Abstract: In one aspect, a touch sensor includes a dielectric surface layer; drive electrodes disposed on the dielectric surface layer and arranged radially about a center, the drive electrodes defining a perimeter about the center, and a sense electrode disposed on the dielectric surface layer and arranged between two of the drive electrodes. Each drive electrode can include: an outer radial section extending radially along the perimeter; a central section extending from the outer radial section towards the center; and an inner radial section comprising a first section extending radially away from the central section in a first radial direction and a second section, shorter than the first section, extending radially away from the central section in a second radial direction.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a display panel that displays an image and a window layer disposed on the display panel and including a display area transmitting the image and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The window layer includes a window cover disposed to face the display panel, a decorated printed layer disposed on a lower surface of the window cover in the non-display area, and a polarization layer disposed on the lower surface of the window cover in the display area and disposed in the non-display area to cover the decorated printed layer. An inner side surface of the decorated printed layer makes contact with a side surface of the polarization layer at a boundary surface between the display area and the non-display area.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods that facilitate the measurement of the capacitance of high voltage devices while shielding an active device involved in the measurement from the high voltage. The systems and methods employ capacitors to store the high voltage such that the active device does not experience the high voltage. Placement of a reset device ensures that the active device is shielded from the high voltage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes modifying a voltage at a capacitance of a touch sensor to a first voltage level. The method also includes modifying the voltage at the capacitance to a second voltage level, resulting in a first current. The method also includes modifying a voltage at an integration capacitor to a charging-voltage level based on the first current. The method also includes determining whether a touch input to the touch sensor has occurred based on the charging-voltage level.

Abstract: Provided is a highly reliable configuration of a one glass solution touch panel, in which a sensor electrode and a wiring line can be reliably connected to each other. A touch panel (1) is provided with: an insulating substrate (10) having a sensing area (V) and a non-sensing area (P); sensor electrodes (11, 12), which are formed in the sensing area (P); terminals (13), which are formed in the non-sensing area (P); wiring lines (14), which electrically connect the sensor electrodes (11, 12) and the terminals (13); a light-shielding layer (171), which is formed to cover the non-sensing area (P); and a planarizing film (172), which is formed to cover the light-shielding layer (171). The planarizing film (172) is formed only in the non-sensing area (P).

Abstract: An active integrator for sensing capacitance of a touch sense array is disclosed. The active integrator is configured to receive from the touch sense array a response signal having a positive portion and a negative portion. The response signal is representative of a presence or an absence of a conductive object on the touch sense array. The active integrator is configured to continuously integrate the response signal.

Abstract: An operating method of a touch controller includes receiving a plurality of currents through a plurality of channels, respectively, sensing a first current among the plurality of currents and extracting the sensed first current as a first control current and converting a charge corresponding to a difference between the first control current and a second current among the plurality of currents into an output voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a set-top box, includes at least one capacitive touch button with a guard feature that provides, among other things, the ability to detect and reject false touches. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a first conductive element that is capacitively isolated from ground, and a second conductive element that is capacitively isolated from ground and located adjacent to the first conductive element. A first sensor is coupled to the first conductive element and measures a change in capacitance between the first conductive element and ground due to a change in physical environment. A second sensor is coupled to the second conductive element and measures a change in capacitance between the second conductive element and ground due to the change in physical environment. A controller is coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor and determines a difference between the measured changes in capacitance of the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: A measuring circuit for a proximity sensor, comprising a charge amplifier in a floating voltage domain that is driven by a square waveform. The output signal is sampled synchronously with the voltage of the floating domain, and demodulated by measuring the voltage steps amplitude. This approach is compatible with a switched capacitor implementation and allows discriminating the capacity signal from the ambient noise; the latter can be evaluated independently.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention increase current monitoring accuracy in switching converters. In particular, certain embodiments of the invention allow reduce noise associated with transients that are typically generated at transitions when power FETs are turn on and off and allow to accurately sense inductor DC current of switching converters, thereby, increase current monitoring accuracy without requiring any blanking circuitry. In certain embodiments of the invention, this is accomplished by an acquisition circuit that dynamically monitors current in various operating modes. A phase frequency detector (PFD) and control circuit in the acquisition circuit automatically align a narrow sampling window and the midpoint of a turn-on signal. Certain embodiments utilize an analog multiplier circuit to sense current in skip mode operation.

Abstract: A waveform dividing method for a capacitive touch control device saves a first waveform in a direction, and then saves a multi-touch waveform in the direction when another object further touches the capacitive touch control device. If the multi-touch waveform is identified as having waveform overlapping, a second waveform is extracted from the difference between the multi-touch waveform and the first waveform. By calculating with the second waveform, accurate positioning of the objects on the capacitive touch control device can be achieved.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a variety of structures and method for detecting abnormalities in the back-end-of-line (BEOL) stack and BEOL structures located in close proximity to through-silicon vias (TSVs) in a 3D integrated chip. The detected abnormalities may include stress, strain, and damage that will affect metallization continuity, interfacial integrity within a metal level, proximity accuracy of the TSV placement, and interlevel dielectric integrity and metallization-to-TSV dielectric integrity. Additionally, these structures in conjunction with each other are capable of determining the range of influence of the TSV. That is, how close to the TSV that a BEOL line (or via) needs to be in order to be influenced by the TSV.

Abstract: A method for recognizing a manipulation of at least one electrical line includes determining a parameter that is dependent on a resistance and a capacity, a resistance and an inductivity, or a resistance, a capacity, and an inductivity of the electrical line; comparing the determined parameter to a reference parameter to provide a comparison result; and recognizing a manipulation of the electrical line based on the provided comparison result.

Abstract: A method of operating a touch screen sensor integrated circuit includes: receiving a plurality of current signals through a plurality of pins, wherein each current signal is generated according to mutual capacitance in response to a modulation signal; sensing the current signals and generating a plurality of sensed current signals corresponding to each of the current signals; and generating a plurality of subtracted current signals, wherein each subtracted current signal is generated by performing a subtraction on sensed current signals corresponding to a pair of the pins.

Abstract: Relative capacitance of a plurality of capacitive sensors may be monitored by using only one ADC conversion. A plurality of capacitive sensors individually charges a sample and hold capacitor. After all of the plurality of capacitive sensors have charged the sample and hold capacitor, a digital conversion of the resulting analog on the sample and hold capacitor is made and stored in a memory. This stored digital collective voltage is compared to a previously stored one and if different then a proximity/touch event may have occurred. Therefore, an entire panel of capacitive sensors may be quickly monitored for a change in the “group” capacitance thereof, or portions of the capacitive sensors may be monitored for a change in the “subgroup” capacitance thereof. By knowing which subgroup of capacitive sensors has changed its collective capacitive value, a more focused and selective capacitive sensor measurement can be made that uses less power.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of sensing capacitance of one or more sensor elements in multiple capacitance sensing modes, including a self-capacitance sensing mode and a mutual capacitance sensing mode.

Abstract: Method for determining spurious contacts on a contact detection sensor for a handle of an automobile door, the sensor defining a locking area and being connected to an onboard electronic locking and unlocking system, includes: a) detecting a contact on the locking area when, for an engagement time of the locking mechanism, the number of charge transfers from the sensor is less than a threshold number of charge transfers, b) evaluating the number of charge transfers, starting from the time of the minimum value of the number of measured charge transfers and for an evaluation time in order to distinguish detections of contacts made by the user from detections of spurious contacts, c) if the contact detections are spurious, matching the threshold number of charge transfers in order to be able to detect any next contact originating from the user on the locking area in the presence of spurious contacts.

Abstract: A position detecting sensor is configured by providing a dielectric member having flexibility between first conductors and second conductors and providing spacers for separating the first conductors or the second conductors from the dielectric member by a determined gap. When a pressing force is applied by an indicator (e.g., a finger or a pen) on the position detecting sensor, the first conductor and the second conductor come to abut each other, with the dielectric member interposed therebetween. Further, an abutting area (contact area) between the dielectric member and the conductor changes (e.g., increases) according to the pressing force applied by the indicator. Thus, capacitance of the capacitor formed between the first conductor and the second conductor is largely changed, to allow detection of a position indicated by the indicator as well as the pressing force applied at the indicated position with high sensitivity and high accuracy.

Abstract: A positioning device for capacitively detecting an object enclosed in a medium includes a measuring electrode, a receiving electrode, and a reference capacitance. The measuring electrode and the receiving electrode form a measuring capacitance that can be influenced by the object and the reference capacitance cannot be influenced by the object. The electrodes are disposed in a plane, and the device includes a spacer that is configured to keep the electrodes at a predetermined minimum distance from the surface of the medium. The predetermined minimum distance is different from zero.

Abstract: A positioning device for capacitively detecting an object enclosed in a medium comprises a measuring electrode, a reference electrode, and a receiving electrode. The measuring electrode with the receiving electrode forms a measuring capacitance, which can be influenced by the object. The reference electrode with the receiving electrode forms a reference capacitance, which cannot be influenced by the object. The positioning device further comprises an oscillator configured to supply the measuring capacitance and the reference capacitance with phase-shifted AC voltages and a control device configured to control amplitudes of at least one of the AC voltages, in order to adapt effects of electrical fields of the measuring electrode or of the reference electrode on the receiving electrode to one another. The measuring, reference, and receiving electrodes are planarly formed. The measuring electrode has a larger surface area than the reference electrode.

Abstract: The invention described relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the concentration of a low molecular weight alcohol, in an aqueous liquid feed solution, comprising a first sensor including a hydrophilic capillary tube having an inner diameter, being disposed between two electrodes to form a first capacitor, a second sensor including a hydrophobic capillary tube having the same inner diameter as a capillary tube of the first sensor; said hydrophobic capillary tube having a hydrophobic coating on the inner diameter, being disposed between two electrodes to form a second capacitor, wherein the first hydrophilic and second hydrophobic sensors are dipped to the same depth in the aqueous solution to measure the solution concentration, means for measuring the capacitance of the two capacitors, and control means including a control circuit driven by a computer, wherein the difference in capacitance between the two capacitors is a measure of the concentration of the solution, independent of the depth of dippi

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide capacitive sensor arrays. The capacitive sensor arrays include a plurality of column sensor elements arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of row sensor elements arranged in a plurality of rows. The plurality of rows and the plurality of columns are arranged such that each of the row sensor elements is at least partially within a gap between adjacent ones of the column sensor elements. A capacitance between a first portion of one of the columns and an adjacent first portion of one of the rows is greater than a capacitance between a second portion of one of the columns and an adjacent second portion of one of the rows.

Abstract: A capacitive parametric zero crossing detection circuit has a nonlinear voltage controlled capacitive device coupled to an input voltage to convert a zero crossing current pulse into zero crossing voltage signal.

Abstract: A vehicle proximity switch and method are provided having learned sensitivity control. The switch includes a proximity sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, installed in a vehicle and providing a sense activation field. Also included is sense control circuitry processing the activation field to sense user activation of the switch by comparing the activation field to a threshold. The switch further includes sensitivity control circuitry learning a user sensitivity based on user activation of a sensor and controlling the sensitivity of one or more proximity switches.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for controlling sub-system components during power disturbance events. More particularly, various embodiments provide systems and methods for preventing a controller (215) within a sub-system from turning OFF a switching device (220) during power disturbance events related to other sub-systems.

Abstract: A touch detection device includes: a first sensor having a first capacitance; a monitoring unit configured to monitor the first capacitance of the first sensor at a first period; a determining unit configured to determine whether the first capacitance monitored by the monitoring unit exceeds a first threshold; and a period changing unit configured to change the first period into a second period that is shorter than the first period when the determining unit determines that the first capacitance exceeds the first threshold.

Abstract: A method includes actuating a drive electrode to couple a majority of charge to a first sense electrode, a dielectric panel overlying the drive electrode, the first sense electrode, and a second sense electrode. The sense electrodes are separated by coupling gaps, the second sense electrode shielded from the drive electrode by the first sense electrode. The first sense electrode and at least one of the drive electrode and the second sense electrode each include at least two electrode elements, which are arranged interleaved on the dielectric panel in the sequence: drive electrode element, first sense electrode element, second sense electrode element, first sense electrode element, drive electrode element. The method includes sampling the first and second sense electrodes to collect respective first and second signal samples, subtracting the second signal sample from the first signal sample to obtain a final signal, and outputting the final signal.

Abstract: A method of capacitive measurement between an object and an electrode plane is provided, in which method use is made of a processing unit so as to:—apply an excitation signal to the resistive electrode plane, and—determine a value of capacitance on the basis of a measurement of a measurement signal originating from the electrode plane. The excitation signal is a nonsinusoidal signal having at least one discontinuity, and to determine the value of capacitance, the measurement signal is attenuated over a time window, this time window being the duration for which the resistivity of the electrode plane is manifested on the measurement signal in response to the at least one discontinuity.

Abstract: An analog front end circuit utilizes coherent detection within a capacitance measurement application. The analog front end circuit uses coherent detection to measure capacitance of a touch screen display. An analog excitation signal is modulated by a capacitor to be measured. The modulated signal is synchronously demodulated using a correlator, which includes a discrete mixer and a discrete integrator. The excitation signal is also input to the mixer such that the modulated signal is multiplied by the excitation signal. The excitation signal is an analog signal having a sine wave function or other waveform.

Abstract: A capacitance measuring circuit of a touch sensor includes a voltage comparing part, a control part, a complex switch, a charging/discharging circuit part and a timer part. The voltage comparing part outputs a first comparing signal by comparing with a first reference voltage and a sensing voltage of a touch sensor and a second comparing signal by comparing with a second reference voltage and the sensing voltage, in response to a first control signal provided from an external device. The control part outputs a charging/discharging control signal based on the first and second comparing signals, in response to a second control signal provided from an external device. The complex switch is connected to each two terminals of the touch sensors, and is configured to set a path transmitting a sensing signal to the touch sensor and a path receiving a sensing signal sensing a capacitance variation amount of the touch sensor via the touch sensor.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for non-invasively measuring changes in a specimen suspected of containing one or more microbes, by monitoring changes in the dielectric constant of the specimen caused by metabolic processes of such microbes.

Abstract: A charge flow circuit for a time measurement, including a plurality of elementary capacitive elements electrically in series, each elementary capacitive element leaking through its dielectric space.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a plug insertion into a plug aperture of a communications connector are provided in which a control signal is transmitted to a control signal input circuit of the connector that includes a reactive coupling element. The control signal is electromagnetically coupled through the control signal input circuit. The electromagnetically coupled control signal is thereafter detected on a first differential pair of conductive paths that are included in the connector. A determination is made that a plug is present in the plug aperture based at least in part on detecting the electromagnetically coupled control signal on the first differential pair of conductive paths.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for measuring a capacitance of a pair of electrodes including charging the pair of electrodes and transferring the charge between the pair of electrodes and a sampling capacitor, and a measuring step representative of the capacitance of the pair of electrodes according to the voltage at the terminals of the sampling capacitor according to the number of cycles executed so that the voltage at the terminals of the sampling capacitor reaches a threshold voltage. According to the present disclosure, the method comprises an initial step of charging the sampling capacitor between a first voltage and a second intermediate voltage in between the first voltage and a third voltage greater than or equal to a ground voltage, the pair of electrodes being charged between the second voltage and the third voltage. The present disclosure applies in particular to the control of a touch pad.

Abstract: A method for determining and retrieving positional information includes forming a grid by locating a plurality of first conductive elements on a surface and a plurality of second conductive elements on the surface. A second grid is coupled to the surface and electrically isolated from the grid. The surface is penetrated with a projectile and a first location of a first penetration of the surface is electronically determined based on a first change in a first electrical measurement. A plurality of third and fourth electrical measurements are performed in a second plurality of locations of the second grid and the location impact is electronically determined.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods that facilitate the measurement of the capacitance of high voltage devices while shielding an active device involved in the measurement from the high voltage. The systems and methods employ capacitors to store the high voltage such that the active device does not experience the high voltage. Placement of a reset device ensures that the active device is shielded from the high voltage.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a plug insertion into a plug aperture of a communications connector are provided in which a control signal is received that is electromagnetically coupled across a plug aperture of the communications connector using a reactive coupling element. A determination may be made that a mating plug (e.g., an RJ-45 plug or a connector on a fiber optic jumper cable) has been inserted into the plug aperture based on this received control signal. Related connectors are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for recognizing touch. A first value T1 and a second value T2 are set. A number of first sensing values C1 are obtained. C1 is compared with T1 and T2. When C1 is greater than or equal to T1, a touch with finger is recognized. When C1 is smaller than T2, no touch is recognized. When C1 are greater than or equal to T2 and smaller than T1, following steps are taken. A third value T3 is set. At least three driving electrodes are driven and a number of second sensing values C2 are obtained. A number of maximum sensing values C2peak are selected from the C2 and compared with T3. When C2peak are greater than or equal to T3, a touch with glove is recognized. And when not, no touch is recognized.

Abstract: A method and system for determining parameters of a satellite signal present in a coaxial cable, the method comprising the steps of aligning two capacitive coupling sensors in proximity to a length of the coaxial cable, wherein the distance between the capacitive coupling sensors is below 10 centimeters; receiving from two capacitive coupling sensors a signal being a differential voltage in the coaxial cable between the locations of the capacitive coupling sensors wherein the voltage is relative to a voltage level in a coaxial cable; amplifying the differential voltage by a bandpass amplifier; detecting a valid DiSEqC command sequence being indicative of signal quality.

Abstract: An integratable capacitive touch sensing circuit through charge sharing is provided, including a charge sharing circuit, voltage-controlled oscillator, reference frequency generator, switch clock generator and frequency compare circuit; wherein charge sharing circuit further including a sensing capacitor, touch capacitor, share capacitor, charging switch, charge sharing switch and discharging switch, for sharing charge from charged sensing capacitor with discharged share capacitor through charge sharing to accumulate voltage on share capacitor. The capacitance of share capacitor is adjustable for applications generating different sensing capacitance. The charging switch, charge sharing switch and discharging switch are controlled by non-overlapping clocks. Prolonging close duration of charging switch and minimizing close duration of charge sharing switch and discharging switch can minimize interference from ambient noise.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a presence of a conductive object proximate to a capacitive sense element during an initialization process of a touch-sensing device. A reference sense element is calibrated to produce a sensing parameter value. A capacitance of a plurality of capacitive sense elements is measured based on the sensing parameter value, and compared to a baseline capacitance value stored in a non-volatile memory of the touch-sensing device. The presence of a conductive object proximate to a capacitive sense element is detected when a difference between the measured capacitance and the stored baseline capacitance value is greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: In an evaluation method for a capacitive contact sensor with at least one transmitting and at least one receiving electrode, which are able to be brought into a capacitive coupling, at the at least one receiving or sensor electrode a measurement signal is tapped, which represents the temporal course of the coupling capacitance between the at least one transmitting electrode and the at least one receiving electrode and the temporal course of the capacitive load of the sensor electrode, respectively, a reference signal is created from the measurement signal, and at least one detection signal is created, when the reference signal meets at least one detection criterion. An evaluation device may be coupled with at least one transmitting electrode and at least one receiving electrode or with at least one sensor electrode of the capacitive contact sensor and is adapted to carry out the above evaluation method.

Abstract: A system that includes at least one capacitive sensor for least one angle of incidence component of radiation being measured striking the sensor. The measured capacitance of the sensor is affected by radiation striking the sensor. In some embodiments, the system includes multiple sensors where differences in the capacitive measurements of the sensors can be used to determine information about the radiation such as e.g. horizontal angle, directional angle, and dose.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. The control circuitry monitors the signal responsive to the activation field and determines a differential change in generated signal, and further generates an activation output when the differential signal exceeds a threshold. The control circuitry further distinguishes an activation from an exploration of the plurality of switches and may determine activation upon detection of a stable signal.

Abstract: Techniques and circuits are described for approximation of the differential capacitance of a capacitive sensor to, among other things, optimize device operation and power consumption. In particular, feedback techniques are utilized for measurement and approximation of the differential capacitance of the capacitive sensor. In accordance with the disclosure, the capacitance approximation value for a test cycle preceding a given test cycle is utilized to reduce the number of iterations to be performed in a continuous series of test cycles. The capacitance approximation value for the given test cycle is reported as being equivalent to that of the preceding test cycle if the variance between the selected capacitance and the unselected capacitance is less than or equal to a first predefined value.

Abstract: This invention is a novel methodology for precision metrology, sensing, and actuation at the micro- and nano-scale. It is well-suited for micro- and nano-scale because it leverages off the electromechanical benefits of the scale. The invention makes use of electrical measurands of micro- or nano-scale devices to measure and characterize themselves, other devices, and whatever the devices subsequently interact with. By electronically measuring the change in capacitance, change in voltage, and/or resonance frequency of one or more test structures, a multitude of geometric, dynamic, and material properties may be extracted with a much higher accuracy and precision than conventional methods.

Abstract: There are provided a touch sensing device and a touchscreen apparatus. The touch sensing device includes: a node capacitor; a self-capacitor disposed between one terminal of the node capacitor and a ground; a driving circuit applying predetermined driving signals to the node capacitor and the self-capacitor; and a sensing circuit unit integrating electrical charges charged in the node capacitor and the self-capacitor, wherein the driving circuit unit applies predetermined driving signals to the node capacitor and the self-capacitor in different periods.

Abstract: A capacitance sensing circuit, comprising: a first voltage source; a first switch, wherein the first voltage source charges a sensing capacitor to a first voltage when the first switch is conductive; a base capacitor; a second voltage source; a second switch, wherein the second voltage source charges the base capacitor to a second voltage when the second switch is conductive, where the first switch and the second switch are simultaneously conductive via a control signal; a first comparator, for outputting a first comparing result according to a voltage difference between a sensing voltage on the sensing capacitor and a base voltage on the base capacitor, and a voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and a voltage holding circuit, for keeping the base voltage at a reference voltage.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanofluidic channel measuring system is disclosed. The method includes forming a first trench in a substrate, forming a second trench in the substrate, the first trench and the second trench are separated by a first width, providing a first conductor pad at a first location, providing a second conductor pad at a second location, forming a first nano-wire for coupling the first conductor pad with the second conductor pad, and forming a nano-channel through the first nano-wire, the nano-channel also coupling the first trench and the second trench, the nano-channel configured to sever the first nano-wire. A nanofluidic channel measuring system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power-on-detection (POD) circuit includes a detection circuit, first and second comparison circuits, and logic circuitry. The detection circuit includes a capacitor configured to charge from a first voltage level to a second voltage level. The first comparison circuit is configured to compare a third voltage level to a reference voltage level, and the second comparison circuit is configured to compare a fourth voltage level to the reference voltage level. The third and fourth levels are based on the second voltage level. The logic circuitry is coupled to an output of the first comparison circuit and to an output of the second comparison circuit and is configured to output a power identification signal based on the outputs of the first and second comparison circuits. The detection circuit is configured to turn on the first and second comparison circuits based on a voltage level of the capacitor.