Abstract: An integrated circuit device and method for classifying electrical devices is disclosed. A reference current response of a plurality of electrical devices is determined and stored in a memory. Real-time current response of a specific electrical device is measured and stored in the memory. A processor compared the measured real-time current response of the specific electrical device to the reference current responses of the plurality of electrical devices. A classification of the electrical device is then made based on the comparison.

Abstract: An activity information meter is provided which is capable of stable transmission between a measuring device and an output device and is highly convenient. In a measuring device 1 or 101 and an output device 51 or 151, a selector is placed between a current output section and each electrode and between a voltage detection section and at least one electrode and a transmission route is selected as appropriate, thereby making possible bidirectional transmission using a body as a medium, a change in potential is detected based on a reference potential at the time of reception without using the earth as a reference potential or a voltage generated based on a body part impedance is detected without using the earth as a reference potential. As a result, the activity information meter is hardly influenced by the environment.

Abstract: In a method and a device for determining a charge/aging state of an energy store, the charge/aging state is able to be determined by a control unit on the basis of an open terminal voltage of the energy store, able to be measured with the aid of a voltage-measuring sensor, in a load-free state. It is provided that the control unit initiates a measurement of a first open terminal voltage at a first instant following the occurrence of the load-free state of the energy store and, based on the measured first open terminal voltage, the control unit, with the aid of a prediction model, specifies a future instant for at least one additional measurement of the open terminal voltage, and at least one additional open terminal voltage is measured at the future instant, and the charge/aging state of the energy store is determined with the aid of the at least one additional open terminal voltage.

Abstract: The present invention has the object of providing a charged particle beam irradiation method ideal for reducing the focus offset, magnification fluctuation and measurement length error in charged particle beam devices. To achieve these objects, a method is disclosed in the invention for measuring the electrical potential distribution on the sample with a static electrometer while loaded by a loader mechanism. Another method is disclosed for measuring the local electrical charge at specified points on the sample, and isolating and measuring the wide area electrostatic charge quantity from those local electrostatic charges.

Abstract: A calibration circuit (20, 50) and method (60) for calibrating the bias current of a VCO (10, 40) to minimize phase noise. The calibration circuit (20, 50) monitors the average voltage at the common-mode node of the VCO (10, 40) while varying the bias current over a predetermined range. The calibration circuit (20, 50) identifies the bias current associated with the minimum average common-mode voltage and utilizes this bias current for calibrating the biasing transistor of the VCO (10, 40).

Abstract: A field device electronics with a sensor unit for capacitive fill level measurements in a container, wherein the field device electronics is connected over appropriate signal paths with the sensor unit, wherein the field device electronics produces a voltage signal for driving the sensor unit and receives and evaluates a measurement current from the sensor unit. According to the invention, an analog/digital converter digitizing the analog measurement current, a microprocessor and a memory unit are present, wherein the microprocessor utilizes predetermined program routines to perform the production of the voltage signal and the evaluation of the measurement current and a compensation of interference parameters and a determination of the parameters of the sensor-container arrangement which are to be determined, with the associated programs being stored in the memory unit.

Abstract: While a PWM-controlled, FET-switched three-phase motor is operating in a mechanical damping mode, a single current sensor is used to measure current in the motor. When mechanical feedback into the motor exceeds a predetermined threshold, a bank of the FET switches can be closed to provide damping of the mechanical feedback. This causes currents to circulate within the motor, which an external single current sensor cannot measure to determine current load or when the mechanical feedback is no longer a problem. The present invention periodically switches selected switches necessary to sample the current in at least one phase of the motor to determine when the mechanical feedback into the motor is no longer a problem, while preferably also maintaining an average zero voltage vector.

Abstract: A system and method for adaptively providing a power supply voltage. The system includes an oscillator configured to receive an output voltage and generate a firs signal. The first signal is associated with a first frequency and a first period. Additionally, the system includes a frequency comparator configured to receive the first signal associated with the first frequency and a second signal associated with a second frequency and to generate a third signal if the first frequency and the second frequency are not equal, and a voltage regulator coupled to the frequency comparator and configured to generate the output voltage based on at least information associated with the third signal. The output voltage is received by a powered system, and the powered system is configured to receive a clock signal associated with a clock frequency. The clock frequency is equal to the second frequency.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a technique to generate warning of a failure of a heating element. An operational value of at least one of operating parameters of the heating element in a heater zone of a heating unit is monitored. A remaining life value of the at least one of the operating parameters is estimated. A warning is generated if the operational value exceeds a threshold value relative to the remaining life value.

Abstract: A method for estimating values assumed at a certain instant of each period by currents flowing respectively in two distinct windings of a poly-phase load controlled in a space vector modulation (SVM) mode, using a same measuring device, may include coupling the measuring device to the first winding and measuring a current flowing therethrough with an anticipation from the certain instant smaller than or equal to an SVM half-period. The method may also include coupling the measuring device to the second winding, measuring a current flowing therethrough at the certain instant, coupling the measuring device to the first winding, and measuring a current flowing therethrough with a delay equal to the anticipation. The method may also include estimating a value assumed at the certain instant by the current flowing through the first winding based upon the two measured values with the anticipation and with the delay respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring usage of multiple electrical devices. The apparatus comprises multiple non-invasive current sensors for sensing current in respective conductors associated with the electrical devices. Such conductors may for example be the electrical power supply leads to the devices. The apparatus further includes multiple analogue to digital conversion functions for digitizing the output from the respective current sensors. A microprocessor is arranged to receive the digitized current sensor and is programmed to create usage data relating to the respective electrical devices. Such usage data may include cumulative elapsed running time. The microprocessor has an associated memory in which the usage data is stored in association with corresponding data identifying the electrical devices. The system further includes an interface through which the usage and identifier data are extractable, to provide usage information for the respective electrical devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the configuration of a connection between two devices by measuring an electrical characteristic are provided. Using the measured electrical characteristic, a device is able to select an appropriate communication interface, such as serial, Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, parallel, PS/2, etc., and configure itself appropriately. Systems and methods which determine the physical orientation of a connector with respect to another connector may also be provided alone or in combination with such systems and methods for selecting communication interfaces. The physical orientation of a connector can be determined by measuring an electrical characteristic and a device can then configure itself appropriately. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, device designs can decrease in size and cost as well as simplify operation for the end-user.

Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus (USB) port tester for testing a USB port of an electronic device includes an interface unit, a current-testing unit, and a voltage-testing unit. The interface unit is used for electrically connecting with the USB port of the electronic device and a USB device. The current-testing unit is connected to the interface unit for testing quality of the USB port of the electronic device in a standard current range. The voltage-testing unit is connected to the interface unit for testing quality of the USB port of the electronic device in a standard voltage range.

Abstract: A method of determining change in actuator position includes determining a slope of the inductor current with time and determining whether the slope exceeds a first predetermined slope for a first predetermined time, determining whether the slope is less than a second predetermined slope for a second predetermined time when the slope exceeds the first predetermined slope for the first predetermined time, and determining whether the slope exceeds a third predetermined slope for a third predetermined time when the slope is less than the second predetermined slope for the second predetermined time. The method further includes determining the change in actuator position when the slope exceeds the third predetermined slope for the third predetermined time.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement of the invention includes: At least one measuring device, which generates, repeatedly during operation, measured values, especially digital, measured values, representing the at least one measured variable to be registered; as well as an electronic data processing system superordinated to the at least one measuring device, especially a data processing system which is spatially distributed and/or spatially remote from the measuring device. Measuring device and data processing system are connected together by means of at least two line-pairs, through each of which an electrical current flows, at least at times, during operation. According to the invention, the measuring device transmits the internally generated, measured values to the data processing system via both line-pairs. In this way, it is then possible to transmit a plurality of measured values simultaneously, when each of the two line-pairs is embodied as part of a two-conductor current-loop.

Abstract: A network operation center for a light management system having networked intelligent luminaire managers. A plurality of networked luminaire managers, each collocated with a respective luminaire, monitor the status of their respective luminaires. The luminaire managers include transmitters for transmitting status information about their respective luminaires and third-party devices to a network server. The network server forwards the received status information from the networked luminaire managers to a computer of an owner/operator of the plurality of luminaires and/or a third-party user. The luminaire managers communicate with each other, whereby they form a network.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method for monitoring performance of individual powers sources in a distributed power source system. A monitoring module is coupled to each of the power sources, or to each string of serially connected power sources, to monitor and collect data regarding current, voltage, temperature and other environmental factors at the power source. The collected data is transmitted over a power line to a central analysis station for analysis. Data collected from each source indicates malfunction or degradation at the source. Comparison of data collected from adjacent sources filters for environmental factors impacting neighboring sources such as cloudy days for a solar panel. Comparison of data collected from the same source at different times indicates soiling or degradation of the source with time or periodic events such as a moving shade from an adjacent building.

Abstract: There is provided a testing apparatus for testing a device under test, wherein the testing apparatus is provided with a timing generator for generating a timing signal indicating the timing at which a test signal is applied; a plurality of timing delay units for delaying the timing signal; a plurality of drivers for applying the delayed test signals; a sampler for sampling the test signal and outputting a sample voltage; a comparator for outputting a comparison result indicating whether the sample voltage is higher than the reference voltage; a determination part for determining whether the sample voltage matches the reference voltage; and a timing calibration part for calibrating the delay time caused in the timing signal by the plurality of timing delay units in order to synchronize the timing at which the test signals are applied to the device under test.

Abstract: A method for rapidly determining an initial diffusion voltage (Vdiff)initial as a starting point in calculating a diffusion voltage in an electro-chemical cell (e.g., a battery used in an automotive vehicle) includes obtaining a time difference toff between a time when the cell was last turned-OFF and a time when the cell was next turned-ON, selecting a starting diffusion voltage (Vdiff)start based on toff, determining a trial diffusion voltage Vdiff based on a diffusion circuit model and (Vdiff)start, calculating an error voltage Verror=(Vdiff)?|VOFF?VON| where VOFF and VON are cell voltages at turn-OFF and turn-ON respectively, repeating the foregoing determining and calculating steps using for each iteration (Vdiff)start=(Vdiff)previous+Verror until Verror is less than or equal to a first predetermined tolerance amount ?, storing in a memory a value of Vdiff corresponding to the condition Verror??, and setting (Vdiff)initial equal to the just stored value of Vdiff.

Abstract: A method for determining a diffusion voltage in an electrochemical cell (e.g., a battery used in connection with an automotive vehicle) includes estimating a previous diffusion voltage, calculating a new diffusion voltage using an equation based on a diffusion circuit model and the previous diffusion voltage, and setting the previous diffusion voltage equal to the new diffusion voltage. The step of calculating the new diffusion voltage may then be repeated.

Abstract: An original composite eye diagram is reformulated by deliberately re-aligning its component eye diagrams according to some appropriate standard. This ‘forced-alignment’ shifts the components in one or both of the time and voltage axes. Notice is taken of the shift(s) for each channel, and that shift data is appended to the data structures for the original components. The content of the data structure can be read in its original form, or, read and force-aligned. A force-aligned composite eye diagram created from the re-aligned components can then be displayed, investigated and evaluated with any of the existing tools that used to analyze eye diagrams, simply by instructing the process that read a component eye diagram structure to reform that component as it is being read.

Abstract: A circuit for regulating power is disclosed. The present invention provides circuits and methods for current sensing variations, static droop settings, mismatched phase outputs, and temperature variations in a multiphase power regulator. The circuits may include a calibration controller that senses and regulates both a current sensing circuit and the droop in a power regulator over a range of temperatures thus equalizing phase outputs. The present invention includes the schematic organization and implementation of the circuit, the circuit's calibration, its use, and implementation. This invention advantageously provides circuits and methods to properly power a processor or IC chip according to the unique power specifications of the processor or chip.

Abstract: A current measuring device measures the current flowing through each conductor which connects a power supply with a motor. Coreless current sensors are arranged between pairs of the conductors. Coefficients which represent a relationship between a fixed standard current flowing through a conductor and the output signal from coreless current sensors for the fixed standard current are obtained in advance from known measurements. A calculator then determines the current flowing through each conductor based upon the corresponding output signals from the coreless current sensors, the measured coefficients and formula Iu+Iv+Iw=0.

Abstract: A current overload detecting system and method applicable in a data processing device connected with a plurality of electronic devices is disclosed, each of the electronic devices having a USB interface. The data processing device has a plurality of USB ports corresponding to and connected with the USB interfaces, a plurality of USB control units for controlling the operations of the USB ports, and a basic input/output system (BIOS) for executing a POST process. The current overload detecting system includes a signal-detecting unit for detecting if the USB control unit of the data processing device is outputting an over-current when the BIOS of the data processing device is executing the POST process, outputting a control signal if the USB control unit is detected to be outputting the over-current signal; and a display unit for receiving the control signal and displaying corresponding messages according to the control signal.

Abstract: After a vehicle is started up, a voltage value detected by a voltage sensor while a voltage detection target and the voltage sensor are disconnected from each other is obtained as an offset voltage, and the voltage value detected by the voltage sensor is corrected based upon the offset voltage thus obtained.

Abstract: A method for determining a state of charge (SOC) or state of health (SOH) of a battery system includes performing a first step. The first step includes determining a set of initial values for parameters, coefficients, and derivatives based upon linear functional relationships. A result is computed based on the determination. After execution of the first step, intermediate functions are calculated based on the result. The parameters are updated based on the intermediate functions. An open circuit voltage VOC that has a functional relationship with a voltage-based SOC (SOCV) is determined based on the updated parameters. The SOCV is extracted by inverting an expression of VO(SOCV). A current based SOC (SOCC) is calculated. A weight for weighting the SOCC and the SOCV is calculated. A SOC is calculated based on the weight. VO is a battery voltage.

Abstract: A charger for ultracapacitors that allows many ultracapacitors, that may be connected in several different configurations, to be charged from a very low voltage to their rated voltage very rapidly without cell damage. The charger also allows for the detection of failed cells.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a load on a data line includes the steps of: (A) Applying at least three successive voltages to the data line. Each respective odd-numbered successive voltage of the at least three successive voltages has substantially a first voltage value displaced a first voltage interval from a reference voltage value. Each respective even-numbered successive voltage of the at least three successive voltages has substantially a second voltage value displaced a second voltage interval from the reference voltage value. (B) Measuring a respective current value on the data line while each of the at least three successive voltages is applied to the data line. (C) Comparing the respective current values for selected successive voltages of the at least three successive voltages to determine whether a hysteric impedance change occurs when voltage on the data line is varied.

Abstract: The current drawn by a precision resistor that is selectively connected across a load is utilized to calibrate a current sensed by current sensing device that is connected in series with the load.

Abstract: Voltage-binning of individual integrated circuits is achieved by operating those integrated circuits at a plurality of required clock frequencies and for each of those frequencies determining the minimum supply voltage level which produces a pass result for a series of applied test vectors.

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: The data storage and processing resources required for an electric meter are reduced by basing the selection and application of phase error correction on a root mean square load current flowing through the meter.

Abstract: An electrical sub-metering system for making available information associated with power consumption is disclosed. The system includes an electrical panel board configured to distribute power to a plurality of circuits, means for measuring voltage of each circuit, a module including means for measuring current flow, a hub in signal communication with the module and the means for measuring voltage, and a data collector in signal communication with the hub. The hub is configured to collect the information associated with power consumption from the means for measuring voltage and the module, and the data collector is configured to collect and make available to a user the information associated with power consumption for each circuit. The module is in signal communication with the hub via a single communication link, the single communication link having a plurality of communication paths.

Abstract: An AC power supply includes a digital feedback loop for output regulation. The feedback loop generates an RMS control signal that is mixed with a desired waveform to produce an input for a feedback loop that generates an instantaneous control signal. The instantaneous control signal is used to regulate power supply output.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a reference voltage for regulating voltage levels. The apparatus includes a first voltage generation system configured to receive a first control signal and output a calibration voltage, a voltage adjustment system configured to receive the calibration voltage and a reference voltage and output a second control signal, and a second voltage generation system configured to receive the second control signal and output the reference voltage. The voltage adjustment system includes a latch system configured to receive a third control signal and a fourth control signal and output the first control signal.

Abstract: To conserve power when regulating the output voltage (Vo) of a power converter, no adjustment is made to the converter's pulse width modulation times (Tp, Ts) even if the output voltage is off target (Vtar), provided that the output voltage does not change or is moving towards the target voltage. In some embodiments, the output voltage is not allowed to stay off target for more than a predetermined length of time. In some embodiments, the minimal adjustments are always large enough to overcome ringing (1004).

Abstract: A measurement method is disclosed for measuring the resistance component leakage current. The signal waveform of at least one AC cycle is sampled in the resistance component leakage current measurement, and the resistance component leakage current is measured. A zero-cross detecting circuit for detecting a voltage zero-crossing point of the target measurement circuit and outputting a sampling start signal is provided, voltage digital data of the sine wave form whose effective value is 1 and the output signal of the zero-phase current transformer are sampled, and the products of multiplication are averaged by synchronizing the sampled output signal value and the voltage digital data to obtain an active leakage component current of leakage currents.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a method, apparatus, and system for power source failure prediction are described. According to some embodiments, the system may include, among other things, a display device to draw power from a direct current power source, two or more electrical lines positioned on either side of the direct current power source to determine a voltage across the direct current power source, and a power source management unit coupled to the two or more electrical lines to measure the voltage. In some embodiments, a cell monitoring unit may be coupled to the two or more electrical lines to measure the voltage for the power source management unit, where the cell monitoring unit is capable of converting the measured voltage to a digital signal, measuring the rate of change of the voltage over a period of time, and providing information to the power source management unit. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: The invention is primarily directed to hot-stick mountable wireless High Voltage Power Line Universal Monitors (PLUM) upon energized electrical power conductors. The PLUM wireless sensors monitor parameters associated with normal, overload and emergency operation of the power line. The present invention provides 0.2% metering grade voltage measurement accuracy through unique e-field measurements, synchronized through UltraSatNet Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) accuracy timing pulses. The invention further improves accuracy using a unique calibration technique during initial installation of the PLUM sensor modules. A PLUM master controller receives time-synchronized data from multiple modules within a substation and across a state-wide power grid for accurate post-fault, sequence-of-events analysis, high impedance fault signature analysis, and environmental and earthquake monitoring.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring average power consumption of a computer system includes a current to voltage converter for receiving an operating current of the computer system and transforming the operating current into a voltage signal; an analog-digital converter connected to the current to voltage converter for receiving the voltage signal, and converting the voltage signal into a digital signal indicating a value of the operating current; a micro controller unit connected to the analog-digital converter for receiving the digital signal, and calculating a value of the average power consumption of the computer system during a determined period of time, the value of the average power consumption being converted into a display-driving signal; and a display module connected to the micro controller unit for receiving the display-driving signal, and displaying the value of the average power consumption.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device, when a voltage regulator is halted from operating and a test supply voltage is supplied to second logics, the device is initialized by a reset signal. A register included in the device is then reset by an input signal via first logics. The voltage regulator is halted by a power-down signal. Testing is then carried out as the test supply voltage is applied to the second logics. When plural test items are executed successively, a test reset signal is applied to a test reset terminal for each item. As the initialized state of the register is canceled, the first and second logics are initialized.

Abstract: The circuit configuration according to the invention comprises an electrical signal line loop, several partial systems connected thereto, which evaluate the state of the signal line loop, wherein a first selectable switching means is looped in between a first end of the signal line loop and a first voltage connection and a second selectable switching means is looped in between a second end of the signal line loop and a second voltage connection, and a selection unit for selecting the first and second switching means. Use, e.g. in a fuel cell system.

Abstract: A communication protocol for compacting data transmissions from electric utility meters has been developed. The present invention is a method of transmitting the utility meter data using the protocol. The protocol includes collecting electric usage data and a voltage level at the utility meter. The usage data and the voltage level are then transmitting in synchronous order the utility receiving station.

Abstract: A metering device of a power substation and method are provided for operating on a secondary analog waveform output by a transformer assembly receiving a primary waveform. The method includes stepping down the secondary waveform and generating a corresponding output signal; operating on the corresponding output signal for generating a corresponding first digital signal having a value proportional to the corresponding output signal and within a first range; and operating on the corresponding output signal for generating a corresponding second digital signal having a value proportional to the corresponding output signal and within a second range. The method further includes processing the first digital signal and outputting a corresponding first output signal; processing the second digital signal and outputting a corresponding second output signal; processing the first and second output signals; and generating output corresponding to the processing of the first and second output signals.

Abstract: A Apparatus for Digital measurement of Quick break voltage and Magnetic pulse duration with microcontroller performs detection and measurement of both shot time (pulse duration) and quick break voltage, absolute value circuit makes detection polarity insensitive, allowing the magnetic pick up probe to be oriented either way in the customer's magnetizing unit coil, precision analog to digital convertor allows software peak detection of quick break voltage under software control of microcontroller, precision timebase of microcontroller allows accurate shot time (pulse duration) measurement, magnetic pick up probe serves as the input transducer for the for the noise free measurement of both shot time and quick break voltage, and microcontroller provides input blanking to ensure capturing the correct voltage spike for quick break voltage detection.

Abstract: A network operation center for a light management system having networked intelligent luminaire managers. A plurality of networked luminaire managers, each collocated with a respective luminaire, monitor the status of their respective luminaires. The luminaire managers include transmitters for transmitting status information about their respective luminaires and third-party devices to a network server. The network server forwards the received status information from the networked luminaire managers to a computer of an owner/operator of the plurality of luminaires and/or a third-party user. The luminaire managers communicate with each other, whereby they form a network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to perform calibration of imprecise sensors for power monitoring in a data-processing system are described. The system includes a load coupled to one or more sensors. An electronic load changes a first input signal through one or more sensors by a predetermined amount. A difference in an output signal from the one or more sensors in response to the changing is obtained. The output signal is measured and sampled. A distribution of samples of the output signal is determined. The estimated parameters of the distribution that most likely to explain actual data are determined. Next, a transfer function of the one or more sensors is determined based on the estimated parameters. The input signal through the load is accurately predicted using the transfer function of the one or more sensors to monitor the power usage by the load.

Abstract: Voltage-binning of individual integrated circuits is achieved by operating those integrated circuits at a plurality of required clock frequencies and for each of those frequencies determining the minimum supply voltage level which produces a pass result for a series of applied test vectors.

Abstract: In a DC-to-DC converter, a current sense circuit and method generate a first current by a first transconductive amplifier responsive to the output current of the converter for a controller to switch a high side switch and a low side switch, a second current from a first voltage by a second transconductive amplifier, a second voltage from the second current by an adjustable resistor, and a bias signal from a difference between the second voltage and a third voltage by a bias apparatus to adjust the transconductances of the first and second transconductive amplifiers.

Abstract: A method for determining a voltage based or current based state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) of a battery system is provided. The method includes: providing a model of the battery system including an equivalent circuit having both low frequency and high frequency elements; establishing a plurality of functional relationships comprising relationship of the equivalent circuit with SOC; reducing at least part of the plurality of functional relationships into a set of time segmented recursive functional relationships, wherein a state at a first time t can be modeled by a functional presentation of a state at a second time t??t that occurred before the first time t; and computing a set of data points based upon the set of time segmented recursive functional relationships using a matrix for operation in matrix algebra.