Abstract: An electric machine includes a first active part, which has a plurality of active part segments disposed one behind the other in a direction of movement of the electric machine, with each of the active part segments including a position measuring device, and a second active part with a measuring device for identifying the respective position measuring device. Each position measuring device has at least one position measuring unit having a dielectric constant, wherein the dielectric constant of the position measuring unit in one of the active part segments is different than the dielectric constant in an adjacent one of the active part segments. The measuring device includes at least one measuring unit to determine the dielectric constant of the position measuring units.

Abstract: The capacitive measuring circuit for a moved elongated test material contains at least two measuring capacitors, each of which is configured for receiving the test material. It further contains electrically actuatable selection means, by means of which one of the measuring capacitors can be selected in such a way that only the selected measuring capacitor contributes to the measurement, whereas the other measuring capacitors do not. As a result, the total capacitance of the measuring circuit is reduced and its sensitivity is increased.

Abstract: A capacitance sensing system may include a first selection circuit that couples N electrodes of a first electrode set to a capacitance sense circuit; and a second selection circuit that couples M electrodes of a second electrode set, substantially simultaneously, to a signal generator circuit as a group to induce current in the N electrodes by mutual capacitance between the M and N electrodes; wherein N is at least one, and M>N.

Abstract: A capacitance sensor has a substrate, a vibration electrode plate formed over an upper side of the substrate, a back plate formed over the upper side of the substrate to cover the vibration electrode plate, and a fixed electrode plate arranged on the back plate facing the vibration electrode plate. At least one of the vibration electrode plate and the fixed electrode plate is divided into a plurality of regions. A sensing unit configured by the vibration electrode plate and the fixed electrode plate is formed in each of the divided regions. The plurality of sensing units output a plurality of signals having different sensitivities. At least some sensing units of the sensing units have vibration electrode plates having areas different from the areas of the vibration electrode plates in the other sensing units.

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: Provided herein is a multi-axis sensor including: a pair of electrodes positioned such that at least partial areas thereof face each other; an elasticity member having one of the pair of electrodes installed in its upper portion and another of the pair of electrodes installed in a lower portion; and a sensor unit electrically connected with the pair of electrodes, and configured to detect a change of capacitance value between the pair of electrodes and a change of resistance value of the elasticity member.

Abstract: Capacitive sensing devices are provided that include a sensing pattern of conductive traces disposed upon the surface of a substrate and a first passive circuit element that includes a metallic conductor disposed upon the same surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the first passive circuit element is a component of an electronic circuit that can be, for example, a low pass filter. Provided capacitive sensing devices are useful, for example, when incorporated into projected touch screen display panels for use on electronic devices.

Abstract: This invention provides a MEMS device, including: a mass structure having at least one anchor; at least one flexible structure connected with the mass structure at the at least one anchor; a plurality of top electrodes located above the mass structure and forming a top capacitor circuit with the mass structure; and a plurality of bottom electrodes located under the mass structure and forming a bottom capacitor circuit with the mass structure. The projections of the plural top electrodes on the mass structure along a normal direction of the mass structure are located at opposite sides of the anchor, and the projections of the plural bottom electrodes on the mass structure along a normal direction of the mass structure are located at opposite sides of the anchor. This invention also provides a MEMS compensation structure.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing system for being connected to a heating element comprises a capacitive detector connectable to the heating element and a common mode choke for essentially preventing alternating current from flowing from the heating element to the heating current supply. The capacitive detector is configured for driving an alternating current into the heating element and for producing an output indicative of capacitance based upon the alternating current. The choke has a first and a second winding for connecting the heating element with the heating current supply. The choke comprises a third winding connected in parallel of the first and/or second winding. The capacitive detector is configured for measuring a portion of the alternating current flowing across the third winding and for taking into account the measured portion of alternating current when producing the output.

Abstract: A device for non-destructive testing of an electrically conductive part including: an induction portion, a receiving portion, and a processor. The induction portion includes an inductor dissociated into n layers supplied at different frequencies f1, f2, . . . , fn, wherein the receiving portion includes plural magnetic receivers supplied at different frequencies f1?, f2?, . . . , fn? connected to one another in at least one column, each magnetic receiver being positioned under a layer, the indices n and m being integers >2, and wherein the processor makes it possible to know the magnetic field in each of the magnetic receivers of a column.

Abstract: A plural-frequency capacitive occupancy sensing system comprises an antenna electrode and a detection circuit, which is configured to drive the antenna electrode at least with a first and a second signal at a first and a second frequency, respectively, so as to obtain at least a first and a second measurement value indicative of at least one of conductance, susceptance, resistance, reactance and capacitance between the antenna electrode and a reference node, at the first frequency and the second frequency, respectively. The detection circuit compares the capacitance between the antenna electrode and the reference node with a threshold capacitance, the threshold capacitance being derived from a difference between the first and second measurement values and/or the capacitance between the antenna electrode and the reference node being corrected based upon the difference between the measurement values. The detection circuit outputs an occupancy state signal depending on the comparison.

Abstract: A capacitance detecting circuit includes a constant current source supplying a constant current to a voltage detection point, a time measuring unit measuring time of charge until the voltage of the voltage detection point reaches a prescribed voltage, a storage unit and an operation unit. The storage unit stores first data obtained in advance concerning the time of charge of a capacitance element having a known capacitance value, and second data obtained in advance concerning the time of charge of a capacitance component. The operation unit generates third data representing the time of charge of an object of detection from a difference between the first measurement value of the time measuring unit when the capacitance component is connected to the voltage detection point and the second data, and based on the ratio between the third data and the first data and the known capacitance value, calculates the capacitance value of the object of detection.

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: Touchscreen testing techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a conductor is placed proximal to a touchscreen device and the touchscreen device is tested by simulating a touch of a user by placing the conductor in a grounded state and lack of a touch by the user by placing the conductor in an ungrounded state.

Abstract: A training device that includes a receiving surface on its handle, multiple capacitive sensor elements disposed within multiple grip areas on the receiving surface, a sense circuit configured to compare the capacitance measurements with threshold capacitance values and generate a signal when the capacitance measurements indicate a touch on the grip area and an indicator.

Abstract: A contamination detection apparatus may include an optical element having an outer surface and an other surface opposing the outer surface, a first capacitor plate located on the outer surface at an outer periphery of the optical element, and a second capacitor plate located on the outer surface at the outer periphery of the optical element. The second capacitor plate is located adjacent the first capacitor plate and separated from the first capacitor by a gap to form a capacitor, whereby a contaminant is electrically detected based on the contaminant entering the gap and varying a capacitance value corresponding to the capacitor.

Abstract: An electromechanical polymer (EMP) sensor includes (a) a first set of EMP layers provided between a first electrode and a second electrode forming a capacitor, the first set of EMP layers having one or more EMP layers capable of being activated by application of a voltage across the first and second electrodes; and (b) a sensing circuit coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode for detecting a change in capacitance or a change in voltage across the first and second electrodes. The EMP sensor may further include means for disconnecting the second electrode from a ground reference after the pre-determined voltage is applied, such that the sensing circuit senses a change in capacitance. The sensing circuit may be capable of detecting a noise portion of a voltage across the first and second electrode.

Abstract: A multi-mass resonator and a common-mode detection circuit are provided. The common-mode detection circuit, for example, may include a plurality of sensing electrodes, an interface circuit configured to interface with the plurality of sensing electrodes, and a common-mode capacitance extractor circuit electrically coupled in parallel to the interface circuit and configured to detect common-mode capacitance between the plurality of sensing electrodes and output a voltage representative the detected common-mode capacitance, and a differential-mode capacitance extractor circuit electrically coupled in parallel to the interface circuit and configured to detect differential-mode capacitance between the plurality of sensing electrodes and output a voltage representative the detected differential-mode capacitance.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The capacitive sensor assembly includes a capacitive sensor element which has at least one first electrical conductor element, and a reference conductor element defining an electrical reference potential and being interspaced from the first electrical conductor element. The first electrical conductor element is designed as an outer conductor surrounding the reference conductor element which represents the inner conductor.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor assembly for a motor vehicle for detecting seat occupancy is provided. The capacitive sensor assembly includes a capacitive sensor element which has at least one first electrical conductor element, and an electrical heating element which has at least one electrically operated heating conductor and which is interspaced from the first electrical conductor element. The first electrical conductor element is designed as an external conductor surrounding the heating conductor.

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: An embodiment of an integrated circuit device may comprise an integrated circuit package, a sensor element attached within the integrated circuit package, a capacitance sensor coupled with the sensor element and situated within the integrated circuit package, wherein the capacitance sensor is configured to measure a capacitance of the sensor element, and an output pin positioned at the exterior of the integrated circuit package, wherein the output pin is configured to carry a signal based on the measured capacitance of the sensor element.

Abstract: A flexible capacitance sensor having multiple layers for communicating signals to a data acquisition system for reconstructing an image of an area or object located in a subject being sensed, the flexible capacitance sensor having a flexible layer of capacitance plates; a flexible shielding ground layer next to the layer of capacitance plates; a flexible layer of signal traces next to the shielding ground layer, where the layer of signal traces has a plurality of trace lines; and where the capacitance sensor is flexible and adapted to be wrapped around the subject being sensed. The sensor is adapted to communicate signals via the plurality of trace lines to a data acquisition system for providing an image of the area or object between the capacitance plates.

Abstract: A capacitive occupant detection system comprises at least one antenna electrode to be arranged in a seat and an evaluation unit operatively coupled to said at least one antenna electrode, said evaluation unit being configured for applying, during operation, an alternating voltage signal to said antenna electrode and for detecting an amplitude and/or phase of a displacement current flowing from said antenna electrode towards ground. According to the invention said antenna electrode comprises an antenna electrode conductor and at least one dedicated ground electrode, said ground electrode being arranged at a predetermined distance of said antenna electrode conductor and extending along said antenna electrode conductor.

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: Two sensing units are configured as an exciter and a sensor connected to two trace lines, respectively, for mutual capacitance sensing from the capacitance units including these two trace lines. The two sensing units connect the two trace lines together to balance them to a same voltage level first, and then disconnect them from each other. Thereafter, the exciter connects the first trace line to an excitation node to induce a charge change on the second trace line, and the sensor senses the charge change to detect the variation of the mutual capacitance between the two trace lines.

Abstract: A method for cell characterization with Miller capacitance includes characterizing input capacitance of an input of a first stage in a cell by considering a first current transition at the input of the first stage up to a first stop time. The first stop time occurs during the first current transition exhibits a substantial tail portion contributed by the later of a first input voltage transition and a first output voltage transition reaching a corresponding steady state voltage. The first input voltage transition is associated with the input of the first stage. The first output voltage transition is associated with an output of the first stage coupled to the input through a capacitor.

Abstract: Techniques for measuring on-chip component parameters are described herein. In one embodiment, a method for measuring one or more on-chip component parameters comprises measuring a time for an on-chip capacitor to charge to a voltage approximately equal to a reference voltage, and measuring a time for the on-chip capacitor to charge to a voltage approximately equal to a voltage across an on-chip component. The method also comprises determining a parameter of the on-chip component based on the measured time for the on-chip capacitor to charge to the voltage approximately equal to the reference voltage, the measured time for the on-chip capacitor to charge to the voltage approximately equal to the voltage across the on-chip component, and the reference voltage.

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: A device is provided for protecting an electronic payment terminal, which includes at least one printed circuit and one casing. The device includes at least one capacitive detector having a first part electrically connected to the printed circuit and a second part mounted within the casing of the electronic payment terminal without being electrically connected to the first part. The at least one capacitive detector is configured to deliver a reference capacitance when it is mounted in the electronic payment terminal. The device also includes a capacitive measurement microprocessor electrically connected to the at least one capacitive detector and configured to detect a variation in capacitance of the at least one capacitive detector. The device includes a transmitter for transmitting a piece of information representing the variation in capacitance when an absolute value of a difference between the measured capacitance and the reference capacitance exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensing device that includes a flexible substrate having an elongated structure extending between a first end and a second end, the elongated structure being compliant material that is flexible and bendable from a linear, non-bent position to multiple bendable positions. The sensing device also includes a first compliant strain sensing element embedded within the compliant material and extending between the first end and the second end along a longitudinal length of the elongated structure. The first compliant strain sensing element includes a second compliant material that is flexible and bendable, where an electrical property of the first compliant strain sensing element changes in proportion to an applied strain on the elongated structure.

Abstract: Capacitive sensing devices are provided that include a sensing pattern of conductive traces disposed upon the surface of a substrate and a first passive circuit element that includes a metallic conductor disposed upon the same surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the first passive circuit element is a component of an electronic circuit that can be, for example, a low pass filter. Provided capacitive sensing devices are useful, for example, when incorporated into projected touch screen display panels for use on electronic devices.

Abstract: A multi purpose capacitive sensor suitable for indicating close proximity of a person to a surface along a large-size truck as well as along a medium-size painting or a pocket-size mobile phone is disclosed. The sensor comprises a voltage measuring device provided with a signal ground connected to a first pole of an oscillating voltage source that has a second pole connected to a signal input of the voltage measuring device. This input has a first capacitance to earth and a second capacitance to the signal ground. A third capacitance is exhibited to earth by the second pole of said voltage source. According to the invention, a prebias component is connected between the second pole of the voltage source and the signal input of the voltage measuring device.

Abstract: A capacitance distribution detection circuit includes a multiplexer, a driver, and a sense amplifier. The multiplexer switches states between a first connection state and a second connection state. The first connection state drives first signal lines in parallel so that voltages are applied, outputs, along second signal lines, a linear sum of electric charges stored in capacitors corresponding to that respective one of the second signal lines, and estimates, a capacitance of capacitors formed along that second signal line. The second connection state drives, the second signal lines in parallel so that voltages are applied, outputs, along the first signal lines, a linear sum of electric charges stored in the capacitors corresponding to that respective one of the first signal lines, and estimates, a capacitance of the capacitors formed along that first signal line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive sensing apparatus for sensing an object, wherein the capacitive sensing apparatus comprises a capacitive sensor (2) for capacitively sensing the object (3) and an enclosure (4) for enclosing the capacitive sensor (2). The enclosure (4) comprises a contact side (6) for contacting the object (3) during sensing, wherein the enclosure (4) and the capacitive sensor (2) are adapted for sensing the object (3) by the capacitive sensor (2) through the contact side (6) of the enclosure (4). The enclosure (4) and the capacitive sensor (2) are separable from each other for using the capacitive sensor (2) as a reusable device and for using the enclosure (4) as a disposable device. This allows capacitively sensing an object with a new, uncontaminated enclosure (4) and a reused capacitive sensor (2) and, thus, under improved hygienic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high frequency detection device that detects a high frequency voltage signal according to a high frequency voltage generated in a power transmission body. The high frequency detection device includes a substrate and a capacitance conductor fixed to the substrate. The capacitance conductor includes a penetration portion and a capacitor electrode. In the penetration portion, the power transmission body is disposed so as to extend along the penetration portion in a state in which the axial direction of the power transmission body and the substrate are substantially orthogonal. The capacitor electrode is provided to be opposed to the power transmission body.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer having a reaction vessel in which an analyte is caused to react with a reagent; a probe for suctioning the reacted analyte from the reaction vessel; an analyzer unit for analyzing the reacted analyte; a transfer channel for transferring the reacted analyte suctioned by the probe to the analyzer unit 6; and a liquid-surface detector, connected to the reaction vessel and the probe via signal lines 1a and a pair of signal lines 4a and 4b, respectively, for detecting the electrical characteristics between the probe and the reaction vessel. A switch is located between the signal lines 4a and 4b that connect the liquid-surface detector to the probe, so that the switch can connect or disconnect the signal line 4a to/from the signal line 4b.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring loads in a landing gear torque linkage includes a main pin having an axial interior bore defined therein. The main pin is configured and adapted to engage a torque link to a strut lug of a landing gear strut. A core pin is mounted axially within an interior bore of the main pin and is spaced radially inwardly from the interior bore for relative displacement with respect to the main pin. A capacitor is included having an inner capacitor plate mounted to the core pin. An outer capacitor plate is mounted to the main pin. Relative displacement of the core pin and the main pin due to loads acting on the torque link and strut lug results in relative displacement of the inner and outer capacitor plates. Signals can thereby be produced indicative of the loads acting on the torque link.

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: The present invention relates to the field of detection apparatus and/or methods. One aspect relates to an apparatus and/or detection methods for sensing material and/or detection of a predetermined characteristic within a detection zone. Another aspect relates to a method for improving the accuracy of an inspection device by capturing the human interpretation of its classification decision. Still another aspect relates to detection of relatively hard to detect items, for example items inside sealed packages. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of monitoring and/or improving the operation of a detection apparatus in which a detection result is obtained, and an adjustment (if necessary) is made in accordance with a comparison.

Abstract: A capacitor based sensor for angular position detection having two fixed plates arranged at an angle and a semicircular rotating plate in between. The sensor can determine any angular position in the full 0-360 degrees range. The sensor may be temperature compensated, and integrated with electronics such that sensor module only has two electrical leads, one for input power and one for input/output digital data. A method for converting capacitance measurements to an angle is also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment of a capacitive sensor array may comprise a first plurality of sensor elements and a second sensor element comprising a main trace, where the main trace intersects each of the first plurality of sensor elements to form a plurality of intersections. A unit cell may be associated with each of the intersections, and each unit cell may designate a set of locations nearest to the corresponding intersection. A contiguous section of the main trace may cross at least one of the plurality of unit cells. Within each unit cell, the second sensor element may comprise at least one primary subtrace branching away from the main trace.

Abstract: A processing system for a capacitive sensor device comprises circuitry and logic; and the capacitive sensor device comprises a first plurality of sensor electrodes and a second plurality of sensor electrodes. The processing system is configured to acquire a first plurality of capacitive measurements by emitting and receiving first electrical signals with the first plurality of sensor electrodes of the capacitive sensor device. The processing system is also configured to select a first set of the first plurality of sensor electrodes based on the first plurality of capacitive measurements. The processing system is further configured to acquire a second plurality of capacitive measurements by emitting second electrical signals with the first set of the first plurality of sensor electrodes and receiving the second electrical signals with the second plurality of sensor electrodes.

Abstract: A capacitance sensing circuit comprises a capacitive device having a capacitance, the device initially being at a first voltage level. The capacitance sensing circuit is capable of applying one or more pull-up currents to the device during one or more corresponding pull-up periods of time, for changing the first voltage level into one or more corresponding pull-up voltage levels; applying a measurement current to the device; and measuring a measurement period of time, during which one of the pull-up voltage levels changes into a second voltage level. A method of sensing a capacitance of a capacitive device comprises applying a first voltage to the device; applying one or more pull-up currents during corresponding pull-up times, for changing the first voltage into corresponding pull-up voltages; applying a measurement current; and measuring a time, during which one pull-up voltage changes into a second voltage.

Abstract: A device with one or more sensors for monitoring the effectiveness of sand compaction on a production line. The sensor's response measures the changes in sand compaction, which is affected by the mechanics of the vibration system, changes in the sand properties, and environmental changes. A sensor comprises multiple chambers where the sand is compacted, with each of these chambers having a different difficulty in resisting sand filling and compaction. The difficulty of filling and compacting the sand in these chambers can be controlled using factors such as geometry of each of the chambers and direction of the fill and compaction of sand.

Abstract: A sensing device for measuring force and/or torque includes a top part with a top electrode structure, a bottom part with a bottom electrode structure, and a support structure. The support structure includes spring elements for supporting the top part on the bottom part with the top electrode structure parallel to and facing the bottom electrode structure. The spring elements provide a gap between the top and bottom electrode structures and allow displacement of the top part relative to the bottom part in three orthogonal directions two parallel and one perpendicular to the bottom plate, and for rotation of the top part relative to the bottom part around three orthogonal axes, corresponding with the two parallel and one perpendicular directions. The displacement and/or rotation induce a change in distance between and/or overlap area of the top and bottom electrodes and a corresponding change of capacitance.

Abstract: A method for determining the frequency-dependent dielectric permittivity spectrum of a rock sample, comprising:—defining a series of electromagnetic measurement data comprising at least a first measurement at a frequency from which a substantially frequency-independent value of dielectric permittivity ??, can be obtained; and at least second and third measurements at different frequencies from which values for frequency-dependent dielectric permittivity ?rock (f) can be obtained; and—using the first, second and third measurements to determine the frequency-dependent spectrum of the sample.

Abstract: In a sensor circuit arrangement, a capacitance of a sensor capacitor is measured by a circuit which supplies a corresponding sensor signal. The circuit comprises a differential amplifier with an input, an output and a feedback loop between the input and the output. It further comprises a first capacitor arranged in the feedback loop, and a switching arrangement for charging the sensor capacitor from a voltage source in a first phase and for transferring a charge from the sensor capacitor to the integrating capacitor in a second phase. The circuit further comprises a second capacitor arranged in parallel to the first capacitor in the second phase for limiting a gain of noise generated by the differential amplifier. The sensor circuit arrangement further includes a low pass filter for filtering the sensor signal.

Abstract: A sensing device includes an oscillator, a driver, a switch, a counter and a timer. The oscillator includes an input coupled to a reference capacitor. The driver alternately sources and sinks current in accordance with an oscillation signal outputted by the oscillator. The switch connects or disconnects the reference capacitor with a sensing capacitor. The counter counts value for the oscillation signal. The timer counts operation periods respectively when the switch connects the reference capacitor with the sensing capacitor and when the switch disconnects the reference capacitor with the sensing capacitor, and the counter counts values corresponding to conditions of the switch connecting and disconnecting the reference capacitor with the sensing capacitor during the operation periods, respectively.

Abstract: A lamp and proximity assembly is provided that includes a lens having a transparent window and a light source disposed to illuminate light through the transparent window of the lens. The lamp and proximity assembly further includes a proximity switch having one or more proximity sensors disposed near a perimeter of the transparent window of the lens and generating an activation field proximate to the transparent field of the lens to sense activation of the proximity switch to control activation of the light source.