Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes applying a first current to a capacitance of a touch sensor. The application of the first current to the capacitance for a first amount of time modifies the voltage at the capacitance from the reference voltage level to a first pre-determined voltage level. The method also includes applying a second current to an integration capacitor. The second current is proportional to the first current. The application of the second current to the integration capacitor for the first amount of time modifies the voltage at the integration capacitor from the reference voltage level to a first charging voltage level. The method also includes determining whether a touch input to the touch sensor has occurred based on the first charging voltage level.

Abstract: A flyback converter includes a transformer to convert an input voltage into an output voltage, a control circuit senses a primary current of the transformer to generate a current sense signal, and a sensing circuit is configured to sense a variation of the current sense signal between two time points for extracting the input voltage information therefrom.

Abstract: In a circuit for measuring a capacitive charge a drive module is configured for coupling with a sensor electrode of a capacitive input device. The drive module is configured to drive the sensor electrode with a plurality of positive and negative measurement cycles. A latched comparator comprises an input for capturing voltages from the sensor electrode. An output of the latched comparator provides output signals based upon the captured voltages from the sensor electrode. A first counter is set based on a first output signal produced by a first voltage captured by the input during a positive measurement cycle. A second counter is set based on a second output signal produced by a second voltage captured by the input during a negative measurement cycle. A determination module is configured to produce a demodulated output signal based on the first counter value and the second counter value.

Abstract: An air ionization monitoring device 200 and method is disclosed herein. In a described embodiment, the air ionization monitoring device 200 comprises an ion source 202 adapted to emit ions 204 and a capacitor 208 including a first conductor 210 arranged to be exposed to the ions 204 emitted by the ion source 202, and a second conductor 212 arranged to be shielded from the ions 204 emitted by the ion source 202. The monitoring device 200 further includes a commutation circuit 234 operable between a first configuration for charging the capacitor 208 to a first predefined voltage, and a second configuration for using the ions 204 emitted by the ion source 202 to discharge the capacitor 208 for a predefined time resulting in the capacitor 208 having a second voltage. The device 200 is configured to use the first and second voltages to determine an ionic current of the emitted ions.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing a parameter includes a capacitor, a switch and a comparator. The capacitor is configured to be charged or discharged by at least one of a first current signal or a second current signal. The switch is configured to selectively connect or disconnect the first current signal and the capacitor in response to a feedback signal. The comparator is coupled with the capacitor and configured to output an output voltage based on a comparison of a capacitor voltage of the capacitor to a reference voltage. The first current signal is independent of the parameter, and the second current signal is dependent on the parameter. The output voltage defines the feedback signal and is indicative of a value of the parameter detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A circuit for measuring a change in capacitive coupling between a transmitter electrode and receiver electrode includes a transmitter module that couples with the transmitter electrode and drives it with a plurality of positive and negative measurement cycles. A latched comparator has an input and an output, where the input couples with the receiver electrode. Upon enablement, the latched comparator determines if receiver electrode voltages satisfy an input threshold of the latched comparator and provides an output signal from an output based on this determination. A first counter is adjusted based on a first output signal of the latched comparator output during a positive measurement cycle. A second counter is adjusted based on a second output signal of the latched comparator during a negative measurement cycle. Measurement of change in capacitive coupling between the transmitter electrode and receiver electrode is based on counter values of the first and second counters.

Abstract: A method for detecting a patter offset amount of exposed regions comprises forming at least one pair of conductive detecting marks with a predetermined position relationship by a patterning process including two exposing processes; detecting an electrical characteristic of the at least one pair conductive detecting marks, if the detected electrical characteristic does not meet a predetermined position relationship, it is determined that the pattern offset amount of the exposed regions in two exposure steps is not qualified; and if the detected electrical characteristic meets the predetermined position relationship, it is determined that the pattern offset amount of the exposed regions in two exposure steps is qualified.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring rub detection in a machine are provided. An electrical signal may be provided for transmission to and into a component of the machine. A capacitance associated with the electrical signal in the component may be monitored. Based at least in part upon a determined change in the monitored capacitance, a potential rub condition for the component of the machine.

Abstract: Method for automatically, with the aid of a processor, determining a surface degeneration of a first surface of a urine handling system, the first surface being intended to come into contact with urine, the method comprises the following main steps: a) repeatedly measuring one or more capacitive values of the first surface, forming capacitive measurements; b) storing all, or representative instants of the capacitive measurements; c) deciding, based on changes of the stored capacitive measurements, that a significant surface degeneration of the first surface has occurred

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for triggering an action on an opening panel of a motor vehicle. The device (1) comprises in particular: a capacitive sensor (C) for detecting a variation in capacitance, comprising at least three electrodes (E1, E2, E3), said at least three electrodes (E1, E2, E3) forming a detection pattern (M); and a processing unit (2) connected to the capacitive sensor (C) for processing output signals front the capacitive sensor (C), said output signals being representative of the capacitance of each of the electrodes (E1, E2, E3). The triggering device (1) is characterised in that: the positioning of the electrodes (E1, E2, E3) is defined such that at least one of the electrodes (E1, E2, E3) is not covered by a hand approaching the detection pattern (M), and the processing unit (2) is designed to perform a triggering action on the opening panel of the motor vehicle when a band approaches said detection pattern (M).

Abstract: A tamper detection arrangement for use within an integrated circuit (1), the arrangement comprising: at least one input capacitor (4) having a first capacitance value; a feedback capacitor (5) having a second capacitance value; a sensing arrangement comprising an amplifier circuit having the at least one input capacitor as an input and the at least one feedback capacitor in a feedback loop across the amplifier operable to detect a change in the capacitance values between the at least one input capacitor and the feedback capacitor; and a protective shield to protect a sensitive area (2) of the integrated circuit from tampering, the shield being provided by the at least one input capacitor (4).

Abstract: A capacitive physical quantity detector includes: a capacitor having an electrostatic capacitance changeable with physical quantity; a converter converting a capacitance change to a voltage; and a selector having a comparator and a switching element. The converter includes a C-V converting circuit having an operational amplifier for amplifying a first signal from the capacitor, a main switch between input and output terminals of the operational amplifier, feedback capacitors and feedback switches. Each feedback switch connects a feedback capacitor to the main switch when the feedback switch is closed. The selector closes the feedback switches based on a second signal of the converter. The comparator compares the second signal with a threshold voltage. The switching element switches the feedback switches according to a third signal from the comparator to set the second signal smaller than a saturated voltage and larger than the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A technique for calibration of on-chip resistance (R) and capacitance (C) values using an on-board bypass capacitor may include configuring an on-chip switch to selectively couple an on-chip calibration circuit to an on-chip port. The on-chip calibration circuit may include an RC oscillator having an RC time constant (RCTC). The on-board bypass capacitor may be coupled to the on-chip calibration circuit, by using the on-chip port. The on-chip R and C values may be calibrated using the on-chip calibration circuit and the on-board bypass capacitor.

Abstract: A differential capacitive transducer system is disclosed that includes first and second capacitive cores and a chopping system. The first core a first input coupled to a first capacitor, a second input coupled to a second capacitor, and a first output. The second core includes a third input coupled to a third capacitor, a fourth input coupled to a fourth capacitor, and a second output. The chopping system has first and fourth inputs coupled to positive signals, and second and third inputs coupled to negative signals. As the chopping system switches between high and low states, it couples the core inputs to different polarity signals reducing charge buildup. The different polarity signals can have substantially same magnitudes. Chopper clock and main clock frequencies can be selected to provide substantially zero average voltages at the core inputs. The system can include an integrator circuit and differential summing circuits.

Abstract: A linear sensor 21 includes an attachment base 22 attached to a metallic edge of a slide door 2 capable of opening and closing a platform 4, a skin cover part 23 which bulges from the attachment base 22 and has a hollow part 24 in the inside, an insulator 25 which has flexibility and also is embedded in the hollow part 24, and a plate-shaped electrode 26 opposed to the attachment base 22, at least a portion of the electrode being embedded in the insulator 25. In the hollow part 24, a gap 27 is disposed between the electrode 26 and the attachment base 22 and also, the electrode 26 is set in a plus pole and the attachment base 22 is set in a minus pole as the grounding, and proximity and/or contact between a foreign body and the skin cover part 23 is detected based on a change in capacitance between the electrode 26 and the grounding minus pole.

Abstract: A capacitive transducer and a readout circuit for processing a signal from a capacitive transducer. The readout circuit includes a high gain circuit element, two summing amplifiers and two feedback path. The high gain circuit element generates an amplified transducer signal, and the summing amplifiers sum the amplified transducer signal with a positive reference voltage and the negative reference voltage, respectively, to generate a first summation signal and a second summation signal. The feedback paths feed back the summation signals to the transducer. Output circuitry generates an output signal based on the summation signals. The high gain circuit element can be a a switched capacitor integrator. The output circuitry can generates the output signal based on the first and second summation signals.

Abstract: A differential capacitive transducer system is disclosed that includes first and second capacitive cores and a chopping system. The first core a first input coupled to a first capacitor, a second input coupled to a second capacitor, and a first output. The second core includes a third input coupled to a third capacitor, a fourth input coupled to a fourth capacitor, and a second output. The chopping system has first and fourth inputs coupled to positive signals, and second and third inputs coupled to negative signals. As the chopping system switches between high and low states, it couples the core inputs to different polarity signals reducing charge buildup. The different polarity signals can have substantially same magnitudes. Chopper clock and main clock frequencies can be selected to provide substantially zero average voltages at the core inputs. The system can include an integrator circuit and differential summing circuits.

Abstract: A method for determining a capacitance and/or a change in capacitance of a capacitive sensor element (C2) comprises the steps of: a) discharging an average value capacitor (C3), and either b1) discharging the capacitive sensor element and c1) charging an operating capacitor (C1) to a charging voltage (VDD), or b2) discharging the operating capacitor and c2) charging the capacitive sensor element to the charging voltage, d) connecting the operating capacitor to the capacitive sensor element, e) connecting the operating capacitor to the average value capacitor, and f) evaluating a voltage established across the operating capacitor or across the average value capacitor in order to determine the capacitance and/or the change in capacitance.

Abstract: A physiological measurement instrument is disclosed, having a detector, implemented as one or more sensors, for measuring values of one or more physiological measured parameters associated with a body of a human or animal subject, and for detecting values of a physical parameter that indicates an operating position of the measurement instrument relative to the body, and an operating-position-determining unit that receives and analyzes output signals from the detector, to determine the operating position of the measurement instrument.

Abstract: A first sensor detects whether an object is within a first region that surrounds the first sensor. A second sensor detects whether the object is within a second region that surrounds the second sensor. The first and second sensors are omnidirectional capacitive electrodes. In response to the first sensor detecting that the object is not within the first region, a device determines that the object is not proximate to a particular side of the first and second sensors. In response to the first sensor detecting that the object is within the first region, and the second sensor detecting that the object is within the second region, the device determines that the object is not proximate to the particular side. In response to the first sensor detecting that the object is within the first region, yet the second sensor detecting that the object is not within the second region, the device determines that the object is proximate to the particular side.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of devices for measuring voltage of a power supply. Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of detection devices and temperature controllers comprising such devices for measuring voltage of a power supply. In exemplary embodiments, a device for measuring the voltage of a power supply generally includes a resistor, a capacitor, and a control unit. One end of the capacitor is connected with the resistor, while the other end of the capacitor is connected to ground. The control unit is connected with the power supply. The control unit includes a comparator connected with the capacitor, a reference power supply connected with the comparator, a timer, and a computing unit.

Abstract: A touch sensing circuit detects a difference in variation of coupling capacitances between mutually adjacent driving electrodes through the use of a differential amplifier, and senses whether or not a touch is made on a touch screen panel, thereby being capable of removing display noise.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring displacement of a structure is disclosed. The method and system comprise providing a first capacitance and providing a second capacitance. The first and second capacitances share a common terminal. The method and system further include determining a difference of the inverses of the value of the first and second capacitances when the structure is displaced. The first capacitance varies in inverse relation to the displacement of the structure.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, an apparatus includes a sensing device. The sensing device includes circuitry configured to sense self-capacitance and circuitry configured to sense mutual-capacitance, each configured to detect capacitance values corresponding to whether an object is proximate to a touch screen. The sensing device is configured to measure a first capacitance value using the self-capacitance circuitry during self-capacitance sensing operations and to measure a second capacitance value using the mutual-capacitance circuitry during mutual-capacitance sensing operations.

Abstract: A device for evaluating the internal dielectric behavior of a structure with a capacitive sensor and a method of using such a device. The device allows a user to measure the internal dielectric behavior of a wooden structure and to derive a density profile for that structure from the determined dielectric behavior. The condition profile allows the user of the device to locate regions of altered condition within a structure to determine whether that structure has suffered from internal decay, pre-rot, rot, or other forms of damage. The minimally-invasive device avoids the need for more damaging and destructive modes of analysis of the wooden structure and is able to provide accurate and repeatable measurements of the structure's density and moisture content, obviating the need for more complex and expensive equipment and techniques.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing a differential capacitance includes a charge-storing circuit to generate a first output voltage and a second output voltage related to capacitances at two terminals of the differential capacitance, respectively, an operational amplifier to amplify the difference between the first and second output voltages to generate a sensing value, a first sampling capacitor having one terminal connected to the negative input terminal and the other terminal receiving the first or second output voltage, and a second sampling capacitor having one terminal connected to the negative input terminal and the other terminal switched to the output terminal of the operational amplifier. The second sampling capacitor stores a non-ideal error value to offset the non-ideal effect of the operational amplifier imparted on the sensing value.

Abstract: An internal sampling capacitor of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in a digital device is charged to a reference voltage, then some of the voltage charge on the internal sampling capacitor is transferred to an external unknown capacitor through a low resistance switch internal to the digital device. After the charge transfer has stabilized, the voltage charge remaining on the internal sampling capacitor is measured. The difference between the known reference voltage and the voltage remaining on the internal sampling capacitor is used to determine the capacitance value of the external capacitor. Alternatively, the external capacitor may be charged to a reference voltage then the external capacitor is coupled to the internal sampling capacitor, e.g., having no charge or a known charge on it, and the resulting voltage charge on the internal sampling capacitor is measured and used for determining the capacitance value of the external capacitor.

Abstract: A sensor includes a variable capacitor, a fixed capacitor, an inductor, a switch that electrically connects the variable capacitor with the inductor or the fixed capacitor with the inductor, an oscillator that generates a periodic signal, and a controller connected to the switch, the oscillator, and the inductor. The controller operates the switch, identifies a frequency of a first oscillation of the variable capacitor and the inductor based on the periodic signal from the oscillator, identifies a frequency of a second oscillation of the fixed capacitor and the inductor based on the periodic signal from the oscillator, and identifies a capacitance of the variable capacitor based on a ratio of the frequency of the first oscillation to the frequency of the second oscillation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-accuracy electrostatic capacitance type physical quantity sensor and angular velocity sensor configured so as to be capable of suppressing noise derived from internal noise while maintaining resistance to externally-incoming noise. A detection element 10 has a movable mass 18 supported displaceably by a physical quantity given from the outside, and a detection electrode Ef. A shield wire 16 is disposed around wirings connected to the input of a capacitance detection circuit 30 and is connected to a dc potential of low impedance. A value Cin of an input capacitance relative to a fixed potential of low impedance at a portion at which the detection element 10 is connected with the capacitance detection circuit 30 is set to fall within a range of 1.5 pF<Cin<20 pF.

Abstract: A sensing surface is presented for use in monitoring a three dimensional behavior of one or more objects above the surface. The sensing surface is associated with a self-capacitance sensor and comprises a plurality of self-capacitive sensing pads located on a single layer. The sensing surface is configured for providing measured data indicative of a three-dimensional behavior of one or more objects over an active area of the sensing surface. The pattern of the pads is configured such that each sensing pad can be connected to an edge of the sensing surface on said single layer. The technique further enables the use of a capacitive sensor comprising the sensing surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to rapidly and accurately measure the variation of capacitance in a panel load of a touch sensor and thus increase touch sensitivity and noise resistance. The apparatus includes a panel driver configured to drive a panel load in the touch sensor according to a reference voltage, and a capacitive load detector configured to measure capacitance of the panel load by sensing a panel load driving current that is applied to the panel load by the panel driver.

Abstract: Capacitive transducer systems are disclosed that reduce nonlinearities due to feedthrough capacitances or residual electrostatic forces. The systems can include a core with a first input coupled to a first variable capacitor, a second input coupled to a second variable capacitor, and a core output coupled to a common node; an amplifier with input switchably coupled to common node and an output; a feedback path switchably coupling amplifier output to common node; and a main clock with first and second phases, that controls switches coupling system components. When clock is in first phase, first core input is coupled to reference voltage, second core input is coupled to negative reference voltage, and common node is coupled to amplifier output. When clock is in second phase, core inputs are grounded, and common node is coupled to amplifier input. The system can have single amplifier. Neutralization capacitor can cancel feedthrough and parasitic capacitances.

Abstract: An apparatus including a sensor array, configured to produce an array output value in response to an environmental stimulus, and a controller, the sensor array including a plurality of sensors and a common output terminal connected to the respective outputs of the sensors, each sensor having first and second electrodes configured to output a respective sensor output value in a particular environment based on the areas of the first and second electrodes and/or the spacing therebetween, the controller configured to control which of the sensors are connected to the common output terminal using respective switches to vary the effective area and/or spacing of the sensor array such that the array output value at the common output terminal, based on the contribution of the respective sensor output values of the connected sensors, is held at a reference value.

Abstract: A capacitance type occupant detection sensor includes (i) a capacitive sensor, (ii) a voltage application portion, (iii) a current detector, (iv) a capacitance detector, and (v) a determination portion. The capacitive sensor includes a detection electrode and is disposed to a seat. The voltage application portion applies a detection voltage to the detection electrode, and provides an electric field between the detection electrode and a reference electrode, which is applied with a reference voltage. The current detector detects a current, which is provided by the detection voltage, flowing through the detection electrode. The capacitance detector detects a capacitance between the detection electrode and the reference electrode. The determination portion determines an occupant. The capacitive sensor has a first charging electrode and a second charging electrode. The first charging electrode is disposed apart from the detection electrode and applied with a charging voltage from the voltage application portion.

Abstract: A capacitance detection circuit inhibits noise. The capacitance detection circuit detects a change in capacitance between a pair of electrodes of a physical quantity sensor, with these electrodes generating the change in capacitance in response to a change in physical quantity. The capacitance detection circuit has a carrier signal generating circuit that supplies a carrier signal to one of the electrodes, an operational amplifier that has an inverting input terminal to which the other one of the electrodes is input, a dummy capacity that is connected in parallel to the pair of electrodes, and a carrier signal conditioning circuit that inverts a phase of a carrier signal supplied from the carrier signal generating circuit to the dummy capacity and adjusts a gain to inhibit the dummy capacity.

Abstract: A method includes generating a correction value for a capacitive sensor based on a difference between a capacitance of the capacitive sensor and a capacitance of at least one other capacitive sensor when an input to the capacitive sensor and the at least one other capacitive sensor is absent. The method further includes generating a compensated capacitance value for the capacitive sensor based on applying the correction value to a difference between the capacitance of the capacitive sensor when the input is absent and another capacitance of the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: Capacitive transducer systems are disclosed that reduce nonlinearities due to feedthrough capacitances or residual electrostatic forces. The systems can include a core with a first input coupled to a first variable capacitor, a second input coupled to a second variable capacitor, and a core output coupled to a common node; an amplifier with input switchably coupled to common node and an output; a feedback path switchably coupling amplifier output to common node; and a main clock with first and second phases, that controls switches coupling system components. When clock is in first phase, first core input is coupled to reference voltage, second core input is coupled to negative reference voltage, and common node is coupled to amplifier output. When clock is in second phase, core inputs are grounded, and common node is coupled to amplifier input. The system can have single amplifier. Neutralization capacitor can cancel feedthrough and parasitic capacitances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive measuring device for a hand-held device, particularly an electric hand-held device for the detection of an approach to the hand-held device, wherein the capacitive measuring device has a switching device, wherein the ground of the capacitive measuring device is galvanically connectable with an electrically conductive structure of the hand-held device by means of a switching device, and wherein the capacitive measuring device has a ground electrode structure with at least one ground electrode that can be arranged on the hand-held device, wherein the ground of the capacitive hand-held device is galvanically connectable with the at least one ground electrode by means of the switching device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the detection of an approach of a hand to a hand-held device, particularly an electric hand-held device, with a capacitive measuring device according to the invention.

Abstract: A comparison circuit for detecting impedance mismatch between pull-up and pull-down devices in a circuit to be monitored includes a comparator operative to receive first and second signals and to generate, as an output, a third signal indicative of a difference between the first and second signals. A first signal generator is operative to generate the first signal indicative of a difference between reference pull-up and pull-down currents that is scaled by a prescribed amount. The reference pull-up current is indicative of a current flowing through at least one corresponding pull-up transistor device in the circuit to be monitored. The pull-down reference current is indicative of a current flowing through at least one corresponding pull-down transistor device in the circuit to be monitored.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing a differential capacitance includes a charge-storing circuit to generate a first output voltage and a second output voltage related to capacitances at two terminals of the differential capacitance, respectively, an operational amplifier to amplify the difference between the first and second output voltages to generate a sensing value, a first sampling capacitor having one terminal connected to the negative input terminal and the other terminal receiving the first or second output voltage, and a second sampling capacitor having one terminal connected to the negative input terminal and the other terminal switched to the output terminal of the operational amplifier. The second sampling capacitor stores a non-ideal error value to offset the non-ideal effect of the operational amplifier imparted on the sensing value.

Abstract: Electrically conductive structures produced on or in a substrate, or produced such that the structures are floating in a substrate undergo simple and reliable capacitive contactless and non-destructive inspection using a capacitive sensor having at least two sensor electrode surfaces which are arranged at different constant distances from one another parallel to a surface of the substrate and are arranged beside one another relative to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An electrode layout for a touchscreen includes multiple sense electrodes. Each sense electrode has multiple spines coupled to each other, including a main spine and at least one spaced apart interpolation spine running in the same direction. The interpolation spine of one sense electrode is positioned adjacent a spaced apart interpolation spine of a neighboring sense electrode to provide interpolated sense electrodes.

Abstract: A low power capacitive detector is disclosed. The detector includes a mechanism to measure and detect touch on capacitive sensors. The detector uses signal processing to suppress noise and increase sensitivity. The detector does not require dedicated analog circuitry, making it easy to adopt in a microcontroller system. The detector can be scaled to a larger number of capacitive sensors without noticeable increase in silicon cost.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator circuit and method. The circuit includes a current mirror, a voltage divider having an interior contact and coupled between the mirror output and a potential, an operational amplifier having an input coupled to the interior contact and a switch having input/output contacts separately coupled to the amplifier output and the mirror input and having a switch control. The amplifier output can be coupled to a digital control circuit which can be coupled to the switch control contact and to a digital to analog circuit (DAC) which can be coupled to the digital control circuit and to another amplifier input. An enable signal at the switch control couples the switch input/output contacts together. The capacitance of a MEMS capacitor coupled to the mirror output is determined by measurement of time for the amplifier output to switch from one level to another following a change in DAC output potential.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system comprises a circuit arrangement (8) and a module (M) having a first mechanical switch (S1) and an electrode (E1). The circuit arrangement (8) has a terminal (9) that is connected to the module (M), a drive unit (A) that is connected to the terminal (9) and serves to provide a drive signal (Sa), a first evaluation unit (B) that is connected to the terminal (9) and serves for key detection, as well as a second evaluation unit (C) that is connected to the first evaluation unit (B) and serves for proximity detection. Therein the drive signal (Sa) is designed for driving an electrode (E1) of a capacitive proximity sensor in the module (M), the first evaluation unit (B) is designed to provide a touch signal (Sb) according to an actuation of the module (M) by a person, and the second evaluation unit (C) is designed to provide a proximity signal (Sc) according to an approach of a person to the module (M). Furthermore, a method for evaluating the module is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of mutual-capacitance sensing with a capacitance-sensing circuit, such as a self-capacitance sensing device (CSD). One apparatus includes an input node coupled to a capacitance sense pin to couple to a first electrode of a sense array, a transmit (TX) signal generation circuit to generate a TX signal to drive a second electrode of the sense array, logic circuitry coupled to the TX signal generation circuit and the input node. The logic circuitry is configured to selectively couple a first capacitor to the input node and a second capacitor to the input node timed with the TX signal. The apparatus further includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to receive a receive (RX) signal from the input node and to convert the RX signal into a digital value, the digital value representing a mutual capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing an analyte includes capacitive elements, each having a pair of electrodes separated by a dielectric wherein the dielectric constant of the dielectric of at least one of the capacitive elements is sensitive to the analyte, the sensor further including a comparator adapted to compare a selected set of capacitive elements against a reference signal and to generate a comparison result signal, and a controller for iteratively selecting the set in response to the comparison result signal, wherein the sensor is arranged to produce a digitized output signal indicative of the sensed level of the analyte of interest. An IC comprising such a sensor, an electronic device comprising such an IC and a method of determining a level of an analyte of interest using such a sensor are also disclosed.

Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of touchscreen devices with projected capacitive detection comprising a matrix touchpad comprising a plurality of conducting rows and of conducting columns, the said pad being linked to electronic control means. The electronic control means generate two periodic emission voltages emitted at two different frequencies. The analysis of the reception voltages makes it possible to determine the positions of two simultaneous presses on the touchpad, including when the two presses are done on rows or columns that are close. The determination of the presses is performed essentially by calculating the barycentres of the troughs of the reception voltages.

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: 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.