Abstract: Embodiments of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with a logarithmic response and methods for converting digital signals to analog are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, the DAC includes a wedge-shaped resistive array having a plurality of linearly-spaced contact nodes and a switching array to selectively couple one of the contact nodes with an analog output based on a control signal. Each of the contact nodes may provide a corresponding reference voltage that varies logarithmically with respect to the linearly-spaced contact nodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in one embodiment, to an integrated circuit including a first circuit structure, a first conductive bonding pad coupled to the first circuit structure, a second circuit structure, and a second conductive bonding pad coupled to the second circuit structure. The first conductive bonding pad is arranged to be separated from the second bonding pad by a gap having a gap dimension. The gap dimension is configured to be bridged by a wire bond, thereby permitting the wire bond to electrically couple the first conductive bonding pad with the second conductive bonding pad when the wire bond is coupled to the first bonding pad and the second bonding pad at the gap.

Abstract: An annular resistor member having two non-contact ends is overlaid and adhered on the surface of a base, and a rotational shaft located at the central portion of the resistor member is pivotally axially supported via a bearing. A bent electrode arm is fitted on the rotational shaft, and is connected to an output terminal via the rotational shaft or a connection means. A movable electrode, which opposes to the resistor member via a gap, is integrally formed on the end portion of the electrode arm, and a capacitor is formed between the movable electrode and the resistor member. In the above structure, when an AC power supply is flowed across the two ends of the resistor member, the capacitor is formed between the movable electrode and the resistor member, and an attenuated voltage is generated on the movable electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for the control of variable speed electrical positioning drives, especially for sewing machine positioning drives, is disclosed in two exemplary embodiments. The apparatus provides a preset nominal value of speed and a range of adjustment for additional signals in digital form, thus making possible a continuous or incremental change in the nominal value as well as additional digital signals. The apparatus includes lamellar contact elements of a potentiometer arranged on a base element in the path of a slider for the nominal value of speed and at least one low resistance lamellar contact element arranged in the slider path for producing an additional digital signal.

Abstract: A regulation device is disclosed, for regulating a physical magnitude as a function of two independent parameters: the parameters can be, for example, parameters of interest in the operation of an internal-combustion engine. Instead of the conventional space cam, a surface is provided on which the third dimension is represented by different voltage so as to define on such a planar or curved surface a family of equipotential curves. The readings taken by a conductive follower are mechanically converted so as to govern the appropriate component parts of an engine so as to have an automatical adjustment of certain parameters. The device is dependable and reliable and cannot be prone to jamming or mechanical defects. The device is of the potentiometric class.