Abstract: An encoder detects a relative displacement between an encoder scale and an encoder head. The encoder head incorporates a light source, a light-receiving element to receive light from the light source via the encoder scale, and a signal-processing circuit to process an electrical signal from the light-receiving element. The encoder has a signal detection unit, a signal discrimination unit, and a switching unit. The signal detection unit is activated selectively in accordance with setting. When activated, the signal detection unit detects one or more signals having an almost sinusoidal waveform from the encoder head. The signal discrimination unit is activated selectively in accordance with setting. When activated, the signal discrimination unit determines the waveform of one or more signals having an almost sinusoidal waveform from the signal detection unit. The switching unit switches the current to be supplied to the light source to one of various magnitudes.

Abstract: Power consumption of an output stage such as a class-D output stage may depend on the amplitude and the activity of the signal being output. Here, control signals may be generated to independently control coupled switches of the output stage and to provide a tri-state control scheme for the output stage. These control signals may be generated based on durations of different levels of an input signal over one or more periods of time.

Abstract: A a converter has a head part (1), which can be connected to an external data bus, and one or more connection modules (2), which can be connected to it by way of plug-in mounting in the form of rows. The head part (1) has a plug-in connection (3) with plug-in contacts (4) associated with an internal data bus; each connector module (2) has a counter plug-in connection (5) matching the plug-in connection (3) of the head part (1); counter plug-in contacts (6) of the counter plug-in connection (5) are connected to circuit connection contacts (7) for the connection of a circuit support (8) having an electronic circuit and to plug-in contacts (4) for the connection of the counter plug-in contacts (6) of a further connection module (2); each connection module (2) has at least one device connection (9) for the connection of an actuator or a sensor, which communicates via a bus.

Abstract: A remote control includes a touch pad operable in two or more touch pad modes and a switching mechanism for controlling devices having display screens such as home entertainment (HE) devices, slide projectors, and computers. The switching mechanism is operable with the touch pad for switching the touch pad between the touch pad modes. The touch pad modes include an absolute touch pad mode, a relative touch pad mode, and an annotate touch pad mode. The remote control includes a control button operable in two or more control button modes. Each of the control button modes corresponds to a respective touch pad mode. The switching mechanism is operable with the control button for switching the control button to the control button mode corresponding to the respective touch pad mode. The remote control also includes an indicator operable for displaying control button indicator modes each indicative of a respective control button mode.

Abstract: A membrane switch having a rotary motion detection function comprises a flexible sheet, in which movable electrodes are formed that correspond to multiple keys, and a printed wiring board, in which fixed electrodes are formed that correspond to the movable electrodes. The flexible sheet and printed wiring board are arranged in layers so that the movable and fixed electrodes face each other with a prescribed spacing between them. When any key on the membrane switch is pressed and thus turned on, that key's signal is detected. When multiple keys are turned on in succession within a prescribed time interval, codes are sent that correspond to the direction and speed of movement of the sequence of turned-on keys. The rotary motion keys are arranged in a circle. The codes that correspond to the direction and speed of shift of the turned-on keys are preset in a microprocessor. The rotary motion keys can be arranged on the same board with other general keys to make up a remote control device.