With Pulse Signal Processing Circuit Patents (Class 324/676)
  • Patent number: 11863173
    Abstract: A system includes a housing, a sensing electrode disposed within the housing, and a connecting electrode. The system also includes a capacitive sensing circuit galvanically connected to the connecting electrode at a first port, but not to the sensing electrode. The capacitive sensing circuit is configured to determine a first capacitance between the first port and a ground. The first capacitance includes a variable capacitance between the connecting electrode and a person when the person is touching the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Peter Spevak
  • Patent number: 11668751
    Abstract: A sensor device determines an alternating voltage between a conductor and a reference potential, particularly of a switch point drive. In order to reduce the installation cost and effort required to verify the absence of reaction, the sensor device has a sensor element, which is configured for capacitive coupling to the conductor, and a resistance element, which is provided for connection to the reference potential and is connected in series together with the sensor element. The sensor device further has a processing device, which is configured to determine a voltage drop via the resistance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schulze, Olaf Vogt
  • Patent number: 11500003
    Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, an integrated circuit is provided, comprising a current source and a reference capacitor, the integrated circuit being configured to: inject, using said current source, a first current in an external measurement capacitor and determine a first amount of time within which a resulting voltage on the measurement capacitor reaches a voltage threshold; inject, using said current source, a second current in the reference capacitor and determine a second amount of time within which a resulting voltage on the reference capacitor reaches said voltage threshold; detect a change of the capacitance on the measurement capacitor using a difference between the first amount of time and the second amount of time. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding measurement method is conceived.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Rainer Stadlmair, Franz Amtmann
  • Patent number: 11385084
    Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter and a method for measuring a property of a fluid composition are provided. The electromagnetic flowmeter includes a first electric conductor with first and second ends, arranged inside a fluid conduit carrying a fluid composition comprising hydrocarbons, an RF electric signal source, and a first dual signal detector including first and second input ports. The first terminal of the electric signal source is connected to the first end of the first electric conductor and arranged to induce an RF electromagnetic wave in the fluid conduit by supplying an input electric signal to the first end of the first electric conductor. The first and second ports of the signal detector are connected to the first and second ends of the first electric conductor, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: WIONETIC AS
    Inventor: Øivind Godager
  • Patent number: 10788941
    Abstract: A method for detecting contact of a capacitive sensor includes transferring charge quantities in multiple successive cycles from the capacitive sensor to an integration capacitor having a known capacitance value. A voltage of the integration capacitor is measured. The measured voltage is processed to generate a sensor amplitude that is indicative of a capacitance value of the capacitive sensor. Contact of the capacitive sensor is detected based on a temporal behavior of the sensor amplitude. For instance, contact of the capacitive sensor is detected based on the rate of change of the sensor amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: KOSTAL Automobil Elektrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Uwe Borgmann
  • Patent number: 10773743
    Abstract: A grip detection system of a steering wheel for an autonomous vehicle, may include an autonomous driving portion which autonomously drives a vehicle; a contact detector which is mounted on a steering wheel of the vehicle, and detects a change in capacitance due to contact between a driver and a steering wheel; a control portion which determines that the driver contacts with the steering wheel if the change in capacitance is received from the contact detector, and generates a warning signal when determining that the driver does not contact with the steering wheel if the change in capacitance is not received from the contact detector; and an output portion which receives the warning signal, and outputs the warning signal to outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Omron Automotive Electronics Korea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Min Park, Nak Kyoung Kong, Nam-Sook Park, Young-Sun Seo
  • Patent number: 10521045
    Abstract: A touch controller may include a measurement circuit, configured to receive a signal from an active channel in a proximity sensor, and to sample and hold the signal to measure the signal. The touch controller may include a driven shield buffer. The touch controller may include a voltage reference circuit configured to generate a divided voltage reference, provide the divided voltage reference to the measurement circuit, and drive the divided voltage reference through a switched circuit to the driven shield buffer to hold channels in the proximity sensor during measurement of the active channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ajay Kumar, Mikael Tual, Régis Vix
  • Patent number: 10301587
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for subnanosecond rise time high voltage (HV) electric pulse delivery to biological loads. The system includes an imaging device and monitoring apparatus used for bio-photonic studies of pulse induced intracellular effects. The system further features a custom fabricated microscope slide having micro-machined electrodes. A printed circuit board to interface the pulse generator to the micro-machined glass slide having the cell solution is disclosed. An low-parasitic electronic setup to interface with avalanche transistor-switched pulse generation system is also disclosed. The pc-board and the slide are configured to match the output impedance of the pulse generator which minimizes reflection back into the pulse generator, and minimizes distortion of the pulse shape and pulse parameters. The pc-board further includes a high bandwidth voltage divider for real-time monitoring of pulses delivered to the cell solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Pavitra Krishnaswamy, Andras Kuthi
  • Patent number: 10141889
    Abstract: In a sensor reader, an IC chip has a function for amplifying and outputting a sensor signal from each sensor element included in a sensor array, and includes a plurality of channel amplifiers connected each of the sensor elements. When an output switch is closed and the IC chip is in the outputting state, channel switches operate sequentially, and sensor amplification signals are output sequentially from the channel amplifiers. When the output switch is open and the IC chip is in the non-outputting state, a bias current of an operational amplifier of the channel amplifier is decreased, the IC chip is set to a low power consumption state, and gain of the operational amplifier is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tomokazu Ogomi, Takayuki Nakai
  • Patent number: 10099399
    Abstract: A method for detection of proximity between an object and an implement in a table saw includes operating a motor in the table saw to move the implement, generating, with a capacitive sensor formed in a throat plate around the implement in the table saw, a capacitance signal during operation of the motor, identifying, with a controller operatively connected to the capacitive sensor, an object in proximity to the capacitive sensor in response to a change in a level of capacitance in the capacitance signal, and deactivating, with the controller, the motor in the table saw in response to the change in the capacitance signal indicating a capacitance level that exceeds a predetermined threshold corresponding to a body part of an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignees: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Eric Laliberte, Dieter Volpert
  • Patent number: 10048781
    Abstract: Active position indicator comprising a movable tip element (10) configured to be displaced from an initial position in a displacement direction by a tip displacement depending on the force acting on a tip (3) arranged on a distal end of the tip element (10); a position signal circuit connected with said movable tip element (10) and configured to generate an indicator position signal to be applied on the tip (3); and a force sensor for detecting a force acting on the tip comprising a capacitive element with a capacitance value depending on the tip displacement for generating an electric feedback signal indicating the tip displacement; wherein the capacitive element comprises a capacitor distance depending on the tip displacement and a capacitor surface depending on the tip displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Advanced Silicon SA
    Inventors: Hussein Ballan, Paolo Cella, Jean-Daniel Carrard, Marc Pastre, Tristan Reimann
  • Patent number: 9870105
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide an input device comprising a display device integrated with a capacitive sensing device. The input device includes a plurality of transmitter electrodes, each transmitter electrode comprising one or more common electrodes configured to be driven for display updating and capacitive sensing, a plurality of near-field receiver electrodes configured to perform capacitive sensing in a near-field sensing region, and a plurality of far-field receiver electrodes configured to perform capacitive sensing in a far-field sensing region. The input device further includes a processing system coupled to the plurality of transmitter electrodes, the plurality of near-field receiver electrodes, and the plurality of far-field receiver electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Petr Shepelev, Adam Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9726707
    Abstract: An ESD tester transforms high speed pulses from s 50-ohm impedance to the optimum lower impedance necessary to simulate the Charged Device Model (“CDM”) test impedance. Direct connections to the device under test eliminates the variations in spark or contact resistance of the present test while transforming the test pulse impedances to the appropriate level. Direct device connections with controlled impedance current paths provide either internal device discharge or external test pulse testing to simulate the original test. The sparkless direct connection controlled impedance transformation is identified by its ability to simulate similar device failures at similar test voltage failure levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Jon E. Barth
  • Patent number: 9523737
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for causing the incorrect operation (‘faults’) of digital devices such as embedded computer systems or integrated circuits. The apparatus uses a switching element to cause perturbations on the power supplies of the digital device. This apparatus can be connected to existing embedded systems with a minimal of modifications, and can insert a variety of faults into those embedded systems. Such faults can be used for verification of fault-tolerant systems or algorithms, including both safety-critical designs and cryptographic designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: NewAE Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Colin O'Flynn
  • Patent number: 9442078
    Abstract: A microwave frequency comb (MFC) is produced when a mode-locked ultrafast laser is focused on the tunneling junction of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). The MFC consists of hundreds of measureable harmonics at integer multiples of the pulse repetition frequency of the laser, which are superimposed on the DC tunneling current. In Scanning Frequency Comb Microscopy (SFCM) the tip and/or sample electrode of the STM is moved vertically and laterally so that the power in the MFC may be measured at one or more locations on the surface of the sample and, from the power, carrier density, and other characteristics, of the sample may be calculated. SFCM is non-destructive of the sample. While many systems are possible to practice SFCM, a preferred apparatus is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Mark J. Hagmann
  • Patent number: 9442138
    Abstract: A high voltage sensor is located within a dielectric canister inside a high voltage power line support insulator. A space through the voltage sensor accommodates a mechanical connecting rod associated with a circuit interrupter switch located in another section of the support insulator. An electrically floating dumbbell-shaped sensor extending between and capacitively coupled to high voltage and low voltage shields assumes a midpoint voltage value between the shields. A sensor plate or other suitable pickup capacitively coupled to the dumbbell sensor provides a voltage measurement, which is calibrated to provide a measurement of the power line voltage. This solution allows a voltage sensor to be added to or integrated in conventionally sized power line support insulators with no additional size, negligible additional weight, and minimal additional cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Southern States, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph R. Rostron
  • Patent number: 9383395
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are described to perform, by a capacitance-sensing circuit, capacitance sensing of an electrode of a capacitive sense array of electrodes. Performing the capacitance sensing includes integrating, on a passive integrator circuit, charge from a sensed capacitance of the electrode of the capacitive sense array. The passive integrator circuit integrates the charge on a self-capacitance of the electrode as part of the integrating. The capacitance-sensing circuit converts the charge from the sensed capacitance of the electrode into a digital value representing the sensed capacitance of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: PARADE TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Roman Ogirko, Andriy Maharyta, Viktor Kremin, Hans Klein, Volodymyr Bihday, Oleksandr Karpin
  • Patent number: 9230720
    Abstract: An integrated circuit has a circuit part and a trimmable resistor, the resistance whereof may be modified by Joule effect. The trimmable resistor has first and second connection terminals coupled to the circuit part, and an intermediate terminal that divides the trimmable resistor into two portions. The first and the second connection terminals and the intermediate terminal are coupled to respective pads configured to receive electrical quantities designed to cause, in use, a respective trimming current flow in each portion. In this way, a substantially zero voltage drop is maintained between the first and second connection terminals while current is flowing in the resistor to change an electrical characteristic of the resistor, such as resistance or thermal coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Antonello Santangelo, Stefania Maria Serena Privitera
  • Patent number: 9146650
    Abstract: An integration circuit including a first capacitor is operatively coupled to a comparator. The comparator is configured to compare a first capacitor voltage of the first capacitor to a reference voltage and produce a first comparator output based on the comparison. A current generator is operatively coupled with the integration circuit and configured to balance charge on the first capacitor. A control unit is operatively coupled to the comparator and the current generator and configured to balance charge on the first capacitor by sensing the first comparator output and controlling the current generator based on the first comparator output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: PARADE TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Roman Ogirko, Hans Klein, Andriy Maharyta
  • Patent number: 9129779
    Abstract: A processing system for detecting in-situ arcing events during substrate processing is provided. The processing systems includes at least a plasma processing chamber having a probe arrangement, wherein the probe arrangement is disposed on a surface of the processing chamber and is configured to measure at least one plasma processing parameter. The probe arrangement includes a plasma-facing sensor and a measuring capacitor, wherein the plasma-facing sensor is coupled to a first plate of the measuring capacitor. The probe arrangement also includes a detection arrangement that is coupled to a second plate of the measuring capacitor, wherein the detection arrangement is configured for converting an induced current flowing through the measuring capacitor into a set of digital signals, which is processed to detect the in-situ arcing events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Booth, Douglas Keil
  • Patent number: 9024643
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein thus provide devices and methods that facilitate improved input devices. Specifically, the devices, systems and methods provide the ability to accurately determine user input using multiple different sensing regimes. The different sensing regimes can be used to facilitate accurate position determination of objects both at the surface and away from the surface. For example, the different sensing regimes can be used to determine position information for both ungloved and gloved fingers. In one embodiment the first sensing regime uses a first duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing and a first duty cycle of transcapacitive sensing. The second sensing regime uses a second duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing and a second duty cycle of transcapacitive sensing, where the second duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing is greater than the first duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventors: Adam Schwartz, Joel Jordan, Tom R. Vandermeijden, Petr Shepelev
  • Publication number: 20150077141
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor is configured for detecting an object, in particular for detecting a collision in the case of a movable vehicle part, and an anti-collision apparatus has such a sensor. The sensor has an electrode arrangement with at least one transmitting electrode and at least one or more receiving electrodes. The sensor has a signal generation circuit which is connected upstream of the at least one transmitting electrode. The signal generation circuit generates a transmission signal in the form of a square-wave pulse signal corresponding directly to a pseudo-random bit string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: DETLEF RUSS, HOLGER WUERSTLEIN, FLORIAN POHL, RALF DAIMINGER, JAN KAISER
  • Patent number: 8884634
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor module comprises a substrate, a first wiring, an electrode pad, a junction, an oscillator, and a detector. The first wiring is disposed on the substrate, and has a characteristic impedance Z0. The electrode pad is connected to the first wiring. The junction is disposed on the electrode pad, and has an impedance Z1. The oscillator is disposed in contact with the first wiring, and oscillates a pulse wave of a voltage toward the junction via the first wiring. The detector is disposed in contact with the first wiring, and detects an output wave of the pulse wave from the junction. The characteristic impedance Z0 and the impedance Z1 satisfy a following relationship (1), ? Z ? ? 0 - Z ? ? 1 Z ? ? 0 ? ? 0.05 .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kenji Hirohata, Minoru Mukai, Tomoko Monda
  • Patent number: 8849585
    Abstract: A method for automatically characterizing plasma during substrate processing is provided. The method includes collecting a set of process data, which includes at least data about current and voltage. The method also includes identifying a relevancy range for the set of process data, wherein the relevancy range includes a subset of the set of process data. The method further includes determining a set of seed values. The method yet also includes employing the relevancy range and the set of seed values to perform curve-fitting, wherein the curve-fitting enables the plasma to be automatically characterized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Keil, Jean-Paul Booth, Christopher Thorgrimsson
  • Publication number: 20140176162
    Abstract: A configuration and a method for capacitative sensing of the rotatory motion of a rotary member are described, whereby the configuration has four electrodes (1, 2, 3, 4) located in one plane, an attached analysis unit (18) and an electrically conducting coupling surface (5), which is located at the rotary member opposite to the electrodes (1, 2, 3, 4), whereby the electrodes (1, 2, 3, 4) comprise a central excitation electrode (4) surrounded by the remaining electrodes (1, 2, 3), whereby the coupling surface (5) is opposite to the surface of the excitation electrode (4) in every rotary position and covers a part of the surface formed by the remaining electrodes (1, 2, 3), and upon a rotation of the rotary member, passes over various sections of the surfaces formed by the remaining electrodes (1, 2, 3), and whereby the analysis unit (18) has an evaluation circuit (19) that is connected to the excitation electrode (4) for generating excitation pulses (13) having a specified frequency and an evaluation circuit (
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: TECHEM ENERGY SERVICES GMBH
    Inventor: Jurgen Reus
  • Publication number: 20140118011
    Abstract: A method for the detection of a gripping of a hand-held device with one hand, using a capacitive sensor device, uses at least one transmitting electrode, at least one compensating electrode and at least one receiving electrode. An electrical signal is tapped at the receiving electrode and the sensor device can be operated in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, a first alternating electrical signal is applied to the transmitting electrode and a second alternating electrical signal is applied to the compensating electrode. In the second operating mode, the second alternating signal is only applied to the compensating electrode. Furthermore, a sensor device can be provided which is configured to perform the method as described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Stefan Burger, Andreas Dorfner, Holger Erkens, Claus Kaltner, Holger Steffens
  • Patent number: 8643838
    Abstract: An emission spectrophotometer capable of inhibiting non-uniformity of spectral intensities of component elements is provided. The emission spectrophotometer generates pulse light emission by supplying an energy accumulated in an electricity accumulating and discharging unit to a gap between an electrode and a test material, and the emission spectrophotometer includes a detection unit, for detecting an energy charged to the electricity accumulating and discharging unit before the pulse light emission; and a detection unit, for detecting an energy remaining in the electricity accumulating and discharging unit after the pulse light emission. It is determined whether the detected light is emitted by fully using the energy accumulated in the electricity accumulating and discharging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiya Habu, Eizo Kawato
  • Patent number: 8604774
    Abstract: A current sensing circuit includes a current sensing unit, a feedback control unit and a digital output unit. The current sensing unit senses a current and produces a pulse signal according to at least one reference signal and at least one feedback signal. The current sensing unit includes a first capacitor set and a second capacitor set. The current sensing unit selects at least one capacitor in the first capacitor set and at least one capacitor in the second capacitor set according to the current value so as to adjust the precision of the current sensing circuit. The feedback control unit is coupled to the current sensing unit and produces the feedback signals according to a clock signal and the pulse signal. The digital output unit is coupled to the current sensing unit and outputs a digital signal according to the pulse signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Himax Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Chen-Ming Hsu
  • Patent number: 8598892
    Abstract: A method for detecting detachment of a reinforcing component that is attached to a body skin component of a vehicle body of a vehicle, the body skin component and the reinforcing component forming an electric capacitor together with an intermediate adhesive layer, said capacitor having a capacitance that changes if there is at least partial detachment of the body skin component from the reinforcing component, the capacitance of the capacitor or a change in the capacitance of the capacitor being measured in order to detect detachment of the reinforcing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Bach, Marc Baulenas
  • Publication number: 20130314107
    Abstract: A measuring device determines a measuring capacitance (CM), with a clock oscillator, which oscillates in a scanning frequency (fA), a measuring oscillator, which oscillates in a measurement frequency in dependence on a measuring capacitance (CM), and an edge counter, which counts the number of clock oscillations during a given number of measuring oscillations, wherein a circuit is provided for measurement refinement, wherein the circuit for measurement refinement is started by a measuring edge of a last scanned measuring oscillation and stopped by an equally oriented and immediately following edge of a subsequent clock oscillation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: VEGA GRIESHABER KG
    Inventor: Martin Mellert
  • Patent number: 8577316
    Abstract: Mechanically tuned radios and related methods are disclosed that utilize ratiometric time measurements to detect settings for mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The radio systems and methods disclosed make a first time measurement associated with a mechanically adjusted circuit, make a second time measurement associated with the mechanically adjusted circuit, determine a setting for the mechanical adjustment mechanism based upon a ratio associated with the first and second time measurements, and utilize the setting to select a tuning frequency for signals received by the radio. More generally, ratiometric time measurements can be used to determine a setting for a mechanical adjustment mechanism for a mechanically adjusted circuit, and this setting can be used to at least part control a desired operational feature of a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew B. Henson, Greg Allan Hodgson
  • Patent number: 8536881
    Abstract: A touch sensing system which includes a touch input interface and a capacitance sensing circuit is provided. The touch input interface includes a plurality of sensing capacitors which output at least one waveform under test and at least one reference waveform. The capacitance sensing circuit includes a difference comparing unit. The difference comparing unit receives the waveform under test and the reference waveform and outputs a differential signal according to at least one positive edge difference and at least one negative edge difference between the waveform under test and the reference waveform. Furthermore, a capacitance sensing method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ching-Chun Lin, Wing-Kai Tang, Ching-Ho Hung, Tsen-Wei Chang, Yi-Liang Lin, Jiun-Jie Tsai
  • Publication number: 20130214798
    Abstract: Provided are a capacitance measurement circuit and method. In the capacitance measurement circuit and method, a control unit generates a control code a predetermined number of times according to designated rules regardless of the level of a sensing signal, and the control code is changed to measure a capacitance value when the level of the sensing signal corresponding to the generated control code is determined to be normal. Consequently, the measured capacitance value is hardly affected by noise and can be stably output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: ATLab Inc.
    Inventors: Bang-Won Lee, Byung-Joon Moon, Jae-Surk Hong
  • Patent number: 8471571
    Abstract: Home electronic automation equipment to be controlled is selected from among several predefined groups of equipment, via capacitive sensors which are disposed next to one another on a control unit. A predefined group of equipment is selected by activating individual capacitive sensors. At least one additional group of equipment is selected via a predetermined sequence for activating several of the same capacitive sensors, of which at least two capacitive sensors are non-adjacent sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Isabelle Duchene, Jérôme Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20130134995
    Abstract: A touch sensor includes: a pulse signal generator for generating a pulse signal of which pulse width is calibrated in response to a control code; a pulse signal transmitter for transmitting the pulse signal when a touch object is out of contact with a touch pad and stopping transmitting the pulse signal when the touch object is in contact with the touch pad; a pulse signal detector for detecting the pulse signal transmitted through the pulse signal transmitter; and a controller recognizing a non-contact state and adjusting the control code to calibrate the pulse width of the pulse signal when the pulse signal detector detects the pulse signal. In the above-described configuration, the contact of the touch object with the touch pad can be sensed more precisely, and the occurrence of a malfunction in the touch sensor due to changed operating conditions can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: ATLab Inc.
    Inventor: ATLab Inc.
  • Patent number: 8415957
    Abstract: A capacitance measurement circuit and method are provided. A storage capacitor is pre-charged. Charge transfer is performed between an under-test capacitor and the storage capacitor. The storage capacitor is discharged and charged according to a relationship between a voltage of the storage capacitor and a reference voltage. The capacitance of the under-test capacitor is measured according to the voltage on the storage capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: He-Wei Huang, Chih-Yuan Chang, Hui-Hung Chang
  • Patent number: 8405407
    Abstract: A current measurement circuit for measuring a current is provided. The current measurement circuit includes a current integrating unit with a capacitor array, a comparator coupled to the current integrating unit, and a control unit coupled to the comparator and the current integrating unit. The current integrating unit integrates the current on the capacitor array to obtain an input voltage. The comparator compares the input voltage with a specific voltage to generate a compare output. The control unit generates a control signal to apply to the capacitor array of the current integrating unit according to the compare output. A magnitude of the current is obtained according to the control signal and the capacitance of the capacitor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Chimei Innolux Corporation
    Inventors: Martin John Edwards, Nicola Bramante
  • Patent number: 8339146
    Abstract: Calibration method for calibrating transient behavior of a TLP test system. The system comprises a TLP generator, probe needles, nominally impedance matched transmission lines and measurement equipment, connected between the transmission lines and the TLP generator, for detecting transient behavior of a device under test by simultaneously capturing voltage and current waveforms as a result of generated pulses. The calibration method comprises (a) applying the TLP test system on an open and capturing first voltage and current waveforms; (b) applying the TLP test system on a calibration element having a known finite impedance and a known transient response and capturing second voltage and current waveforms; (c) transforming the captured first and second current and voltage waveforms to the frequency domain, and (d) determining calibration data for the transient behavior of the TLP test system on the basis of the transformed first and second voltage and current waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignees: IMEC, Hanwa Electronic Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Philippe Roussel, Dimitri Linten
  • Patent number: 8289034
    Abstract: A capacitance measurement circuit and a capacitance measurement method thereof. The capacitance measurement circuit for measuring a capacitor under test includes a capacitance to time unit, a continuous time integrator and an analog to digital converter. The capacitance to time unit generates a first clock signal and a second clock signal reverse to the first clock signal according to a first charge time of the capacitor under test and a second charge time of a variable capacitor. The continuous time integrator receives the first clock signal and outputs an integral signal according to the first clock signal. When the number of clocks of the second clock signal is equal to a default value, the analog to digital converter outputs a digital signal corresponding to a capacitance difference between the capacitor under test and the variable capacitor according to the integral signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Raydium Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Yu Kuang
  • Patent number: 8274299
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alok Govil
  • Patent number: 8258800
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alok Govil
  • Publication number: 20120133376
    Abstract: A sensing device includes an oscillator, a driver, a switch, a counter and a timer. The oscillator includes an input coupled to a reference capacitor. The driver alternately sources and sinks current in accordance with an oscillation signal outputted by the oscillator. The switch connects or disconnects the reference capacitor with a sensing capacitor. The counter counts value for the oscillation signal. The timer counts operation periods respectively when the switch connects the reference capacitor with the sensing capacitor and when the switch disconnects the reference capacitor with the sensing capacitor, and the counter counts values corresponding to conditions of the switch connecting and disconnecting the reference capacitor with the sensing capacitor during the operation periods, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: NUVOTON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Cheng-Chih Wang
  • Patent number: 8159233
    Abstract: An arrangement for detecting in-situ arcing events within a processing chamber of a plasma processing system during substrate processing is provided. The arrangement includes a probe arrangement, which is disposed on a surface of the processing chamber and is configured to measure at least one plasma processing parameter. The probe arrangement includes a plasma-facing sensor and a measuring capacitor, wherein the plasma-facing sensor is coupled to a first plate of the measuring capacitor. The probe arrangement also includes a detection arrangement that is coupled to a second plate of the measuring capacitor, wherein the detection arrangement is configured for converting an induced current flowing through the measuring capacitor into a set of digital signals, which is processed to detect the in-situ arcing events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Booth, Douglas Keil
  • Publication number: 20120068724
    Abstract: A capacitance evaluation circuit includes a capacitive voltage divider, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a processing module. The capacitive voltage divider includes a switch circuit, a known capacitor and a capacitor under test. The switch circuit is controlled by first and second clock signals. A voltage variation at a first terminal of the known capacitor is coupled to a first terminal of the capacitor under test based on a conduction state of the switch circuit. The ADC converts a voltage on the first terminal of the capacitor under test into a digital signal. The processing module detects a capacitance and a capacitance variation of the capacitor under test according to the digital signal from the ADC and a parameter of the ADC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Raydium Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Yu Kuang
  • Patent number: 8122798
    Abstract: A power cutting tool includes a cutting surface, a conductive structure, and first electrode matrix comprising an array of electrical conductors. A moveable blade used to cut an object is located on the cutting surface. When at least one electrical conductor of the first electrode matrix is energized relative to the conductive structure, an electric field extends between the at least one electrical conductor and the conductive matrix to detect the presence of an object in proximity to the electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Power Tool Institute
    Inventors: David Shafer, David Titzler, John Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20120026121
    Abstract: An electrical hand-held device is provided with improved proximity detection, which can be placed on a surface and has at least one transmission electrode, at least one reception electrode and at least one compensation electrode arranged between transmission electrode and reception electrode. The transmission electrode and the compensation electrode can be supplied with an electric switching signal of predetermined signal frequency and predetermined signal amplitude. Switching electric signal at the compensation electrode is phase-delayed with respect to the switching electric signal at the transmission electrode. Alternating electric fields radiated at the transmission electrode and the compensation electrode generate a current in the reception electrode, which is representative of an approach of a hand to the hand-held device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Reinhard Unterreitmayer, Claus Kaltner, Holger Steffens, Stefan Donat
  • Publication number: 20120019264
    Abstract: A multi purpose capacitive sensor which is suitable for indicating close proximity of a person to a surface along a large-size truck as well as along a medium-size painting. A voltage measuring device is provided with a signal ground connected to a first pole of an oscillating voltage source that has a second pole connected to earth and that is connected to an input of the voltage measuring device via a voltage divider with a capacitive series link arranged between the input and earth and a shunt link arranged between the input and the signal ground. The signal ground is connected to electrically conductive means extended along the surface and the oscillating voltage source is connected to earth via a second voltage divider in which a capacitive series link is arranged between the earth and the second pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Lars Ake Wern
  • Patent number: 8030950
    Abstract: A method of measuring the capacitance of a capacitive component (21), whereby a digital bridge with two measuring branches generates a first signal (B1) defined by a train of measuring pulses (M) having a frequency (f1) related to the unknown capacitance being measured, and a second signal (B2) defined by a train of reference pulses (L) having a frequency (f2) related to a reference capacitance (CREF) of known value. The time difference (?T) between the times (T1, T2) taken by the two measuring branches of the digital bridge to generate an equal number of pulses (Th1, Th2) is calculated. The capacitance difference (?C) between the unknown capacitance and the reference capacitance (CREF) is determined as a function of the time difference (?T). The unknown capacitance of the capacitive component (21) is calculated on the basis of the reference capacitance (CREF) and the capacitance difference (?C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventor: Andrei Uhov
  • Patent number: 7977954
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for detecting a measurable capacitance using sigma-delta charge transfer techniques that can be implemented with many standard microcontrollers, and can share components to reduce device complexity and improve performance. In the various implementations of this embodiment, the passive network used to accumulate charge can be shared between multiple measurable capacitances. A switch or IO controlling the charge sharing and/or charge changing can also be shared Likewise, in various implementations a voltage conditioning circuit configured to provide a variable reference voltage can be shared between multiple measurable capacitances. Finally, in various implementations a guarding electrode configured to guard the measurable capacitances can be shared between multiple measurable capacitances. In each of these cases, sharing components can reduce device complexity and improve performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Synaptics incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph Kurth Reynolds, Kirk Hargreaves
  • Patent number: 7956621
    Abstract: A MEMS device has a movable beam, a differential capacitor with a movable electrode that moves in response to the displacement of the movable beam and that is disposed between two stationary electrodes, and a voltage circuit for applying a first voltage to the first stationary electrode, second voltage to the second stationary electrode, and a third voltage to the movable electrode. The MEMS device also has a monitor operably coupled with the movable beam to monitor the displacement of the movable beam. In some embodiments, the monitor may monitor the distance between the movable electrode and at least one of the stationary electrodes. The MEMS device further has a voltage reducing circuit operatively coupled with the monitor, the movable electrode, and the stationary electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Hollocher, Howard R. Samuels