Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the leakage current of capacitive components. A switch that grounds a terminal of a component being tested is closed while the component is charged to a desired test voltage. When this charging is complete, the switch opens so that the diode terminal is at the same potential as the input amplifier's virtual ground. An accurate and fast measurement of the leakage current of the component can be measured.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining the value of a capacitance. A system for sensing capacitance comprises an oscillator arrangement comprising a plurality of oscillators and a mismatch compensation arrangement coupled between the oscillator arrangement and a first capacitive element having a first capacitance. The mismatch compensation arrangement is configured to selectively couple the first capacitive element to a respective oscillator of the plurality of oscillators, wherein an oscillation frequency of the respective oscillator is influenced by the first capacitance.

Abstract: In a sensing method of a capacitive touch screen, which includes a plurality of sensing capacitors, at least one of the plurality of sensing capacitors is selected into a reference capacitor unit. The capacitance differences between the reference capacitor unit and the sensing capacitors are calculated. A touched position on the capacitive touch screen is determined according to the capacitance differences.

Abstract: Multiple sensor capacitors Cd are respectively assigned to multiple buttons B1 through B3. Each of the multiple sensor capacitors is assigned to one of the multiple channels. A capacitance detection unit detects the combined capacitance of the sensor capacitors each of which is assigned to the corresponding one of the multiple channels. A comparison unit compares the combined capacitance detected by the capacitance detection unit for each channel with a predetermined threshold value, and converts the comparison results into binary digital signals in increment of channels. A decoder decodes the binary digital signals output in increments of channels from the comparison unit, and judges whether each switch is in the ON state or the OFF state.

Abstract: An apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring at least one fill-level of at least one medium in a container according to a travel-time measuring method and/or a capacitive measuring method by means of at least one measuring probe. The apparatus comprises a capacitive measurement circuit, a time-domain reflectometer measurement circuit, and a control/evaluation unit. There invention results from the provision of a diplexer, which sends the low-frequency measurement signal and the high-frequency, electromagnetic measurement signal to the measuring probe and effects a signal separation of the high-frequency, electromagnetic measurement signal into the first signal path of the time-domain reflectometer measurement circuit and the low-frequency measurement signal into the second signal path of the capacitive measurement circuit.

Abstract: A method for measuring a velocity of a conductor pressing on a capacitive sensor. The method includes: sampling a capacitance of a sensing electrode at each preset time; providing a threshold value; and determining the velocity of the conductor pressing on the capacitive sensor according to a specific period, wherein the specific period is defined as a period of time ranging from the time when the capacitance reaches the threshold value to the time when the capacitance reaches a peak value.

Abstract: A measurement method for capacitance includes the following steps. First, a voltage on at least one end of a to-be-measured capacitor is switched in response to a first set of clock signals such that a level of an integrated voltage is adjusted from a start voltage level to an end voltage level in a first integration period, wherein a capacitance of the to-be-measured capacitor is relevant to a difference between the end voltage level and the start voltage level. Next, the level of the integrated voltage is adjusted from the end voltage level to the start voltage level in a second integration period in response to a second set of clock signals. Then, the capacitance of the to-be-measured capacitor is obtained according to the first and second integration periods and a known characteristic parameter.

Abstract: A capacitive proximity switch has an electrically conductive sensor surface, which is covered by an electrically non-conductive covering plate and which serves as a part of a capacitor with a capacitance that varies with proximity. A household appliance is equipped with a proximity switch of this type. The sensor surface has an active shielding, which is formed by a shielding surface to which a clock signal is applied at the same time as it is applied to the sensor surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the electric properties of a sample. The apparatus includes a probe having an input, an output, and an effective resistance, inductance and/or capacitance dependent upon the properties of the sample; a pulse generator for producing pulses connected to the input of the probe, each pulse having a period of a sufficient duration to allow the probe to reach steady state; and a measuring device connected to the output of the probe and configured to output a representation of the sample properties based on the effective resistance, inductance and/or capacitance of the probe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the presence of a finger on a fingerprint sensor is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including transmitting a probing signal, comprising a series of probing pulses, to a fingerprint sensing area. A response signal, comprising a series of response pulses, is received from the fingerprint sensing area in response to the probing signal. An upper reference signal is generated and finger activity is detected on the fingerprint sensing area by monitoring whether the peaks of the response pulses exceed the reference signal.

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.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor with ratiometric voltage references includes a voltage source, a charge transfer switch, an integrating capacitor, and a comparator. The voltage source is configured to generate a first voltage reference and a second voltage reference in response to a supply voltage, where the first voltage reference changes proportionally to the second voltage reference in response to a change in the supply voltage. The charge transfer switch is coupled to the integrating capacitor to distribute charge between a sensing capacitor and the integrating capacitor, where the charge is accumulated in response to the first voltage reference. The comparator is coupled to the second voltage reference and the integrating capacitor to compare a voltage on the integrating capacitor against the second voltage reference.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement is described for detecting the capacitance or change of capacitance of a capacitive circuit element or of a component, specifically of a sensor capacitor (1), with a control unit (2) ,with a monostable multivibrator (3) triggered by the control unit (2), and with an evaluation unit (4), the monostable multivibrator (3) having a first input (5) which is connected to the control unit (2), a second input (6)which is connected to the sensor capacitor (1), and one output (7), of the monostable multivibrator (3) is triggered by the control unit (2) at the output (7) of the monostable multivibrator (3) an output signal or output signals appearing, with a time duration which is proportional to the capacitance of the sensor capacitor (1), the output signal or output signals of the monostable multivibrator (3)being converted into a signal voltage proportional to its or their duration, and in the evaluation unit (4) a detection value corresponding to the capacitance or change of capacitance of the

Abstract: A group of home automation equipment (111-114) to be controlled is selected from among several predefined groups of equipment, via sensitive zones (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4) of a control unit (102), each of these sensitive zones being associated with a capacitive sensor and being disposed next to one another on the control unit. A predefined group of equipment associated with a given sensitive zone (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4) is selected by activating the capacitive sensor of that sensitive zone. At least one additional group of equipment, different from the equipment corresponding to each sensitive zone, is selected via a predetermined sequence (Z1-Z2-Z3-Z4) for activating several capacitive sensors, of which at least two capacitive sensors correspond to two non-adjacent sensitive zones (Z1-Z2-Z3-Z4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a time base for a microcontroller and a simple circuit arrangement therefor, which comprises an RC-element having a specific time constant, said element being connected to a connection of the microcontroller. According to said method, the capacitor of the RC element is charged to an initial voltage in a first step, then in a second step, the number of timed impulses is counted until the voltage on the capacitor falls below the initial voltage to a determined percentage of the initial voltage or a voltage threshold value, and then in a third step, the counted number of timed impulses is used as a time base.

Abstract: A method of conditioning tantalum capacitors on printed wire assemblies is disclosed. According to the method, each of the capacitors on an assembly is subjected to the same conditioning level during testing. To condition the tantalum capacitors, surge currents are induced in the capacitors in a controlled manner as a way of aging the capacitors so that they can be used without de-rating rating with low failure rates. The level of voltage, timing and current levels are set by circuitry used to perform the testing. The same circuits that are used with the capacitors in a system application are also used for the tantalum capacitor test circuit during the conditioning process.

Abstract: A read device of a capacitive sensor includes: a signal source supplying an electrical read signal for driving the capacitive sensor; and a discrete-time sense circuit for generating an electrical output signal, correlated to variations of capacitance of the capacitive sensor, in response to variations of the electrical read signal. The device moreover includes: a modulator stage for generating a modulated electrical read signal on the basis of the electrical read signal and supplying the modulated electrical read signal to the capacitive sensor; a demodulator stage, connected to the sense circuit, for demodulating the electrical output signal and generating a demodulated electrical output signal; and a low-pass filtering stage for generating a filtered electrical output signal, on the basis of the modulated electrical output signal.

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); and the unknown capacitance of the capacitive component (21) is calculated on the basis of the reference capacitance (CREF) and the capacitance difference (?C).

Abstract: A circuit for measuring an unknown capacitance includes a reference capacitor having a known capacitance, an oscillator timing circuit, a variable frequency oscillator and a microcontroller. The oscillator timing circuit includes switches which selectively couple the unknown capacitance and the reference capacitor to the oscillator timing circuit. The variable frequency oscillator generates time varying signals which vary in frequency proportionally to the unknown capacitance and reference capacitor selectively coupled to the oscillator timing circuit. The microcontroller receives the time varying signals from the oscillator, and compares the periods of the time varying signals to determine the value of the unknown capacitance.

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: In a capacitive sensor, a sensing electrode is positively charged, the sensing electrode and a sensing capacitor are charge-balanced, the sensing electrode is negatively charged, and then the sensing electrode and the sensing capacitor are again charge-balanced. The sensing electrode is positively and negatively charged in the same period when the capacitive sensor is sensed. So, the invention can not only effectively improve the high-frequency external interference but also effectively resist the interference when an external direct current electrical field approaches.

Abstract: Electronic circuit for the detection of a capacitive variation on two distinct contact capacitors, (C1, C2), comprising means able of squaring the signals generated by a conventional pulse generator and filtered by two filters (R1, C1-R2, C2), wherein the respective capacitors (C1, C2) are the same said contact capacitors which are connected to a respective terminal to a common ground (G); said means are also able to generate respective signals formed of trains of squared pulses, to compare said two signals and to provide an output signal depending on the result of said signals comparison. Said output signal depends on the phase difference between the pulses of said two trains of squared pulses.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for determining capacitive signature validity of a powered device (PD) attached to power sourcing equipment (PSE) having (i) an isolated side with a primary coil and (ii) a line side with a secondary coil connected to the PD. The method includes determining, on the isolated side, a first time T1 and a corresponding first voltage V1 across the PD. Then generating, on the isolated side, a switching signal used to generate an electrical current through the primary coil. Then determining, on the isolated side, a second time T2 and a corresponding second voltage V2 across the PD, wherein a difference between V2 and V1 is related to the electrical current provided to the primary coil. Then determining the capacitive-signature validity of the PD based on T1, T2, V1, V2, and a resistive signature of the PD.

Abstract: A controlling method for capacitive sensors in a vibrating mirror motor system includes a capacitive sensor, a subtraction circuit and an adder circuit connected to the capacitive sensor, a high frequency power supply providing power for the capacitive sensor, a D/A converter, and a gain stage adjustment device, wherein values obtained at the capacitive sensor are summed through the adder circuit, then the summed value and a value processed by the D/A converter are input to a comparator which comparing the values, and a gain adjusting value is obtained and supplied to the high frequency power supply, meanwhile the values obtained by capacitive sensor are subtracted by the subtraction circuit and then adjusted by the gain stage adjustment device, finally a position signal is outputted.

Abstract: A device for measurement and detection of the level of a medium in a container with a sensor element, with a reference element and an electrical circuit which contains at least one AC voltage source and an evaluation unit, the sensor element and the reference element being arranged such that the medium to be measured or detected influences the impedance between them. The capacitive level measurement and detection device has an AC voltage source that supplies a high-frequency voltage or a voltage with high frequency voltage portions. The circuit which has the AC voltage source, the sensor element and the reference element has an impedance which is as low as possible. The electrical circuit can have an amplifier, a timer, a pulse shaper, a first synchronous rectifier, a first I/U converter, a microcontroller, a reference impedance, a second synchronous rectifier and a second I/U converter.

Abstract: A transmission Line Pulse (TLP) device calibration method wherein the TLP device includes a pulse generator for generating a pulse, a cable having an input terminal coupled to said pulse generator, an output terminal, and at least one ground return terminal, for coupling said pulse to a device under test (DUT) when it is connected to said output terminal, and a sensor for sensing the voltage and current at a selected point in said cable to measure the pulsed voltage and current of the DUT as the pulses travel in the cable to and from the DUT.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the parameters of a fluctuating flow of a fluid in a pipe, wherein at least three electrodes that are placed at a distance from one another in the direction of flow are provided in the periphery of the flow, wherein alternating voltage signals are fed to a first upstream transmission electrode arrangement and to a second downstream transmission electrode arrangement and the receiving signals generated by the displacement current are detected in a receiving electrode arrangement located between the transmission electrodes and subjected to a time-discrete cross-correlation. The throughput times of the fluctuations detected by the electrodes are determined on the basis of the results.

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

Abstract: A system for electrostatically measuring the shape or pattern of objects including an array of sensor devices having the capability of responding, due to variable electrostatic coupling, to produce differentiated output signals when a sensor element forming part of each device is present and when it is not.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining capacitance of wires in an integrated circuit is described. The capacitance information derived according to the invention can be used, for example, to calibrate a parasitic extraction engine or to calibrate an integrated circuit fabrication process. The capacitance information can also be used for timing and noise circuit simulations, particularly for deep sub-Micron circuit design simulations. Briefly, the invention allows measurement of both total capacitance of a line and cross coupling capacitance between two lines by applying predetermined voltage signals to specific circuit elements. The resulting current allows simple computation of total capacitance and cross coupling capacitance. Multiple cross coupling capacitance can be measured with a single device, thus improving the art of library generation, and the overall method is free of uncertainties related to transistor capacitance couplings.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for detecting the capacitance or capacitance change of a capacitive circuit element or component, in which there is a capacitive noise voltage compensation element, which corresponds to the sensor capacitor, represented as a noise voltage compensation capacitor, and a noise voltage compensation electrode of the noise voltage compensation capacitor, which corresponds to the first electrode of the sensor capacitor, is connected to the second electrode of a storage capacitor. The noise voltage compensation capacitor can be influenced in the same way as the sensor capacitor by the LF noise voltage. In this way, the adulteration of the measurement result by LF noise voltages which otherwise occurs no longer takes place.

Abstract: Non-destructive method allowing in-situ evaluation, in a sensitive and reproducible way, for a given thermosetting composition, of the time left before gelation of said composition as a function of a quantity measuring its dielectric behavior.

Abstract: A pressure measurement device that has a digital clock circuit that provides an excitation clock and a control output. An integrator includes a switch controlled by the control output, an amplifier, and a pressure sensing capacitance coupled in an amplifier feedback path. The switch connects across the first pressure sensing capacitance. A reference capacitance that is insensitive to the pressure couples between the excitation clock and the amplifier input. An amplifier output represents the pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an edge detector, a memory and a pulse-input engine. The edge detector is configured to receive an input signal and a counter signal. The edge detector is further configured to send a set of time values based on the input signal and the counter signal. Each time value from the set of time values is uniquely associated with a detected edge transition from the input signal. The memory is coupled to the edge detector. The memory is configured to receive from the edge detector the set of time values. The memory is configured to store the set of time values. The pulse-input engine is coupled to the memory. The pulse-input engine is configured to measure a set of pulse-to-pulse delays based on the set of the time values stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method and a relative test structure for measuring the coupling capacitance between two interconnect lines exploits the so-called cross-talk effect and keeps an interconnect line at a constant reference voltage. This approach addresses the problem of short-circuit currents that affect known test structures, and allows a direct measurement of the coupling capacitance between the two interconnect lines. Capacitance measurements may also be used for determining points of interruption of interconnect lines. When a line is interrupted, the measured coupling capacitance is the capacitance of a single conducting branch. The position of points of interruption of an interconnect line is determined by measuring the coupling capacitance of all segments of the line with a second conducting line.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining the cure state of thermosetting concrete using time domain reflectometry. A miniature capacitor is constructed at the end of a coaxial transmission line which is immersed in the curing concrete so that the concrete is the dielectric of the capacitor, and step function voltage pulses are fed to the transmission line, while the reflected signal from the line is monitored. The amplitude at several points of the reflected pulses, which are related to the free water and bound water in the concrete and indicate the degree of cure, are fed to a computer for interpretation and display.

Abstract: A circuit for measuring absolute spread in capacitors implemented in planary technology. A charge pump supplying a charge current to an internal capacitor (Cint) is used, the voltage across the internal capacitor (Cint) being coupled through a comparator for comparing the voltage with first and second threshold levels. A bistable multivibrator reverses the direction of the charge current, to charge the internal capacitor (Cint) when the voltage decreases below the second threshold level, and to decharge the internal capacitor (Cint) when the voltage increases above the first threshold level. The charge current is determined by a reference voltage that is provided across an external resistor (Rext), the first and second threshold levels defining a voltage range being proportional to the reference voltage. An output signal of the bistable multivibrator is coupled to frequency measuring means to compare the repetition frequency thereof with a reference frequency.

Abstract: A measurement system and method for determining a revolution rate of a rotating gear is described. Such a rotating gear can be, for example, a turbine or compressor. The described measurement system and method, for example, can perform highly accurate measurements and can be a fault tolerant system providing high reliability. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises an edge detector, a memory and a pulse-input engine. The edge detector is configured to receive an input signal and a counter signal. The edge detector is further configured to send a set of time values based on the input signal and the counter signal. The pulse-input engine is configured to measure a set of pulse-to-pulse delays based on the set of time values stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method and sensor for determining the ratio of two components in a fluid mixture comprising a test cell in open communication with the fluid mixture and a reference cell containing a desired fluid mixture not in contact with the fluid mixture being tested, said reference and test cells having the same cell geometry. By use of a capacitance divider system, one determines the relative capacitances of said cells correlated with the dielectric constants of the respective fluid mixtures and ascertains the ratio of one component to the other component in the fluid mixture on the basis of the linear and monotonic correlation between the dielectric constant of the mixture at a given temperature and the ratio of one component to the other component. Preferably a mixture of methanol and water is tested such as for use as a feed to a reformer used in supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell. A fixed capacitor equivalent to the reference cell at a given temperature is usually substituted for the latter.

Abstract: A capacitance-based position sensor configured to sense relative position of a pair of objects. The sensor includes capacitor circuitry having a capacitor that varies in capacitance with relative position of the pair of objects. A source is coupled to the capacitor circuitry, and is configured to apply a time-varying input to the capacitor circuitry. The capacitor circuitry is configured to yield a time-varying, capacitance-dependent output in response to application of the time-varying input from the source. The sensor further includes an integrator configured to integrate, for a predetermined time period, a received signal that is based upon the time-varying, capacitance-dependent output from the capacitor circuitry. The integration yields an integrator output which is proportional to the value of the capacitance. This output is usable to determine relative position of the objects.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a first gain adjuster, a second gain adjuster, an amplifier, a demodulator, a controller, and a change measuring unit. The first gain adjuster adjusts the gain of an input signal and outputs the gain-adjusted input signal as a first modulating signal, while the second gain adjuster adjusts the gain of an inverted input signal and outputs the gain-adjusted inverted input signal as a second modulating signal. The amplifier amplifies a modulated signal output from a junction between the first and second capacitors and outputs the amplified results. The demodulator demodulates the amplified results received from the amplifier in response to a control signal and outputs the demodulated result. The controller generates the control signal per unit period of the input signal and outputs the generated control signal to the demodulator. The change measuring unit measures the change in capacitance from the demodulated results received from the demodulator.

Abstract: A capacitance-based position sensor configured to sense relative position of a pair of objects. The sensor includes capacitor circuitry having a capacitor that varies in capacitance with relative position of the pair of objects. A source is coupled to the capacitor circuitry, and is configured to apply a time-varying input to the capacitor circuitry. The capacitor circuitry is configured to yield a time-varying, capacitance-dependent output in response to application of the time-varying input from the source. The sensor further includes an integrator configured to integrate, for a predetermined time period, a received signal that is based upon the time-varying, capacitance-dependent output from the capacitor circuitry. The integration yields an integrator output which is proportional to the value of the capacitance. This output is usable to determine relative position of the objects.

Abstract: A hand held test instrument measures cable lengths by applying a square wave signal to a conductor of a pair and detects the induced current in the other conductor of the pair. A synchronous detector measures the induced current, which is representative of the capacitance of the cable, which is representative of the length of the cable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of effective board inspection. In the board inspection apparatus wherein a pulse signal is applied to one edge of a pattern line on a board, a non-contact probe receives a signal at another edge of the pattern line, and a conduction of the pattern line is inspected in accordance with the received signal, the board inspection method comprising steps of: applying an inspection signal to the one edge of the pattern line at a predetermined time; receiving an applied timing of the inspection signal at a receiving side; and monitoring a variance of a received signal which is detected by the probe after the applied timing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a change in capacitance are provided. The apparatus includes a first gain adjuster, a second gain adjuster, an amplifier, a demodulator, a controller, and a change measuring unit. The first gain adjuster adjusts the gain of an input signal and outputs the gain-adjusted input signal to the first terminal as a first modulating signal, while the second gain adjuster adjusts the gain of an inverted input signal and outputs the gain-adjusted inverted input signal to the second terminal as a second modulating signal. The amplifier amplifies a modulated signal output from a junction between the first and second capacitors and outputs the amplified result. The demodulator that demodulates the amplified result received from the amplifier in response to a control signal and outputs the demodulated result. The controller generates the control signal per unit period of the input signal and outputs the generated control signal to the demodulator.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of making a capacitive distance sensor that includes one or more sensor cells each with first and second capacitor plates. The method includes determining an expected range of sizes of objects the sensor will be used to detect and determining a total perimeter value for each of a plurality of capacitor patterns. Each capacitor pattern includes a different arrangement of the first and second capacitor plates and the total perimeter value is the sum of the perimeter values for the first and second capacitor plates. The method selects one of the capacitor patterns based on the expected size of the object and on the total perimeter values determined for the capacitor patterns. The selecting step includes selecting whichever one of the capacitor patterns has the largest total perimeter value if the object is smaller than each of the one or more sensor cells.

Abstract: A circuit (1) for monitoring the state—open or closed—of an ac switch (2) has an input (4) which is connected by way of a diode (9) and a first resistor (10) to a high-ohmic input (11) of a first digital component (12). One terminal of the ac switch (2) is connected to the phase (P) of a mains voltage (UPN), while the other terminal is connected to the input (4) of the circuit (1). The high-ohmic input (11) of the first digital component (12) is connected by way of a second resistor (13) to an output (14) of a second digital component (15). In accordance with a predetermined time lapse, the output (14) of the second digital component (15) is either connected to the neutral point (N) of the mains voltage (UPN) or carries a voltage which is greater than the threshold voltage (US) of the input (11) of the first digital component (12).

Abstract: A position sensor for a motor vehicle is described which, as its sensor signal, generates several pulse-width modulated signals that vary as a function of position. The position sensor transmits individual sensor signals in a defined sequence of consecutive individual pulses over the same output line to a receiver. The individual sensor signals are each encoded in the duty factor of a pulse. Therefore, the position sensor has a signal transmission system that is simple and inexpensive to implement. Particularly advantageous is the characteristic that it is possible to avoid an interconnection of the position sensor to a bus system.

Abstract: In a capacitive voltage divider for measuring high voltage pulses with millisecond pulse duration comprising a high voltage divider including a first cascade of at least two serially arranged condensers of which one (C1) is disposed at the high potential end and another (C2) is disposed at the low potential end of the cascade, and a measuring voltage divider connected to the other condenser (C2) and including a second cascade of at least first and second serially arranged condensers (C3, C4) arranged, respectively, at the high and low potential ends of the second cascade with the second condenser being connected with its low voltage side to a signal supply line leading to a measuring device, and an ohmic resistor (R1) arranged in parallel with the first condenser and a resistance (R2) connected to the one and first condensers in parallel with the second condenser (C4), the ohmic resistor (R1) is so dimensioned that 1.1<C4*R2/C3*R1< 1.15.

Abstract: A pulse generator generates a pulse that is transmitted to a device under test through a signal path that has a substantially constant impedance along its entire length. A voltage on the signal path and a current therethrough is measured in response to the pulse being generated.