Abstract: An electric energy meter for a poly-phase electricity network includes a power transformer having a primary side and a secondary side, a first analog front end (AFE) unit is coupled to the secondary side of the power transformer, and a microcontroller coupled to the primary side of the power transformer. The first AFE unit is to be coupled to a first phase of the poly-phase electricity network. The microcontroller is configured to transmit a digitized request signal to, and to receive a measurement signal from, the first AFE unit via the power transformer. More specifically, the first AFE unit, upon receiving the digitized request signal, is to extract information from the digitized request signal.

Abstract: An electrical power generating assembly (20) for a wind turbine (1). The electrical power generating assembly comprises a gearbox (22) comprising a gearbox output shaft, a generator (24) comprising a rotor (32) that is coupled to the gearbox output shaft; and a current measuring module (40) located between the gearbox (22) and the generator (24). The current measuring module (40) comprises: an electrical pickup (42) mounted to the electrical power generating assembly (20), wherein the electrical pickup (42) includes an electrical contact (44) that engages with a slip ring (48) associated with the rotor (32). The current measuring module further comprises: a first current measuring device (50) mounted with respect to the electrical pickup (42) to detect current flowing at least through the electrical pickup; and a second current measuring device (52) mounted with respect to the electrical pickup (42) to detect current flowing through at least a component associated with the gearbox output shaft.

Abstract: A switch-mode power supply and a zero current detector for use therein. A zero current detector includes an input stage and an output stage. The output stage is coupled to the input stage. The output stage includes a detector output terminal, a first transistor, and a second transistor. The first transistor includes an input terminal and a control terminal. The input terminal is coupled to the detector output terminal. The control terminal is coupled to the input stage. The second transistor includes an input terminal, a control terminal, and an output terminal. The input terminal is coupled to the control terminal of the first transistor. The control terminal is coupled to the input terminal of the second transistor. The output terminal is coupled to ground.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate includes a buried semiconductor layer and semiconductor wells. A device for detecting a possible thinning of the semiconductor substrate via the rear face thereof is formed on and in the semiconductor wells. The device is a non-inverting buffer including an input terminal and an output terminal, the device being powered between a supply terminal and a reference terminal where the buried semiconductor layer provides the supply terminal. A control circuit delivers an input signal in a first state to the input terminal and outputs a control signal indicating a detection of a thinning of the substrate if a signal generated at the output terminal in response to the input signal is in a second state different from the first state.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to self-test circuitry for a system that includes one or more current control subsystems, each current control subsystem having a load terminal for coupling the current control subsystem to a load. The self-test circuitry comprises: a signal path associated with each current control subsystem, each signal path configured to selectively couple a measurement node to the load terminal of the current control subsystem, wherein the measurement node is common to all of the signal paths; voltage detection circuitry; and test voltage source circuitry configured to provide a test voltage to the measurement node. The voltage detection circuitry is operable to output a signal indicative of a fault condition if a voltage detected at the measurement node differs from the test voltage when the measurement node is coupled to the load terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber winding for measuring the current circulating through a conductor. According to one embodiment the optical fiber winding includes a central support core extending in a longitudinal direction, a first optical fiber cable arranged around the central support core, a second optical fiber cable arranged around the central support core, the first and second optical fiber cables extend in a helical manner around the central support core. According to one embodiment the first optical fiber cable is twisted about its longitudinal axis in a first twist direction, and the second optical fiber cable is twisted about its longitudinal axis in a second twist direction, the first twist direction being opposite the second twist direction. Optical fiber-based current measuring equipment is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrator for use with a current sensor provides a feedback loop reducing drift while maintaining wide bandwidth.

Abstract: An electric meter includes: a plurality of connectors configured to form electrical connections to corresponding plurality of receptacles in an electric meter socket, wherein at least one electrical connection to the plurality of receptacles is formed with a neutral wire; and a plurality of measurement devices configured to measure electrical characteristics of voltage and current waveforms provided to the electric meter from an electric distribution system and a distributed energy resource (DER) device via the plurality of connectors. The neutral wire provides an electrical reference point for measurement of the voltage waveforms.

Abstract: An electric meter socket includes: a first plurality of connection points within the electric meter socket configured to form electrical connections to line voltage wirings of an electric distribution system; a second plurality of connection points within the electric meter socket configured to form electrical connections to output voltage wirings of a DER device; one or more connection points within the electric meter socket configured to form an electrical connection of neutral wires of the electric distribution system, the DER device, and a load; and a plurality of receptacles, each of the plurality of receptacles electrically connected to a corresponding connection point and configured to accept a mating connector of an electric meter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring a current difference between at least two primary current paths in a current sensor integrated circuit package. Each primary current path generated a magnetic field which may then be measured by at least one magnetic field sensing element positioned on an integrated circuit die. An output disconnect signal may be provided from the current sensor integrated circuit package when a current difference above a predetermined threshold exists in the two or more current traces.

Abstract: A system for measuring electrical network parameters may include a voltage sensing node of an electrical network with a first clock and a current sensing node of the electrical network with a second clock. At least one of the voltage sensing node and the current sensing node synchronizes the first clock with the second clock. The voltage sensing node samples a voltage signal from a voltage transducer and the current sensing node samples a plurality of current signals from respective current transducers. The voltage sensing node resamples the sampled voltage signal to determine corresponding resampled voltage signals, and the current sensing node resamples each of the sampled current signals to determine corresponding resampled current signals. The voltage sensing node communicates (1) corresponding re-sampled voltage signals and (2) a voltage time stamp based on the synchronized first clock associated with the sampled voltage signal to the current sensing node through a communication link.

Abstract: A voltage divider assembly for a voltage-dividing sensor for sensing a voltage of a MV/HV power conductor in a power network includes a plurality of discrete impedance elements electrically connected in series with each other such as to be operable as a high-voltage cable side of the voltage-dividing sensor and a cable connector for mechanical engagement with a cable plug at an end of a tap cable conducting the voltage of the power conductor to the voltage divider assembly. The cable connector is electrically connected with one discrete impedance element of the plurality of discrete impedance elements.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first power line to which a first voltage is continuously applied, a second power line, a power switch cell connected to the first power line and configured to output a second voltage to the second power line according to a first signal, a logic circuit driven by the second voltage applied via the second power line, a first circuit driven by the second voltage applied via the second power line and configured to output a third voltage to logic circuit according to a second signal which is an inverted signal of the first signal, and a second circuit driven by the second voltage applied via the second power line and configured to output a fourth voltage to logic circuit according to a third signal which is an inverted signal of the second signal, the fourth voltage being lower than the third voltage.

Abstract: A system may include a Class-D stage comprising a first high-side switch coupled between a supply voltage and a first output terminal of the Class-D stage, a second high-side switch coupled between the supply voltage and a second output terminal of the Class-D stage, a first low-side switch coupled between a ground voltage and the first output terminal, and a second low-side switch coupled between the ground voltage and the second output terminal. The system may also include current sensing circuitry comprising a sense resistor, such that an output current through a load coupled between the first output terminal and the second output terminal causes a first sense voltage proportional to the output current across the sense resistor.

Abstract: Provided is a current measuring device for measuring current, including a conductor (1) adapted to pass current therethrough, and a circuit board (31) with a wire, the wire being adapted to extract a voltage signal from the conductor, in which the circuit board is disposed upright with respect to the conductor.

Abstract: A current measurement apparatus comprises: a capacitor connected in parallel to a signal terminal of a device under test (DUT); a test pattern generation apparatus generating a test pattern to operate the DUT; and a measurement module connected to one end of the capacitor. The measurement module comprises: an input/output (I/O) buffer increasing or reducing an amount of charges of the capacitor and outputting a signal corresponding to an output logic value according to a voltage of the one end of the capacitor; a time measurer measuring an arrival time which it takes for the voltage of the one end of the capacitor to reach a second voltage from a first voltage; and a controller controlling the i/o buffer and the time measurer to measure the arrival time and controlling such that a value of a current related to an inspection of a DUT is measured using the arrival time.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed that facilitate multiple modes of converter operation. An example apparatus includes a comparator configured to provide a first trigger signal to initiate a first pulse width modulated signal in a constant-on-time mode for a power converter, an oscillator configured to provide a second trigger signal to initiate a second pulse width modulated signal in a fixed frequency mode for the power converter, and a selector configured to receive a select signal, the selector configured to output the first trigger signal to a pulse width modulated signal generator to initiate the first pulse width modulated signal based on a first state of the select signal, and output the second trigger signal to the pulse width modulated signal generator to initiate the second pulse width modulated signal based on a second state of the select signal.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a casing, a main circuit board, a detachable component and a flexible circuit board. The main circuit board is disposed in the casing. The main circuit board includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores data. The detachable component is disposed in the casing. The flexible circuit board includes a first end portion, a second end portion, a middle portion and a first detection loop, wherein the first detection loop is disposed at the first end portion and the middle portion. The first end portion is electrically connected to the main circuit board and the second end portion is fixed on the detachable component. When the detachable component is detached from the casing, the middle portion breaks, such that the first detection loop is cut off. When the first detection loop is cut off, the processor erases the data stored in the memory.

Abstract: A current sensor including a measurement circuit and an electrical conductor having at least one first measurement path defined by a first pickup contact and a second pick-up contact at which a first voltage can be detected across the first measurement path, a first connection contact for electrically contacting a connection element, a second connection contact for electrically contacting a battery pole terminal, and a current feed contact for electrically contacting a device for providing a calibration current. The first measurement path is in series between the first connection contact and the second connection contact. A calibration current supplied at the current feed contact induces a current density distribution in the first measurement path, which converges with a current density distribution in the first measurement path, induced by a load current of equal current intensity supplied at the first connection contact.

Abstract: In some examples, an integrated circuit includes a plurality of power modules formed on a substrate, including a first power module located between second and third power modules. The first power module is configured to conduct a load current, and includes a power transistor and first and second sense transistors. The first sense transistor is disposed at a first position between the second power module and a central axis of the first power module, and the second sense transistor is disposed at a second position between the third power module and the central axis. The first sense transistor is configured to conduct a first sense current; and the second sense transistor is configured to conduct a second sense current. The first and second sense transistors are configured to direct the first and second sense currents toward a measurement circuit that is configured to determine a derived sense current indicative of the load current.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a phase detection circuit includes a current signal input to receive a current signal indicative of a current amplitude of an RF signal and a voltage signal input to receive a voltage signal indicative of a voltage amplitude of the RF signal. A high-pass filter and a low-pass filter are each configured to filter one of (i) the current signal from the current signal input or (ii) the voltage signal from the voltage signal input, wherein the high-pass filter and the low-pass filter collectively cause a substantially 90 degree offset between a phase angle of the current signal and a phase angle of the voltage signal. A phase difference circuit receives the filtered current signal and the filtered voltage signal to determine a phase angle difference between the current signal and the voltage signal.

Abstract: Configurable meter that can be configured according to a first configuration in which the meter is capable of being connected directly to a phase conductor (40), and according to a second configuration in which the meter is capable of being connected to the phase conductor (40) via a transformer (41), the meter including an upstream current port (2a, 2c, 2e) and a downstream current port (2b, 2d, 2f), a voltage port (3), a circuit breaker (7) that is closed by default, and an access opening through which a conductive element of an adaption module extends when the latter is mounted on the meter, such that, when the adaption module is mounted on the meter, the conductive element opens the circuit breaker while being connected to the voltage port, the meter then being in the second configuration, and when the adaption module (24) is not mounted on the meter, the meter is in the first configuration. Adaption module. System comprising a meter and an adaption module. Method for configuring a meter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of providing a structure having two electrodes connected by nanowires, exposing the structure to an analyte that can adsorb onto the nanowires, and passing an electrical current through the nanowires to heat the nanowires to desorb the analyte. Also disclosed herein is an apparatus having the above structure; a current source electrically connected to the electrodes, and a detector to detect the analyte.

Abstract: A power receiving coil and a measuring coil are in a power receiving device. The measuring coil is inductively coupled to the power receiving coil. Concentric turns of a wire in the measuring coil are around a common axis. Also around the common axis are concentric turns of a wire in the power receiving coil. At least one of the concentric turns of the wire in the measuring coil is closer to the common axis than each of the concentric turns of the wire in the power receiving coil. A power feeding device receives a control signal from the power receiving device. The control signal instructs the power feeding device to adjust a power level of an electromagnetic wave emission.

Abstract: An automated zooming of a signal waveform by a measurement device is provided. Vertical parameters of a zoom window for zooming a signal waveform are automatically determined. For this purpose, an acquired measurement signal is tracked and the parameters of the zoom window are set based on the tracking of the measurement signal.

Abstract: A non-contact electric potential meter system to determine voltage between an AC conductor and a reference potential without direct electrical contact to the conductor. A housing provides a shielded measurement region that excludes other conductors and holds power supply means; an AC voltage sensing mechanism includes a conductive sense plate and an electrical connection to the reference potential. Waveform-sensing electronic circuitry obtains an AC voltage waveform induced by capacitive coupling between the conductor and the conductive sense plate. Capacitance-determining electronic circuitry obtains a scaling factor based on the coupling capacitance formed between the conductor and the conductive sense plate. Signal processing electronic circuitry uses the AC voltage waveform and the coupling capacitance-based scaling factor to obtain the voltage between the conductor and the reference potential.

Abstract: A power source equipment (PSE) controller exhibiting low standby levels for power over Ethernet (PoE) includes a micro-controller, a detection and classification circuitry coupled to the micro-controller to detect if a powered device (PD) is connected and determine power needed to operate the connected PD, a power control and monitor circuitry coupled to the micro-controller to power the connected PD and to monitor the power consumption of the PD. The detection and classification circuitry, the power control and monitor circuitry can be individually turned off by the micro-controller to minimize standby power, the micro-controller can be put into deep sleep if no PD is detected or can be come out of deep sleep if a PD is detected.

Abstract: A memory device includes a non-volatile memory (NVM) and circuitry. The circuitry is configured to initialize and prepare the NVM for executing memory-access operations for a processor, and to ascertain that no memory-access operations are received from the processor before the NVM is ready, by preventing the processor from bootstrapping during at least part of initialization and preparation of the NVM.

Abstract: An oscillator assembly includes a scribe seal, an oscillator circuit, and a calibration circuit. The oscillator circuit includes an output. The calibration circuit is coupled to the oscillator circuit. The calibration circuit includes a reference frequency terminal, a conductor coupled to the reference frequency terminal, and an oscillator input terminal. The conductor extends to an edge of the oscillator circuit assembly and penetrates the scribe seal. The oscillator input terminal is coupled to the output of the oscillator circuit.

Abstract: A computer system provides real-time control of power dispatch for a power system. The power system includes power generators, renewable power generators, load, and storage devices interconnected by a power grid. The computer system obtains input data, and solves an online multi-period power dispatch problem formulated from the input data and incorporates AC power flow in the power grid. The computer system generates control signals according to a solution of the online multi-period power dispatch problem, and sends the control signals to controllers of the power generators and the storage devices. In every time period during operation of the power system, the computer system updates the solution, generates updated control signals according to the updated solution, and sends the updated control signals to the controllers to continuously operate the power system with minimized operational cost while fully utilizing renewable power output.

Abstract: An electric energy meter for a poly-phase electricity network includes a power transformer having a primary side and a secondary side, a first analog front end (AFE) unit is coupled to the secondary side of the power transformer, and a microcontroller coupled to the primary side of the power transformer. The first AFE unit is to be coupled to a first phase of the poly-phase electricity network. The microcontroller is configured to transmit a digitized request signal to, and to receive a measurement signal from, the first AFE unit via the power transformer. More specifically, the first AFE unit, upon receiving the digitized request signal, is to extract information from the digitized request signal.

Abstract: A network monitoring device responds to network status data (whether “pushed” from the network device or “pulled” from the network device) to maintain a buffer of saved status data. The network status data is reordered, manipulated, and presented to users of the network monitoring device in order. The monitoring device can provide a status report of the network environment. When network status data is delayed too long, the monitoring device can discard the network status data, or reduce its weighted consideration. The monitoring device attempts to balance accuracy and latency by adjusting wait time for network status data. The monitoring device maintains a record of the amount of network status data it receives and processes from each network device and each network device's ability to provide accurate and complete information to operators and users in a distributed network monitoring environment.

Abstract: Technologies for closed-looped testing of integrated circuit card payment terminals include loading a test profile onto an integrated circuit payment card. Authorization request and response messages are locally generated and translated to simulate acquirer processor processing and payment network processing. An outcome report indicative of the outcome of the test transaction is generated and transmitted to a remote certification server. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method includes forming a transistor over a substrate; forming a conductive structure over the substrate, such that a first end of the conductive structure is electrically coupled to a gate of the transistor, and a second end of the conductive structure is electrically coupled to the substrate; applying biases to the gate of the transistor and source/drain structures of the transistor; determining whether the first end and the second end of the conductive structure are electrically connected; generating, based on the determination, a first result indicating that the first end and the second end of the conductive structure are electrically connected; and qualifying the conductive structure as an antenna in response to the first result.

Abstract: A method includes a) counting whole periods of a signal during a first period of a reference signal, b) repeating step a) for each period of the reference signal until a first duration is equal to a first quantity of periods of the reference signal, and c) determining a first average of the whole periods. The method also includes repeating at least one of steps a) to c) and at each repetition shifting a start of the counting of step a) by at least one period of the reference signal, and in steps b) and c) accounting for whole periods of the signal already counted during the at least one preceding group of steps a) and b). The method includes determining a second average of the first averages, and determining the frequency of the signal from the second average and the frequency of the reference signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the control of an operation of a monitor module of an electrical measurement system, where the monitor module has a plurality of operating states, including a) monitor at least a first measurement sensor of the utility meter to determine a first monitor result comprising an estimate of a transfer function of the first measurement sensor and a corresponding certainty value indicative of the accuracy of the estimate of the transfer function of the first measurement sensor, wherein the first measurement sensor is for measuring a first electrical property, and b) do not monitor any measurement sensor of the electrical measurement system.

Abstract: One embodiment includes and I/O bus including a signal line coupled to a signal source and multiple line switches, each line switch to couple a corresponding I/O port to the signal line. Switch logic coupled to the I/O bus may programmatically switch the multiple line switches to couple at least one of the signal source and measurement circuitry to the respective I/O port.

Abstract: The sensor unit (40) includes a case (41) having a bottom surface (41a); a sensor element (42) including a sensor element main body (421) and a power supply terminal (42a); and a power supply bus bar (44) including an inclined part (44d) and a first connection part (44a). An end on one side of the power supply terminal (42a) is electrically connected to the sensor element main body (421). In a state where the power supply terminal (42a) passes through the first connection part (44a), an end on the other side of the power supply terminal (42a) is in contact with the inclined part (44d) and the first connection part (44a) is in contact with the power supply terminal (42a), so that movement of the power supply terminal (42a) in a direction away from the bottom surface (41a) is restricted.

Abstract: A voltage detection circuit including an input voltage stage configured to scale down an input voltage to produce a scaled down voltage, a gain loss stage configured to receive and adjust the scaled down voltage based on a determined gain or loss to be applied to the scaled down voltage, and a comparison circuit configured to determine if the input voltage is over or under a desired voltage value.

Abstract: Amplifier systems for driving a wide range of loads are provided herein. In certain embodiments, an amplifier system includes a voltage output amplifier and a current output amplifier that are electrically coupled in parallel with one another between an input terminal and an output terminal. The amplifier system further includes a control circuit operable to control whether or not the voltage output amplifier and/or current output amplifier drive the output terminal.

Abstract: Simplified interfaces for charging and communication between accessories and docking stations. One example may provide an interface for charging and communication between an accessory and docking station where data and a charging voltage are provided over the same pins. An accessory may determine that it is in a powered docking station by receiving a charging voltage. The accessory may determine that it is in an unpowered docking station by providing a voltage to the unpowered docking station, where the unpowered docking station uses the voltage to power an oscillator. The oscillator signal may be received by the accessory, which may use the presence of the signal to determine that it is in an unpowered docking station.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods to determine loss of at least one electric power transmission line in an electric power transmission system. In various embodiments, a system consistent with the present disclosure may include an electrical parameter monitoring subsystem configured to receive electrical parameter measurements and to determine a change of the electrical measurements. An analysis subsystem may determine whether a change in the electrical measurements is indicative of loss of at least one transmission line and may calculate a number of transmission lines lost based on the change. In some embodiments, a remedial action subsystem may be configured to implement a remedial action in response to loss of at least one transmission line. The number of transmission lines lost may be determined based on an angle difference ratio and a power ratio between two buses in electrical transmission system.

Abstract: Provided is a power distribution box distributing commercial electric power supplied from lead-in electric power lines into branch electric power sources and supplying the branch electric power sources to respective loads connected thereto. More particularly, the present invention relates to a power distribution box equipped with a resistive leakage current detector extracting a resistive leakage current simply and accurately from a resultant leakage current and causing leakage current interruption and alarm to be actuated according to the extraction result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for platform component interconnect testing is disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit comprises: a plurality of interface circuitries, wherein each interface circuitry comprises a driver with adjustable pullup and pulldown resistances and having a driver output to output a driver voltage to a pad during test mode, and a comparator having a first input coupled to the driver output and a second input coupled to a voltage reference, the comparator being operable to generate a comparator output in response to comparing the driver voltage with the voltage reference; and analysis circuitry coupled to receive the comparator output, the analysis circuitry operable, during the test mode, to detect existence of a fault associated with a signal path coupled to the pad for each interface circuitry.

Abstract: A method to analyze the activity of an ion channel comprising: providing in a hydrophobic medium a first droplet of an aqueous solution AS1 comprising a concentration q of an ion I with c1?0, wherein the droplet is surrounded by a monolayer of amphiphilic molecules; providing in the hydrophobic medium a second droplet of an aqueous solution AS2 comprising a concentration c2 of the ion I with c2?0, and c2?c1, wherein the second droplet is surrounded by a monolayer of amphiphilic molecules further comprising the ion channels to an analyzed; bringing the first droplet and the second droplet into contact so as to form a bilayer of amphiphilic molecules, wherein the bilayer further comprises ion channels to be analyzed, and measuring the radius of the two droplets when they are brought into contact referred to as initial state; and maintaining the first droplet and the second droplet in contact until equilibrium is reached and measuring the radius of the two contacted droplets or determining the number of resultin

Abstract: A method is provided to conserve power in a power sourcing equipment (PSE) that provides a PSE port voltage at PSE ports. The method includes, in response to detecting a powered device (PD) is connected to the PSE port, providing a power supply output voltage at a default value and turning on the PSE port. After turning on the PSE port, the method includes determining the PSE port voltage. When the PSE port voltage is greater than a threshold value, the method includes decreasing the power supply output voltage.

Abstract: A device, which may be embedded in a power distribution enclosure, enables analysis of the conditions of an electromechanical machine operating on a commonly supplied network with other electromechanical machines. The analysis preferably uses aggregate operating voltage and current signals supplied to or from such machines along with known changes in steady-state conditions of one or more machines to discern the discrete effect of one or more machines to the aggregate electrical signal. Such discrete effect can then be associated with the operating performance of the individual machine. And, since such voltage and current signals are normally readily available at the enclosure, wiring or any other communication means to any sensors on the electromechanical machines or devices are not necessary. The embedded device may optionally receive or transmit information to a computing or monitoring device remote from the enclosure.

Abstract: A system for detecting theft of electricity from a utility includes a controller configured to receive electricity readings from a metering device configured to sense electricity flowing therethrough to a primary load, disaggregate the electricity readings from the metering device into electricity readings for sub-loads identified within the primary load, and compare the disaggregated electricity readings for the identified sub-loads to expected electricity readings for each identified sub-load. The controller is also configured to calculate a level of interference with an electrical path through the metering device based on an extent that the disaggregated electricity readings deviate from the expected electricity readings and output to the utility the level of interference with the electrical path.

Abstract: A microelectronic device has a common terminal transistor with two or more channels, and sense transistors in corresponding areas of the channels. The channels and the sense transistors share a common node in a semiconductor substrate. The sense transistors are configured to provide sense currents that are representative of currents through the corresponding channels. The sense transistors are located so that a ratio of the channel currents to the corresponding sense currents have less than a target value of cross-talk. The microelectronic device may be implemented without a compensation circuit which provides a compensation signal used to adjust one or more of the sense currents to reduce cross-talk. A method of forming the microelectronic device, including estimating a potential distribution in the semiconductor substrate containing the common node of the common terminal transistor, and selecting locations for the sense transistors based on the estimated potential distribution, is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a voltage divider circuit including a plurality of series-connected capacitors and including an input terminal of one of the capacitors configured to receive a first voltage from a switch, and a ring node comprising the connection between at least two of the series-connected capacitors. The apparatus further includes a negative clamp circuit coupled to the ring node of the voltage divider circuit and a bias voltage node. The bias voltage node is configured to receive a bias voltage and responsive to a ring voltage on the ring node being less than the bias voltage, the negative clamp circuit is configured to clamp the ring voltage at a first threshold voltage. The apparatus also includes a peak detector circuit coupled to the ring node of the voltage divider circuit and configured to detect a peak amplitude of the ring voltage.