Abstract: Data transmission method for a two-wire data bus from a transmitter having ports to a receiver having ports. The method comprises the steps of: detecting a first common-mode voltage swing on the ports and forming a first common-mode signal. Detecting a second common-mode voltage swing on the ports and forming a second common-mode signal. The transmitter sending data via the two-wire data bus. The receiver receiving the data. The voltage difference on the ports being compared with a lower and an upper reception threshold, wherein an output of an apparatus element assumes a first or second level on the basis of this comparison. Raising the differential send level if the absolute value of the first common-mode signal is greater than a first threshold value. Raising the upper reception threshold and/or lowering the lower reception threshold if the absolute value of the second common-mode signal is greater than a second threshold value.

Abstract: A controller forming one node of a local interconnect network in a vehicle and implementing a function associated with the vehicle is provided along with a method for communicating within the network. The controller includes a serial communication interface configured to communicate with a single wire serial communication bus through a local interconnect network transceiver. A processor coupled to the interface is configured to implement a process for transmitting data on the bus including determining whether the bus is in use by another node, generating, when the bus is not in use, a signal on the bus indicative of a forthcoming transmission, transmitting a predetermined portion of a frame of data on the bus, determining whether a data collision exists on the bus, transmitting, when a data collision does not exist, another predetermined portion of the frame, and terminating, when a data collision does exist, further transmission of the frame.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus 2 includes processing circuitry 4 performing processing operations which move the processing circuitry 4 between logical states. Monitoring circuitry 18 monitors logical state variables of the processing circuitry and these are supplied to prediction circuitry 30 which detects predetermined patterns within the logical states which are indicative (previously correlated with) of a future potential temporary insufficiency in the supply power to the processing circuitry 4. When such a pattern is detected, then power control circuitry 8,10 serves to trigger a mitigation response to counteract the future potential temporary insufficiency in power supply, such as temporarily reducing the clock frequency and/or boosting the supply voltage.

Abstract: Power supply of ECUs connected to a communication network is optimally controlled so that power consumption is reduced. A transceiver/receiver converts a message of a differential signal received via a CAN bus into a digital signal. A select circuit determines whether the converted message is in a CAN format or a UART format. If it is in the UART format, the select circuit outputs a message to the UART circuit. A UART circuit determines whether the message matches a UART format. If matched, an ID determination circuit determines whether the input message is specifying a CAN ID of its own ECU. If it is the CAN ID of the ECU, the ID determination circuit outputs an enable signal to turn on a regulator and supply power to an MCU and an actuator.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a plurality of chips, which include a plurality of corresponding functional blocks having the same function among the chips, and only one of the corresponding functional blocks having the same function among the chips enables function, and one or more functional blocks enable function in each of the chips, so that the functional blocks are distributed among the chips.

Abstract: A control device for a multi-voltage electrical system of a vehicle is provided. The multi-voltage vehicle electrical system includes a first subsystem which is formed to be operated by a first voltage supply source with a first supply voltage, and a second subsystem which is formed to be operated by a second voltage supply source with a second supply voltage. The control device comprises: a transceiver which is connected to ground via a first ground terminal of the first subsystem and is supplied with energy at least by the first voltage supply source, and which is formed to communicate with a component of the first subsystem; a control unit which is connected to ground via a second ground terminal of the second subsystem, and which is formed to control a component of the second subsystem. The control unit is supplied with energy at least by the first voltage supply source.

Abstract: A multi-voltage electrical system for a vehicle, which comprises a first subsystem with a transceiver and a second subsystem with a control unit, is provided. A first control signal path which couples a first signal output of the transceiver to a first signal input of the control unit is formed and arranged to transmit a first control signal from the first signal output to the first signal input. The first control signal path comprises a first circuit module which is formed to assume a blocking condition in response to a faulty operating voltage supply in the first subsystem and/or in the second subsystem, in which the transmission of the first control signal from the first signal output to the first signal input via the first control signal path is inhibited.

Abstract: A watchdog timer circuit for use in microcomputer monitor systems is disclosed. This circuit includes a timer circuit responsive to receipt of a count clock signal for counting it up, and a timer control circuit which loads an externally inputted data signal (stn) in sync with a timer refresh instruction (prun) and holds therein a sequentially loaded latest multi-bit data signal as reference data. When the reference data agrees with a predefined pattern and simultaneously another prespecified condition is met, the timer control circuit interrupts the clock signal counting operation of the timer circuit. During interruption of the counting operation, when the reference data does not agree with the predefined pattern or when the above-stated another prespecified condition becomes unsatisfied, the control circuit allows the timer circuit to restart the clock signal counting operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods of interconnecting devices may include an input/output (IO) interface having one or more clock circuits, a power supply coupled to the one or more clock circuits, and logic to receive a rate adjustment command at the IO interface. The logic may also be configured to adjust a data rate of the IO interface in response to the rate adjustment command, and to adjust an output voltage of the power supply in response to the rate adjustment command.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement and a method are provided to avoid an uncontrolled discharge of the battery of a motor vehicle in the event of a defective initialization of an electronic control unit in the motor vehicle. The initialization process is monitored, and the result thereof controls a supply voltage which is fed via a voltage-monitoring line to a monitoring device of a bus-transceiver only when a successful initialization is detected, or the feeding or the generation of the supply voltage is interrupted when successful initialization is not detected. If the monitoring device does not detect the required supply voltage, e.g. at an appropriate time, then it cuts off power to the supply voltage unit that generates the supply voltage.

Abstract: A dual mode regulator provides power to a tower mounted low noise amplifier (LNA) and operates in either one of two modes. The dual mode regulator comprises a microcontroller that controls the amplifier and two regulators to operate in an Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) mode when the microcontroller is detecting AISG protocol information or in a current window alarm (CWA) mode when the microcontroller is not receiving AISG protocol information. In the CWA mode the total current to the two regulators and associated circuitry is maintained at a constant amplitude. Further in the CWA mode, the microcontroller is able to generate an alarm signal and deactivate the amplifier when it detects improper operation by the amplifier. In the AISG mode, a single regulator is used and the other regulator is de-activated by the microcontroller.

Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting fixture including a light source, a light source controller, and an external controller plug. The light source controller controls power to the light source. The external controller plug allows an external controller to selectively engage a power source to the light source controller.

Abstract: There is included a detection unit for detecting a magnitude of a surplus of a direct current to a source voltage generated by a voltage generation unit generating the source voltage from the direct current obtained by rectifying a signal inputted from an antenna terminal. A data processing unit operating at the source voltage and performing data processing on a transmission/reception signal includes a clock control unit for determining a frequency of a clock signal for the data processing based on the magnitude of the surplus current detected by the detection unit in a state where a frequency of the clock signal is set to a predetermined reference frequency. Since the power consumed by the data processing unit at the time of detecting the surplus of the direct current is determined by the specific reference frequency, the surplus of the direct current can be detected as an absolute surplus.

Abstract: A system comprises a sensing node that includes a sensor, a processor, an energy harvesting circuit, a time keeper, a first energy storage device, and a second energy storage device. The energy harvesting circuit is connected for recharging the first energy storage device. The processor is connected for receiving all its power derived from the energy harvesting circuit. The second energy storage device is connected for powering the time keeper.

Abstract: A system and a method of long-term condition monitoring of structures are based on use of autonomous sensing modules, centers for storing and processing data and software for data analysis. An autonomous sensing module contains a set of sensors for measurements of parameters related to the condition of a monitored structure, a non-volatile memory, a wireless data transfer unit, a controller, a clock circuit, a battery, an energy harvesting device and a power management unit. The autonomous sensing module provides a very long-term (40 years or more) functionality and reliability due to both use of at least near hermetic packages for the controller, the non-volatile memory, the battery, the clock circuit and the power management unit and choosing the duration of periods when the sensing module works in active mode in such a way that the average energy consumed by the autonomous sensing module is fully compensated by the average energy harvested by the energy harvesting device.

Abstract: A power supply unit for a fire detector, especially a smoke alarm, includes a power unit and battery terminals for connecting a predeterminable battery. The power unit has first connection means for connection to a power supply network and second connection means for connecting the fire detector. In order to increase the functionality of a fire alarm, the battery terminals are operatively connected by at least one first electric connection with the second connection means. The first electric connection includes hereby at least one diode.

Abstract: Invention discloses a highly efficient integrated physical Reader with dual circular bi-static antenna device comprising an integral DC to DC converter 3, built in to supply power to the reader, wherein desired power, 48V is supplied from the switch 7, to the magnetic transformer 1, an integral RJ 45 female connecter 2, to separate the power; the separated power from the magnetic transformer 1, is fed in to the DC to DC converter 3, which steps it down around 8 volts and then fed to a regulator, providing +5 V as output; which is further fed to the reader to drive the dual circular bi-static antenna to receive or transmit the signals; wherein the said system is assembled within the Antenna enclosure, which eliminates severe distance limitation and deterioration in signal strength imposed by the RF cable.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling to a process control transmitter of the type used to monitor a process variable in an industrial process is provided. The adapter includes I/O circuitry configured to couple to a two wire process control loop and to the process control transmitter and communicate on the process control loop. Wireless communication circuitry couples to the two wire process control loop and is configured to transmit an RF signal. Power supply circuitry provides power to the wireless communication circuitry.

Abstract: An alert device comprising a plug adapted for insertion into a 12-volt electrical receptacle of a vehicle; a cover disposed on a second end of the plug; a microprocessor operatively connected to a vehicle power supply and to a backup power supply, when the vehicle is turned on the microprocessor is powered via the vehicle power supply; an audio controller connected to the microprocessor and to a speaker; a light component connected to the microprocessor; wherein when the vehicle is turned off an interrupt is triggered on the microprocessor and the microprocessor generates a first output command to the light component to activate the light component and generates a second output command to the audio controller to reproduce a pre-recorded message over the speaker.

Abstract: A controller (500) in an electric drive system is used to develop power generation failure diagnostics. During operation, the controller (500) receives a set of generator inputs, a set of machine parameters, and a set of diagnostic values. Next, the controller (500) determines a set of expected operating values corresponding to the set of diagnostic values. The controller (500) then compares the obtained diagnostic values to one or more corresponding expected operating values. If the difference is greater than a threshold, the controller (500) provides an appropriate fault indication.

Abstract: A voltage regulating power supply includes: a switching regulator powered by a supply voltage level, the switching regulator for generating a first output voltage in accordance to a first reference voltage; and a linear regulator coupled to the first output voltage, the linear regulator for generating a second output voltage in accordance to a second reference voltage; wherein a noise sensitive circuit draws power from the second output voltage.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a structure includes providing a structure having a component subject to failure. A sensor, a memory and an energy harvesting device are mounted on the structure. The sensor is used and data derived from the sensor logged in the memory, wherein the memory is powered solely with energy derived from the energy harvesting device. The component is replaced if information in the memory shows that the component was subject to damaging usage.

Abstract: A power supply unit for a fire detector, especially a smoke alarm, includes a power unit and battery terminals for connecting a predeterminable battery. The power unit has first connection means for connection to a power supply network and second connection means for connecting the fire detector. In order to increase the functionality of a fire alarm, the battery terminals are operatively connected by at least one first electric connection with the second connection means. The first electric connection includes hereby at least one diode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method adapted to detect a failure in at least one lamphead of an emergency lighting system includes a signal generator and a failure sensor. The lamphead receives power from a power connection. The signal generator generates a monitoring signal having a voltage, which is operatively coupled to the power connection. The failure sensor detects a failure in the lamphead and modifies the voltage of the monitoring signal. The emergency lighting system may also include a plurality of lampheads. In this case, the failure sensor may detect a failure in at least one of the lampheads, and identify which of the plurality of lampheads has failed. The failure sensor may also be adapted to reduce the voltage of the monitoring signal in response to detection of the failure.

Abstract: A power monitoring apparatus of a fan is for receiving an input voltage from external. The power monitoring apparatus includes a starting unit and a voltage detecting unit. The starting unit receives the input voltage and starts the fan according to the input voltage. The voltage detecting unit is electrically connected to the starting unit and generates a warning signal when the input voltage is not equal to a reference value.

Abstract: A power supply for providing an internal supply voltage, the power supply including a current source configured to provide an internal supply voltage directly from its output, and a high speed internal supply voltage shunt, which is coupled to the current source output.

Abstract: A power supply for providing excitation to notification appliance circuits (NACs) in fire alarm applications meets revised national and international requirements for both NAC drive and auxiliary load drive tasks with a single circuit configuration. The requirements stipulate ability to tolerate inrush when activating strobe lights and horns of ten times the nominal output, while limiting short-circuit drive in AUX mode to eight amperes after five seconds. The novel power supply improves on the requirements, first by continuously testing for overcurrent NAC status and signaling faults in real time, and second by shutting off AUX drive in event of a short and retrying periodically without a requirement for manual reset. Thus testing for wiring errors is rendered safer and nondestructive, and correction of a wiring error can be quicker.

Abstract: A bicycle signal output device comprises a magnet structured to be mounted to one of a first part and a moving part of a bicycle, a coil structured to be mounted to the other one of the first part and the moving part of the bicycle, and a signal generating unit that operates using electrical power generated by the coil in response to relative motion between the magnet and the coil.

Abstract: A vehicle power outlet switch (10) can include a threshold detector (14) for comparing a predetermined threshold with a vehicle battery characteristic and a power switch (18) controlled by the output of the threshold detector. Note, the vehicle battery characteristic differs while the vehicle engine is turned on or turned off and the threshold detector provides an enabling signal to the power switch when the vehicle engine is detected as being on. The threshold detector can also provide a disabling signal to the power switch when the vehicle engine is off. The power outlet switch can further include a timer (16) coupled to an output of the threshold detector that continues to provide an enabling signal to the power switch for a predetermined time after the threshold detector detects that the vehicle engine is turned off. The timer can include or be a one shot timer.

Abstract: Alarms are often required on various vehicles and equipment such as fork lifts, dump trucks, bulldozers, etc. An alarm is disclosed controlled by a microprocessor, which is an integral part of the basic circuit. The alarm has a flat diaphragm, and a novel acoustic lens. The acoustic lens is constructed such that sound emanating from the center of the diaphragm has a direct path to the outside of the alarm. Sound produced around the periphery of the diaphragm must pass through a path containing switchbacks, that serve as an acoustic delay line, so this sound is delayed in exiting the alarm. The result is an alarm that with full sound in the important regions such as behind and to the side rear of the vehicle, but is very quiet for the operator or driver of the vehicle. The microprocessor is relied upon for adjusting alarm output based on source voltage and varying the signal based on ambient noise, as well as specific signals for particular applications.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus has light sources that can be controlled to produce decorative or informational effects. Each light source is controlled by the combination of an enable signal from a 1-bit port of a controller and a PWM signal from a PWM signal from the controller. Each PWM signal is used to control a plurality of light sources in parallel whereas each 1-bit enabled signal controls, generally, only one. The light sources are preferably arranged to shine through soft structures on the apparatus.

Abstract: A computer system includes a voltage regulator that supplies power to a component. The component may provide a signal indicating an amount of current the component consumes under a high utilization operating condition. The voltage regulator may then determine the slope of a load line using this signal.

Abstract: A POE (power over Ethernet)-prioritized active splitter is disclosed for a prioritized network having different priorities such as a network security system that uses an intelligent POE power supply with a prioritized back-up response, allowing a lower cost UPS (uninterruptible power supply) system to be used, and also providing a longer back-up time period by the UPS system for more critical components of the security system. A simple embodiment operates with only two priority levels, a high priority level for more critical components of the, such as the cable modem, the system router, fire alarm devices, local warning devices and the alarm communicator, while less critical components are supplied with electrical power at the low priority level. In the event of a power outage or disconnection, the critical high priority components remain connected to the Ethernet network to be supplied with electrical power by the UPS system and also to communicate over the twisted wire pairs of the Ethernet network.

Abstract: Circuits provide power to network-based devices, such as IP telephones, using spare conductors within existing LAN cables. The circuits, which may comprise diode bridges, are designed to provide power using existing and planned industry guidelines.

Abstract: A backup electrical power unit for an alarm panel. The unit comprises a solar panel array which produces an array output DC voltage and a charging current for a battery through a first circuit at a first voltage level of the battery output voltage. This circuit disconnects the array output from the battery terminal output at a second battery voltage level. The charging current resumes when the battery output voltage is at or below the first voltage level. The backup unit also includes a second circuit interposed electrically, serially with the first circuit to disconnect the array output from the battery terminal output below a disconnect, voltage level. A circuit is provided for connecting the battery to the alarm panel when the primary power to the alarm panel is interrupted. Status indicators are provided.

Abstract: An electromagnetic transponder including an oscillating circuit adapted to extracting from a radiating field a high-frequency amplitude-modulated signal, circuitry for extracting from said high-frequency signal an approximately D.C. supply voltage, a demodulator of data carried by the high-frequency signal, and circuitry for separately regulating the supply voltage and a useful voltage carrying the data.

Abstract: The present invention a method and apparatus for providing a visual messaging device for use with a high-speed network and an electrical supply system for the visual messaging device. The visual messaging device includes a network interface circuit that receives the message data from a network and arranges it in memory unit in usable form (packets) for use by a processor at the high network speed. The electrical supply system utilized with the visual messaging device comprises, in part, a power source, located in a remote location relative to a low voltage, high current device, which provides for the transmission of electrical power to the low voltage, high current device, such as a visual display unit, via relatively thin wiring or cabling passing through an enclosure, such as a plenum air space, without the need of placing the wiring or cabling in a conduit.

Abstract: The invention involves systems and methods of providing energy to land-based telemetry devices wherein the energy storage and power conditioning system is comprised of an input power supply, an energy storage element, an output supply and a control system. The input power supply provides energy to the output power supply and charges the energy storage element. The energy storage element is comprised of one or more UltraCaps and supplies energy to the output power supply at times of peak need and when the primary energy source to the input power supply is removed. The control system adjusts the voltage supplied to the energy storage element by the input power supply according to changes in the ambient temperature to compensate for changes in the internal equivalent series resistance of the UltraCaps caused by the change in ambient temperature. The output power supply provides energy to the land-based telemetry device.

Abstract: A brake light system for a land motor vehicle including a source of electrical power adapted to be mounted in a land motor vehicle, at least one brake light, a brake light switch connecting the at least one brake light to the source of electrical power and a voltage booster for increasing the voltage of the electric power received from the source of electrical power to a higher voltage which is supplied to the at least one brake light

Abstract: As the application range of solar power generation systems widens, a number of relatively compact and lightweight inverters must be installed outdoors. However, an inverter has no burglarproof function at all. A burglarproof device which switches the state of the burglarproof function upon receiving a burglarproof function state change signal, and outputs an alarm signal when the output signal output in the alarm state from a connection detection section indicates that the power supply or load is disconnected is added to the inverter.

Abstract: A portable remote activation device having an exceptionally long battery life. The activation device is composed of a receiver unit and a transmitter unit which are normally connected in tandem. The receiver unit includes a receiver, a battery source for powering the receiver, and a switch for activating the receiver by the battery. The receiver unit also includes a transmitter unit housing which is shaped to accommodate the transmitter unit and, with the transmitter unit so-accommodated, actuate the switch to disconnect battery power from the receiver. Only when the transmitter unit is removed from the receiver unit is the switch closed to connect the battery to the receiver, enabling the receiver to receive signals from the transmitter unit.

Abstract: A warning device including a status and function indicator circuit for indicating the status and function of the warning device. In a visual warning device such as a strobe light, the status and function indicator circuit includes a status output device such as an LED. The LED and associated circuitry are configured to indicate both proper operation of the visual warning device and, in the event of a device failure, will indicate whether the fault lies with circuitry for the visual warning device or simply with a warning output device.

Abstract: A semiconductor circuit for an electronic unit having at least one microcontroller comprises at least one voltage regulator for providing, from a first supply voltage, at least one second supply voltage for the microcontroller and for circuits of the unit which cooperate with the microcontroller. The circuit further comprises, in monolithic form, a transceiver unit having transmitting and receiving device for coupling a microcontroller to the two-wire bus. This monolithic construction may additionally comprise watchdog functions, various wake-up functions and an interface via which a serial data exchange with the at least one microcontroller is possible. Furthermore, it may have an apparatus for determining, throughout the network, bus subscribers having reference-ground potential faults and for quantifying such faults.

Abstract: An alarm signaling device (5) operable to produce an alarm signal and, possibly, communicate emergency announcements when triggered by a signal from a central alarm control panel. The alarm includes a speaker or other sound producing device and a silencing circuit (14) that can be engaged by a person in the room to temporarily disable the speaker. The silencing circuit includes a timing circuit (30) and a switch (32) consisting of a pair of touch contacts (38, 40) that are activated by body resistance. The timing circuit (30) is operable to automatically re-enable the speaker after a predetermined time period has been measured. Furthermore, though the speaker has been silenced by the silencing circuitry (14), a reactivation circuit (15) continues to receive and process signals in order to identify a re-enablement signal by its particular frequency and duration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the location of an object. An object to be located can be provided with an object locator that includes a display. When the object locator receives a signal indicating that the object associated with the object locator is to be located, the display changes display state to provide a visual indication that the signal has been received. The object locator can be ambient energy-powered, and the display can be a bistable display, such as a rotating element display device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses improved smoke detector devices. In a preferred embodiment, the invention takes the form of an improved smoke detector of the type having a ceiling-mounted, main housing with an electrical circuit that includes an alarm device and a smoke sensing means that activates the alarm device when smoke is present in the vicinity of the sensing means. Wherein the improvement comprises a remote housing that is remotely disposed from the main housing, with the remote housing having affixed thereto a remote electrical circuit comprising a means for receiving an electrical connection from the main electrical circuit, a means for testing the operating condition of the main electrical circuit, a means for shutting off the alarm device, and a remote battery coupling means that allows a battery for powering the detector to be located in the remote housing.