Abstract: According to various implementations, an apparatus for electromagnetic impedance spectrographic characterization of a material under test (MUT) includes: a planar array of at least two electrodes configured to be placed in electromagnetic communication with the MUT, wherein during operation of the planar array, at least one of the electrodes comprises a transmitting electrode for transmitting an electromagnetic signal over a range of frequencies through the MUT to at least one receiving electrode in the planar array; and a backer ground plate at least partially surrounding the at least two electrodes, the backer ground plate being electrically grounded and insulated from the at least two electrodes, wherein the backer ground plate extends from a plane formed by the at least two electrodes and separates the at least two electrodes to create an electrically isolated volume proximate to the at least two electrodes.

Abstract: An in-wall feature detection device of mutual capacitive technology comprises a housing, a detection baseplate, and at least one capacitive sensing baseplate. The detection baseplate is disposed in the housing and has a central processing module and a capacitance value conversion module and is electrically connected to at least one display module. The capacitive sensing baseplate is provided with driving modules and receiving modules, the driving and receiving modules are arranged in a crisscross manner and electrically connected to the capacitance value conversion module. The in-wall feature detection device is capable of using an electric field change between the driving and receiving modules to determine whether there is a blocking object in a wall, and further generating a corresponding light signal through the central processing module to display a shape of the blocking object. Thereby determining a position and the shape of the blocking object during construction.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a control unit, a semiconductor memory, a reference capacitance unit, a determination capacitance unit, a calibration circuit configured to supply a selection signal to the reference capacitance unit to selectively connect capacitors to differing potentials, and a determination circuit configured to charge a capacitance of the reference capacitance unit, to charge a capacitance of the determination capacitance unit, and to attain a comparison result by comparing the differing potentials. The control unit is configured to control rewriting of the semiconductor memory on the basis of a determination result of the determination circuit.

Abstract: A virtual space configuration system of an artificial reality system can detect a user posture and provide various corresponding customizations of the system's virtual space. The virtual space configuration system can, when a user is in a seated posture, provide for seated virtual space customizations. In various implementations, these customizations can include allowing adjustment of a floor height; setting a flag that can be surfaced to applications to adjust the applications' mechanics for seated users; customizing display of virtual space boundaries when in seated mode to be less intrusive; providing options to detect when a user leaves seated mode and trigger corresponding actions; provide a passthrough workspace area allowing a user to interact with certain real-world objects naturally without having to remove a virtual reality headset; or automatically determining virtual space dimensions for seated users.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a non-volatile memory device includes forming a device isolation structure in a substrate, forming a floating gate, an inner layer dielectric (ILD) layer, and a floating gate contact on the substrate, and forming an interconnect structure on the ILD layer. The interconnect structure includes alternately stacked metal layers and inter metal dielectric (IMD) layers and vias connecting the upper and lower metal layers. In the method, after the ILD layer is formed, first and second comb-shaped contacts are simultaneously formed in at least one of the ILD layer and the IMD layers above the device isolation structure, wherein the first comb-shaped contact is a floating gate extension part, and the second comb-shaped contact is a control gate. During the forming of the interconnect structure, a structure is simultaneously formed for electrically connecting the floating gate extension part to the floating gate contact.

Abstract: A moisture detector includes a sensor chip and a moisture determining unit. The sensor chip includes a humidity detector having a detection surface on which to measure humidity, and also includes a heater heating the detection surface, and the moisture determining unit is configured to, after causing the heater to start heating, determine whether moisture is present on the detection surface based on a difference in changes in the humidity measured by the humidity detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ground penetrating radar for determining thickness, density and moisture are therefore provided. According to an embodiment, a ground penetrating radar (GPR) system comprises a system controller configured to produce an electromagnetic signal for signal penetration of a pavement material. Further, the GPR system comprises a frequency modulated continuous wave controller. Further, the GPR system comprises an ultra wide band (UWB) antenna coupled to the system controller, wherein the UWB antenna is configured to transmit the produced electromagnetic signal to the pavement material and receive the electromagnetic signal as a reflection from the pavement material. Further, the system controller is further configured to receive the electromagnetic signal from the UWB antenna.

Abstract: A robot including: for at least one sub-part, at least one measurement electrode, at least one type of electrical polarization for polarizing the at least one measurement electrode at a first alternating electrical potential, and the at least one polarization type is also arranged in order to polarize at least one electrically conductive part of the outer wall of at least one sub-part, at an alternating electrical potential (VG), called guard potential, identical or substantially identical to the first potential, at a working frequency.

Abstract: An autonomous garden weeding robot includes a chassis, a motorized cutting subsystem, and a drive subsystem for maneuvering the chassis. A weed sensor subsystem is located on the chassis at a first elevation from the ground and a crop/obstacle sensor subsystem is located on the chassis at a second, higher elevation from the ground. The drive subsystem is controlled to maneuver the chassis about a garden. Upon detection of a weed, the motorized cutting subsystem is energized to cut the weed. The motorized cutting subsystem is de-energized after the chassis has moved a predetermined distance and/or after a predetermined period of time. Upon detection of a crop or obstacle, the drive subsystem is controlled to maneuver the chassis away from the obstacle.

Abstract: A single plate capacitive bubble detection sensor. The detector may employ a single active plate. A parasitic capacitance of the active plate relative to the environment may be monitored without reference to any particular ground source. In this regard, highly sensitive measurements may be made of a tube disposed adjacent to the active plate to detect, for example, the presence of air, liquid, or a change between liquid and air in the tube.

Abstract: An analyte in a liquid sample is detected using a capacitive sensor having electrodes and a sensor surface, and a signal processor. The sample is dried to reduce its liquid content, and capacitive measurements are made after the drying and preferably also before the drying. The sample may include particles, and the analyte is part of or attached to the particles, and the particles provide a major part of the capacitance change compared to absence of particles. In another example the particles are degenerative and form an integral mass upon application of heat, enhancing the extent of capacitance change.

Abstract: A low-power non-contact proximity sensor with improved sensitivity. In particular, the non-contact proximity sensor includes a capacitive sensor decoupled from a surrounding environment by a guard ring. Both the capacitive sensor and the guard ring are driven by a direct current (DC) power source, with the guard ring driven based on feedback from the voltage applied to the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: An object approach detection apparatus (ACU) includes an input interface (IN) for receiving a response signal from a proximity sensor (PSj) measured relative to a first base-value of said at least one sensor. A filter module (FM) is configured to filter said response signal to produce a filtered response signal. A proximity event declarator (PED) is configured to declare a proximity event has occurred if the filtered response signal fulfils a first condition, in particular crosses a first threshold. A base value adaptor (BVA) is configured to choose a new base value in response of the declaring that the proximity event has occurred.

Abstract: In some aspects, a device is provided having a member with a region of enhanced electrochemical activity. In one aspect, a sensor of enhanced electrochemical activity is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The sensor may include a sensor member of a semiconductor material wherein the sensor member has a surface region of enhanced electrochemical activity. In other aspects, the member may be made of semiconducting foam having a surface region of enhanced electrochemical activity. In some embodiments, the region may be thermally-induced. Manufacturing methods and apparatus are also provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A medication injector for dispensing liquid medications to people includes a container which is filled with the liquid and which has an opening at one end for dispensing the liquid and at least one pair of capacitive measuring electrodes disposed opposite each other in the outer region of the container, in particular on the wall, for determining the permittivity of the respective medium in the intermediate region between the measuring electrodes. The measuring electrodes are used by the injector to determine the fill level of the container. A shielding surrounds the measuring electrodes in the manner of a sheath, is disposed around the container, and reduces possible external interfering influences on the capacitive measurement, such as those resulting from contact, for example. Additionally, a contact sensor is provided which can indicate the measurement as invalid.

Abstract: A system for detecting a living being using electric fields may include sensors configured to generate and receive an electric field. The system may include at least one amplifier connected to at least one electrode of a sensor, a controller to operate the sensors, and a processor connected to the controller. The processor may output a signal representative of the presence or absence of a living being present in the electric fields or representative of a distance between the sensor and the living being. The sensors may be attached to a rigid or flexible substrate forming part of a skin that can be attached to a robot, a vehicle, or another moving or autonomous device to sense the presence of a living being near the device. The device may be configured to stop moving or to move to avoid the living being in the electric field.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a plurality of first elongate electrodes (101) separated from a plurality of second transversely oriented elongate electrodes (102) by an electrolyte (103), the plurality of transversely oriented first (101) and second (102) electrodes forming an array of respective electrochemical sensor nodes at the spaced crossings thereof, wherein the first electrodes (101) are configured such that the interaction of an analyte with the first electrode (101) at a sensor node affects an electrical property of the sensor node, and wherein the apparatus comprises respective terminals connected to each electrode (101, 102) for electrical connection to a measurement circuit to enable determination of the presence and/or amount of analyte at a particular sensor node based on a measurement of the electrical property of that sensor node.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor system has a receiving electrode with a capacitive coupling to a ground plane or ground electrode, a first transmission electrode arranged between the receiving electrode and the ground plane and having a size with respect to the receiving electrode such that the transmission electrodes covers a surface area of the receiving electrode, and a second transmission electrode arranged adjacent to the receiving electrode and which is not coupled with the first transmission electrode, wherein the second transmission electrode is driven with a higher alternating voltage than the first transmission electrode.

Abstract: A system has a gesture detection device with a plurality of input channels and an output channel which uses an alternating electric near field generated through at least one transmission electrode coupled with the output channel, wherein some of the input channels are coupled with receiving electrodes of the gesture detection device. The system further has a plurality of touch electrodes, wherein the touch electrodes are coupled with one of the input channels by multiplexing.

Abstract: A lateral test flow arrangement for a test molecule is disclosed, comprising: a test strip for transporting an analyte away from a sampling region and towards an absorbing region, the test strip having therein and remote from the sampling region, a test region for functionalization with a molecule which binds to the test molecule or to a conjugate of the test molecule; a sensing test capacitor having electrodes extending across the test strip at least partially aligned with the test region and being physically isolated therefrom; a reference test capacitor having electrodes extending across the test strip and being physically isolated therefrom; and an electronic circuit configured to measure a time-dependant capacitance difference between the sensing test capacitor and the reference test capacitor. A method for carrying out that lateral flow tests is also disclosed, as are test systems and in particular pregnancy test systems.

Abstract: A capacitive sense array configured to improve noise immunity in detecting a presence of a conductive object is described. In one embodiment, a capacitive sense array includes at least a first set of sense elements disposed in straight parallel lines along a first axis of the capacitive sense array. A second set of sense elements is disposed in crooked paths about a second axis of the capacitive sense array. The first and second sets form a capacitive sense array that includes crooked sense paths in at least one of the axes of the sense array.

Abstract: A chip package including a chip is provided. The chip includes a sensing region or device region adjacent to an upper surface of the chip. A sensing array is located in the sensing region or device region and includes a plurality of sensing units. A plurality of first openings is located in the chip and correspondingly exposes the sensing units. A plurality of conductive extending portions is disposed in the first openings and is electrically connected to the sensing units, wherein the conductive extending portions extend from the first openings onto the upper surface of the chip. A method for forming the chip package is also provided.

Abstract: A wall thickness inspection device includes an electrostatic capacity detector 4 for detecting the electrostatic capacity of a portion of an object subjected to wall thickness inspection, and an arithmetic and control unit for taking in the electrostatic capacity detected by the electrostatic capacity detector 4 and converting the electrostatic capacity to a wall thickness. The electrostatic capacity detector 4 includes a sensor unit 5 brought into contact with the surface of a portion of the object subjected to the wall thickness inspection, and an elastic body 6 for biasing the sensor unit 5 toward the portion of the object. The sensor unit 5 has a curved surface 50 with the radius of curvature R represented by 2 mm?R?10 mm.

Abstract: A device and a method for the capacitive detection of an object which is preferably arranged behind a flat article that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation or a wall, including a sensor incorporating sensor electrodes for the detection of the object, preferably for the detection of relative movements between the sensor and the flat article or a finger, where a control circuit serves for the control of the sensor electrodes and for the evaluation of the output signals of the sensor, and, due to the fact that the sensor comprises at least one sensor electrode which is surrounded by at least one further electrode, the surrounding further electrode is connected to the sensor electrode by the control circuit in such a manner that, in the event of a change of the potential of the sensor electrode, the potential of the surrounding further electrode is regulated in the opposite sense to the sensor electrode in such a way that the sensor electrode remains at a pre-determined or pre-definable potential, such th

Abstract: Techniques for correcting tail effect are described herein. In an example embodiment, a device comprises a sensor coupled with a processing logic. The sensor is configured to measure a plurality of measurements from a sensor array, where the measurements are representative of a conductive object that is in contact with or proximate to the sensor array. The sensor array comprises RX electrodes and TX electrodes that are interleaved without intersecting each other in a single layer on a substrate of the sensor array. The processing logic is configured to determine a set of adjustment values that correspond to a tail effect associated with the measurements, and to generate adjusted measurements based on the set of adjustment values, where the adjusted measurements correct a parasitic signal change of the tail effect.

Abstract: Techniques for eliminating tail effect are described herein. In an example embodiment, a device comprises a sensor coupled with a processing logic. The sensor is configured to measure a plurality of measurements from a sensor array when the sensor array is in an unsettled state, where the measurements represent a conductive object that is proximate to a touch-sensing surface of the sensor array. The processing logic is configured to determine a set of adjustment values that correspond to a tail effect associated with the plurality of measurements, and to generate adjusted measurements corresponding to the plurality of measurements based on the set of adjustment values.

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: Proximity sensing arrangements utilize one or more sensing devices to detect and/or to discern objects that are or become proximate, or are expected to be proximate to a position of interest. For example, one or more capacitive sensors may be distributed to locations about a machine, e.g., attached to, incorporated with, or otherwise associated with a moving or otherwise operating component of the machine. Corresponding control electronics drive each capacitive sensor, using a corresponding excitation signal, as well as process information read from each capacitive sensor to make intelligent proximity related decisions.

Abstract: A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates flexibly connected together, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates to measure the capacitances of the sensor plates. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuit to analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or a plurality of indicators are coupled to the controller, and are selectively activated to identify the location of a relative high capacitance, which can be indicative of an obscured feature behind a surface.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor includes at least one substrate, a capacitive touch position sensor, and a capacitive fingerprint sensor. The capacitive touch position sensor is included on the at least one substrate and in a touch sensing area. The capacitive touch position sensor includes electrodes configured to enable detection of presence and position of a touch in the touch sensing area. The capacitive fingerprint sensor is included on the at least one substrate and in as fingerprint sensing area. The capacitive fingerprint sensor includes electrodes configured to enable identification of the fingerprint of a finger placed in the fingerprint sensing area.

Abstract: An obscured feature detector operates from a stationary position on a surface being examined. The detector includes a plurality of sensor plates positioned in an array on the underside of the device, which sense the examined surface. The sensor plates are connected to a capacitance sensing circuit, which connects to indicators positioned on the back side of the detector through additional circuitry. A handle positioned on the back of the detector allows the user to grasp the device and place it in a stationary position on the surface being examined while also observing the indicators on the back side of the detector. Increases in capacitance caused by the presence of features behind or within the surface being examined are detected by the sensor plates and the capacitance sensing circuit. The indicators identify locations of larger capacitances, associated with the presence of a feature, such as a stud, beam, or electrical wiring.

Abstract: A system for detecting fluid on a substrate is provided. The system includes, but is not limited to, a sensor board, a first capacitive sensor, and a platform upon which the substrate is to be placed. The first capacitive sensor is mounted on the sensor board. The first capacitive sensor has a transmit sensor pad for transmitting a signal, a receive sensor pad for receiving the signal, and an analog-to-digital convertor connected with the receive sensor pad for analyzing the received signal. The platform is a first distance from the transmit and receive sensor pads.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for measuring a physical variable using a plurality of measuring sensors (20). Said system is characterized in that an inverting measuring signal amplifier (17; 17.1, 17.2) is connected downstream of every measuring sensor (20), one output of a sensor (20) each being connected to an inverting input of the measuring signal amplifier (17; 17.1, 17.2) connected downstream of the measuring sensor (20).

Abstract: Proximity sensing arrangements utilize one or more sensing devices to detect and/or to discern objects that are or become proximate, or are expected to be proximate to a position of interest. For example, one or more capacitive sensors may be distributed to locations about a machine, e.g., attached to, incorporated with, or otherwise associated with a moving or otherwise operating component of the machine. Corresponding control electronics drive each capacitive sensor, using a corresponding excitation signal, as well as process information read from each capacitive sensor to make intelligent proximity related decisions.

Abstract: Test structures and methods for measuring contact and via parasitic capacitance in an integrated circuit are provided. The accuracy of contact and via capacitance measurements are improved by eliminating not-to-be-measured capacitance from the measurement results. The capacitance is measured on a target test structure that has to-be-measured contact or via capacitance. Measurements are then repeated on a substantially similar reference test structure that is free of to-be-measured contact or via capacitances. By using the capacitance measurements of the two test structures, the to-be-measured contact and via capacitance can be calculated.

Abstract: An obscured feature detector operates from a stationary position on a surface being examined. The detector includes a plurality of sensor plates positioned in an array on the underside of the device, which sense the examined surface. The sensor plates are connected to a capacitance sensing circuit, which connects to indicators positioned on the back side of the detector through additional circuitry. A handle positioned on the back of the detector allows the user to grasp the device and place it in a stationary position on the surface being examined while also observing the indicators on the back side of the detector. Increases in capacitance caused by the presence of features behind or within the surface being examined are detected by the sensor plates and the capacitance sensing circuit. The indicators identify locations of larger capacitances, associated with the presence of a feature, such as a stud, beam, or electrical wiring.

Abstract: A sensor system has a support that extends along an observation zone, a row of detection subassemblies arranged one after another on the support and having subcircuits for capturing detection events within respective observation subzones defined by the respective detection subassemblies, and a base circuit on the support. The detection subassemblies are controlled with an alternating voltage having a frequency that forms a carrier frequency based on which a signal dialog occurs between the subcircuits and the base circuit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to analysis of materials using a capacitive sensor to detect anomalies through comparison of measured capacitances. The capacitive sensor is used in conjunction with a capacitance measurement device, a location device, and a processor in order to generate a capacitance versus location output which may be inspected for the detection and localization of anomalies within the material under test. The components may be carried as payload on an inspection vehicle which may traverse through a pipe interior, allowing evaluation of nonmetallic or plastic pipes when the piping exterior is not accessible. In an embodiment, supporting components are solid-state devices powered by a low voltage on-board power supply, providing for use in environments where voltage levels may be restricted.

Abstract: An extruded capacitive sensor assembly includes multiple sense conductors of unequal length disposed in an upper section of a non-conductive jacket, and a ground conductor disposed in a lower section of the jacket adjacent a panel or carrier to which the strip is affixed. A sensor strip with three sense conductors is formed by extruding a non-conductive jacket having first and second sense conductors in the upper section of the jacket, and severing the first sense conductor to create three unequal length sense conductor segments. Electrical termination to the sense and ground conductors can be made at the point where the first sense conductor is severed, or at the end of the sensor strip. In cases where only two sense conductor segments are needed, the third sense conductor segment is removed or simply un-used.

Abstract: Driver distraction in a motor vehicle is assessed by capacitively detecting the driver's head pose relative to the forward direction of vehicle motion. A symmetrical array of sensor electrodes is disposed in the cockpit ceiling above the driver's head, and pairs of electrodes disposed along varying axes of rotation with respect to the forward direction are successively activated for capacitance measurement. The capacitance measurements are combined to form a signal whose strength depends on the degree of alignment between the driver's head (i.e., the head pose) and the respective axes of rotation, and the driver's head pose is calculated to assess driver distraction.

Abstract: A method for calculating material properties of a material includes determining a dilatational wavespeed and a shear wave speed. The dilatational wavespeed is determined by conducting vertical vibration tests of two specimens of the material, one specimen being twice as thick as the other. Transfer functions are obtained from these tests and used to calculate the dilatational wavespeed. The shear wavespeed is determined by conducting horizontal vibration tests of two specimens with one specimen being twice as thick as the other. The shear wavespeed can be calculated from transfer functions obtained from these tests and the dilatational wavespeed. Other material properties can be calculated from the dilatational and shear wavespeeds. Frequency dependence of the properties can be determined by conducting the tests at different frequencies.

Abstract: A method for calculating material properties of a material includes conducting two insertion loss tests of the material having a single thickness and a double thickness. These tests are conducted at a zero wavenumber. Utilizing these insertion loss tests, a dilatational wavespeed is computed. The method continues by calculating a shear wavespeed by performing three insertion loss tests of the material at single, double and triple thicknesses. These tests are conducted at a non-zero wavenumber. A shear wavespeed can be calculated from the dilatational wavespeed and these insertion loss tests. Lamé constants, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and the shear modulus for the material of interest can then be calculated using the dilatational and shear wavespeeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible, resilient capacitive sensor suitable for large-scale manufacturing. The sensor comprises a dielectric, an electrically conductive layer on the first side of the dielectric layer, an electrically conductive layer on a second side of the dielectric layer, and a capacitance meter electrically connected to the two conductive layers to detect changes in capacitance upon application of a force to the detector. The conductive layers are configured to determine the position of the applied force. The sensor may be shielded to reduce the effects of outside interference.

Abstract: An electric field object sensing system uses a charge pumping circuit to provide a voltage over a capacitor that varies dependent upon the capacitive coupling between a transmitter electrode and a receiver electrode. The output of the charge pump is preferably fed to a high impedance read-out means, such as an analog-digital converter (ADC). The system is preferably implemented in CMOS and integrated in control circuits of electronic products.

Abstract: A high-performance miniature RF sensor that maintains gain, directivity, and isolation in a miniature package. The miniature RF sensor includes stacked current and voltage pickups disposed in a PCB construction, the sensor further including quarter wave transforming filter, triaxial shielding, and skin-effect filtering.

Abstract: A sensor chip for measuring of structures in a finger surface includes an electronic chip provided with a number of sensor electrodes for capacitance measurements. The chip further includes a first layer comprising a metal or another electrically conducting material over and coupled to the sensor electrodes and a first dielectric layer substantially covering the first metal layer.

Abstract: A wall detector (1) for detecting an object (3) embedded in a substrate (2) includes a detection antenna (5) for introducing broadband, high-frequency alternating electric fields (9) of a measurement frequency (fM) in the substrate (2); a measurement system (6) connected to the detection antenna (5) for measuring the delayed interaction of the alternating fields (9) with the object (3), a calculation device (7) for detecting the object (3) based on the measurement signal and for determining the associated depth information, and a permittivity measurement device (8) with at least one auxiliary potential plate (11) for measuring the permittivity measurement signal of the substrate at a permittivity measurement frequency (fp) that is a lower than the measurement frequency; and an associated measurement method.

Abstract: An extruded capacitive sensor assembly includes multiple sense conductors of unequal length disposed in an upper section of a non-conductive jacket, and a ground conductor disposed in a lower section of the jacket adjacent a panel or carrier to which the strip is affixed. A sensor strip with three sense conductors is formed by extruding a non-conductive jacket having first and second sense conductors in the upper section of the jacket, and severing the first sense conductor to create three unequal length sense conductor segments. Electrical termination to the sense and ground conductors can be made at the point where the first sense conductor is severed, or at the end of the sensor strip. In cases where only two sense conductor segments are needed, the third sense conductor segment is removed or simply un-used.

Abstract: A method for measuring intrinsic capacitance of a MOS device is provided. The MOS device includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal. First, provide a first input signal to the second terminal and ground the third terminal and fourth terminal. Then, charge the first terminal and measure a first current required for charging the first terminal. Afterward, provide a second input signal to the second terminal, ground the third terminal and the fourth terminal, and measure a second current required for charging the first terminal, wherein the first input signal and the second input signal have the same low level, but different high levels. Finally, determine intrinsic capacitance between the first terminal and the second terminal according to the first current, the second current and a high level difference between the first input signal and the second input signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charge transfer-based circuit arrangement for capacitive proximity switches comprising a capacitive sensor element (C3), the capacity of which changes according to the actuation mode. The circuit arrangement includes a central capacitor (C2), a first controllable connecting means (D2) that impinges the capacitive sensor element with a charging voltage (U3) according to a triggering signal, and a second controllable connecting means (T1) which connects the capacitive sensor element to the central capacitor according to the triggering signal in order to transfer the charge from the capacitive sensor element to the central capacitor. The charging voltage can be an AC voltage while the connecting means can be impinged upon by the AC voltage in such a way that the first connecting means or the second connecting means is alternately conductive.