Abstract: A method of measuring a power quality index. A total current waveform of an ingress from a customer, and a current waveform and a voltage waveform of each of at least one load installed at the customer are measured. A load composition (LC) of the customer using the total current waveform of the ingress and the current waveform of each of the at least one load is computed. A total harmonic distortion (THD) of each of the at least one load using the current waveform and the voltage waveform of each of the at least one load is computed. Thereafter, a distortion power quality index (DPQI) of each of the at least one load using the LC and the THD is computed.

Abstract: A program product for determining an obstruction in an air circuit for an environmental control unit having a motor is provided. The program product comprises a program and a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium. The program is configured to at least facilitate obtaining a load current of the motor, determining a state of the motor, generating a comparison, and determining the obstruction using the load current and the comparison. The comparison is generated by comparing the load current to a first plurality of values if the motor is in a steady state, and by comparing the load current to a second plurality of values if the motor is in a transient state. The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium stores the program.

Abstract: Method to identify a current drawn by a fluorescent lamp in a circuit. Methods include receiving a voltage supplied to a fluorescent lamp drawing a current in response to the voltage, digitally sampling the voltage at a sampling frequency and associating a first time stamp with a voltage value representing one of a maximum or minimum value in observed voltage, receiving the current after receiving the voltage, digitally sampling the current at the sampling frequency and associating multiple second time stamps with a corresponding multiple current values, identifying a second time stamp, a difference between the first time stamp and the second time stamp being within a threshold, and identifying a current value associated with the second time stamp as the current drawn by the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a sensor, a power supply and a measurer. The sensor is placed over the electronic component. The power supply can supply electric power to the printed circuit; thereby the printed circuit is powered on. The measurer can measure a sensing signal through the sensor when the printed circuit is powered on.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus for variable sensing using the frequency domain are taught herein. An exposure of a system to a physical variable is determined by periodically sensing the physical variable to produce a plurality of digital samples. The plurality of digital samples is converted to respective frequency domain representations. The exposure is calculated using the frequency domain representations.

Abstract: A method for determining a power reduction due to ageing of a photovoltaic module includes measuring a variable associated with a performance of the module in one or more time periods within a given year, each time period defining a class, and constructing curves of discrete values, each power curve constructed from the measured electric variable at a plurality of times of a day within each class, and the curves constructed for a plurality of years. The method includes determining energy values based on the constructed curves for at least one class for each of the plurality of years, and determining a power reduction of the photovoltaic module with respect to one or several previous years by calculating a difference between the energy output values of a given class in a particular year and the energy output values of the given class in a year previous to the particular year.

Abstract: Described herein are a channel, system and method for monitoring voltages. Typically, the system includes multiple channels, each for sampling one of the voltages. The channels are physically and electrically coupled to a back end board on which is mounted a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that instructs the channels to simultaneously sample the voltages. Optionally, the channel is powered using an power supply that is isolated from the back end board, and transmits information over an electrically isolated connection to the back end board. The channel also includes voltage signal processing circuitry for processing the voltage signal on board the channel, and has stored on it channel identification information composed of at least one of an operating mode of the channel and a serial number of the channel, which can assist with voltage signal processing.

Abstract: A power measurement and calibration system provides power and line frequency measurements by using a bandpass filter having complex voltage and current outputs from which real and imaginary power components can be determined. Calibration of the filter may be omitted if a complex wavelet filter is used to implement the bandpass filter and a determination of line frequency can also be provided for downstream use. A processor receiving data from the output of the filter can compute real and imaginary power, power factor and the line frequency. The filter may be implemented by a processor executing program instructions, or a digital circuit implementing the filter and optionally a CORDIC rotator for computing the current-to-voltage phase relationship can provide input to the processor for power measurement and calibration of the sample rate to line frequency relationship and for other uses.

Abstract: Signal filtering removes effects of a periodic, low-frequency noise signal from a signal of interest. A signal waveform is sampled at different points of a number of consecutive periodic noise signal cycles and the collected samples are averaged to produce a corrected signal. The number of consecutive cycles in which samples are taken and averaged is inversely related to the signal amplitude such that as the signal level decreases, the number of cycles examined increases. Improved RMS calculations are obtained for filtering low-frequency random noise from Hall sensors by averaging samples at different points of a signal cycle to create a composite desired signal cycle to facilitate other signal calculations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for design validity verification of an electronic circuit board with regard to power supply noise, wherein with regard to an i-th LSI (i=1 to n) on the electronic circuit board, an input voltage Vin[i] to the LSI from the printed circuit board is given by Vin[i]=VDD?Zlsi[i]×VDD/(Zlsi[i]+Z11[i]), where Zlsi[i] is an input impedance characteristic and Z11[i] is a reflected impedance characteristic viewed from a position at which the i-th LSI is mounted, being a characteristic with the i-th LSI omitted from the whole of the electronic circuit board and a judgment is made as to whether or not a reflected voltage Vr[i]=Vin[i]×(Zlsi[i]+Z11[i])/(Zlsi[i]?Z11[i]) satisfies |Vr[i]|??V (power supply variation tolerance range).

Abstract: Quiescent supply current (IDDQ) verification, prediction, and debugging of low power semiconductor devices are enhanced by IDDQ defect diagnosis. If all IDDQ patterns fail verification, per module analysis is performed to sort out potential module design issues or cell constraint issues. For issues of missing constraints, and cell design or implementation issues leading to extra leakage that could be avoided by adding constraints, there are usually IDDQ patterns that correlate with expectations, and patterns that do not, due to the random nature of unconstrained scan cell values as determined by the pattern generation tool. Differentiating good and bad IDDQ patterns can identify root causes of IDDQ issues and additional constraints to fix the bad IDDQ vectors. These verification procedures are achieving IDDQ test success and short time to market, as well as significantly faster time to volume and improved yields because of having a higher quality and better-controlled IDDQ test.

Abstract: A state-of-health monitoring and prognosis method and system for a battery includes a signal preprocessing module for monitoring battery terminal voltage and current and extracting a portion of the battery terminal voltage and current corresponding to an engine cranking event. Battery voltage loss that occurs during said engine cranking event is estimated from the extracted portion of battery terminal voltage and current by a voltage loss estimation module. The estimated battery voltage loss is compared with a predetermined voltage loss threshold to determine battery state-of-health by a state-of-health evaluation module.

Abstract: The current measuring device comprises a first measuring resistor to receive a measurement current, and a first signal amplifier having an input connected to said first measuring resistor and an output to provide a first measurement signal. A second measuring resistor is connected in series with said first measuring resistor, and first voltage limiting means are connected in parallel on the first measuring resistor to branch a first shunt current off when a first limiting voltage is reached on said first measuring resistor. The value of the first measuring resistor is greater than the value of the second measuring resistor A processing unit comprises one such current measuring device.

Abstract: In a motor control device that drives a plurality of motors with one DC power supply, detection of a short circuit fault occurring in the motors is realized with an inexpensive configuration. In order to drive the plurality of motors (105, 106), a current detection resistor (404, 405) is arranged between a connection point on positive terminal sides of a plurality of electric power converters (401, 402) connected in parallel to a DC power supply (403) and a positive terminal of the DC power supply, or also between a connection point on negative terminal sides of the plurality of electric power converters and a negative terminal (ground) of the DC power supply, to thereby detect the short circuit fault based on a voltage of the current detection resistor.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a first sensor positioned at a first location along a phase conductor line and a second sensor position at a second location along the phase conductor line. The first sensor is configured to generate a first set of synchrophasor data. The second sensor is configured to generate a second set of synchrophasor data. The monitoring system includes a processor configured to receive the first and second sets of synchrophasor data. The processor is further configured to determine a primary side voltage of at least one distribution transformer electrically connected to the phase conductor line based on a secondary side voltage of the at least one distribution transformer. The processor is further configured to determine at least one phase conductor line condition based on the first and second sets of synchrophasor data and the primary side voltage.

Abstract: Components of an electric service may be identified by measuring voltage signals relating to the connection of an electrical energy meter connected to the electric service. The voltage signals that may be measured include line to neutral voltages and line to line voltages. The values of the measured line to neutral voltages may be compared to reference information comprising tabulated values that may be tabulated as ratios of nominal service voltages associated with different service types. The values of the measured line to line voltages may be compared to ideal line to line voltages calculated using fixed values from the reference information.

Abstract: A fan testing system includes a control device testing a fan, and a micro controller outputs pulse control signals to the fan. The control device stores a number of normal rotational voltage and rotational current values under different rotational speeds. The fan adjusts its rotational speed according to the pulse control signals, and outputs rotational speed signals to the micro controller. The micro controller collects rotational voltage signals and rotational current signals of the fan under different rotational speeds, and determines rotational speeds, rotational voltages, and rotational currents of the fan. The control device compares the rotational speeds, rotational voltages and rotational currents from the micro controller with the number of normal rotational voltage and rotational current values, and outputs a test complete signal to the micro controller when the fan rotates under the plurality of normal rotational voltage and rotational current values.

Abstract: There is described a method for ensuring and monitoring electrolyzer safety and performances in a manufacturing process which uses at least one electrolyzing cell containing at least one cathode and at least one anode separated by a membrane, comprising the step of: determining a safe single voltage operation range depending of the current and corresponding to the normally working electrolyzing cell; determining a reference voltage deviation depending on the time derivation of the current; measuring the voltage over time at the terminals of the electrolyzing cell; determining the measured voltage deviation by calculating the time derivative of the measured voltage; comparing the measured voltage to the safe single voltage operation range and the measured voltage deviation to the reference voltage deviation over time; stopping the manufacturing process when the measured voltage is outside the safe single voltage operation range or the difference between the measured voltage deviation and the reference voltage

Abstract: An apparatus for interfering with locomotion of a target by conducting a current through a load that includes an ionizable path. The apparatus includes, according to various aspects of the present invention, detectors and a processing circuit that determines a status of an electrical connection with the load.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device (IED) having a gain control unit adapted to selectively regulate operating ranges of output signals of a sensing circuit of the device is described. In one embodiment, the IED is a digital electric power and energy meter, which operating ranges for supply voltages and supply currents of electrical services may be adjusted to match pre-determined ranges for input signals of a data acquisition system or a data processing module of the meter.

Abstract: A method of determining a current in a switched mode power supply. The method comprises: storing values representing at least one pre-calculated matrix A; receiving measured current values; and using the stored values representing the matrix A and the received current values to calculate a respective initial value for each of the coefficients of the line and for each measured current value: calculating an estimated current using the equation of the line and the calculated initial values of the coefficients; determining a difference between the measured current value and the estimated current value to generate a difference value, and comparing the difference value against a threshold and, if the difference value is greater than the threshold, calculating updated values of the coefficients using stored values representing matrix A and difference value.

Abstract: A current analysis unit of a voltage drop analysis apparatus analyzes currents flowing through the element, and outputs current information concerning currents flowing through the element. A voltage drop analysis unit analyzes voltage drops of the element on the basis of the current information and circuit layout information including information concerning connection of the element, arrangement of the element and power supply interconnection connected to the element, and outputs voltage drop information concerning voltage drops of the element. A corner selection unit selects corner information of the element from a corner information list containing a plurality of pieces of corner information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining information about a vascular bodily lumen are described. An exemplary method includes generating an electrical signal, delivering the electrical signal to a plurality of excitation elements in the vicinity of the vascular bodily lumen, measuring a responsive electrical signal from a plurality of sensing elements in response to the delivered electrical signal, and determining a lumen dimension. Specific embodiments include generating a multiple frequency electrical signal. Another embodiment includes measuring a plurality of responsive signals at a plurality of frequencies. Still other embodiments include using spatial diversity of the excitation elements. Yet other embodiments use method for calibration and de-embedding of such measurements to determine the lumen dimensions. Diagnostic devices incorporating the method are also disclosed, including guide wires, catheters and implants.

Abstract: A self check-type flame detector includes a casing provided with a monitoring window formed therein. A wavelength generation unit is disposed inside the casing and generates a wavelength in a direction of the monitoring window. A wavelength detection element is disposed inside the casing and detects the wavelength. A comparison unit is provided with a wavelength DB for storing intensity of a reference wavelength and determines whether the monitoring window has been contaminated. A display unit is located outside the casing and displays a state of the monitoring window. A communication unit is disposed inside the casing and configured to receive operation information for the wavelength generation unit, to provide the operation information to the wavelength generation unit, and to transmit the intensity of the wavelength, or a normal signal or a contamination signal of the monitoring window.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide inexpensively a voltage detecting device for setting an address of each voltage detection IC even if a power source level of each voltage detection IC differs. A first transmitting line LT1 and a first receiving line LR1 connect a plurality of voltage detection ICs in series each other, and connect between the bottom voltage detection IC and the main microcomputer. The main microcomputer transmits an address number 0 to the bottom voltage detection IC. When the respective voltage detection ICs receive an address number through the first receiving line of a lower side from the main microcomputer, an address number adding 1 to the received address number is set as a self-address number. Furthermore, the respective voltage detection ICs transmit the address number which adds 1 to the received address number to the first transmitting line LT1 of an upper side.

Abstract: One or more example diagnostics may be implemented as part of an intelligent luminaire manager or other radio frequency (RF) device that is in communication with an equipment or fixture such as a luminaire. Example diagnostics can determine a status such as a fixture malfunction, a cycling condition, a miswiring configuration, or another condition. The determined status can be wirelessly transmitted from the intelligent luminaire manager or other radio frequency device to a network server via a network. The network may be a network of intelligent luminaire managers and/or RF devices.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system for simultaneously managing the batteries in 100 or more remote locations, each with 100 or fewer cells, has an individual battery monitor operatively engaged with at least one of the cells, a network access module in communication with the battery monitor, and a battery manager that has a fixed IP address that can be connected via an M2M data protocol to the battery monitor. The network access module is programmed to periodically transfer battery monitor data, including ohmic measurements, to the battery manager at a frequency of not less than once per week and with a total rate of data transfer of not more than 1 Mb per month. When the network access module initiates contact with the battery manager, the M2M data communication protocol assigns a variable IP address to the modem of the network access module.

Abstract: In the present invention, a measured realtime accurate frequency is used to determine estimated instantaneous voltage/current time-series data for each phase component in accordance with the least-squares method. The estimated instantaneous voltage/current time-series data are used to determine effective voltage, effective current, instantaneous active electric power, instantaneous reactive electric power, effective active electric power, and effective reactive electric power of each phase component and symmetrical component. The measured AC electric quantities are applied to any type of electric power system control/protection apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for determining humidity based on determination of an offset voltage shift are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for determining humidity comprises an electromechanical device comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a dielectric between the two layers, wherein the dielectric is spaced apart from at least one of the first and second layers in an unactuated state of the electromechanical device, and wherein the dielectric contacts both the first and second layers in an actuated state of the electromechanical device, a voltage source configured to apply, between the first and second layers, one or more voltages, and a processor configured to control the voltage source, to determine an offset voltage shift based on the applied voltages, and to determine information regarding humidity about the device based on the offset voltage shift.

Abstract: A fuel cell evaluation apparatus of the present invention is provided with a fuel cell for generating electricity using fuel gas and oxidizer gas; a fuel gas supplying section for supplying the fuel gas; an oxidizer gas supplying section for supplying the oxidizer gas; an inert gas supplying section; a detector for detecting an amount of electricity generated by the fuel cell; a bypass for interconnecting a gas supply port of the fuel cell with a gas exhaust port of the fuel cell; three-way valves for switching the gas to either the fuel cell and the bypass; and a control section for controlling at least one of the three-way valves so as to replace the gas inside the fuel cell. The fuel cell evaluation apparatus and a fuel cell evaluation method of the present invention can evaluate the properties and performance of a fuel cell in a nondestructive manner.

Abstract: An early warning method for an abnormal state of a lithium battery and a recording medium applicable to a portable electronic device are provided. The method includes the following steps. A plurality of curves of voltage against electric quantity is obtained according to different predicted average current consumptions of the portable electronic device. An operating average current consumption and an operating electric quantity from a first voltage to a second voltage are obtained when the lithium battery at an operating test state in a unit time. One of the curves of voltage against electric quantity is searched, and a warning electric quantity is obtained in a range from the first voltage to the second voltage. The warning electric quantity is compared with the electric quantity, so as to provide an early warning of an abnormal state.

Abstract: A measurement base voltage stability monitoring and control scheme having a means for measuring current and voltage phasors at a boundary bus of a load center; and an equivalent network having a fictitious bus with an aggregate load representative of all loads of the load center. The scheme further includes a computing device to calculate a voltage stability margin index based on the aggregate load of the fictitious bus and compare the voltage stability margin index to a pre-set threshold. The computing device causes an action to take place based on the comparison between the voltage stability margin index and the pre-set threshold.

Abstract: Method to identify a current drawn by a fluorescent lamp in a circuit. Methods include receiving a voltage supplied to a fluorescent lamp drawing a current in response to the voltage, digitally sampling the voltage at a sampling frequency and associating a first time stamp with a voltage value representing one of a maximum or minimum value in observed voltage, receiving the current after receiving the voltage, digitally sampling the current at the sampling frequency and associating multiple second time stamps with a corresponding multiple current values, identifying a second time stamp, a difference between the first time stamp and the second time stamp being within a threshold, and identifying a current value associated with the second time stamp as the current drawn by the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: Various methods are described to characterize interferometric modulators or similar devices. Measured voltages across interferometric modulators may be used to characterize transition voltages of the interferometric modulators. Measured currents may be analyzed by integration of measured current to provide an indication of a dynamic response of the interferometric modulator. Frequency analysis may be used to provide an indication of a hysteresis window of the interferometric modulator or mechanical properties of the interferometric modulator. Capacitance may be determined through signal correlation, and spread-spectrum analysis may be used to minimize the effect of noise or interference on measurements of various interferometric modulator parameters.

Abstract: A battery state of health estimator and similar method, system and computer product is disclosed providing for a estimate of a state of health (SOH) of one or more batteries, comprising, estimating a sampling of internal resistances of the one or more batteries, generating a time history of the internal resistance over a predetermined amount of time, generating a cumulative internal resistance histogram from the time history, calculating a final estimate of internal resistance of one or more batteries which represents the calculated SOH of one or more batteries and comparing the calculated SOH to a predetermined critical resistance threshold. If the calculated SOH is less than the predetermined critical resistance threshold, the battery is in no worse than a “Blue Monday” condition, and if the calculated SOH is greater than the critical resistance threshold, then the one or more batteries has failed.

Abstract: Automatically determining operating parameters of a power management device is described.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a battery cell; a protective circuit for protecting the battery cell; a first analog/digital (A/D) converter for converting a voltage of the battery cell into a digital value and outputting the digital value as a first voltage value; a second A/D converter for converting the voltage of the battery cell into another digital value and outputting the another digital value as a second voltage value; and a comparator for comparing the first voltage value with the second voltage value and determining whether A/D conversion of the battery pack is normal or defective according to the comparison.

Abstract: A remote engine start confirmation and vehicle monitoring and control system includes a transmitter and a controller capable of receiving and processing transmitter signals, the controller comprising a monitoring circuit for detecting a first pulsed voltage pattern and a second pulsed voltage pattern across the battery during an engine start procedure, a signaling circuit for signaling the disengagement of the starter from the engine after a detection of the termination of the first pulsed voltage pattern and the start of the second pulsed voltage pattern, and an initiation circuit for initiating the monitoring of a vehicle condition, such as overheating or low fuel, after the detection. A method for controlling the vehicle operation includes detecting an occurrence of a vehicle condition and performing an operation based on the detection, such as terminating ignition voltage or fuel supply or notifying the operator of the vehicle condition via the transmitter.

Abstract: A load calculation control method and apparatus for load characteristic tests of electric generator is provided, which enables continuous and precise following of a load control value. In this apparatus, a resistor bank ?, which is to be connected to a load apparatus provided with a power supply apparatus (G), a ground relay (GR), a voltmeter (V), an electric power meter (P), an ampere meter (A), and main circuit breakers (CB, CBH), is divided into two or more (2-N). A switch (CL/CH) and a controller (CV) are connected to each resistor bank (?1-?N). and a power capacity obtained by dividing, maximum power capacity of resistor bank groups (?L, ?H) by two through (2n-1). The controller (CV) includes a control value storing circuit (MC) and a comparing/transmitting circuit (OC) that compares the power capacity value of the resistor banks (?1-?N) with the load control value and that transmits ON/OFF signals to the switches (CL, CH) connected to the resistor banks (?1-?N).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for reducing power drain of a component when the component is in a powered down state. The system comprises a power input configured to receive power, a power output to the component, monitor logic configured to monitor a level of power moving between the input and output, and control logic configured to control power transfer between the input and output. The control logic may be in communication with the monitor logic and configured to selectively restrict power flow between the input and output when the monitor logic senses that power flow between the input and output falls below a threshold level. A method comprises checking a power level between the input and output, and if the power level exceeds a threshold, then permitting substantially unrestricted power flow. If the power level is less than the threshold, then restricting the power level between the input and output.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for prognostic health management (PHM) of electronic systems. Such systems and methods present challenges traditionally viewed as either insurmountable or otherwise not worth the cost of pursuit. The systems and methods are directed to the health monitoring and failure prediction of electronic systems, including the diagnostic methods employed to assess current health state and prognostic methods for the prediction of electronic system failures and remaining useful life. The disclosed methodologies include three techniques: (1) use of existing electronic systems data (circuit as a sensor); (2) use of available external measurements as condition indicators and degradation assessor; and (3) performance assessment metrics derived from available external measurements.

Abstract: A method for determining a primary side voltage of a distribution transformer includes determining a first current and a second current flowing through a secondary winding of the transformer at a plurality of time instants based on current meter data generated by a plurality of metered loads. The method may include determining a total current flowing to the plurality of metered loads for each of the plurality of time instants based on the first current and the second current. The method includes receiving a respective meter voltage from each of the plurality of metered loads at each of the plurality of time instants. The method includes determining a secondary side voltage of the transformer at each of the plurality of time instants based on the first, second, and total current and the respective meter voltages. The method includes determining the primary side voltage based on the secondary side voltage.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a first sensor positioned at a first location along a phase conductor line and a second sensor position at a second location along the phase conductor line. The first sensor is configured to generate a first set of synchrophasor data. The second sensor is configured to generate a second set of synchrophasor data. The monitoring system includes a processor configured to receive the first and second sets of synchrophasor data. The processor is further configured to determine a primary side voltage of at least one distribution transformer electrically connected to the phase conductor line based on a secondary side voltage of the at least one distribution transformer. The processor is further configured to determine at least one phase conductor line condition based on the first and second sets of synchrophasor data and the primary side voltage.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of evaluating the operating characteristics of a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) laser diode is provided. According to the method, a diagnostic electrical current is injected into the wavelength tuning section of the DBR laser to generate amplified spontaneous emission of light in the wavelength tuning section. Light emitted from the wavelength tuning section is absorbed by the gain section and photo current generated by the light absorbed in the gain section is measured. The photo current measured in the gain section can be correlated with an evaluation of the operating characteristics of the DBR laser diode. For example, the measured photo current can be correlated with a substandard operating characteristic when it departs from a given photo current metric by more than an acceptable amount. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A system for detecting an improperly secured busway joint in an electrical distribution busway includes a busway joint parameter sensor, a transmission circuit and a remote computer. The busway joint parameter sensor is disposed so as to sense a selected parameter of the busway joint. The transmission circuit is in data communication with the busway joint parameter sensor and is configured to transmit real time busway joint parameter data. The remote computer is in data communication with the transmission circuit and is configured to present an indication upon detection of abnormal real time busway joint parameter data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an information processing device including a voltage measuring unit and a determining unit. The voltage measuring unit measures a voltage across the positive and negative terminals of a set of a plurality of dye-sensitized solar cells connected in series. The determining unit determines the number of the dye-sensitized solar cells not generating electricity according to the amount of voltage drop across the positive and negative terminals from the voltage across the positive and negative terminals in the initial state in which all the dye-sensitized solar cells of the set generate electricity at the voltage measured by the voltage measuring unit.

Abstract: Exemplary monitoring methods and monitoring devices are disclosed, e.g., for an electrostatic coating plant which coats components with a coating agent that is electrically charged by means of a high voltage device. An exemplary monitoring method comprises determining a first operating variable of a high voltage device, comparing the first operating variable to a limit value, and initiating a safety measure if the comparison between the first operating variable and the limit value indicates a disturbance in the electrostatic coating plant. The limit value may be flexibly adjusted depending on the operation mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to electrically and optically characterize a multijunction solar cell. The apparatus can have as many light sources as there are subcells in the multijunction solar cell. Each light source has an optical spectrum that falls within the bandgap energy of a corresponding subcell. Each light source has a controllable intensity level.

Abstract: A visualization system for monitoring performance data of an electrical power distribution network is provided. In one embodiment, a user may select a network circuit and view a network circuit diagram that includes indicia representing transformers and other electrical power distribution network elements positioned on a map. The relative positions of the indicia on the network circuit diagram may correspond to the relative physical locations of the transformers in the geographical area represented by the map. The indicia may be color coded to convey performance data to the user.

Abstract: A PCB includes an outer layer and an inner layer. An electronic component is mounted on the outer layer. The outer layer further defines a first pad, a second pad, a third pad, a fourth pad, and a number of via holes. The electrical performances of the first pad and the second pad are the same to that of the inner layer. The first pad and the second pad are conducted to the electronic component. The third pad and the fourth pad are respectively conducted to the first pad and the second pad through the electronic component. The electrical performances of the third pad and the fourth pad are different from that of the inner layer. The via holes are respectively electrically connected to the third pad and the fourth pad.