Abstract: Systems and methods of estimating a fluid injector tip temperature. A controller having a processor and a memory supplies a current to a coil of a fluid injector, a resistance of the coil is measured when the current is supplied to the coil, a coil temperature is determined based on the measured resistance, and a tip temperature of a fluid injector tip is estimated based on the determined coil temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided that includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfluidic channels and a plurality of multiplexed heater electrodes, wherein the heater electrodes are part of a multiplex circuit including a common lead connecting the heater electrodes to a power supply, each of the heater electrodes being associated with one of the microfluidic channels. The microfluidic device also includes a control system configured to regulate power applied to each heater electrode by varying a duty cycle, the control system being further configured to determine the temperature of each heater electrode by determining the resistance of each heater electrode.

Abstract: A method for determining the temperature or the ohmic resistance of an electrical component, especially of a coil of a magnetic valve. The component temperature is estimated with the aid of a temperature model, which is able to determine the curve of the component temperature even during a control of the valve. The temperature model is corrected regularly based on the measured value, in this context.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving device includes a card slot, a fan, a temperature sensor, a memory component and a control unit. The card slot accepts an IC card. The fan rotates to cool the IC card. The temperature sensor measures a first temperature. The memory component stores correlation information indicating a correlation between the first temperature and a second temperature of the IC card. The control unit acquires the second temperature based on the first temperature and the correlation information. The control unit determines if the second temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. The control unit switches from a first output mode, in which an audio-video signal is outputted via the IC card, to a second output mode, in which the audio-video signal is outputted by bypassing the IC card, when the control unit determines that the second temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel identification system and method normally applied to internal combustion engine vehicles of the flex-fuel type by means of which it is possible to identify the composition of the fuel used at each point in time, particularly the ratio used in a gasoline/ethanol blend or detect the presence of air or fuel in the vapor state in the fuel line, using the same device that heats the fuel.

Abstract: A sensor diagnostic method, such as to determine rationality of one of three temperature sensors used in an exhaust aftertreatment system, includes determining the temperature difference between the first and second sensor, determining the temperature difference between the second and third sensor, determining whether the temperature differences are within an acceptable threshold range and comparing the two temperature differences to determine which sensor is in error, if any.

Abstract: A method is provided for estimating the temperature in an internal combustion engine. The method includes, but is not limited to the steps of providing a sensor resistor (RTD) in the internal combustion engine, the sensor resistor (RTD) having a predetermined resistance-temperature characteristic, measuring a sensor voltage (VRTD) across the sensor resistor (RTD), calculating a resistance value of the sensor resistor (RTD) based on the sensor voltage (VRTD) and estimating the temperature using the resistance value and the resistance-temperature characteristic. The method further comprises the steps of connecting, in series to the sensor resistor (RTD), a first branch of a current mirror arrangement, connecting a reference resistor (R0) in series to a second branch of the current mirror arrangement, measuring a reference voltage (V0) across the reference resistor (R0) and calculating the resistance value of the sensor resistor (RTD) based on the sensor voltage (VRTD) and the reference voltage (V0).

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing temperature data indicative of a temperature measured by a temperature sensor. The circuit is coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to identify for a coarse temperature range one of a plurality of fine temperature ranges corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and generate temperature data that is provided on an asynchronous output data path.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for measuring a temperature of a process includes a first, a second, third, and fourth terminal configured to couple to the temperature sensitive element. Measurement circuitry measures an electrical parameter between a pair of the terminals. A microprocess identifies a location of the temperature sensitive element coupled to at least two of the terminals based upon an electrical parameter measured by the measured circuitry between two terminals. In another configuration, the process variable transmitter measures temperature of a process using a thermocouple. A heating element is configured to heat terminals coupled to the thermocouple. A microprocessor determines polarity of the thermocoupled based upon a measured electrical parameter between the terminals in response to applied heat.

Abstract: A method for determining the temperature or the ohmic resistance of an electrical component, especially of a coil of a magnetic valve. The component temperature is estimated with the aid of a temperature model, which is able to determine the curve of the component temperature even during a control of the valve. The temperature model is corrected regularly based on the measured value, in this context.

Abstract: A temperature compensating fluid flow sensing system is provided that comprises a resistance-based sensor element that is included in a constant voltage anemometer circuit configured to establish and maintain a command voltage across the first sensor element and to provide a constant voltage anemometer (CVA) output voltage corresponding to the resistance change in the first sensor element due to heat transfer between the first sensor element and the fluid. A controller is configured to establish the command voltage based on a desired overheat across the sensor and an actual overheat across the first sensor element. A power dissipation (PDR) module is configured to determine at least one fluid flow parameter and an actual overheat value based at least in part on the CVA output voltage and to transmit to the controller the actual overheat for use by the controller in updating the command voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided that includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfluidic channels and a plurality of multiplexed heater electrodes, wherein the heater electrodes are part of a multiplex circuit including a common lead connecting the heater electrodes to a power supply, each of the heater electrodes being associated with one of the microfluidic channels. The microfluidic device also includes a control system configured to regulate power applied to each heater electrode by varying a duty cycle, the control system being further configured to determine the temperature each heater electrode by determining the resistance of each heater electrode.

Abstract: A temperature detection circuit according to the present invention includes a potential generating part and a temperature detection part. The potential generating part generates a potential according to an environmental temperature, and the temperature detection part detects a temperature based on a detection potential generated in the potential generated part. The temperature detection part is a resistive load type inverter circuit that outputs a detection signal when the generated potential reaches a threshold voltage. The potential generating part applies the detection potential to the inverter circuit through a temperature sensor including cascaded diodes and an NchMOSFET. The threshold voltage of the inverter circuit is determined based on the NchMOSFET in the inverter circuit, and the NchMOSFET is a MOSFET having the same characteristic as the NchMOSFET of the potential generating part.

Abstract: A compact resistive thermal sensor is provided for an integrated circuit (IC), wherein different sensor components are placed on different layers of the IC. This allows the lateral area needed for the sensor resistance wire on any particular IC layer to be selectively reduced. In a useful embodiment, a conductive element extending between first and second layers for connecting said first and second conductive paths into a single continuous conductive path having a resistance that varies with temperature. The sensor is responsive to electric current sent through said continuous path for determining temperature proximate to said continuous path from said path resistance.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for ease and accuracy in construction. A probe of the thermometer includes a flex circuit containing electronic components used to measure temperature and transmit signals to a calculating unit of the thermometer. A locating member supported by the probe can function to pre-position the flex circuit prior to final fixation so that the electronic components are reliably positioned in manufacture.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a temperature sensor is provided, including a first electrode, a second electrode, a nanoporous material disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a diffusion material which is located outside the nanoporous material that is capable of diffusion into the nanoporous material. The amount of diffusion material diffusing into the nanoporous material is dependent on the temperature to which the temperature sensor is exposed. The resistance of the nanoporous material is dependent on the amount of diffusion material diffusing into the nanoporous material.

Abstract: A work piece 1 mounted on a movable table 22 is rotated while adjusting cutting depths of a grinding wheel 23 by means of feed motor so as to perform cylindrical grinding. During the cylindrical grinding, a thermocouple 42 is pushed to and caused to contact the rotating cylindrical grinding surface 1a of the work piece 1 at a constant pressure and thermoelectromotive force generated by the thermocouple 42 is measured. Surface roughness data corresponding to the measured thermoelectromotive force are obtained on the basis of the thermoelectromotive data obtained by the measurement and correlation between thermoelectromotive force and surface roughness concerning a known standard surface previously obtained and memorized. The surface roughness data are output and displayed on a display section. Therefore, an in-process measurement of surface state of the work piece 1 can be performed, while the machining such as cylindrical grinding is being carried out.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus includes a microprocessor having an A/D converting function of digital-converting an analog electric quantity supplied to an A/D conversion port and taking in a conversion result, and a plurality of electrical elements that are connected with the microprocessor and generate analog electric quantities. The plurality of electrical elements are respectively connected with a plurality of switch ports in the microprocessor that can be selectively grounded by internal switches of the microprocessor. Analog electric quantities generated in the electrical elements can be selectively taken into the A/D converting function of the microprocessor by selectively switching the internal switches.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring a parameter associated with a sample is provided. The method includes providing a probe adapted to heat the sample and applying a measuring current having a frequency ?1 to the probe. In operation, the method measures the amplitude of the voltage across the probe at a frequency ?1. This amplitude is indicative of a temperature of the probe. The preferred embodiment also provides a method of separating contamination of the thermal data caused by the probe from thermal data associated with the sample under test.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing temperature data indicative of a temperature measured by a temperature sensor. The circuit is coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to identify for a coarse temperature range one of a plurality of fine temperature ranges corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and generate temperature data that is provided on an asynchronous output data path.

Abstract: A method for digitally controlling the resistive output of a temperature probe is disclosed. The system is comprised of a temperature sensor, a processor and a means under the control of the processor for modifying the resistive output such as a digital potentiometer. In one embodiment, the processor reads the temperature sensor and adjusts the potentiometer based on a correlative or predictive technique so as to provide a modified output that matches that of a standard resistive temperature probe and is compatible for display on a multi-parameter monitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature sensing device with a first temperature sensor mounted to a housing at a first location proximate a first surface of the housing. The first temperature sensor senses a first temperature while a second temperature sensor senses a second temperature. A processor circuit is coupled to the first and second temperature sensors and a mounting device is coupled to either the housing or the processor circuit. The mounting device mounts the second temperature sensor at a second location proximate a second surface of the housing which is spaced apart from the first surface. The processor circuit is configured to estimate a third temperature based on the first and second temperatures and a distance between the first and second locations which is an estimate of a temperature at a third location.

Abstract: A monitor device includes a substrate and a plurality of temperature sensors disposed in the substrate. The monitor device also includes a processor coupled to the substrate and adapted to receive one or more signals from the plurality of temperature sensors. The processor is further adapted to convert the one or more received signals into one or more converted signals. The monitor device further includes a transceiver coupled to the substrate and adapted to receive the one or more converted signals. The transceiver is further adapted to transmit one or more output signals to an external receiver.

Abstract: A temperature detection circuit according to the present invention includes a potential generating part and a temperature detection part. The potential generating part generates a potential according to an environmental temperature, and the temperature detection part detects a temperature based on a detection potential generated in the potential generated part. The temperature detection part is a resistive load type inverter circuit that outputs a detection signal when the generated potential reaches a threshold voltage. The potential generating part applies the detection potential to the inverter circuit through a temperature sensor including cascaded diodes and an NchMOSFET. The threshold voltage of the inverter circuit is determined based on the NchMOSFET in the inverter circuit, and the NchMOSFET is a MOSFET having the same characteristic as the NchMOSFET of the potential generating part.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for ease and accuracy in construction. A probe of the thermometer includes a flex circuit containing electronic components used to measure temperature and transmit signals to a calculating unit of the thermometer. A locating member supported by the probe can function to pre-position the flex circuit prior to final fixation so that the electronic components are reliably positioned in manufacture.

Abstract: A body temperature detector is particularly suited to axillary temperature measurements of adults. The radiation sensor views a target surface area of the body and electronics compute an internal temperature of the body as a function of ambient temperature and sensed surface temperature. The function includes a weighted difference of surface temperature and ambient temperature, the weighting being varied with target temperature to account for varying perfusion rate. Preferably, the coefficient varies from a normal of about 0.13 through a range to include 0.09. The ambient temperature used in the function is assumed at about 80° F. but modified with detector temperature weighted by 20%.

Abstract: A temperature detector and method of detecting a shifted temperature provides multiple detected temperature points using a single branch. The temperature detector generates multiple detected temperature points in response to temperature control signals sequentially generated in a single branch. Since a shifted temperature for the single branch is found and a trimming operation in response to the shifted temperature is carried out, the test time is reduced. Various refresh periods can be set in response to various trip point temperatures and thus power consumption of a DRAM can be decreased.

Abstract: In an RF communication system, aspects of a method for a temperature sensor for transmitter output power compensation may comprise generating an output voltage, which may vary with temperature, from at least one reference voltage, wherein at least one reference voltage may vary proportionally with temperature. The output voltage may be converted to a digital value. The reference voltage may be generated by utilizing a current source to generate a voltage across a resistive load. A control voltage generated from an operational amplifier may control at least one current source. PN junction characteristics of at least one bipolar junction transistor may be utilized to generate an input reference voltage for the operational amplifier. Resistance of at least one resistor, which may be coupled to the bipolar junction transistor and to the operational amplifier, may be adjusted to determine a current level from the current source at a plurality of different temperatures.

Abstract: Described is a method for reading an array of sensors having a set of row conductors each connected to the sensors in a corresponding row of the array and a set of column conductors each connected to the sensors in a corresponding column of the array such that each sensor is connected between a row conductor and a column conductor. The method comprises: for each row of sensors in the array, performing a read cycle comprising applying an activation pulse to the corresponding row conductor to activate the sensors in the row, applying a reading pulse to the row conductor on expiry of a predetermined time interval from an edge of the activation pulse, and during the reading pulse, detecting, for each sensor in the row, a value dependent on a variable characteristic of that sensor. The read cycle for at least one row is commenced during the predetermined time interval of the read cycle for another row.

Abstract: A method is presented, in which a thin film resistor is modeled to account for self-heating. The method includes fabricating the thin film resistor and characterizing a thermal resistance of the thin film resistor, wherein the thermal resistance accounts for self-heating thereof during operation. The thermal resistance is then used in a model for simulating integrated circuits using the thin film resistor.

Abstract: A comparator circuit of a temperature sensor includes an output node and a variable current node. The output node is a first voltage at a given temperature when a current at the variable current node is less than a threshold current, and a different second voltage at the given temperature when the current at the variable current node is more than the threshold current. A variable resistance circuit includes at least n resistors of different resistive values connected in series between the variable current node of the comparator and a supply voltage, where n is an integer of 4 or more. A switching circuit is provided to selectively bypasses individual ones of the n resistors during a test sequence to determine a trip temperature of the sensor.

Abstract: A circuit and a method to measure continuously the resistance of variable resistors in series as e.g. potentiometers within a sensor, used for e.g. a joystick, has been achieved. The voltage across said sensor comprising any number of variable resistors is stabilized. A constant current source is providing a minimum current through said sensor. A variable current source is used to zoom variations of current through the sensor caused by variations of resistance of the sensor. Said variable current is mirrored and by measuring the voltage across a shunt resistor the total resistance of the sensor is identified. Using ports between each of the resistors, voltages can be measured representing the resistance of each of the variable resistors using known equations of voltage dividers. Any number of variable resistors can be used in the circuit invented.

Abstract: A signal line, being in a six-layer board and connecting terminal 102 of component 101 with terminal 115 of component 114, requires tamper-resistance. The signal line is composed of foil 103 on an outside layer, a via 104, foil 111 on the third layer, via 105, foil 112 on the fourth layer, via 106, and foil 113 on the sixth layer. Portions of the signal line that exist on outside layers are all hidden under circuit components. Foil 103 and an end of via 104 are placed under component 101 on first layer 116, an end of via 105 is placed under component 107 on layer 116, an end of via 106 is placed under component 108 on layer 116, the other end of via 104 is placed under component 109 on sixth layer 121, the other end of via 105 is placed under component 110 on layer 121, and foil 113 and the other end of via 106 are placed under component 114 on layer 121.

Abstract: A temperature measuring sensor is incorporated in a substrate of a semiconductor device and has a diode, and resistor formed in the substrate and connected in series. When a first forward constant current is supplied to the diode through the resistor, a potential difference VA1 is produced between terminal ends of both the diode and the resistor, and a potential difference VF1 is produced between terminal ends of the diode. When a second forward constant current is supplied to the diode through the resistor, a potential difference VA2 is produced between the terminal ends of both the diode and the resistor, and a potential difference VF2 is produced between the terminal ends of the diode. A real temperature T of the substrate is calculated by the following formula: T=(q/k)(VF1?VF2)[1/[ln((VA1?VF1)/(VA2?VF2))]] herein: T is an absolute temperature, k is Boltzmann's constant, and q is an electron charge.

Abstract: An improved system for determining the value of a resistive load is provided. The system includes: a reference voltage source; a reference resistor of known value having a first and second terminal, the first terminal connected to the reference voltage source and the second terminal connected to the resistive load; and a software program stored in a control unit connected to the first and second terminal, the control unit operative to read a value of the reference voltage source and a voltage at the second terminal of the predetermined reference resistor and to calculate the value of the resistive load as a function of the readings of the reference voltage source and the second terminal voltages.

Abstract: The method of the present invention determines the voltage, current, and/or power distribution in a power supply or other resistive network containing holes or contacts having non-rectangular boundaries. The method includes applying a grid over the resistive network. Because the holes and contacts have non-rectangular boundaries, the grid lines are not always coincident with these boundaries. A set of modified finite difference equations are then solved to derive a voltage distribution. Unlike conventional methods, these equations have been specifically adapted to the non-rectangular boundaries of the holes and contacts.

Abstract: A two-wire temperature transmitter performs thermocouple diagnostics on a thermocouple attached to the transmitter to determine if, and the extent to which, the thermocouple has degraded. Various methods of obtaining thermocouple resistance are also provided.

Abstract: A two-wire temperature transmitter is coupleable to a two-wire process control loop for measuring temperature of a process. The transmitter includes an analog to digital converter configured to provide digital output in response to an analog input. A two-wire loop communicator is configured to couple to the process control loop and send information on the loop. A microprocessor is coupled to the digital output and configured to send temperature related information on the process control loop with the two-wire loop communicator. A power supply is configured to completely power the two-wire temperature transmitter with power from the two-wire process control loop. A temperature sensor comprises at least two temperature sensitive elements having element outputs which degrade in accordance with different degradation characteristics.

Abstract: A temperature detector for an exhaust gas sensor comprises: an exhaust gas sensor 2 for detecting a concentration of oxygen contained in exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine; a temperature sensor 6 for measuring an environmental temperature which is substantially the same as the exhaust gas sensor 2; a resistance measuring means 12 for measuring an internal resistance value of the exhaust gas sensor 2; a timer means 10 for measuring an operation stop time of the internal combustion engine; and a control means 8 for detecting the internal resistance value of the exhaust gas sensor 2 and the environmental temperature at each operation starting point when a period of operation stop conducted by the timer means 10 is longer than a predetermined period, for calculating a characteristic of the internal resistance value versus the temperature of the exhaust gas sensor 2 from both the internal resistance of the exhaust gas sensor and the environmental temperature, for renewing and storing them, a

Abstract: A process fluid temperature transmitter includes circuitry that improves compensation of error due to the presence of one or more non-associated voltage sources in a resistance temperature device (RTD) circuit. A method of compensating for such error is also provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic compensation sensor that can eliminate an exclusive input terminal for the compensation mode signal. To achieve this object, the present invention comprises a sensor body (1), a signal output terminal (5) for outputting signals from the sensor body (1), and a controller for compensating the output signal from this signal output terminal (5).

Abstract: A quick registering thermometer utilizing a sensor that has electrical resistance varying with temperature located at the tip of a probe, the sensor having relatively small thermal mass and short thermal time constant. Within seconds of contact with the patient, the circuitry communicating with the sensor determines the rate of change in resistance of the sensor and, in turn, the temperature that the sensor would reach if allowed the length of time it would need to reach equilibrium with the contact surface of the patient. Based on the equilibrium temperature determined for the surface of the patient, the circuitry calculates and registers the core body temperature.

Abstract: An improved thermal asperity detector is disclosed for detecting short thermal asperities using a variable time threshold. The thermal asperity detector includes a saturation detector, and a comparator system. The comparator system may include a polarity latch, a processor, a level comparator and a timing comparator. The saturation detector compares a programmable saturation threshold to an A/D sample to generate an enable signal in response to the A/D sample exceeding the saturation threshold. The polarity latch receives the A/D sample and the enable signal, and records the most significant bit of the A/D sample to identify the polarity of the saturation and to provide an output signal representative thereof in response to the enable signal. The processor generates a threshold level control signal based upon a programmable level threshold and the polarity latch output signal.

Abstract: A simplified method and apparatus for electronic pressure control with compensation for current operating temperature and pressures in which computer memory is employed for storing a plurality of firmware models which characterize the effects of temperature and pressure variations on (1) fluid flow through the flow restrictor, (2) the temperature sensor, and (3) the pressure sensor, so that control signals can be generated which compensate a plurality of thermally coupled sensors for changes in current operating temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: A battery tester is formed at an AC constant-current generator for applying an AC current for measurement to a battery BT under test via a coupling capacitor, an internal resistance detecting device for detecting the internal resistance of the battery BT according to a voltage signal therefrom when the AC current is applied, a voltage detecting device for detecting the terminal voltage across the battery, and a deterioration judging unit for judging the deterioration of the battery from the internal resistance and terminal voltage detected by the internal resistance detecting device and the voltage detecting device. The internal resistance and terminal voltage of the battery are measured simultaneously, and deterioration of the battery is judged from the measurement data.