Abstract: An electrical power converter has a transformer (4) and detecting circuitry for deriving a reconstructed output or load current. In a first aspect of the invention the load current is computed by subtracting a scaled version of the time integral of the primary voltage (Vcap) from a scaled version of the primary current (Iprim). In a second aspect of the invention the load current is computed by subtracting a scaled version of the time integral of the voltage (Vaux) across an auxiliary winding (24) from a scaled version of the primary current (Iprim).

Abstract: A spark detection device includes a sensing element and a comparing element. The sensing element is for sensing a spark signal to generate a sensing signal. A first end of the comparing element is coupled to the sensing element, and a second end of the comparing element is for receiving a threshold signal. The comparing element is for generating an output signal at an output end of the comparing element by performing a comparing operation according to the sensing signal and the threshold signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for sensing current flowing in a power transistor of a switch mode converter, in which a voltage is sensed across a first field effect transistor connected in a series circuit branch in parallel with the power transistor, and the sensed voltage is used to generate output signal to indicate the current flowing in the power transistor.

Abstract: A voltage margin testing device for testing voltage margin of a unit under test including a voltage terminal includes a button module that selectively allows adjustment of a constant voltage value of a voltage of the voltage terminal, a microcontroller and a digital potentiometer. Selection of the button module causes the microcontroller to adjust a resistance of the digital potentiometer causing the voltage of the voltage terminal to change in increments of the constant voltage value according to the resistance of the digital potentiometer. When the voltage of the voltage terminal is not within the voltage margin, the unit under test works abnormally and sends an error signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller receives the error signal and adjusts the resistance of the digital potentiometer to change the voltage of the voltage terminal in increments of the constant voltage value until the unit under test works normally.

Abstract: The sampling of a signal is described using a sampling bridge, the sampling terminals of which are interconnected.

Abstract: A method of measuring signals related to a photodiode based sensor and calculating a corrected data value thereof is disclosed. A nominal reset voltage value of the photodiode may be measured. A knee point voltage may be applied to the photodiode and resets a voltage on the photodiode to the knee point voltage when the voltage on the photodiode falls below the knee point voltage. Applying the knee point voltage may extend the dynamic range of the sensor. An output voltage of the photodiode at end of an integration time of the photodiode may be measured. The knee point voltage may be applied again after the end of the integration time. A voltage value of the photodiode of the knee point voltage may be measured. The nominal reset voltage value, the output voltage of a sensor and the knee point voltage may be reported to calculate the corrected data value.

Abstract: An RF detector configured to provide two outputs, one being a function of the true RMS power level of an RF input signal, and the other being a function of the instantaneous/peak power of the RF input signal, normalized to the average power level. The RF detector includes a variable gain detection subsystem including a single detector or detector array that provides a representation of the power level of the RF input signal. The detector or detector array is common to both the RMS power detection channel and the instantaneous/peak power detection channel of the RF detector. A method of RF detection includes providing representations of the RF input signal at different gain levels, selecting one or more of the representations, and averaging the selected signals. The gain levels of the selected representations is adjusted to provide information about the average power level of the RF input signal.

Abstract: A mode detector in a sensor interface is configured to detect a mode specified by a mode signal when an input signal received from a side of a first terminal is the mode signal. A communication portion in the interface transmits an electric signal, obtained from a sensor circuit, to a side of a second terminal when a mode detected with the detector is a sensor output mode. The communication portion receives an input signal from the side of the first terminal while transmitting an output signal to the side of the second terminal, when a mode detected with the detector is a communication mode.

Abstract: There is provided a power supply monitoring circuit including a holding part holding, every time a local maximum value of a power supply voltage which fluctuates is detected, the local maximum value as a local maximum voltage value, a power stop detector detecting whether or not supply of the power supply voltage is stopped based on whether or not a state that a value of the power supply voltage is smaller than a first reference value according to the local maximum voltage value continues longer than a predetermined period, and a reference value controller decreasing the first reference value during a period in which the value of the power supply voltage exceeds a second reference value smaller than the first reference value and in which stop of the supply of the power supply voltage is detected.

Abstract: An oscillator includes a reference voltage generator configured to generate a reference voltage varying according a change in temperature and an external voltage, a first comparison voltage generator configured to output a first comparison voltage to a first node in response to the reference voltage, a second comparison voltage generator configured to output a second comparison voltage to a second node in response to the reference voltage, a first comparison circuit configured to compare the reference voltage and the first comparison voltage and to generate a first input voltage as a result of the comparison, a second comparison circuit configured to compare the reference voltage and the second comparison voltage and to generate a second input voltage as a result of the comparison, and a clock generator configured to output a clock signal that oscillates in response to the first and second input voltages.

Abstract: A system and method of wireless voltage reference broadcast in a distributed energy metering system is provided. A voltage reference is determined at a distribution hub for wirelessly and transmitted in voltage reference data frames providing voltage samples and a clock synchronization from an alternating current (AC) line under measurement. Wireless metering units, each coupled to an AC load circuit, receive the voltage reference data frames wherein the current sampling clock of the wireless metering units are synchronized to a voltage sampling clock of the distribution hub for determining current samples from the respective AC load circuit to calculate energy data parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring current drain and reporting power consumption using current transformer with primary windings made of low ohmic alloy, enabling the use of the secondary coil to power the sensing and reporting circuits eliminating the power wasted by AC-DC power adaptors used for the current sensors. The saving is substantial as the current sensors will not drain a current when the AC outlets are disconnected from a load or when the load is switched off. The apparatus using low ohmic alloy is extended to the structuring of terminals, including power pins, power sockets and combinations to provide a low ohmic sensing elements in AC plugs, outlets, adaptors and extension cables with multi outlets, dissipating the heat from the sensing elements by the plugs and the larger metal heat dissipation.

Abstract: A battery management system includes one or more lithium ion cells in electrical connection, each said cell comprising: first and second working electrodes and one or more reference electrodes, each reference electrode electronically isolated from the working electrodes and having a separate tab or current collector exiting the cell and providing an additional terminal for electrical measurement; and a battery management system comprising a battery state-of-charge monitor, said monitor being operable for receiving information relating to the potential difference of the working electrodes and the potential of one or more of the working electrodes versus the reference electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric power monitoring device, and particularly to an electric power monitoring device for monitoring a quality of alternating current power. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electric power monitoring device is provided with a first connection portion, a second connection portion and a cable that connects the first connection portion to the second connection portion and comprises a measuring unit for measuring alternating current power quality; a processing unit which is connected to the measuring unit to convert the measured power quality to data; and a display which is connected to the processing unit to display the data on a screen. The electric power monitoring device is used for an apparatus having an alternating current power input unit.

Abstract: Described herein are systems for wireless energy transfer distribution over a defined area. Energy may be distributed over the area via a plurality of repeater, source, and device resonators. The resonators within the area may be tunable and the distribution of energy or magnetic fields within the area may be configured depending on device position and power needs.

Abstract: A current sensing circuit and the control circuit thereof and a power converter circuit. The current sensing circuit includes a sample and hold circuit (1), a rising edge detecting circuit (2), a falling edge detecting circuit (3), a timing control circuit (4), a synchronous detecting circuit (5) and a low pass filter (6). The power converter circuit uses the current sensing circuit to sense and process the current flowing through a main switch (S1).

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for measuring an electric voltage (Uterm), wherein the potential point, at which the electric voltage relative to a defined electric potential, in particular relative to earth, is intended to be measured, is connected to a capacitor, to which a comparator unit is connected which ascertains whether a first defined threshold voltage (Uref) is present at the capacitor, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured such that it provides an output signal which is dependent on at least one charging process of the capacitor and includes at least the information of the charging time for charging the capacitor to the first defined threshold voltage.

Abstract: A diagnostic device comprises a comparison section to compare an input voltage with a threshold voltage, wherein the input voltage is a power supply voltage for a component on a circuit board; and an indicator to provide an indication of the result of the comparison by the comparison section, the indication to render the circuit board identifiable to direct inspection, wherein the supply of power to the component is independent of the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A power consumption management system includes: a main part that is connected to a power line; a breaker that is electrically connected to the main part, and limits a current supplied to a load to a predetermined set value; a sensor unit including a current sensor and a signal processing part. The current sensor measures a current supplied from the main part to the breaker, and outputs a current detection signal based on the measured current. The signal processing part receives the current detection signal over a predetermined time, determines a range of a signal level from the received current detection signal, and adjusts an input range of the current detection signal in accordance with the determination result.

Abstract: An interventional device (12) is configured to be positioned in a body and includes an electrically operable unit (E1, E2) configured to carry out an interaction with the body upon a receipt of electric power. The device further includes a sensor (2) configured for wirelessly receiving electromagnetic energy from a remote source. The sensor is configured as a resonant circuit (2a, 2b) which converts the received electromagnetic energy into the electric power. The electrically operable device may include a diagnostic and/or therapeutic module.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) adapted to measure Alternating Current flowing through an electricity supply distribution unit (204) having a plurality of distribution cables (202). The apparatus (100) includes a plurality of current measuring devices (102), each of the current measuring devices (102), in use, measuring current flowing through one of the distribution cables (202), at least some of the current measuring devices (102) being mounted on a rigid/semi-rigid body (104), and a device configured to store and/or transfer information representing current measured by at least one of the current measuring devices (102).

Abstract: The invention presents a method for determining the copper concentration of the substrate using the photoconductivity method in a new manner, the method comprising steps in which the photoconductivity property of the substrate is measured for a first time by an arrangement, the surface of the substrate is illuminated by illuminating means emitting photon radiation, the photoconductivity property of the substrate is measured for a second time by an arrangement, and the copper concentration of the substrate is determined from the change between the first and second time of measurement on the basis of the illumination. The invention also presents an arrangement and a software product for determining the copper concentration.

Abstract: Systems and corresponding methods for determining characteristics of an output signal generated by a high-frequency medical device using low-frequency measurement systems are disclosed. A digital measurement system includes an oscillator, a mixer, and a controller coupled to each other. The oscillator provides a reference signal having a second frequency. The mixer generates a down-converted signal based on the output signal and the reference signal. The controller then determines a characteristic of the output signal (e.g., frequency or phase) based on the down-converted signal. An analog measurement system includes a filter having a center frequency, a rectifier, and a controller. The filter filters the output signal and the rectifier rectifies the filtered signal. The controller samples the rectified signal and determines a characteristic of the output signal based on the level of the rectified signal.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method of calculating power loss in an inductive power transfer system comprising a power transmitter (112) for transmitting power inductively to a power receiver (110) via transmitter coil (114) and receiver coil (104), the method comprising a step of obtaining, by power transmitter, time information for time alignment to enable the power transmitter to align the time of calculating the power loss with the power receiver; and a step of calculating power loss during power transfer according to the obtained time information and received power parameter communicated from the power receiver.

Abstract: A switching regulator includes an output phase having a high-side transistor and a low-side transistor operable to switch on and off at different periods responsive to a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal applied to the output phase, each cycle of the PWM signal having an on-portion and an off-portion. The switching regulator further includes a current sense circuit operable to sense the current of the low-side transistor, an analog-to-digital converter operable to sample the sensed low-side transistor current during the off-portion for each PWM cycle and a current estimator operable to estimate a cycle average current for the present PWM cycle based on the low-side transistor current sampled during the off-portion for the immediately preceding PWM cycle and a pulse width estimate for the on-portion for the present PWM cycle.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a support that is coupled to a coupled subject and includes a support portion, a substrate supported by the support portion, a current sensor including a signal terminal, wherein the current sensor is connected to the substrate in a manner allowing for a signal to be sent to the substrate through the signal terminal, and a fastener fastening the current sensor to the support portion and the substrate. The current sensor is suspended from the substrate. The support portion is arranged between the substrate and the current sensor.

Abstract: A power monitor includes a power conditioning circuit that provides conditioned power to a load. The power conditioning circuit includes at least one sensor to measure a power quality characteristic, e.g., input voltage, load current, temperature, etc. A terminal device implements a diagnostic tool for the power monitor and includes a processor to obtain data indicative of the power quality characteristic over a communication link with the power monitor. The data may be retrieved in response to a trigger condition. A user interface implemented on the terminal device displays the obtained power quality characteristic as at least one temporally varying waveform.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and detecting identities of electronic devices, where each of the electronic devices generates unique power up signature during its power up sequence. The system may make use of a plurality of power outlets that each has a specific identification designation, with each one of the electronic devices being assigned to a specific one of the power outlets. A processor may be used which is configured to read the power up signature of a given one of the electronic devices during its power up sequence, when the given electronic device is plugged into a given one of the power outlets and is powering up. The processor may use a stored power up signature for the given power outlet, together with the power up signature read for the given electronic device, to determine if the given electronic device is using its assigned power outlet.

Abstract: Test points on an integrated circuit chip, especially points subject to IR voltage drop along power supply rails, are coupled to comparators controlled by an automatic test controller, all included on the chip. Each test point can have one or more comparators and one or more reference voltages over a testing range. A change of state at a comparator sets a latch that is read and reset by the on-chip automatic test controller during test intervals. The automatic test controller can coordinate with external automatic test equipment that applies stimulus signals to the chip during testing. The greatest voltage drop during a test interval is determined from the latched output of the switched comparator coupled to the lowest reference voltage. The setting and resetting of the latch can be gated through a selectable delay so as to discriminate for excursions that persist for a longer or shorter time.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes devices and methods for spectroscopic identification of molecules. One device includes a topological insulator layer oriented either above or below two metallic contacts and wherein the contacts are oriented such that a voltage can be applied across the contacts and a current-voltage characteristic can be measured.

Abstract: A testing device includes a pressure vessel, a mounting stand disposed in an internal space of the pressure vessel, on which a device to be tested is mounted, test electrodes, disposed in the internal space of the pressure vessel, that supply a test voltage to the device to be tested mounted on the mounting stand, and a pressurization unit that raises the pressure of the internal space of the pressure vessel. The test voltage is supplied from the test electrodes to the device to be tested mounted on the mounting stand, and testing of the device to be tested is carried out, in a condition that the pressure of the internal space of the pressure vessel is raised by the pressurization unit.

Abstract: An electronic meter for electric power having a controlled reclosing of the cut-off member by a circuit breaker of a subscriber. The meter comprises, on at least one phase, a circuit generating HF to the wiring of a subscriber via the cut-off member in open position and the circuit breaker, and a circuit for controlling the closing of the cut-off member upon a detection of the HF current cancellation when opening the circuit breaker of a subscriber. The invention can be used for electronic meters not accessible to the subscriber.

Abstract: An appliance is disclosed that includes operation unit that is mounted in a case of the appliance that is supplied power by an external power supply and that includes at least one of a motor and a heating member. The appliance further includes a control circuit mounted in the case of the appliance and configured to control the operation unit to perform appliance functionality that is different than measuring power. The appliance further includes a power meter coupled to the control circuit, built into the case, and configured to measure power consumed by the appliance in performing the appliance functionality.

Abstract: Provided is a receiving apparatus that receives a data signal and a clock signal indicating a reference timing to acquire the data signal. The receiving apparatus includes a multi-strobe generating section that generates, based on a pulse of the recovered clock, a plurality of strobes of which phases are different from each other, a first detecting section that detects a position of an edge of the clock signal relative to the strobes based on values of the clock signal that are acquired at respective timings of the strobe, a first adjusting section that adjusts a phase of the recovered clock according to the edge position of the clock signal, and a second adjusting section that adjusts the timing to acquire the data signal according to a phase adjustment amount of the recovered clock made by the first adjusting section.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for electric field sensing is provided. The sensor assembly may include an array of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS)-based resonant tunneling devices. A resonant tunneling device may be configured to generate a resonant tunneling signal in response to the electric field. The resonant tunneling device may include at least one electron state definer responsive to changes in at least one respective controllable characteristic of the electron state definer. The changes in the controllable characteristic are configured to affect the tunneling signal. An excitation device may be coupled to the resonant tunneling device to effect at least one of the changes in the controllable characteristic affecting the tunneling signal. A controller may be coupled to the resonant tunneling device and the excitation device to control the changes of the controllable characteristic in accordance with an automated control strategy configured to reduce an effect of noise on a measurement of the electric field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring Hum on a digital QAM carrier using a testing device for testing digital TV signals including a QAM demodulator therein, and to a testing device implementing the method. A controller is used to sample a register associated with a final AGC stage in a QAM demodulator, and to process the collected register values to obtain one or more Hum characteristics. In one embodiment, a circular buffer is used to collect aligned sequences of AGC samples that have a pre-determined feature of time-domain Hum at a specified position therein. The aligned AGC sequences are then correlated to assess causes of Hum.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a process device comprising a process variable sensor configured to generate an output signal indicative of a sensed process variable; loop current output circuitry configured to control a loop current on a two wire process control loop to a value based on the output signal; loop current measurement circuitry coupled to the process control loop and configured to generate a measured loop current value based on the loop current; and loop current verification circuitry configured to approximate the loop current value based on the output signal and properties of a low pass filter, and generate a diagnostic signal based on a comparison of the approximated loop current value and the measured loop current value.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring the voltage on electrical storage units, to a battery and to a motor vehicle having such a battery that are configured to be used particularly for improved establishment of overvoltages and/or undervoltages on modules of the electrical storage unit. To this end, a method for monitoring the voltage on at least one electrical storage unit includes extracting an idle voltage U_OCV on the at least one electrical storage unit from a voltage U_measured that is measured on the at least one electrical storage unit.

Abstract: A measuring device with at least one control unit and an electrical current controller. The measuring- and operating electronics is connected to a current loop and the control unit is connected with the electrical current controller and provides the electrical current controller a reference input. The reference input corresponds to a desired value of the measurement signal current and the electrical current controller is suppliable with a primary feedback signal. The primary feedback signal corresponds to an actual value of the measurement signal current set in the current loop. The electrical current controller outputs a control signal formed from a control error signal, wherein at least one evaluation unit is provided, which compares at least one value of the control signal output by the electrical current controller with at least one reference value. The comparison indicates whether the value of the control signal exceeds or subceeds the reference value.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a block defining a temperature control channel therethrough and a defining a sample chamber. The apparatus can also include an electrode disposed inside of the block such that the sample chamber is fluidically isolated from the temperature control channel by the electrode. The electrode can be configured to receive a signal from an impedance analyzer during a dielectric spectroscopy experiment related to a sample included in the sample chamber.

Abstract: The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analysis of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood.

Abstract: A system and method for artifact suppression in soft-field tomography are provided. One method includes obtaining an excitation pattern and applying the excitation pattern to an object, wherein the excitation pattern includes a plurality of frequency components. The method also includes measuring a response at one or more of a plurality of transducers coupled to the object and separating the responses among the plurality of frequency components to suppress one or more artifacts.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for designing improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars, and a mesh network connectivity to other fixtures.

Abstract: There is provided an electric field probe that can narrow a receiving range to a desired range when measuring a near electric field. An electric field probe includes a rodlike monopole antenna, and a conductive reflective member provided coaxially with the monopole antenna to cover the monopole antenna. The reflective member is open at its bottom in an axial direction of the monopole antenna.

Abstract: A system includes a utility meter with a first conductive member and a circuit board coupled to the first conductive member at a first joint. The first joint is disposed along a first elongated strip portion of the circuit board. The first elongated strip portion is configured to flex relative to a main portion of the circuit board in response to thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the first conductive member or a component coupled to the first conductive member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circuit for measuring an effective current (ieff(t)) of a signal to be monitored (i(t)), where the circuit includes means for making a continuous reference signal (iDC(t)) depend on the signal to be monitored (i(t)) so that the effective current (iDCeff(t)) of the continuous reference signal (iDC(t)) is equal to the effective current (ieff(t)) of the signal to be monitored (i(t)).

Abstract: Disclosed is a probe (21) for an oscilloscope (24) comprising a multi-stage transistor amplifier (26) which is used as an impedance transformer and the output of which is connected to the oscilloscope (24). An electronic switching device (27) that can be remote-controlled by means of the oscilloscope (24) is assigned to the input (Vin) of the amplifier (26). Said electronic switching device (27) allows frame potential or a reference voltage to be alternatively connected to the amplifier input (Vin) instead of the measuring-circuit voltage of the measuring tip (22) such that the direct voltage offset is measured when the amplifier input (Vin) is connected to frame while the gain error in the oscilloscope (24) is measured when the reference voltage is applied, and said direct voltage offset or gain error is adequately taken into account when the measuring-circuit voltage in the oscilloscope is evaluated.

Abstract: Monitoring aging information for multiple devices. Aging information of the devices may be received. Statistics regarding the multiple devices may be determined based on the aging information. For at least some of the devices, update information may be determined based on the respective aging information. The update information may include modifications to operating parameters of the devices. For example, the devices may operate according to initial parameters that are above sustainable parameters and the update information may lower the operating parameters based on the aging information.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an oscillator that oscillates at a specific frequency, a semiconductor integrated circuit that integrates a temperature sensor that detects a peripheral temperature, and a controller that is electrically connected to the oscillator and that corrects temperature dependent error in the oscillation frequency of the oscillator based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and a sealing member that integrally seals the oscillator and the semiconductor integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanowire structure is disclosed. The method comprises applying on a surface of carrier liquid a layer of a liquid composition which comprises a surfactant and a plurality of nanostructures each having a core and a shell, and heating at least one of the carrier liquid and the liquid composition to a temperature selected such that the nanostructures are segregated from the surfactant and assemble into a nanowire structure on the surface.