With Voltage Or Current Signal Evaluation Patents (Class 324/713)
  • Patent number: 8026731
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for obtaining an image of the impedance properties of an object by inferring a measure of straight-line path impedance along a plurality of paths from a plurality of current amplitude and phase measurements made between combinations of electrodes placed at selected points, and/or from measurements of the intensity of the electromagnetic signal emitted when an alternating current is made to resonate along the straight line path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Jack Scott Emery
  • Patent number: 8023126
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main power unit that outputs a first DC power and an auxiliary power unit that outputs a second DC power to the components of the image forming apparatus. The auxiliary power unit includes a rechargeable capacitor. A measuring unit measures performance of the capacitor and a determining unit determines performance insufficiency of the capacitor based on the measured performance and the system configuration of the image forming apparatus. The performance is, for example, changes in a capacitance of the capacitor with time. When the determining unit determines performance insufficiency of the capacitor, a control unit adjusts, for example, a use range of the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshitaka Semma, Yoshihisa Kimura, Tetsuya Yano, Kazuo Ogawa, Kazuhito Kishi
  • Publication number: 20110221459
    Abstract: An occupant detection system includes a detection electrode provided in a vehicle seat, a phase difference measuring unit, a direct current measuring unit, and a detecting unit that detects an occupant. The phase difference measuring unit supplies a reference signal comprising a sinusoidal wave to the detection electrode via a resistive element, detects the potential of the detection electrode as an electrode signal, and measures a phase lag time of the electrode signal relative to the reference signal. The direct current measuring unit applies a steady DC voltage to the detection electrode via a resistive element, detects the potential of the detection electrode, and measures time it takes from start of application of the DC voltage to the time when the detection electrode reaches a given potential, as a charge time. The detecting unit detects an occupant based on the phase lag time and the charge time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki UNO, Junko SHIMA, Yasuhiro ISHIGURO
  • Publication number: 20110216034
    Abstract: A method of detecting a contact state includes measuring first, second, third and fourth potentials. The method further includes deriving distance information between two points when a first resistive film contacts a second resistive film at the two points, based on the first, second, third and fourth potentials. The first, second, third and fourth potentials are potentials at fourth, second, third and fourth end regions, respectively, in first, second, third and fourth states, respectively. A first end region is an end region, as viewed in a first direction, and the second end region is an end region opposite to the first end region of the first resistive film. The third end region is an end region, as viewed in a second direction, and the fourth end region is an end region opposite to the third end region of the second resistive film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masanori SAKAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8013589
    Abstract: A device includes a measurement target circuit including a first circuit, a switch provided to a measurement node of the first circuit and a second circuit connected to the measurement node of the first circuit through the switch; and a current measuring circuit including a reference current source group connected to the measurement node through the switch and making a reference current of a predetermined value flow into the first circuit, a sample hold circuit connected to the measurement node, and sampling and holding the potential of the measurement node when the first circuit is connected to the second circuit by the switch, and a comparator connected to the measurement node and an output of the sample hold circuit and comparing an output of the sample hold circuit with the potential of the measurement node when the first circuit is connected to the reference current source group by the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Hirokazu Okada
  • Patent number: 8004294
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing actuators for an inkjet head includes the step of measuring an absolute value of a coercive voltage of an active layer. The method further includes the step of sorting the actuators based at least on the coercive voltage. Each of the actuators includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an active layer positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an inactive layer wherein the second electrode is positioned between the inactive layer and the active layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Hirota
  • Patent number: 8004293
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the integrity of a ground member coupling a substrate support to a chamber body in a plasma processing system is provided. In one embodiment, a processing chamber is provided that includes a ground path member coupled between a substrate support and a chamber body. A sensor is positioned to sense a metric indicative of current passing through the ground member. In another embodiment, a method monitoring the integrity of a ground member coupling a substrate support to a chamber body in a plasma processing chamber includes monitoring a metric indicative of current passing through the ground member during processing, and setting a flag in response to the metric exceeding a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. White, Carl Sorensen
  • Patent number: 8004295
    Abstract: An electrical specific resistivity probing robot is directed to automatically measuring a three-dimensional electrical specific resistivity structure of an underground shallow region by installing a plurality of probing electrodes at regular intervals along a robot-moving caterpillar to measure difference of potentials of the electrodes at a ground plane. The electrical specific resistivity probing robot includes a frame, a driving member installed under the frame, a pair of insulating caterpillars installed to both sides of a lower portion of the frame and driven by the driving member, a plurality of probing electrodes installed along track circumferences of the caterpillars at regular intervals, a slip ring electrically slip-connected to the probing electrodes one by one, and a cable electrically connected to the slip ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience & Mineral Resources
    Inventors: Seong-Jun Cho, Jung-Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20110199224
    Abstract: A substrate inter-terminal voltage sensing circuit which can promptly sense a plasma charge-up occurring on a semiconductor wafer across a wide range without connection of a voltage measuring instrument. The substrate inter-terminal voltage sensing circuit is adapted to sense a voltage occurring between a pair of electrodes arranged on a semiconductor substrate. The voltage sensing circuit includes a resistance path that is connected between the electrodes. The voltage sensing circuit also includes a circuit power supply that is connected at one end to a midpoint of the resistance path. The voltage sensing circuit also includes at least two fuse circuits that are connected between one end of the resistance path and the other end of the circuit power supply so as to be in parallel with each other. The fuse circuits have different rated fusing currents from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: OKI SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomohiko TATSUMI
  • Patent number: 8000613
    Abstract: A system, including an improved sensor, for determining toner particle uniformity is described. The sensor measures toner particle charge, typically be having the charge on the toner particle control a current flow through the channel of a thin film transistor. By measuring the charge on many toner particles, the system determines whether sufficient toner degradation has occurred that the toner should be replaced. The sensor is particularly suitable for being formed on a thin diagnostic sheet that is input through the paper path of a printing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: William S Wong, Michael L Chabinyc, Sanjiv Sambandan, Pengfei Qi
  • Publication number: 20110193579
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to determination of physical connectivity status of devices based on electrical measurement. An embodiment of a method includes discovering a connection of a first device with a second device, and performing an electrical measurement of the second device by the first device via the connection between the first device and the second device, where performing the electrical measurement includes sensing by the first device of an element of the second device. The method further includes, if the sensing by the first device fails to detect the element of the second device and a predetermined condition for the electrical measurement is enabled, then determining by the first device that the connection with the second device has been lost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: SILICON IMAGE, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Wong, Gyudong Kim
  • Publication number: 20110193578
    Abstract: A system and method for sensing a load current that flows from an amplifier into a load of the amplifier involves obtaining a voltage drop across internal impedance of the amplifier and computing the load current using the internal impedance and the voltage drop across the internal impedance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: TEMUJIN GAUTAMA
  • Patent number: 7990162
    Abstract: A resistance measuring circuit includes a current generating component, a current control component, and a voltage measurement component. The magnitude of a target resistance can be measured by connecting the target resistance between first and second measurement terminals of the resistance measuring circuit, applying a current generated by the current generating component to the target resistance, and determining the voltage across the target resistance. When no target resistance is connected between the first and second measurement terminals, the current control component controls the current generating component to reduce current consumption of the resistance measuring circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin Eng, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110181306
    Abstract: A system for measuring leakage resistance between a high voltage (HV) system of a vehicle and a vehicle chassis includes an emulated inductance that is connected between the HV system and the vehicle chassis and that has an inductive reactance that substantially cancels a capacitive reactance between the HV system and the vehicle chassis. A signal source outputs one of an AC current signal and an AC voltage signal between the HV system and the vehicle chassis. A sensor measures one of an AC current response to the AC voltage signal between the HV system and the vehicle chassis and an AC voltage response to the AC current signal between the HV system and the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Mehmet Kadri Nalbant
  • Patent number: 7982474
    Abstract: A system and method for online monitoring of corrosion of a pressure vessel is disclosed. First and second electrodes may be isolated from each other in a wall of the pressure vessel and exposed to a corrosive environment within the pressure vessel. Additionally, the first and second electrodes may be electrically coupled such that, when an electrical potential difference exists between the electrodes, an electrical current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrical potential difference and/or the electrical current flowing between the electrodes may then be measured and analyzed to determine when to perform a corrective action on the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rebecca Evelyn Hefner, Paul Stephen DiMascio, George Albert Goller
  • Patent number: 7973543
    Abstract: Provided is a measurement apparatus that measures a current flowing through a load, including a power supply section that outputs a current supplied to the load; a current measuring section that measures a load current flowing between the load and the power supply section; a switch that is connected in parallel with the current measuring section between the load and the power supply section; and a control section that disconnects the switch during measurement of the load current and connects the switch when the load current falls outside of a predetermined reference range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Andoh, Kunihiro Matsuura, Satoshi Kodera
  • Patent number: 7965090
    Abstract: A method for identifying connected devices and an electronic device using the method are disclosed. When the connected device is connected to the electronic device, a type of the connected device is identified based on the voltage change according to a change of current flowing in therebetween, and then a corresponding function is performed based on the identified type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong Hoon Kwak
  • Patent number: 7962271
    Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g., Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Noal R. Pederson
  • Patent number: 7956616
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring a cable resistance in a power over Ethernet (PoE) application. A short circuit module in a powered device is designed to produce a short circuit effect upon receipt of a cable resistance detection voltage. The cable resistance detection voltage can be designed to be greater than a voltage for detection or classification and less than a voltage for powering of the powered device. The measurement of the current at a time when a short circuit effect is produced at the powered device enables a calculation of the actual resistance of the cable on a given PoE port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: James Yu
  • Patent number: 7958286
    Abstract: Programmable on-chip identification circuitry and associated method are disclosed that provide integrated circuits with the ability to select and report from multiple different vendor and system identification configurations. The integrated circuit device includes programmable circuitry that utilizes vendor identification, system identification, configuration or other device information provided or selected at least in part based upon selection information from a source external to the integrated circuit. The selection information may be provided through one or more externally generated digital and/or analog control signals that are then processed within the integrated circuit device to select, access and utilize desired identification information stored in an on-chip database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Bresemann, Alan F. Hendrickson, Robert C. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20110128019
    Abstract: This method is applied to a dual-use jack of an electronic device. Either a headphone plug or a line output plug is inserted into the dual-use jack. The method determines the type of a plug connected to the dual-use jack when the plug is inserted into the dual-use jack. The determination is made based on a load resistance of the plug connected to the jack. The method includes feeding an electric current through the load resistance in a first direction. The method compares a voltage across the load resistance to a reference voltage and determines the type of the plug in use. The method also includes feeding an electric current through the load resistance in a second direction. This electric current can reduce or eliminate a pop-noise when the plug type is determined. The second direction is different from the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: OKI SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Naotaka Saito
  • Patent number: 7952361
    Abstract: Provided is a test apparatus that tests a device under test, including a power supply that generates supply power supplied to the device under test; a transmission path that transmits the supply power generated by the power supply to the device under test; a high-capacitance capacitor that is provided between the transmission path and a ground potential; a low-capacitance capacitor that has a lower capacitance than the high-capacitance capacitor and that is provided between the transmission path and the ground potential at a position closer to the device under test than the high-capacitance capacitor is to the device under test; an intermediate capacitor that is provided between the transmission path and the ground potential at a position between the high-capacitance capacitor and the low-capacitance capacitor; and a current measuring section that measures current flowing through the transmission path between the intermediate capacitor and the low-capacitance capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 7953530
    Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: Neal R. Pederson, Bernie C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7944221
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically discovering total transistor resistance in a hybrid power over Ethernet (PoE) architecture. A critical factor for a PoE system is the total resistance of the power FET. Typical PoE systems consist of a single power FET that may be integrated with the controller or external to the controller. In a hybrid architecture the PoE system consists of both an internal power FET and an external power FET. The external power FET can be used to customize a design to meet a particular application or need. The total resistance in the hybrid architecture can be automatically determined using voltage and current measurements of the internal and external power FETs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Wael William Diab, Hemanth Nekkileru, Sesha Thalpasai Panguluri
  • Patent number: 7944222
    Abstract: Calculating resistance correction factors includes contacting the arms of a four-arm probe with a test sample; selecting a first set of first and second arms and a second set of third and fourth arms; applying a first current from the first arm to the second arm of the first set; detecting a first voltage between the third and fourth arms of the second set; calculating a first resistance using the first voltage and current; selecting a third set of first and second arms including no more than one arm of the first set, and a fourth set of third and fourth arms including no more than one arm of the second set; applying a second current from the first arm to the second arm of the third set; detecting a second voltage between the third and fourth arms of the fourth set; calculating a second resistance using the second voltage and current; and calculating a correction factor using the first and second resistances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Capres A/S
    Inventor: Torben M. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7940058
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the leakage current of capacitive components. A switch that grounds a terminal of a component being tested is closed while the component is charged to a desired test voltage. When this charging is complete, the switch opens so that the diode terminal is at the same potential as the input amplifier's virtual ground. An accurate and fast measurement of the leakage current of the component can be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Newton, Kenneth V. Almonte
  • Patent number: 7940063
    Abstract: A coordinate detecting device includes a resistive film disposed on a quadrangular substrate; a power source for applying a voltage to the resistive film; four electrodes connected to the power source and disposed in four corners of the resistive film; four switches each disposed between the power source and a corresponding electrode; four ammeters for measuring currents flowing through corresponding electrodes; and a grounded conductive film for detecting coordinates of a contact point on the resistive film when the conductive film is brought in contact with the resistive film. The voltage is applied sequentially to the electrodes by opening and closing the switches. When the conductive film is brought in contact with the resistive film, the ammeters sequentially measure currents flowing through the corresponding electrodes. The coordinates of the contact point are detected based on positions of the electrodes and resistances obtained using the measured currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Shimizu, Koichi Kondoh, Shiro Hirota, Norio Endo
  • Patent number: 7940059
    Abstract: A method for measuring an on resistance in an H-bridge including first and second transistors connected to a first output terminal, third and fourth transistors connected to a second output terminal, and a measurement switch connected to the first and second output terminals. The first and third transistors are connected to a first power supply terminal. The second and fourth transistors are connected to a second power supply terminal. The method includes supplying the first transistor with measurement current during a first period, measuring a first voltage at the first power supply terminal via the third transistor using the second output terminal during the first period, measuring a second voltage at the first output terminal via the measurement switch using the second output terminal during the first period, and determining the on resistance of the first transistor based on the measurement current, first voltage, and second voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Akihiro Takahashi, Hidetaka Fukazawa
  • Patent number: 7940038
    Abstract: Disclosed is an arrangement for quickly measuring the phase distribution or the component distribution in a flow cross section for substance mixtures also of a non-conducting type by measuring the complex electrical admittance. Said arrangement essentially features the following: at least one sine wave generator (5) which is mounted upstream from the transmitter electrodes (3a) of the excitation level and applies an alternating voltage to the transmitter electrodes (3a); current-to-voltage converters (7) which are mounted downstream from the receiver electrodes (3b), amplify the alternating current that flows from at least one excitation electrode (3a) through the medium to the receiver electrodes (3b), and convert said alternating current into a voltage signal; filter groups (10, 11, 16) and vector voltmeters (8) which are mounted downstream from the current-to-voltage converters (7) and allow the complex signal ratio Ua/Ue to be metrologically detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V.
    Inventors: Marco Jose Da Silva, Eckhard Schleicher, Uwe Hampel, Horst-Michael Prasser
  • Patent number: 7928742
    Abstract: A measurement transmitter, including: A microprocessor having a reset input and a clock output for providing a periodic clock signal; a monitoring circuit having a clock signal input and a reset output; and a current controller for issuing in a band range, during operation, a measurement signal current representing a measured value. The clock signal input is connected with the clock signal output and the reset input with the reset output. Upon absence of the clock signal, the reset output periodically issues a reset signal. The measurement transmitter further includes a comparator circuit having a first input, which is connected via a lowpass with the reset output of the monitoring circuit, and a second input, on which a reference voltage is applied. An output of the comparator circuit is connected with the current controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Trunzer
  • Publication number: 20110084715
    Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the resistance of high power apparatuses comprises a current source connect-able to a test object, and means for measuring, wherein the current source is a capacitor. By providing the current source as a capacitor, a light weight device is obtained which can be used essentially continuously without periods of non-use during recharging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: MEGGER SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Zoran Stanisic, Heinz Wernli, Romain Douib, Nils Wacklen
  • Patent number: 7925459
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an operating voltage lower bound for preventing photovoltaic (PV) cell reverse breakdown during power conversion. The method comprises determining a PV cell operating temperature; computing, at a controller, an operating voltage corresponding to a maximum power point (MPP) based on the PV cell operating temperature; and determining, at the controller, an operating voltage lower bound based on the operating voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Fornage
  • Patent number: 7919970
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring a characteristic impedance of a transmission-line comprises transmitting energy to the line, and shortly after measuring the voltage/current involved and thus measuring the equivalent impedance. The measured characteristic impedance may then be used in order to determine the termination value required to minimize reflections. In another embodiment, the proper termination is set or measured by adjusting the termination value to achieve maximum power dissipation in the terminating device. The equivalent characteristic impedance measurement may be used to count the number of metallic conductors connected to a single connection point. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Mosaid Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Ami Hazani, Yehuda Binder
  • Publication number: 20110062974
    Abstract: An input device is disclosed, including a first drive electrode comprising a resistive material and a first sense electrode disposed proximate to the first drive electrode. The input device further includes a processing system which is coupled with the first drive electrode and the first sense electrode. In one embodiment, the processing system is configured for electrically driving a first end of the first drive electrode and electrically driving a second end of the first drive electrode to cause a change in a voltage gradient along a length of the first drive electrode. In such an embodiment, the change in the voltage gradient generates a first electrical signal in the first sense electrode. The processing system also acquires a first measurement of the first electrical signal and determines positional information along the length of the first drive electrode based upon the first measurement, wherein the positional information is related to an input object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Shawn P. Day, Patrick Worfolk
  • Patent number: 7906977
    Abstract: A circuit for alternatively controlling a current through a device and permitting measurement of a voltage across the device or controlling a voltage across the device and permitting measurement of a current through the device includes a sense impedance in series combination with the device; a buffer communicating with a common point between the sense impedance and the device; a current output stage; and a voltage output stage. When the circuit is controlling the current through the device, the voltage output stage forces the common point to a virtual ground and the current output stage forces a desired current through the device in response to a signal from the buffer. When the circuit is controlling the voltage across the device, the current output stage forces the common point to a virtual ground and the voltage output stage forces a desired voltage across the device in response to the signal from the buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Keithley Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne C. Goeke, Martin J. Rice
  • Patent number: 7901546
    Abstract: The present invention includes systems, methods and apparatus for continuously, independently and in some cases remotely monitoring the operation of a current interrupter used to test a cathodic protection system, or the cathodic protection system itself, for verification of proper operation. Embodiments of the invention include electronic devices that may be temporarily attached to a current interrupter that is being used to test a cathodic protection system, or directly to the cathodic protection system itself. Embodiments of the invention monitor the activity of an interrupter by sampling the output (voltage and time) to identify the cycle(s) of the interrupter. The invention provides truly independent verification since it does not need to know in advance the sequence or cycle times of the current interrupter being monitored. The information obtained by the invention is output so that it may be provided to a user, displayed, downloaded or stored for future reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: M.C. Miller Co.
    Inventors: Melvin C. Miller, Marcelo Jakubzick, Juan Pablo Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 7902844
    Abstract: A voltage drop measurement circuit includes a voltage drop circuit to generate an output voltage and fluctuate the output voltage according to a fluctuation in a power supply voltage, where the output voltage being the power supply voltage dropped by a predetermined amount and a flip-flop to retain a flag indicating a drop in the power supply voltage according to the output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 7902802
    Abstract: A power measurement system is disclosed for use on an integrated circuit for measuring the power used by the integrated circuit. The power measurement system includes a low-dropout voltage regulator and a signal input unit. The low-dropout voltage regulator includes a power transistor that couples a supply voltage to a circuit to be powered by the supply voltage, and the low-dropout voltage regulator provides an internal adjustment signal (Vsen) for adjusting the internal resistance of the power transistor. The signal input unit receives the internal adjustment signal (Vsen) and provides a power measurement signal responsive to the internal adjustment signal (Vsen).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Governors for Higher Education, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
    Inventors: Jien-Chung Lo, Chuen-Song Chen
  • Patent number: 7898269
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method for measuring an analog channel resistance thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, a gate insulating layer and a gate formed on the substrate, a source and a drain formed in the substrate and at both sides of the gate, a source sense connected to the source, and a drain sense connected to the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dongbu Hitek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang Soo Jang
  • Patent number: 7898268
    Abstract: A circuit and method for capacitor effective series resistance measurement. One embodiment provides a method for measuring the effective series resistance of a capacitor having a capacitor voltage. The method includes amplifying the capacitor voltage with an AC coupled amplifier yielding a first amplified signal. The capacitor is discharged with a constant current for a measurement time thus causing a voltage swing of the capacitor voltage due to a voltage drop across the effective series resistance. The capacitor voltage is amplified with the AC coupled amplifier yielding a second amplified signal being dependent on the voltage swing. The effective series resistance is calculated from the first and the second amplified signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Derek Bernardon, Dieter Haerle
  • Patent number: 7884620
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring the moisture and salinity of a material is disclosed herein. The sensor preferably includes a soil moisture circuit, a soil salinity circuit and a probe structure. The soil moisture circuit includes a high frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference capacitor. The soil salinity circuit includes a low frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference resistor. A third voltage meter allows for voltage outputs to be measured to calculate soil moisture and soil salinity values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Green Badge, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Campbell
  • Patent number: 7884623
    Abstract: Provided is a detector having a transistor or resistor structure. When an electrode is exposed to a detected solution, such as blood, a variation in current flowing through the detected solution may be greater than a variation in the electrical characteristics of the detector caused by a variation in the physical properties of semiconductor so that it is difficult to detect whether a bio-particle is contained in the detected solution. In order to solve this problem, a detection portion and an electrical measurement portion are separately formed, and the detection portion is processed with the bio-particle and then post-processed. Subsequently, the detection portion and the electrical measurement portion are bonded to each other using, for example, a laminating process, and the detector measures a detection value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Seong Hyun Kim, Yong Suk Yang, Sang Chul Lim, Zin Sig Kim, Yoon Ho Song
  • Patent number: 7880485
    Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, a high-sensitive resistance measuring device of solder bumps comprises a resistance variation detection unit which detects a differential voltage (?V=V1?V2), which is obtained by subtracting a second voltage (V2) generated in a reference bump connection unit by a constant current (I) from a second constant current source from a first voltage (V1) generated in a monitored bump connection unit by the constant current I from a first constant current source, as a resistance variation voltage representing a resistance variation (?R) of the monitored bump connection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Naoaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7880474
    Abstract: A repeater, useable for connecting switches in a data communication network, is provided in a distributed and/or modular fashion. The repeater includes a plurality of separate and distinct components or modules connected to or at least partially housed in, the various switches which the repeater modules couple. Preferably, the repeater autodetects and/or autoconfigures some or all aspects of repeater operations, such as detecting and/or configuring appropriate full/half-duplex mode operation or detecting and/or configuring in response to appropriate or approved cable-type connections. The distributed and/or modular repeater facilitates accommodating various switching or repeater needs as a network grows or contracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cisco Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Mackay
  • Publication number: 20110012629
    Abstract: After planarization of a gate level dielectric layer, a dummy structure is removed to form a recess. A first conductive material layer and an amorphous metal oxide are deposited into the recess area. A second conduct material layer fills the recess. After planarization, an electrical antifuse is formed within the filled recess area, which includes a first conductive material portion, an amorphous metal oxide portion, and a second conductive material portion. To program the electrical antifuse, current is passed between the two terminals in the pair of the conductive contacts to transform the amorphous metal oxide portion into a crystallized metal oxide portion, which has a lower resistance. A sensing circuit determines whether the metal oxide portion is in an amorphous state (high resistance state) or in a crystalline state (low resistance state).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicants: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION, FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Satya N. Chakravarti, Dechao Guo, Chuck T. Le, Byoung W. Min, Rajeevakumar V. Thekkemadathil, Keith Kwong Hon Wong
  • Patent number: 7868622
    Abstract: Provided is a circuit for detecting power supply voltage drop having a small circuit scale. An NMOS transistor (12) generates a source voltage based on a voltage obtained by subtracting an absolute value of a threshold voltage and an overdrive voltage from a power supply voltage with reference to the power supply voltage. An NMOS transistor (17) is turned on/off based on the source voltage of the NMOS transistor (12). A PMOS transistor (15) generates a source voltage based on a voltage obtained by adding an absolute value of a threshold voltage and an overdrive voltage to a ground voltage with reference to the ground voltage. A PMOS transistor (19) is turned on/off based on the source voltage of the PMOS transistor (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Fumiyasu Utsunomiya
  • Publication number: 20100321032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electromechanical device status monitoring and equipment protection applications for industrial automation, HVAC, and other implementations; and, more particularly, to the use of current sensing devices to detect loss-of-flow conditions. Presently described embodiments can comprise simplified, compact current sensing devices that can be economical to build, inventory, distribute, and purchase. Present embodiments can easily be calibrated and/or set by hand prior to installation, and they can be configured for automatically offering proof-of-flow detection based, at least in part, on the initially provided setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Kent Jeffrey Holce, Rodrick Eren Seely, William Forrest Hudson
  • Patent number: 7852093
    Abstract: Calculating resistance correction factors includes contacting the arms of a four-arm probe with a test sample; selecting a first set of first and second arms and a second set of third and fourth arms; applying a first current from the first arm to the second arm of the first set; detecting a first voltage between the third and fourth arms of the second set; calculating a first resistance using the first voltage and current; selecting a third set of first and second arms including no more than one arm of the first set, and a fourth set of third and fourth arms including no more than one arm of the second set; applying a second current from the first arm to the second arm of the third set; detecting a second voltage between the third and fourth arms of the fourth set; calculating a second resistance using the second voltage and current; and calculating a correction factor using the first and second resistances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Capres A/S
    Inventor: Torben M. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7849581
    Abstract: Provided are fabrication, characterization and application of a nanodisk electrode, a nanopore electrode and a nanopore membrane. These three nanostructures share common fabrication steps. In one embodiment, the fabrication of a disk electrode involves sealing a sharpened internal signal transduction element (“ISTE”) into a substrate, followed by polishing of the substrate until a nanometer-sized disk of the ISTE is exposed. The fabrication of a nanopore electrode is accomplished by etching the nanodisk electrode to create a pore in the substrate, with the remaining ISTE comprising the pore base. Complete removal of the ISTE yields a nanopore membrane, in which a conical shaped pore is embedded in a thin membrane of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Henry S. White, Bo Zhang, Ryan J. White, Eric N. Ervin, Gangli Wang
  • Patent number: 7847565
    Abstract: A system for electrical impedance tomography and method thereof are disclosed, by which electrical characteristics within a measurement target can be precisely detected. The present invention includes the steps of injection a current to a measurement target via at least one electrode pair selected form a plurality of electrodes (250) attached to the measurement target, detecting voltage of a surface of the measurement target using a plurality of voltmeters (260) connected to the electrodes that are not selected, respectively, adjusting gains of the voltmeters according to maximum values of the detected voltages, respectively, amplifying the detected voltages using the gain-adjusted voltmeters, respectively, and imaging an internal part of the measurement target based on the amplified voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: University-Industry Cooperation Group of Kyunghee University
    Inventors: Eung Je Woo, Dong In Oh, Jin Keun Seo, Oh In Kwon