first AC voltage and the second and third terminals each being at the virtual second AC voltage.

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 solenoid test device includes a clock circuit, a control circuit, and an output port configured for coupling to two ends of a solenoid. The clock circuit generates a clock signal and sends it to the control circuit. The control circuit periodically and alternately couples one of the two ends of the solenoid to ground via the output port under the control of the clock signal. The solenoid test device is used to generate a periodic control signal to test service life and stability of solenoids.

Abstract: Methods and associated apparatus for testing an electrochemical device, such as a fuel cell. A first method involves charging the fuel cell during a charge period; discharging the fuel cell during a discharge period; and monitoring the response of the fuel cell during at least part of the discharge period or the open-circuit response of the fuel cell. Another method involves testing the fuel cell when the fuel cell is in a passive state in which substantially no electrochemical reactions are taking place in the fuel cell. simultaneously applying a stimulus to all of the devices, and independently monitoring the response of each of the devices to the stimulus. Further methods involve obtaining test data from a device being tested; obtaining equivalent circuit values; calculating sets of simulation data for each equivalent circuit value; comparing sets of simulation data with the test data; and selecting one of the equivalent circuit values based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method of testing a cable is provided. The method includes measuring at least one inductive ratio for the cable, determining an inductive gap from the at least one inductive ratio, measuring a parallel impedance of the cable, and determining a resistance of the cable based on the inductive gap and the parallel impedance.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus is provided which has least one voltage source for providing a supply voltage for a semiconductor device to be tested, at least one first tester channel connected to the supply voltage source via a first RC element having a first resistor and a first capacitor connected in series therewith, wherein the first tester channel is adapted for the temporally resolved measurement of a charging voltage of the first capacitor.

Abstract: A configurable semiconductor has a device characteristic that is controllable as a function of at least one external impedance. A measurement circuit measures an electrical characteristic of the at least one external impedance and determines a select value corresponding to the measured electrical characteristic. A first circuit controls the device characteristic as a function of the select value.

Abstract: Two ends of a transmission line whose electrical characteristics per unit length are known are connected to associated measurement ports of a network analyzer. A short standard is shunt-connected to at least three points in the longitudinal direction of the transmission line, and electrical characteristics are measured in a short-circuited state, thereby calculating error factors of a measurement system. Then an electronic device to be measured is shunt-connected to the transmission line, and electrical characteristics of the electronic device are measured. Then the error factors of the measurement system are removed from the measured values of the electronic device to be measured, thereby obtaining true values of the electrical characteristics of the electronic device to be measured. Accordingly, a highly accurate high-frequency electrical characteristic measuring method that is not affected by connection variations can be implemented.

Abstract: A system for measuring the wheelbase of a railcar that includes a track having a first rail positioned parallel to second rail. An alternating electrical circuit having a feed point is located on the first rail at which an electrical alternating current is introduced to the first rail. A shunt extends from the first rail to the second rail and a receiver positioned on the second rail detects an impedance in the circuit and transmits a signal indicative of the impedance detected. A controller receives a signal from the receiver, and accesses a database having data representative of a plurality of impedance values. Each impedance value is associated with a distance an axle of a railcar is spaced from the receiver or feed point after having passed the shunt, which data is used to calculate a wheelbase of the railcar.

Abstract: A plurality of signal conductors and ground conductors are connected to associated measurement ports of a network analyzer. A short standard is connected between each of the signal conductors and the ground conductor at least three points in the longitudinal direction of each of the signal conductors, and an electrical characteristic is measured. A through chip is connected in series between the signal conductors, and electrical characteristics are measured. Error factors of a measurement system including a transmission line are calculated. An electronic device to be measured is connected between the signal conductors or among the signal conductors and the ground conductors, and electrical characteristics are measured. The error factors of the measurement system are removed from the measured values, thereby obtaining true values of the electrical characteristics of the electronic device to be measured.

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: 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: Resistivity measurements are made at a plurality of frequencies. An asymptotic high-frequency limit is determined and the electrical efficiency is estimated as a ratio of the high frequency resistivity limit to the low frequency resistivity. From the electrical efficiency, petrophysical parameters of a rock such as porosity and water saturation can be estimated. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present technology concerns 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: Novel apparatus and method accurately measure ground circuit impedance. A ground circuit and electrical current source adjusted to 25 amperes or less simulate a ground fault. Ground impedance is determined by dividing voltage drop by amperage to determine impedance directly. In one aspect, impedance is determined and displayed automatically. Power wires of the circuit being measured serve as a means for transmitting voltage and current data. The cable itself serves as a current-carrying and voltage-transmitting conduit to determine directly the circuit impedance. The novel ground circuit impedance device and method measure impedance in underground mine power systems connecting to an outside electrical power substation outside the mine and using portable transformers in the mine.

Abstract: Included is a device for monitoring a test material. The device can include a probe configured for introduction to the test material. The probe can include a first electrode and a second electrode, where the first electrode can be positioned a predetermined distance from the second electrode. The device can also include a power source configured to provide a current to the probe. Additionally, the device can include a first data indicator and a potentiometer.

Abstract: A method for determining the deterioration of a capacitor that increases the measurement accuracy to have an improved reliability is disclosed. In this method for determining the deterioration of a capacitor, the deterioration of a capacitor including a pair of electrode bodies and electrolytic solution provided between the electrode bodies is determined by applying an AC voltage to the capacitor to measure an impedance characteristic at a frequency of the AC voltage. An inflection point appearing in the impedance characteristic due to the deterioration of the electrolytic solution is previously calculated to make comparison with an impedance value in the frequency region lower than the inflection point, thereby determining the deterioration.

Abstract: A method of estimating an electrical capacitance of a circuit component is carried out by decomposing the capacitance into a sum of terms associated with respective contributions from a central part and peripheral parts of the component. A component to which the method can be applied comprises two rectangular conducting plates placed parallel to each other. One of the two plates is greater than the other. The component furthermore includes two different dielectrics. A first dielectric covers the large plate and separates the two plates, and a second dielectric surrounds the first plate and the first dielectric. A method of defining a dimension of a capacitor is also presented.

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.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in a computer readable medium are provided for determining a worst-case impedance and worst-case voltage of a power supply loop coupled to a power input of a die. In various embodiments, the worst-case impedance of a power supply loop is determined and a reference voltage at the power input of the die associated with an average current generated at a power supply included in the power supply loop. A maximum change in a current at the power input of the die is also measured and an estimate of a worst-case voltage at the power input of the die is calculated based upon the worst-case impedance, the reference voltage, and the maximum change in the current.

Abstract: A method for the automatic identification of sensor sensitivity, according to which resistance of a specific magnitude is allocated to the sensor. The resistance is used to allocate the sensor to a specific sensor group with a predetermined sensitivity range.

Abstract: A method of testing a cable is provided. The method includes measuring at least one inductive ratio for the cable, determining an inductive gap from the at least one inductive ratio, measuring a parallel impedance of the cable, and determining a resistance of the cable based on the inductive gap and the parallel impedance.

Abstract: Novel ground circuit impedance measurement apparatus and method accurately measure ground circuit impedance. A ground circuit and electrical current source of 25 amperes or less simulate a ground fault. Ground impedance is determined by dividing voltage drop by amperage to determine impedance directly. In one aspect, impedance is determined and displayed automatically. Power wires transmit voltage and current data for the circuit being measured. The cable itself serves as a current-carrying and voltage-transmitting conduit to determine directly the circuit impedance. The novel ground circuit impedance device and method measure impedance in underground mine power systems connecting to an outside electrical power substation outside the mine and using portable transformers in the mine. In one aspect, ground circuit impedance is measured automatically in cables over 1 mile long.

Abstract: A variable impedance test probe of the present invention comprises a first signal conductor, a first ground reference conductor, and a first dielectric element disposed between the first signal conductor and the first ground reference conductor. The dielectric element is configured to selectively vary an impedance of the first signal conductor relative to the ground reference conductor.

Abstract: A technique for calibrating a current control circuit includes a number of steps. One step includes setting a conduction time of a low-side switch, which is coupled between a low-side of the load and ground, to provide a desired load current to a load. Another step includes determining a high-side load current on a high-side of the load, which is coupled to a power source, when a low-side load current on the low-side of the load transitions through a first predetermined reference level. Yet another step includes establishing a first correction factor based upon the high-side load current and the low-side load current. Still another step includes adjusting the conduction time of the low-side switch based on the first correction factor to provide the desired load current to the load.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the effectiveness of a coating on a substrate surface and indicating the failure of the coating to adequately protect the surface from corrosion, degradation, and the like. The system includes a sensor array positioned in contact with the coating utilizing a number of sensor electrodes connected to a single integrated circuit or a number of separate individual sensor circuits. The electrodes of the sensor array make measurements of the electrochemical impedance characteristics of the coating and provide such data by way of telemetry to a data interrogation device that is periodically be placed in proximity to the sensor array. The interrogation device may serve to both power the sensor array and trigger it to acquire data.

Abstract: A resistor detection circuit configurable for coupling to an external resistor of an integrated circuit or other type of circuit includes at least one internal resistor, and comparison circuitry associated with the internal resistor. The comparison circuitry is operative to generate, based at least in part on a value of the external resistor, an output indicative of a value of the internal resistor. The output generated by the comparison circuitry may comprise an encoded digital output signal representative of the value of the internal resistor.

Abstract: A variable impedance test probe of the present invention comprises a first signal conductor, a first ground reference conductor, and a first dielectric element disposed between the first signal conductor and the first ground reference conductor. The dielectric element is configured to selectively vary an impedance of the first signal conductor relative to the ground reference conductor.

Abstract: A second operational amplifier (11) of a core unit (1) shorts an inverting input terminal and an output terminal. A signal line (19) is connected to a non-inverting input terminal. A capacitive sensor (18) is connected to the signal line (19). A first operational amplifier (12) earths the non-inverting input terminal. One end of a first resistance (15) and one end of a second resistance (16) are respectively connected to the inverting input terminal. The other end of the first resistance (15) is connected to an alternate current voltage generator (14). The other end of the second resistance (16) is connected to the output terminal of the first operational amplifier (11). A signal output terminal (21) of the core unit (1) is connected to an inverting amplification device (2). An alternate output terminal (22) of the core unit (1) and an inverting output terminal (42) of the inverting amplification device (2) are connected to an addition device (3).

Abstract: Diagnostic circuitry of a process device is used to detect degradation of a resistive element of the process device while the process device remains online, without the use of an additional power source. In addition, once degradation of the resistive element is detected, the diagnostic circuitry can be compensated for automatically. The diagnostic circuitry includes a testing circuit and a processing system. The testing circuit is coupled to the resistive element and is configured to apply a test signal to the resistive element. The test signal heats the resistive element and causes the resistive element to generate a response signal. The processing system compares a change in the response signal to a corresponding reference to detect degradation of the resistive element.

Abstract: An on-board micro-electromechanical (MEMS) isolator is provided on board a power semiconductor device for measuring voltage, current, or both. In particular, the power semiconductor may comprise a plurality of transistors connected in parallel, such that a MEMS isolator connected in parallel with one of the transistors measures voltage across the semiconductor. A MEMS isolator may further be connected in series with the transistors to measure current flow thereacross. A compensation circuitry may be provided to receive the current output from the isolator, and determine total current flow through the power semiconductor.

Abstract: A battery voltage measurement device includes: a plurality of first switching sections, wherein each pair of adjacent first switching sections sequentially selects two output terminals of each of a plurality of battery blocks included in a battery pack so that each of the selected output terminals are connected to one of a pair of conductor wires; a voltage detection section for detecting a battery voltage of each of the plurality of battery blocks via the pair of conductor wires; and second switch sections each being provided on a respective one of the pair of conductor lines and being serially connected to each group of the plurality of first switch sections connected in parallel to one of the pair of conductor lines.

Abstract: A blue stretch circuit of this invention has a first voltage detection circuit and a second voltage detection circuit, each of which detects that an amount of each of the first and the second color difference signals are within a predetermined range, a blue stretch control circuit which generates a control signal for blue stretching according to output signals of the voltage detection circuits and a level of a brightness signal and a B drive circuit to amplify a blue color signal according to an output signal of the blue stretch control circuit.

Abstract: The attenuation of the stray current impulse limits the capacitive leakage. The value of the inductance, coupled to the parasitic capacitance of the charge, creates a reactive filter effect. Since the effect is reactive, the impulse energy is not absorbed. The energy is therefore redistributed in time, but since the intensity of the tension is greatly diminished, the coupling through the capacitances is diminished. The apparatus comprises a core which includes 1, 2, 3 or 4 coils. The apparatus is typically a high quality reactance which includes a low reactive value in opposition of the line current (residual mode) and a high reactive value for the circulation of the parallel current (common mode).