Abstract: A voice input apparatus includes a voice input device configured to input voice and performs control to, in a case where a second voice instruction for operating the voice input apparatus is input in a predetermined period after a first voice instruction is input to the voice input apparatus, execute processing corresponding to the second voice instruction. The voice input apparatus changes a length of the predetermined period, according to the first voice instruction.

Abstract: A latch circuit includes a power supply node, first and second input nodes, and first and second output nodes. A first switching device is coupled between the first and second output nodes and is turned on and off in response to respective first and second states of a clock signal. A first transistor has a source coupled with a common node, a drain coupled with the second output node, and a gate directly coupled with the first input node, and a second transistor has a source coupled with the common node, a drain coupled with the first output node, and a gate directly coupled with the second input node. A second switching device is coupled between the common node and the power supply node and is turned on and off in response to the respective second and first states of the clock signal.

Abstract: A remote detector detects the presence of dielectric materials, including energetic materials. The remote detector includes a center beam secured in a pivot mount, at least one collector secured to the center beam at a proximal end via the pivot mount, and an analog matching filter coupled with the center beam via a circuit. The analog matching filter contains a replicate matching material configured to match a dipole field of a target material. In the presence of a target material, the replicate matching material causes displacement of the center beam via a dielectrokinesis (phoresis) force.

Abstract: An analog matching filter includes a first plate, a second plate coupled with the first plate and separated from the first plate via a spacer, and a replicate matching material fixed to an inside surface of the first plate. A conductive plate or sheet is fixed to an inside surface of the second plate. An electrical circuit connects the first plate to the conductive plate or sheet. The replicate matching material and the conductive plate or sheet generate an opposite polarization pattern carried by the electrical circuit that is based on a polarization pattern of smokeless gunpowder according to a spatial gradient of the smokeless gunpowder local electric field distribution.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed herein for providing an immersive reality experience to a patient during a medical procedure. In one example, a method includes determining a location of a stressful object in a medical environment that includes a patient undergoing a medical procedure. The method further includes, upon determining that the stressful object is in a field of view (FOV) of the patient, adjusting display content based on the location of the stressful object within the FOV and outputting the display content for display on an immersive device.

Abstract: A temperature sensor configured to, after a predetermined number of stop counting assertions, determine the temperature dependent voltage and thus the temperature at the output of a counter. During a calibration phase, when a counter value is not equal to a test counter value in a pulse generator circuit, capacitance of the temperature sensor is adjusted until the counter value is equal to the test counter value.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a slave device. The method includes initializing, by a host device, a charge retention circuit of the slave device, and receiving, by the host device, an indication of a discharge time of the charge retention circuit. The host device authenticates the slave device based on the received indication of the discharge time of the charge retention device.

Abstract: A balanced amplifier can utilize a common mode choke to suppress even harmonics in the signals of the balanced amplifier. The common choke can be coupled between cascaded balanced amplifier pairs to receive the differential output signals from one of the balanced amplifier pairs and to provide conditioned signals to the other of the balanced amplifier pairs. The common mode choke can improve the amplitude and phase balance between the differential output signals by providing increased impedance to the passage of common mode signals such as even harmonics.

Abstract: A security matrix layer between a first and second conductive shorting layers are located within a printed circuit board (PCB) that carries out cryptographic data handling functions. The security matrix layer includes at least two microcapsules each containing one or more reactants. When the security matrix layer is accessed, drilled, or otherwise damaged, the microcapsules rupture and the reactants react to form at least an electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material contacts and shorts the first and second conductive shorting layers. A monitoring device that monitors whether the first and second conductive shorting layers have shorted detects the short and passes a tamper signal that is received by one or more computer system devices to respond to the unauthorized physical access attempt.

Abstract: A method for forming a multi-sensor system includes forming an inertial sensor fixed electrode of an inertial sensor and a movable electrode of a pressure sensor on a first substrate having through silicon vias (TSVs). A second substrate is fusion bonded to a bonding layer on the first substrate. The second substrate and the bonding layer are patterned to form a transducer layer of the inertial sensor and a pressure sensor fixed electrode of the pressure sensor. The first substrate is etched to form a pressure sensor port aligned with the movable electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an x-ray detector system including a multitude of detector elements, each connected to a respective photon counting channel for providing at least one photon count output, and a read-out unit connected to the photon counting channels for outputting the photon count outputs. Each one of at least a subset of the photon counting channels includes at least two photon counting sub-channels, each photon counting sub-channel providing at least one photon count output and having a shaping filter, wherein the shaping filters of the photon counting sub-channels are configured with different shaping times, and wherein the photon counting sub-channels, having shaping filters with different shaping times, are adapted for counting photons of different energy levels. Furthermore, the read-out unit is configured to select, for each photon counting channel, photon count outputs from the photon counting sub-channels.

Abstract: A stress compensated oscillator circuitry comprises a sensor arrangement for providing a sensor output signal SSensor, wherein the sensor output signal SSensor is based on an instantaneous stress or strain component ? in the semiconductor substrate, a processing arrangement for processing the sensor output signal SSensor and providing a control signal SControl depending on the instantaneous stress or strain component ? in the semiconductor substrate, and an oscillator arrangement for providing an oscillator output signal Sosc having an oscillator frequency fosc based on the control signal SControl, wherein the control signal SControl controls the oscillator output signal Sosc, and wherein the control signal SControl reduces the influence of the instantaneous stress or strain component ? in the semiconductor substrate onto the oscillator output signal Sosc, so that the oscillator circuitry provides a stress compensated oscillator output signal.

Abstract: A band saw blade sensor and control system to sense and control saw blade deviation of a continuous, flexible metal saw blade driven around a pair of pulleys. A pair of spaced proximity inductive sensors is positioned adjacent to a side of the saw blade in order to detect blade deviation during operation. A controller mechanism receives input from each of the pair of inductive sensors in order to control and adjust band tension on the blade, and in order to control and adjust blade force on a work piece.

Abstract: A hybrid pixel sensor array is provided. Each pixel of the array comprises: a sensor for generating an imaging signal; a Charged-Coupled Device (CCD) array, coupled to the sensor so as to receive samples from the imaging signal and configured for storage of a plurality of samples; and active CMOS circuitry, coupled to the CCD array for generating a pixel output signal from the stored samples. The sensors of the pixels are part of a sensor portion of the hybrid pixel sensor array that is separate from both the CCD array and active CMOS circuitry of the pixels.

Abstract: A DC voltage supply provides voltage. A time domain switched inertial capacitive sensor provides a thresholding variable capacitance based on the voltage. A second voltage supply provides a voltage, VDD. A logic inverter circuit has a logic inverter input and a logic inverter output, wherein the logic inverter circuit is supplied with VDD. A third voltage supply provides a second voltage, VCC. A time domain switched inertial capacitive sensor and the capacitor are arranged as a capacitive voltage divider between the DC voltage supply and the logic inverter circuit and so as to provide an input voltage Vin as an input signal to the logic inverter circuit. The logic inverter circuit outputs an output voltage, Vout, based on the input signal. The switch provides a bias voltage, Vbias, to the logic inverter circuit based on Vout such that the input signal is based on Vin and Vbias.

Abstract: A method for reading out a non-volatile memory element having at least two stable states 0 and 1. This memory element comprises at least one resistive memory cell, which encodes the two states 0 and 1 into a state HRS having higher electrical resistance and a state LRS having lower electrical resistance. In the two states 0 and 1, the memory element has differing capacitances C0,1; this difference is used to determine which state is present. A memory element is selected in which a fixed capacitance that is independent of the state of the memory cell is connected in series with the memory cell. A series connection of a resistive memory cell with a fixed capacitance, instead of with a second resistive memory cell, improves the signal strength during capacitive read-out. The second memory cell becomes indispensable for the memory function when the memory element is read out capacitively.

Abstract: A movable capacitive sensing component and plural stationary capacitive sensing components are similarly constructed and are located together. The movable capacitive sensing component includes two interdigitated electrode elements at least one of which moves in accordance with displacement of an object. The stationary capacitive sensing components includes two interdigitated electrode elements that do not move, and differ from each other in terms of relative displacement between the fixed electrode elements. The movable capacitive sensing component measures a capacitance value. Another capacitance value is estimated, from the capacitance values measured by the stationary capacitive sensing components, for the displacement indicated by the movable capacitive sensing component's measured capacitance value.

Abstract: A system and method form charge patterns on micro objects. The system and method employ a micro object including a rectifying device. The rectifying device exhibits an asymmetric current-voltage (I-V) response curve. Further, the system and method employ a device external to the micro object to induce the flow of charge through the rectifying device.

Abstract: Various embodiments include approaches for controlling a supply voltage or a clock frequency to an integrated circuit (IC). Various additional embodiments include circuitry for controlling a supply voltage or a clock frequency of an IC. In some cases, a method includes: locating a set of temperature sensors on bin locations in an IC; determining temperature bounds of the bin locations in the IC as a function of a determined temperature at the set of temperature sensors; determining timing constraints as a function of supply voltages at the bin locations and the determined temperature at the set of temperature sensors; and determining operational voltage bounds for the IC as a function of the determined temperature at the set of temperature sensors.

Abstract: A method of detecting an environment vale of an electronic device is provided. The method includes measuring a state of one or more units related to the electronic device, determining a value based at least in part on the measured state of the one or more units related to the electronic device, determining an operation state of the electronic device according to the value, and generating an approximated environment value according to the operation state. Further, other various embodiments are available.

Abstract: The present disclosure proposes a power saving technique to be used by a handheld mobile electronic device. In particular, the handheld mobile electronic device would execute functions including determining a tilting angle of the handheld mobile electronic device above and relative to a level surface by using a sensor, determining whether the tilting angle exceeds a first angle threshold and falls below a second angle threshold, using a first counting threshold when the tilting angle is above the first angle threshold and is below the second angle threshold, using a second counting threshold which is less than the first counting threshold when the tilting angle falls below the first angle threshold or exceeds the second angle threshold, and darkening a touch screen of the handheld mobile electronic device when the handheld mobile electronic does not receive an input within the first counting threshold or the second counting threshold.

Abstract: A sensor circuit performs a method for sensing on-chip characteristics. The method includes generating a first voltage using a drive current through a first set of transistors that are operating in saturation mode and generating a second voltage using subthreshold leakage current from a second set of transistors that are in subthreshold mode. The method further includes comparing the second voltage to the first voltage to sense an on-chip characteristic. The sensed on-chip characteristic can be temperature and/or gate length variation.

Abstract: A circuit monitors an electronic circuit for the effects of extreme temperatures, high Total Ionizing Dose (TID), very low (down to sub-threshold) supply voltages, process variations, and other performance altering phenomena. The circuit then generates signals that are applied to the electronic circuit to compensate for these effects. The design generates voltages that are applied to either body terminals of semiconductor technologies (e.g. MOSFET, CMOS, SOI, and others) or bottom gates of independently double gated technologies to provide compensation. The design includes a reference circuit that is adjusted until its performance is restored. The signals found that compensate the reference circuit are applied throughout the IC.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a method for guiding a multi-function switch guide. The apparatus for guiding a multi-function switch includes: a sensor unit that is disposed on an operating lever of a multi-function switch of a vehicle to sense an approach of a user or an operation of the operating lever; a switch state determining unit that determines a current operation state of the multi-function switch, when the approach of the user or the operation of the operating lever is sensed by the sensor unit; an information detection unit that detects a lever operation method corresponding to the current operation state of the multi-function switch; and an output control unit that performs a control to display the detected lever operation method.

Abstract: A calibration circuit for calibrating a device to be calibrated includes a variable current generator, a device under test and a control unit. The variable current generator is coupled to a first node of a reference voltage and configured to generate a variable current responsive to variations of the reference voltage. The device under test is a copy of at least one portion of the device to be calibrated, and coupled to the variable current generator to derive, at a second node, a voltage dependent on the variable current. The control unit is coupled to the second node to receive the derived voltage and configured to compare the derived voltage with the reference voltage and to generate, based on a comparison result, at least one calibration signal for adjusting an adjustable electrical parameter of the device under test and the device to be calibrated.

Abstract: A shock detector, such as for disk drives, which eliminates discrete external capacitors used in prior art devices. A first stage operational amplifier (without external capacitors) provides part of the gain required. This is followed by a second stage switched capacitor high pass filter (without external capacitors) that provides the remaining gain required while filtering out the DC offset of the first stage operational amplifier. In order to cover the range of frequencies expected without aliasing problems, two switched capacitor high pass filters in parallel are used, each designed with a different cut-off frequency.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a metal-oxide-semiconductor device including a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). The MOSFET includes a gate configured to change electrical characteristics based on a sensed chemical characteristic and a source and drain. One of the source and drain is connected to an analysis circuit, and a backgate is connected to an AC voltage source.

Abstract: A device includes a flexible polymer membrane with compliant electrodes attached thereto. The membrane is suspended in a frame. A handle, which is displaceable in respect to the frame, is connected to the membrane. A displacement of the handle causes the electrodes on the membrane to be deformed, thereby changing their area and resistance. The change of area or resistance is measured by a capacitive or resistive sensing circuit and is used to measure the deformation and therefore the displacement of the handle.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method including receiving a voltage potential at a gate of a first MOSFET based on a sensed chemical characteristic. The method includes receiving at a backgate of the first MOSFET an AC voltage signal and analyzing, with an analysis circuit connected to one of a first source and a first drain of the MOSFET, the sensed characteristic based on the receiving the voltage potential at the gate of the first MOSFET.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to FET arrays for monitoring chemical and/or biological reactions such as nucleic acid sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. Some methods provided herein relate to improving signal (and also signal to noise ratio) from released hydrogen ions during nucleic acid sequencing reactions.

Abstract: Provided are an abrupt MIT device with variable MIT temperature or voltage, an MIT sensor using the abrupt MIT device, and an alarm apparatus and a secondary battery anti-explosion circuit including the MIT sensor. The MIT device includes an abrupt MIT layer undergoing an abrupt MIT at a transition temperature or a transition voltage and at least two electrode layers contacting the abrupt MIT layer. The transition temperature or the transition voltage varies with at least one of factors including a voltage applied to the electrode layers, a temperature, an electromagnetic wave, a pressure, and a gas concentration that affect the abrupt MIT layer. The MIT sensor is a temperature sensor, an infrared sensor, an image sensor, a pressure sensor, a gas-concentration sensor, or a switch. The alarm apparatus includes the MIT sensor and an alarm-signaling unit connected in series with the MIT sensor.

Abstract: Integrated circuitry, comprising: a sampling terminal for connecting the integrated circuitry to an external capacitance; sampling means operatively connected to the terminal to take samples, each sample having a sample value; and control means configured, whilst said external capacitance is connected to the sampling terminal, to: internally connect the sampling terminal, or another terminal of the integrated circuitry to which the external capacitance is also connected, to a given voltage-potential source to effect a change in charge stored on the external capacitance, the given voltage-potential source being available within the integrated circuitry when it is in use; cause the sampling means to take a plurality of samples over a period whilst that external capacitance charges or discharges following and/or during said change in charge; and judge whether an event has occurred in dependence upon the plurality of samples.

Abstract: An arrangement for charge integration comprises an input (1) for the provision of a charge-dependent signal and an integrator (30) to integrate a signal present at its input. In addition, a coupling circuit (20) that can adopt at least two operating states is provided to couple the input (1) to the integrator (30) which has a temperature-dependent coupling characteristic. A correction circuit (10) that can be operated by a clock signal is coupled to the input (1) in order to transfer a quantity of charge, and has a temperature characteristic that is derived from the coupling characteristic of the coupling circuit (20).

Abstract: A fan control system for controlling a fan to dissipate heat from an electronic device includes a current detection circuit having a shunt resistor to receive current, a signal amplification circuit having an operational amplifier, and a switch circuit having an npn transistor and a pnp transistor. A first terminal of the shunt resistor is connected to the electronic device, a second terminal of the shunt resistor is connected to the electronic device via a power source and is grounded. A non-inverting terminal of the operational amplifier is connected to the first terminal of the shunt resistor, an inverting terminal of the operation amplifier is connected to the second terminal of the shunt resistor via a first resistor and connected to an output terminal of the operational amplifier via a second resistor. The output terminal of the operation amplifier is grounded via a third resistor and a sixth resistor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to FET arrays including large FET arrays for monitoring chemical and/or biological reactions such as nucleic acid sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. Some methods provided herein relate to improving signal (and also signal to noise ratio) from released hydrogen ions during nucleic acid sequencing reactions.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling self powered decorative devices using EMF emanating from, for example, a light string on a Christmas tree. The decorative devices sense the presence of EFM from the light string and actuate in response thereto and turn off when the field disappears, thereby saving energy. In an alternate embodiment, the EMF source is capable of modulation and the slave decorations are coded and tuned to specific EMF characteristics, such as frequency. The master EMF source transmits the EMF of different characteristic thereby causing the coded slave decorations to operate in a synchronized matter. The system may also be responsive to music or other inputs to create special decorative effects.

Abstract: A system adapted to replace a mechanical switch with an electronic switch, without the need of additional wiring. The electronic switch includes a bridge array for sensing a characteristic, e.g., temperature or pressure, and an electronic circuit having a switch. As the characteristic of the bridge array varies a switch changes states.

Abstract: A sensor control circuit for controlling a sensor unit for measuring a physical value includes a timing controller which selects periodically one or more sensor units among multiple sensor units and converts an output signal from the sensor unit to a continuous serial input signal, an oscillator which receives the serial input signal input by the controller and outputs a frequency signal corresponding to the output signal detected by the sensor unit, a counter which counts for a predetermined duration a number of pulses of the frequency signal output from the oscillator, a data converter which converts the number of pulses to voltage data and outputs the data, and an RLC selector which inputs to the converter information indicating a characteristic value on which the number of pulses is based. The characteristic value is resistance, inductance or electrostatic capacitance. The sensor units measure physical values, respectively.

Abstract: The current invention relates, inter alia, to charge pulse amplitude and time detecting circuits, offering very low amplitude and temporal noise, and overcoming noise performance limits in charge pulse detection circuits according to prior art. Embodiments of the present invention may include a sensing device delivering charge pulses onto a sense node, an active buffer buffering the voltage on the sense node with a low impedance, a recharge device removing signal charge from the sense node, a noise filter connected to the output of the active buffer transmitting signal voltage pulses while attenuating noise from the recharge device. Additional and alternative embodiments are specified and claimed.

Abstract: Phase transition devices may include a functional layer made of functional material that can undergo a change in conductance in response to an external stimulus such as an electric or magnetic or optical field, or heat. The functional material transitions between a conducting state and a non-conducting state, upon application of the external stimulus. A capacitive device may include a functional layer between a top electrode and a bottom electrode, and a dielectric layer between the functional layer and the top electrode. A three terminal phase transition switch may include a functional layer, for example a conductive oxide channel, deposited between a source and a drain, and a gate dielectric layer and a gate electrode deposited on the functional layer. An array of phase transition switches and/or capacitive devices may be formed on a substrate, which may be made of inexpensive flexible material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining environmental conditions associated with operation of a chip having multiple device types, accessing a table stored in the chip based on the determined environmental conditions, and dynamically operating the chip at a bias point accessed from the table based on the determined environmental conditions.

Abstract: A device including a controllable semiconductor, sensor, and controller is provided. The controllable semiconductor is associated with a first operating parameter and a second operating parameter, wherein at least the first operating parameter is controllable. The sensor is in communication with the controllable semiconductor device and acquires data relating to the second operating parameter of the controllable semiconductor device. The controller is in communication with the controllable semiconductor device and the sensor, and the controller is configured to access device data associated with the controllable semiconductor, control the first operating parameter of the controllable semiconductor, and receive data from the first sensor relating to the second operating parameter.

Abstract: A multi-channel integrator includes a first switch, a second switch, and a plurality of integration units. First terminals of the first and second switches receive a first reference voltage. Each of the integration units includes an operational amplifier (OP-AMP), a feedback switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, and a feedback capacitor. A second input terminal of the OP-AMP receives a second reference voltage. Two terminals of the feedback switch are respectively coupled to a first input terminal and an output terminal of the OP-AMP. First terminals of the third switch and the fourth switch are respectively coupled to the first input terminal and the output terminal of the OP-AMP. A first terminal of the feedback capacitor is coupled to the second terminals of the first and the third switches. A second terminal of the feedback capacitor is coupled to the second terminals of the second and the fourth switches.

Abstract: A hybrid emergency stop system, the system includes: (a) a mechanically operated circuit, for stopping an operation of a machine when triggered by a user; and (b) a scream activated circuit, for stopping the operation of the machine when detecting a machine operator scream; wherein the mechanically operated circuit and the scream activated circuit are enclosed in a single compartment and are operable independently from each other.

Abstract: New sensors and different embodiments of multi-channel integrated circuit are provided. The new high energy and spatial resolution sensors use both solid state and scintillator detectors. Each channel of the readout chip employs low noise charge sensitive preamplifier(s) at its input followed by other circuitry. The different embodiments of the sensors and the integrated circuit are designed to produce high energy and/or spatial resolution two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging for widely different applications. Some of these applications may require fast data acquisition, some others may need ultra high energy resolution, and a separate portion may require very high contrast. The embodiments described herein addresses all these issues and also other issues that may be useful in two and three dimensional medical and industrial imaging.

Abstract: An electronic system includes an integrated circuit, powered by a first voltage, with a first device provided therein; a detection device coupled to the first device to detect an output deviation of the first device attributed to process, voltage and temperature (PVT) effects; and a compensation device coupled to the detection device, adjusting the first voltage in response to the output deviation and outputting the first voltage to the integrated circuit to compensate for the PVT effects. The electronic system further comprises a conversion device, coupled between the detection device and the compensation device, to generate an indication signal corresponding to the output deviation for the compensation device to adjust the first voltage. In addition, the compensation device may compare and amplify a difference between a voltage level of the indication signal and a reference to linearly adjust the first voltage for compensating for the PVT effects.

Abstract: A data carrier (2) comprises a data circuit (4) arranged on a substrate (3) and data transmission means (10) being connected to the data circuit (4). The data carrier (2) further comprises at least one strain gauge means (7) being adapted to measure strains exerted on the substrate (3) and to transmit a deactivating signal (DE) to the data circuit (4) if the measured strains exceed a defined deactivating strain threshold. If the data circuit (4) receives the deactivating signal (DE), the data circuit (4) interrupts a data exchange with an external data reader/writer (1) via the data transmission means (10).

Abstract: A compensating quantity-providing circuit includes a frequency signal generator having an output for a frequency signal the frequency of which depends on mechanical stress in a circuit, and a compensating quantity provider having an input for the frequency signal and an output for a compensating quantity which is based on the frequency signal.

Abstract: Provided are high-resolution parametric signal restoration systems, and applications thereof. Such systems include a multi-output module and a parametric compensator. The multi-output module provides a reference gain output signal and one or more higher gain output signals based on a single input signal. The parametric compensator independently responds to functional parameters of the one or more higher gain output signals to provide a compensation error signal. The single input signal is modified based on the compensation error signal.

Abstract: A filter tuning system for quickly compensating a time constant using a binary search algorithm is disclosed. The filter tuning system includes a time constant detector, a comparator and a calibration unit. The time constant detector detects a time constant of a filter based on an integral value of a reference input signal using an integrator when the time constant of the filter changes according to a variation of a manufacturing process or a temperature. The integrator includes a capacitor changing according to a variation of the time constant of the filter. The comparator compares the detected time constant with a reference value. The calibration unit compensates the time constant of the filter using the binary search algorithm based on the comparison result until an error between the time constant and the reference value is reduced within an acceptable range.