Abstract: The present disclosure provides a capacitance detection circuit capable of reducing a chip area. The present disclosure relates to a capacitance detection circuit and an input device. A sense pin of the capacitance detection circuit is connected to a sensor electrode. A first driving unit applies a high voltage or a low voltage to the sense pin. A second driving unit applies the high voltage or the low voltage to a first terminal of a reference capacitor. A third driving unit applies the high voltage or the low voltage to a second terminal of the reference capacitor. A first switch is disposed between the sense pin and the first terminal of the reference capacitor. A second switch is disposed between an input of a post-stage circuit block and the first terminal of the reference capacitor.

Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure describes a nano-position stage, an imaging device coupled to the nano-position stage, and a controller comprising instructions to: instruct the imaging device to capture a first image of a subject, instruct the nano-position stage to alter a position of the imaging device a distance based on a pixel size of the first image, instruct the imaging device to capture a second image of the subject at the altered position, and generate a third image of the subject utilizing the first image and the second image.

Abstract: A capacitance measuring circuit measures an electrostatic capacitance formed between a first conductor that receive an AC signal and a second conductor. The capacitance measuring circuit includes an amplifier including an input and an output; signal detection means including a negative feedback unit that has a feedback capacitance and applies a negative feedback from an output of the amplifier to an input of the amplifier, wherein an input of the amplifier is connected to the second conductor and is virtually grounded by the negative feedback unit and an AC signal of an amplitude in a functional relation with the electrostatic capacitance is output; and measuring means that is connected to an output of the signal detection means and has a function of measuring at least an amplitude of an AC signal output of the signal detection means.

Abstract: An analog-digital converter includes a first analog-digital conversion unit configured to, during a first analog-digital conversion operation, sequentially charge each of n first differential node pairs, in response to a respective one of a differential sampling signal pair and first to (n?1)th differential signal pairs among n differential signal pairs, in response to each of the n first differential node pairs being sequentially charged, sequentially generate each of n first differential data pairs, and sequentially generate each of n upper differential data pairs to be used as n-bit upper digital data, in response to a respective one of the sequentially-generated n first differential data pairs. The first analog-digital conversion unit is further configured to, during a second analog-digital conversion operation, simultaneously discharge each of the n first differential node pairs, in response to a nth differential signal pair among the n differential signal pairs.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a comparator, a first switch, a second switch, and a controller. The comparator includes a first input end and a second input end. An end of the first switch is connected to one of a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode that are complementary. An end of the second switch is selectively connected to the second touch electrode. When the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode are touched, the controller controls the first switch to connect the first input end and the first touch electrode, controls the second switch to connect the second input end and the second touch electrode, and calculates a first touch position of the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode.

Abstract: A locating appliance for a capacitive detection of an object encloses in a medium. The locating appliance comprises a measurement electrode such that a first alternating current flows from the measurement electrode into the medium. The locating appliance further comprises a reception electrode where the measurement electrode forms a measurement capacitance with the reception electrode, where the measurement capacitance is based at least in part on the object. The locating appliance further comprises a reference electrode such that the reference electrode forms a reference capacitance with the reception electrode, where the reference capacitance is not based on the object. The locating appliance further comprises a first opposing electrode that is configured to introduce a first alternating current in the medium. The absolute value of the second alternating current corresponds to an absolute value of the first alternating current and is in antiphase with the second alternating current.

Abstract: An integrator circuit includes a switched capacitor bridge including first and second inputs and first and second outputs. The switched capacitor bridge is configured to sample first and second reference voltages twice per unit time interval. The integrator circuit further includes an integrator coupled to the first and second outputs and configured to integrate charge dumped into the first and second outputs twice per unit time interval.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy in a recliner using a sinuous wire detection array incorporated into a seat. Further embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for incorporating capacitance detection technology with one or more conductive features of a recliner mechanism. In some aspects, a sensor is provided based on coupling one or more conductive features to a control component of the capacitance detector control component. A controller may determine the corresponding response based on occupancy detection and/or presence detection. A processor may receive information regarding changes in capacitance and determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold. Based on a determination of occupancy and/or presence, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable recliner may be activated.

Abstract: A circuit and a method for sensing differential capacitance involve using plural storing capacitors to repeatedly sample charges of the differential capacitance in an over-sampling manner, and storing the charges sampled in different transfer rounds into different storing capacitors instead of repeatedly transferring charges for a single storing capacitor, so as to collect charge averages about both inputs and noises and in turn effectively reduce RF interference and source noises.

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: Disclosed is a circuit arrangement for determining a temporal change of an output voltage of a half-bridge circuit during a dead time. In one embodiment, the circuit arrangement includes a first input for applying the output voltage. A capacitive network includes a first and a second circuit node capacitively coupled to the input, and having a terminal for a reference potential. A recharging circuit during the switched-on phase of one of a first and second switching elements, adjusts electrical potentials of the first and second nodes, the electrical potentials each being different from the reference potential. A comparator arrangement, during the dead time, determines a time difference between such times at which the electrical potentials at the first and second node each assume a given potential value, the time difference being a measure for the change with time of the output voltage.

Abstract: A locator for capacitively sensing an object includes a transmission electrode to which an excitation signal can be applied, a reception electrode, a sensing region in the region of the transmission electrode and the reception electrode, and a measuring device for sensing a capacitance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode. The locator further includes a processing device for determining the presence of the object in the sensing region if the sensed capacitance differs from a reference capacitance, and a screening electrode that is arranged in the region of the transmission electrode and the reception electrode. The screening electrode is connected to a potential so as to reduce the base capacitance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode.

Abstract: The present approach is based on the use of an integrated capacitance bridge circuit to measure the capacitance of a device under test. A significant feature of this approach is that the operating point is not the null point of the bridge circuit. Instead, the operating point of the bridge circuit is tuned to be away from the null point. By moving away from the null point, the output signal from the bridge circuit is increased. Preferably, this output signal is substantially larger than the input noise floor of an amplifier connected to the bridge circuit output, while being substantially less than G?DUT, where G is the gain provided by the bridge circuit transistor and ?DUT is the AC signal applied to the device under test. Experiments on graphene devices and on carbon nanotube FETs demonstrate about 10 aF resolution (graphene) and about 13 aF resolution (carbon nanotube FET) at room temperature.

Abstract: A circuit for measuring a capacitance value of a touch screen includes: a target capacitor unit having a target capacitor charged with a target charging voltage; a target voltage control unit to charge the target capacitor; a reference capacitor unit having a reference capacitor charged with a charging reference voltage; a reference voltage control unit to charge the reference capacitor; a comparator to compare the target charging voltage and the charging reference voltage and output a transition signal at a moment when the target charging voltage becomes higher than the charging reference voltage; and a controller to receive an output signal of the comparator and a clock signal and generate a digital output signal and a control signal, wherein a capacitance value of the target capacitor is measured using a time elapsed from a time when the target capacitor is initialized to a time when the transition signal is outputted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit arrangement for determining a temporal change of an output voltage of a half-bridge circuit during a dead time. In one embodiment, the circuit arrangement includes a first input for applying the output voltage. A capacitive network includes a first and a second circuit node capacitively coupled to the input, and having a terminal for a reference potential. A recharging circuit during the switched-on phase of one of a first and second switching elements, adjusts electrical potentials of the first and second nodes, the electrical potentials each being different from the reference potential. A comparator arrangement, during the dead time, determines a time difference between such times at which the electrical potentials at the first and second node each assume a given potential value, the time difference being a measure for the change with time of the output voltage.

Abstract: The present approach is based on the use of an integrated capacitance bridge circuit to measure the capacitance of a device under test. A significant feature of this approach is that the operating point is not the null point of the bridge circuit. Instead, the operating point of the bridge circuit is tuned to be away from the null point. By moving away from the null point, the output signal from the bridge circuit is increased. Preferably, this output signal is substantially larger than the input noise floor of an amplifier connected to the bridge circuit output, while being substantially less than G?DUT, where G is the gain provided by the bridge circuit transistor and ?DUT is the AC signal applied to the device under test. Experiments on graphene devices and on carbon nanotube FETs demonstrate about 10 aF resolution (graphene) and about 13 aF resolution (carbon nanotube FET) at room temperature.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for determining a temporal change of an output voltage of a half-bridge circuit during a dead time. In one embodiment, the circuit arrangement includes a first input for applying the output voltage. A capacitive network is provided having a first and a second circuit node capacitively coupled to the input, and having a terminal for a reference potential. A recharging circuit is configured, during the switched-on phase of one of a first and second switching elements, to adjust electrical potentials of the first and second nodes, the electrical potentials each being different from the reference potential. A comparator arrangement is provided that is configured during the dead time to determine a time difference between such times at which the electrical potentials at the first and second node each assume a given potential value, the time difference being a measure for the change with time of the output voltage.

Abstract: A circuit and a method for sensing differential capacitance involve using plural storing capacitors to repeatedly sample charges of the differential capacitance in an over-sampling manner, and storing the charges sampled in different transfer rounds into different storing capacitors instead of repeatedly transferring charges for a single storing capacitor, so as to collect charge averages about both inputs and noises and in turn effectively reduce RF interference and source noises.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit arrangement for determining a temporal change of an output voltage of a half-bridge circuit during a dead time. In one embodiment, the circuit arrangement includes a first input for applying the output voltage. A capacitive network is provided having a first and a second circuit node capacitively coupled to the input, and having a terminal for a reference potential. A recharging circuit is configured, during the switched-on phase of one of a first and second switching elements, to adjust electrical potentials of the first and second nodes, the electrical potentials each being different from the reference potential. A comparator arrangement is provided that is configured during the dead time to determine a time difference between such times at which the electrical potentials at the first and second node each assume a given potential value, the time difference being a measure for the change with time of the output voltage.

Abstract: A device for detecting and quantifying an unbalance between first and second electric paths (R, S; S, VPS), particularly for a touch detection system, comprises: (a) comparison means (CC; CD) receiving at respective inputs the first and second paths; (b) variable transfer capacitance means (CPB; CPC) connected to at least one of the paths; and (c) a control unit (UC) connected between the comparison means and the variable transfer capacitance means and adapted to vary the variable transfer capacitance of said variable transfer capacitance means as a function of the result (Q) produced by the comparison means up to compensation of the unbalance.

Abstract: A variable capacitance circuit includes a capacitance changing structure constructed by connecting a first construction unit, a second construction unit, a third construction unit, and a fourth construction unit, which each include a first electric element that hinders transmission of a direct current (DC) signal and has a capacitance that changes in accordance with the magnitude of an absolute value of an applied voltage, in the mentioned order in a ring. A voltage measuring apparatus measures the voltage of a measured object and includes a detection electrode capable of being disposed facing the measured object and the variable capacitance circuit described above. A power measuring apparatus includes a current measuring apparatus that measures current flowing in a measured object and the voltage measuring apparatus that measures the voltage of the measured object.

Abstract: Symmetrical differential capacitive sensors are disclosed. Methods of making and using symmetrical differential capacitive sensors are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor and method for measuring a variable affecting a micro-electromechanical component. The invention is based on creating electronics, which are preferably integrated in a single circuit and which exploit the pull-in point of a micro-electromechanical sensor component such as a direct-current reference, for measuring a variable affecting the sensor, in which case an alternating or a direct-current is arranged over the sensor with the aid of a feedback connection, so that the arrangement operates very close to the pull-in point of the sensor.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic circuit and method for measuring a capacitance. A signal generating mechanism generates a signal having a predefined frequency and predefined low and high voltage levels on one terminal of the capacitance. The other terminal of the capacitance is coupled to a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism is set to couple the other terminal of the capacitance to a first amplifier or a second amplifier for a portion of each signal cycle thereby full-wave rectifying a transient current flowing between the two terminals in the capacitance. Outputs of the first amplifier and the second amplifier are coupled to a current measurement mechanism for measuring the current. The capacitance is determined from the measured current. Several variations on this embodiment are provided.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic circuit and method for measuring a capacitance. A signal generating mechanism generates a signal having a predefined frequency and predefined low and high voltage levels on one terminal of the capacitance. The other terminal of the capacitance is coupled to a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism is set to couple the other terminal of the capacitance to a first amplifier or a second amplifier for a portion of each signal cycle thereby full-wave rectifying a transient current flowing between the two terminals in the capacitance. Outputs of the first amplifier and the second amplifier are coupled to a current measurement mechanism for measuring the current. The capacitance is determined from the measured current. Several variations on this embodiment are provided.

Abstract: A capacitance based human touch activation and switching device includes an electrode adjacent a hand contact area. The electrode is part of a capacitor and is connected to a detection device that monitors the capacitance. When a user hand is near the electrode, the capacitance increases. Based upon the change in capacitance, the device activates a switch, such as a vehicle horn, dome light or other vehicle accessory.

Abstract: A pair of sensing capacitors, each having a capacitance C1 and C2 respectively, based on a process variable, are coupled to a bridge node which is coupled to a summing node. A reference capacitor, coupled to the summing node, has a capacitance CREF greater than an expected maximum difference between the capacitances of the pair of sensing capacitors. Switches selectively couple the sensing capacitors and the reference capacitor to at least first and second voltages to derive charges representative of C1-C2 and CREF. In one embodiment the sensing capacitors are operated to charge and discharge during respective first and second phases of first cycles and the reference capacitor is operated to charge and discharge during respective first and second phases of second cycles.

Abstract: A pair of sensing capacitors, each having a capacitance C1 and C2 respectively, based on a process variable, are coupled to a bridge node which is coupled to a summing node. A reference capacitor, coupled to the summing node, has a capacitance CREF greater than an expected maximum difference between the capacitances of the pair of sensing capacitors. Switches selectively couple the sensing capacitors and the reference capacitor to at least first and second voltages to derive charges representative of C1-C2 and CREF. In one embodiment the sensing capacitors are operated to charge and discharge during respective first and second phases of first cycles and the reference capacitor is operated to charge and discharge during respective first and second phases of second cycles.

Abstract: Invention relates to a capacitive proximity switch with an electrical bridge circuit for detecting of an electrically conducting face (15) approaching or moving away, wherein the electrically conducting face (15) is part of a capacitor (for example C1) of the bridge circuit, wherein at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3, C4) and possibly at least one resistor (R9, R10) are disposed in the bridge branches of the bridge circuit as further reactances, and wherein the bridge is subjected to an alternating voltage as a bridge feed voltage (ubr). The proximity switch includes a flat multilayer printed circuit board (10) having at least two electrically insulating layers (13, 14), wherein an electrically conducting intermediate layer (11) as a first face of a capacitor is disposed between the two electrically insulating layers (13, 14).

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an impedance variable in response to a sensed physical amount of a sensor is provided which comprises an impedance-frequency conversion unit and a counter. The impedance-frequency conversion unit converts the sensor impedance to an oscillation signal a frequency of which corresponds to the sensor impedance. The impedance-frequency conversion unit comprises an impedance-voltage converter for providing a voltage corresponding to the sensor impedance, and a Wien bridge oscillator including an element an impedance of which varies in response to the voltage from the impedance-voltage converter, for generating the oscillation signal. The Wien bridge oscillator is capable of generating a square wave signal as the oscillation signal. The counter counts the number of waves (or wave number) of the oscillation signal in a predetermined time period to output a count value which can be handled as a digital signal.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor includes a chamber coupled to a region whose pressure is to be determined. The sensor includes a conductive flexible diaphragm and a pair of electrodes, each defining a capacitance with the diaphragm. Variations in pressure in the chamber cause deflection of the diaphragm which in turn causes variation in the capacitances. A processing circuit applies an excitation signal to the capacitances and couples the capacitances to inductive elements. A current through the inductive elements is detected to determine the difference in the sensor capacitances and, therefore, the deflection of the diaphragm and the pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A position detection device that comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, an alternating current (AC) bridge comprised of four variable capacitors, and a detection circuit. The first and second substrates have a flat first electrode surface and a flat second electrode surface, respectively. The second substrate is mounted opposite the first substrate with the first electrode surface opposite the second electrode surface and separated from the second electrode surface by a minute gap. The second substrate and the first substrate are movable relative to one another in the plane of the electrode surfaces. Each of the variable capacitors is composed of a first capacitor electrode located on the first electrode surface and a second capacitor electrode located opposite the first capacitor electrode on the second electrode surface.

Abstract: A bridge-type capacitance transducer comprising four active components is disclosed. The symmetry of this transducer is maintained in the presence of capacitance change induced by motion. Consequently, there is greater immunity to extraneous stray capacitances, thus greater sensitivity and range of linearity. Sensitivity is further increased by means of synchronous detection at the output.

Abstract: A capactive sensor contains a bridge circuit (1,2,3,4) which is comprised of an electrode surface (21) and a reference electrode surface (24) with the electrode surfaces located on the opposite sides of a plate. The bridge circuit is constructed as a multi-layered printed circuit board. The feed areas (23) which are opposite the electrode areas (21, 24) on one or two inner layers serve as feed capacitors (1, 2) in the bridge circuit (1, 2, 3, 4).

Abstract: A circuit for relatively accurately measuring the capacitance of a pair of capacitive elements which may be part of an accelerometer. The circuit includes a drive circuit, a switching circuit, a pair of bridge capacitors and a detector circuit. The bridge capacitors and the capacitive elements are connected together to form a bridge. Common nodes between the capacitive elements and the bridge capacitors are interconnected together by the switching circuit in a first mode of operation to force a reference or null condition to enable the common nodes to discharge to a predetermined reference voltage. The common nodes are isolated from one another in a second mode of operation during which time the bridge is charged to a predetermined voltage by the drive circuit to enable the detector circuit connected to the common nodes to detect differences in voltage between each of the two common nodes.

Abstract: A circuit for measuring variations in the capacitance of a variable capacr forming part of a sensor includes an oscillator which generates an alternating signal which is supplied to two branches of a detection bridge. The first branch includes the variable capacitor connected in series with a variable capacitance diode. The second branch includes a capacitor connected in series with a variable capacitance diode. A differential stage has each of its in puts connected to the common point of a respective one of the branches. Synchronous demodulation means connected to the oscillator, are connected to the output of the differential stage for delivering a DC unbalance voltage Ve which is injected by a feedback line to the common point of the first branch, thereby continuously balancing the detection bridge.

Abstract: Automatic bridge balancing apparatus includes a reference impedance and a measuring terminal pair for receiving an unknown impedance. A source of a test signal is coupled to the reference impedance and the measuring terminal pair. A measuring detector is connected in series with the unknown impedance when connected to the measuring terminal pair to provide a measured signal. A reference detector is coupled to the reference impedance to provide a reference signal. A combiner combines the measured signal with the reference signal to provide an error signal. The reference detector includes an up/down counter coupled to a digital attenuator that provides the reference signal. A controller responds to the error signal to control the count in the up/down counter so that the associated digital attenuator provides a signal to the combiner that reduces the error signal so that the count in the up/down counter is characteristic of the unknown impedance.

Abstract: A current comparator bridge for measuring the value of an unknown capacitor includes a current comparator having a first comparator winding with an adjustable tap which is connected to one side of a standard capacitor and a second comparator winding connected to one side of an unknown capacitor, a high voltage source being connected to the other side of the capacitors. The current comparator is provided with a detection winding for detecting when the ampere-turns in the first and second comparator windings are equal and opposed to each other. In addition to the current through the standard capacitor being applied to the first comparator winding, the bridge includes a circuit to add a current through a standard conductance to the first comparator winding as well as circuits to compensate for errors. The detection winding is connected to a current-to-voltage converter with an adjustable gain which provides a signal to a phase sensitive detector.