08th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 16 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120043930 | OFF-RESONANCE FREQUENCY OPERATION FOR POWER TRANSFER IN A LOOSELY COUPLED AIR CORE TRANSFORMER - A power transmission system includes a loosely coupled air core transformer having a resonance frequency determined by a product of inductance and capacitance of a primary circuit including a primary coil. A secondary circuit is configured to have a substantially same product of inductance and capacitance. A back EMF generating device (e.g., a battery), which generates a back EMF with power transfer, is attached to the secondary circuit. Once the load power of the back EMF generating device exceeds a certain threshold level, which depends on the system parameters, the power transfer can be achieved at higher transfer efficiency if performed at an operating frequency less than the resonance frequency, which can be from 50% to 95% of the resonance frequency. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043931 | DEVICE HOUSING A BATTERY AND CHARGING APPARATUS FOR CONTACTLESS CHARGING - A device housing a battery | 2012-02-23 |
20120043932 | CHARGING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CHARGING APPARATUS - The present invention provides a charging apparatus including a charging unit adapted to charge, in a non-contact manner, an apparatus to be charged placed in a charging region, a detector adapted to detect a charged state of the apparatus to be charged placed in the charging region, and a controller adapted to change a mode of the apparatus to be charged to a mode that inhibits vibration, according to the charged state detected by the detector. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043933 | ELECTRIC POWER CHARGE AND DISCHARGE SYSTEM - An electric power charge and discharge system for an electronic device having a battery, by which the electronic device can be used for a long period of time. In a wireless communication device including a wireless driving portion including a first battery and a wireless charging portion including a second battery, the first battery is charged by electric power from a fixed power supply and the second battery is charged by using electromagnetic waves existing in an external space. Further, the first battery and the second battery are discharged alternately, and during a period in which the first battery is discharged, the second battery is charged. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043934 | BATTERY FAST CHARGING CURRENT CONTROL ALGORITHM - A method for charging a battery. The method includes providing a desired target charge current and measuring the battery current, and determining if the target charge current is less than the measured battery current. The method also includes enabling a current integrator if the target charge current is less than the measured battery current, and integrating a charge current value over time if the current integrator is enabled to provide an integrated charge current value. The method also includes providing a target charge voltage and measuring the battery voltage, and determining if the target charge voltage is less than the measured battery voltage. The method also includes enabling a voltage integrator if the target charge voltage is less than the measured battery voltage, and integrating a charge voltage value over time if the voltage integrator is enabled to provide an integrated voltage value. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043935 | STATION FOR RAPIDLY CHARGING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY - A vehicle charging station is provided. The vehicle charging station includes a charging source providing an electrical charge, a coolant source providing coolant and a connector having both an electrical supply section delivering the electrical charge and a coolant supply section delivering the coolant. The connector is capable of connecting to a vehicle. A connector for a vehicle charging station and an electric vehicle are also provided. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043936 | MODULAR HAND-HELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE CHARGING AND MONITORING SYSTEM - This specification relates to a charging, securing and monitoring system for hand-held electronic devices such as cell phones, BlackBerry's, PDA's, cameras, or the like and the components therefore. More particularly the teachings herein include a coaxial cable construction that permits securing and charging of said hand-held devices which are on display at a typical retailer. Further the cable may be accumulated on a unique recoiler assembly at one end of the coaxial cable and engages a unique holding device proximate the other end thereof. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043937 | CHARGER FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES HAVING A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY - A charger includes a pouch sized to receive an electronic device therewithin. A charger circuit and at least one battery are disposed within the pouch for recharging a battery of the electronic device. Electrical contacts are mounted for access within the hollow interior of the pouch and/or on the exterior surface thereof. At least one contact assembly is provided and has a set of mating contacts and a power socket. Audio and visual annunciation is also provided for annunciating power levels of the electronic device. The charger may also include a cradle and another socket for charging a hands-free accessory operating on a Bluetooth wireless protocol. The charger may additionally include fasteners or hollow sleeves for adjusting the usable portion of the hollow interior. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043938 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRIC ACCUMULATOR UNIT - A power system has a generator, a variable load, and an electrical accumulator unit. The electrical accumulator unit stores power when the generator generates excess power, and supplements power from the generator when the generator generates insufficient power. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043939 | CHARGER AND DISCHARGER FOR SECONDARY BATTERY - A charger and discharger for a secondary battery includes a secondary battery coupled to an output stage of the charger and discharger, a first converter circuit including a first pulse voltage generator that outputs a first pulse voltage according to a first duty ratio, and a first inductor that outputs a first current in proportion to a value of an integral of the outputted first pulse voltage with respect to time to a positive electrode terminal of the secondary battery, a second converter circuit including a second pulse voltage generator that outputs a second pulse voltage according to a second duty ratio, and a second inductor that outputs a second current in proportion to a value of an integral of the outputted second pulse voltage with respect to time to a negative electrode terminal of the secondary battery, and first and second controllers controlling the duty ratios of the first and second pulse voltage generators, respectively. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043940 | ELECTRODE PROTECTION IN BOTH AQUEOUS AND NON-AQUEOUS ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS, INCLUDING RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM BATTERIES - Electrode protection in electrochemical cells, and more specifically, electrode protection in both aqueous and non-aqueous electrochemical cells, including rechargeable lithium batteries, are presented. In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising lithium and a multi-layered structure positioned between the anode and an electrolyte of the cell. A multi-layered structure can include at least a first single-ion conductive material layer (e.g., a lithiated metal layer), and at least a first polymeric layer positioned between the anode and the single-ion conductive material. The invention also can provide an electrode stabilization layer positioned within the electrode, i.e., between one portion and another portion of an electrode, to control depletion and re-plating of electrode material upon charge and discharge of a battery. Advantageously, electrochemical cells comprising combinations of structures described herein are not only compatible with environments that are typically unsuitable for lithium, but the cells may be also capable of displaying long cycle life, high lithium cycling efficiency, and high energy density. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043941 | AUTOMATIC BATTERY SAFETY PROTECTION SYSTEM - The present invention provides an automatic battery safety protection system, which includes at least one battery pack, a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS), a battery management system and a power supply management system. The MEMS controls the battery pack to put it in a charge mode, a discharge mode or a sleep mode, and detects an environmental situation and transfers a detection result as an electronic signal. The battery management system is connected to the battery pack and supplies power to the battery pack. The power supply management system supplies power to the battery management system according to the electronic signal and controls the battery management system to make the battery pack take a corresponding action. The protection system of the present invention can achieve practical improvements such as protecting the battery pack system, extending the lifespan of the battery, and avoiding a false action. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043942 | SULFIDE-BASED ALL-SOLID-STATE LITHIUM SECONDARY BATTERY SYSTEM - In an all-solid-state lithium secondary battery provided with a sulfide-based electrolyte-containing layer, the production of hydrogen sulfide is effectively inhibited without deteriorating battery characteristics. A battery system ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120043943 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECHARGING ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERIES - A method for recharging an electric vehicle having an electric battery for powering a vehicle drive system is provided. The method includes recharging the electric vehicle during a first period at a first electrical power and recharging the electric vehicle during a second period shorter than the first period at a second electrical power higher than the first electrical power. The recharging includes delivering coolant to the electric vehicle to cool the electric battery during the second period. Other methods of recharging an electric vehicle are also provided. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043944 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AVERAGE CURRENT CONTROL - A method and apparatus for controlling a converter circuit within the electrical accumulator unit based on a comparison between an actual average converter current and a desired average converter current. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043945 | APPARATUS FOR EQUALIZING VOLTAGE USING TIME SWITCH - There is provided an apparatus for equalizing voltage using a time switch. The apparatus for equalizing voltage includes a plurality of energy storage unit cells connected in series; a single first balance capacitor connected with each energy storage unit cell in parallel through the first switch module for equally charging voltage between the plurality of energy storage unit cells; and a first switch module including a plurality of switches disposed between each energy storage unit cell and the first balance capacitor to sequentially open and close the connection between each energy storage unit cell and the first balance capacitor, whereby the voltage unbalance between the energy storage unit cells can be prevented at low cost. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043946 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REGULATING A POWER SUPPLY - One embodiment of the invention includes regulation voltage system for a power supply system. The system includes a current sense system configured to generate a sense signal that represents an output current of the power supply system that is supplied to a load. The system also includes a positive voltage droop controller configured to provide a regulation voltage to the power supply system, the positive voltage droop controller setting the regulation voltage to one of a predetermined fixed reference voltage or a variable reference voltage based on the sense signal. The variable reference voltage can be less than the predetermined fixed reference voltage. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043947 | Single Inductor Multiple Output Converter - There is disclosed a buck-boost converter comprising a voltage generation apparatus comprising: a voltage source ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120043948 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS TO AUTOMATICALLY DETECT A TYPE OF A VARIABLE OUTPUT DC POWER SOURCE - A method includes coupling a variable output DC power source to power control circuitry, and detecting a type of the variable output DC power source in response to the coupling operation. In one embodiment, the detecting operation may include sending an interrogation signal from the power control circuitry to the variable output DC power source, and evaluating a response to the interrogation signal to determine the type of said variable output DC power source. Power control circuitry may include source type recognition circuitry configured to detect a type of a variable output DC power source in response to a coupling of the variable output DC power source to the power control circuitry. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043949 | SWITCHING POWER SOURCE APPARATUS - A switching power source apparatus includes a high-side MOSFET | 2012-02-23 |
20120043950 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A POWER SWITCH IN A POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM - One embodiment of the invention includes a power supply system. The system includes at least one power switch configured to be activated and deactivated based on a duty-cycle of a respective at least one control signal to generate an output voltage. The system also includes a gate driver configured to generate the at least one control signal and to adjust a slew-rate of each pulse of the at least one control signal to substantially mitigate amplitude ringing at a switching node during a first rising-edge portion and to substantially mitigate conduction losses associated with the at least one power switch during activation and deactivation of the at least one power switch during a second rising-edge portion. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043951 | Switching Regulator and Constant On-time Module - The prevent invention provides a switching regulator with a constant on-time structure. The switching regulator includes power stage circuit, for outputting an output voltage to a load according to a control signal, and a constant on-time module, coupled with the power stage circuit, for adjusting off-time of the control signal according to a resistance of the load. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043952 | SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT, SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY, AND CONTROL SYSTEM - A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a current mirror having a predetermined input-output ratio and including a first transistor configured to receive an input current and a second transistor configured to output an output current, and an output transistor configured to generate a reference voltage according to the output current of the current mirror. The value of the output current is greater than the value of the input current, and the total area of one or more collector regions of the first transistor is substantially the same as the total area of one or more collector regions of the second transistor. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043953 | POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT - In the case where the duty cycle of the PWM signal exists and the duty cycle of the PWM signal is constant for a certain period, a feedback control circuit is operated intermittently with the duty cycle fixed. Specifically, a power supply circuit includes an A/D converter circuit for forming a digital value based on an analog value obtained by monitoring an output voltage based on a reference voltage, a digital filter circuit for smoothing the digital value, a PWM signal generator circuit for generating a PWM signal based on an output value of the digital filter circuit, and an operation mode control circuit for controlling a circuit operation mode based on the duty cycle of the PWM signal. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043954 | QUASI-RESONANT SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH MULTI-MODE CONTROL - Switch-mode power conversion system and method thereof. The switch-mode power conversion system includes a primary winding configured to receive an input voltage, and a secondary winding coupled to the primary winding and configured to, with one or more other components, generate an output signal. Additionally, the switch-mode power conversion system includes a feedback component configured to receive the output signal and generate a feedback signal based on at least information associated with the output signal, and a voltage detector configured to receive the input voltage and output a detection signal. Moreover, the switch-mode power conversion system includes a mode controller configured to receive the detection signal and the feedback signal and generate a switch signal based on at least information associated with the detection signal and the feedback signal, and a switch configured to receive the switch signal and affect a first current flowing through the primary winding. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043955 | Bandgap Reference Circuit and Bandgap Reference Current Source - The present invention provides a bandgap reference circuit. The bandgap reference circuit includes a first bipolar junction transistor, a first resistor, for generating a proportional to absolute temperature current, a second resistor, for generating a complementary to absolute temperature current, a first operational amplifier, coupled with the first bipolar junction transistor and the first resistor, a second operational amplifier, coupled with the first bipolar junction transistor and the second resistor, and a zero temperature correlated current generator, for summing the proportional to absolute temperature current and the complementary to absolute temperature current, to generate a zero temperature correlated current. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043956 | LOOK-UP TABLE BASED CONFIGURATION OF A DC-DC CONVERTER - RF PA circuitry and a DC-DC converter, which includes an RF PA envelope power supply and DC-DC control circuitry, are disclosed. The PA envelope power supply provides an envelope power supply signal to the RF PA circuitry. The DC-DC control circuitry has a DC-DC look-up table (LUT) structure, which has at least a first DC-DC LUT. The DC-DC control circuitry uses DC-DC LUT index information as an index to the DC-DC LUT structure to obtain DC-DC converter operational control parameters. The DC-DC control circuitry then configures the PA envelope power supply using the DC-DC converter operational control parameters. Using the DC-DC LUT structure provides flexibility in configuring the DC-DC converter for different applications, for multiple static operating conditions, for multiple dynamic operating conditions, or any combination thereof. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043957 | Analog Input Module for a Programmable Logic Controller - An analog input module for a programmable logic controller, wherein the analog input module has a ground potential, and includes a channel output configured at a first electrical potential, a first channel input configured at a second electrical potential where the absolute value of the second electrical potential is less than the absolute value of the first electrical potential and greater than the absolute value of the ground potential. The analog input module also includes a second channel input, and a third channel input, where the ground potential of the analog input module is the ground potential of the channel output, of the first channel input, of the second channel input and of the third channel input. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043958 | ELECTRONIC PROTECTION MODULE - An electronic protection module adapted for an electronic device to protection information read and stored in a signal reading element. The electronic protection module includes a circuit board, a first loop, a cover, a first flexible circuit board with a second loop, a second flexible circuit board with a third loop, electrical conductor(s) and conductive element(s). When one of the first loop, second loop and the third loop is disconnected, the signal reading element will be disconnected and lose the information, thereby preventing information leak from the electronic device. The electronic device may be a card reader capable of reading a barcode type, magnetic strip type or chip type of a financial card, credit card or personal identity card. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043959 | Received Signal Strength Indicator and Method Thereof - An apparatus includes a PMOS (p-channel metal-oxide semiconductor) transistor, a NMOS (n-channel metal-oxide semiconductor) transistor, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor, wherein: a first terminal of the PMOS transistor is coupled to a first signal; a second terminal of the PMOS transistor is coupled to a second signal; a third terminal of the PMOS transistor is coupled to the first capacitor; a first terminal of the NMOS transistor is coupled to the second signal; a second terminal of NMOS transistor is coupled to the first signal; and a third terminal of the NMOS transistor is coupled to the second capacitor. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043960 | NON-INTRUSIVE DETECTION OF LIVE ELECTRICAL LINES - A method for determining a presence of live 3-phase electrical lines inside a buried pipe or conduit from outside the pipe or conduit and preferably from an above ground location. A sensor suitable for detecting vibratory signals is placed on the ground proximate the location of the buried pipe. The sensor is then used to determine the presence of a current frequency signal and a current harmonic frequency signal, whereby presence of the current frequency signal and/or the current harmonic frequency signal corresponds to a presence of a live 3-phase electrical line within the buried pipe or conduit. Although intended primarily for use in connection with buried pipes, the method may also be employed on exposed pipes and conduits. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043961 | MEASURING DEVICE - Measuring device, in particular for in-process measurement of test pieces during a machining operation on a machine tool, in particular a grinding machine, has a measuring head which is movable relative to a base body of the measuring device between a neutral position and a measuring position in which the measuring head is in measuring contact with the test piece. At least one angle sensor is associated with the measuring head for detecting the angular position of the measuring head, in particular changes in the angular position of the measuring head relative to the test piece, during a measuring operation. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043962 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EDDY CURRENT INSPECTION OF CASE-HARDENDED METAL COMPONENTS - A method for determining a case depth of a hardened layer in a surface of a metal object includes: (a) placing an eddy current probe at a location adjacent the surface; (b) using the eddy current probe, generating a time-varying eddy current in the object; (c) using the eddy current probe, outputting a measured eddy current and providing a signal representative of the measured eddy current to a computer; (d) using the computer, comparing the time-varying measured eddy current to a correlation of measured eddy currents to known case depths; and (e) determining the case depth at the location of the probe based on the correlation. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043963 | Imaging Device For Three Dimensional Anatomical And Functional Imaging And Methods Thereof - The present invention discloses an imaging device within an MRI. In a magnetic resonance imaging system, a spatially fixed coupled imaging device (SFCID) for producing combined anatomical and real time functional light images, the SFCID functionally incorporates a maneuverable imaging system MIS with a coupled imaging system CIS. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043964 | Method and system for simulating magnetic resonance imaging signals - A method for simulating magnetic resonance signals is proposed. A lattice array where each point in the array has several magnetic resonance sensitive particles is provided. Statistic property of each point is set. A raw magnetic resonance imaging data is calculated based on statistic property of each point and a magnetic resonance imaging sequence to be applied. A system for simulating magnetic resonance signals is further proposed. By considering statistic property of each point, it can distinguish every part of the object to be scanned and really reflect the structure of object without using a real magnetic resonance imaging device. It saves time and costs for avoiding several scanning by the real a magnetic resonance imaging device. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043965 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD EMBODYING A MAGNETIC RESONANCE MARKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - In a magnetic resonance marking system marking a flowing medium in a marking region, as well as in a magnetic resonance system with such a magnetic resonance marking system, a method to control a magnetic resonance marking system, and a method to generate magnetic resonance exposures, a radio-frequency transmission device generates marking radio-frequency signals, and a marking radio-frequency transmission coil emits the marking radio-frequency signals in the marking region. A magnetic field determination device determines a magnetic field strength in the marking region, and a control unit derives a marking transmission frequency from the determined magnetic field strength and to control the radio-frequency transmission device so that marking radio-frequency signals at the derived marking transmission frequency are emitted by the marking radio-frequency transmission coil. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043966 | Method and Apparatus for Determining Formation Water Saturation During Drilling - A method for determining water saturation in a subsurface formation include determining an invasion depth in the formation from a plurality of measurements made within a wellbore drilled through the formation. The measurements have different lateral depths of investigation into the formation. Carbon and oxygen in the formation are measured at substantially a same longitudinal position as at a position of the determining the invasion depth. The measured carbon and oxygen and the invasion depth are used to determine the water saturation in a substantially uninvaded part of the formation. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043967 | Ground Fault Detection Circuit, and Power Supply Device - A ground fault detection circuit according to the present invention is a ground fault detection circuit that detects the occurrence of a ground fault of a battery that is insulated, and that includes: an AC signal generation section that generates an AC signal; a first capacitive element that couples the AC signal generated by the AC signal generation section to the battery; a voltage division section that voltage divides the AC signal that is coupled to the battery by the first capacitive element; a ground fault detection unit that detects a ground fault of the battery based on an AC component of an input signal; and a second capacitive element that couples the AC signal that has been voltage divided by the voltage division section to the ground fault detection unit as the input signal. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043968 | VARIABLE EQUALIZER CIRCUIT - A variable equalizer circuit equalizes a signal received via a transmission line from a device which is a communication partner device. A first resistor is arranged between an output terminal and a fixed voltage terminal, and is configured to have a variable resistance. A first capacitor is arranged between an output terminal and the fixed voltage terminal, and is arranged in parallel with the first resistor, and is configured to have a variable capacitance. A second resistor is arranged between an input terminal and the output terminal. A second capacitor is arranged in parallel with the second resistor between the input terminal and the output terminal. A shunt resistor is arranged on a path including the first capacitor and the second capacitor between the input terminal and the fixed voltage terminal. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043969 | Impedance Tomography Apparatus - An impedance tomography apparatus is disclosed for the measuring of the electrical activity of excitable tissue. The apparatus comprises a plurality of signal transfer devices adapted for transferring an input signal to a body and receiving an output signal from a body. An input signal generator is adapted to generate an electrical input signal and apply it to at least one of the signal transfer devices. A measurement device is arranged to measure the output signal from the body at least one or more of the remaining signal transfer devices, wherein the input signal generator is adapted to generate an input signal of frequency greater than 100 Hz and less that 5 kHz. This allows the depolarisation of nervous or muscle tissue to be imaged. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043970 | Automatic Tuning of a Capacitive Sensing Device - An apparatus, system and method for automatically tuning a capacitance sensor based on comparisons of measured capacitance values to expected values and ranges of values is described. Measured capacitance is converted to a digital value with a capacitance to digital converter. The digital value is use to adjust the range, resolution, baseline offset and thresholds of the capacitance sensor according to logic executed by a controller and stored in programs in a memory. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043971 | METHODS AND CIRCUITS FOR MEASURING MUTUAL AND SELF CAPACITANCE - A capacitance measurement circuit for measuring self and mutual capacitances may include a first electrode capacitively coupled with a second electrode, a first plurality of switches coupled with the first electrode, and a second plurality of switches coupled with the second electrode, wherein, during a first operation stage, the first plurality of switches is configured to apply a first initial voltage to the first electrode and the second plurality of switches is configured to apply a second initial voltage to the second electrode, and wherein, during a second operation stage, the first plurality of switches is configured to connect the first electrode with a measurement circuit, and the second plurality of switches is configured to connect the second electrode with a constant voltage. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043972 | METHOD AND CIRCUIT FOR REDUCING NOISE IN A CAPACITIVE SENSING DEVICE - A capacitive sensing circuit is provided. The capacitive sensing circuit includes a first capacitor and a charge-to-voltage converter circuit coupled to the first capacitor. The charge-to-voltage converter circuit includes a first current source that provides a first current to the first capacitor to charge the first capacitor and generate a time-varying voltage. The capacitive sensing circuit also includes a voltage-to-charge converter circuit coupled to the charge-to-voltage converter circuit, wherein the voltage-to-charge converter circuit samples the time-varying voltage and converts the time-varying voltage into a sampled charge at a predetermined sampling frequency. The capacitive sensing circuit further includes an integrator circuit coupled to the voltage-to-charge circuit, wherein the integrator circuit receives the sampled charge and integrates the sampled charge. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043973 | CAPACITANCE TO CODE CONVERTER WITH SIGMA-DELTA MODULATOR - An apparatus and method of converting a capacitance measured on a sensor element to a digital value. The apparatus may include a switching capacitor as a sensor element, a modulation circuit coupled to the sensor element, and a switching circuit having a plurality of switches controlled by a variable-period clock. The modulation circuit is configured to measure a capacitance on the sense element and to convert the measured capacitance to a digital value. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043974 | CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A CAPACITIVE SIGNAL SOURCE - A circuit for monitoring capacitive signal sources, and particularly detecting changes in capacitance of a variable capacitor, comprises the capacitive signal source and a differential analogue to digital converter. A voltage source provides a DC voltage to a first terminal of the differential analogue to digital converter, and the capacitive signal source is connected to the other terminal of the differential analogue to digital converter. A feedback path low pass filters the output of the differential analogue to digital converter to derive a DC offset value and couples the DC offset value to the other terminal of the differential analogue to digital converter. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043975 | SENSOR DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE DEVIATION OF A HEAD SUPPORT POSITION FROM A TARGET POSITION - A sensor device for determining the deviation of the position of a head support of a motor vehicle seat from a target position is provided that includes a capacitative proximity sensor that can be integrated in a head support, having two transmitting electrodes disposed at a vertical distance from each other and a common receiving electrode. The sensor device further includes a control unit that can be set up for actuating the transmitting electrodes for transmitting an alternating electric field, determining a dimension for the vertical and horizontal deviation of the head support position from a target position relative to the position of a head of a vehicle occupant from received electrical signals captured by the receiving electrode and information about the capacitance formed between each of the transmitting electrodes and the receiving electrode determining the dimension for the vertical deviation of the head support position using a difference between the received signals associated with the two transmitting electrodes or parameters derived therefrom, and determining the dimension for the horizontal deviation of the head support position using the sum of the received signals associated with the two transmitting electrodes or parameters derived therefrom. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043976 | TOUCH DETECTION TECHNIQUES FOR CAPACITIVE TOUCH SENSE SYSTEMS - A technique for recognizing and rejecting false activation events related to a capacitance sense interface includes measuring a capacitance value of a capacitance sense element. The measured capacitance value is analyzed to determine a baseline capacitance value for the capacitance sensor. The capacitance sense interface monitors a rate of change of the measured capacitance values and rejects an activation of the capacitance sense element as a non-touch event when the rate of change of the measured capacitance values have a magnitude greater than a threshold level, indicative of a maximum rate of change of a touch event. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043977 | Mutual Capacitance Sensing Circuits, Methods and Systems - A capacitance sensing system may include a first selection circuit that couples N electrodes of a first electrode set to a capacitance sense circuit; and a second selection circuit that couples M electrodes of a second electrode set, substantially simultaneously, to a signal generator circuit as a group to induce current in the N electrodes by mutual capacitance between the M and N electrodes; wherein N is at least one, and M>N. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043978 | CAPACITIVE SENSORS FOR MONITORING LOAD BEARING ON PINS - A sensor for monitoring external loads acting on a pin assembly includes a pin having an axial interior bore defined therein and having a length defined from a first end to an opposed second end thereof. A core pin is mounted axially within the interior bore of the pin spaced radially inwardly from the interior bore for relative displacement with respect to the pin. A capacitor is provided having an inner capacitor plate mounted to the core pin, and an outer capacitor plate mounted to the pin, such that relative displacement of the core and the pin due to external loading on the pin results in relative displacement of the inner and outer capacitor plates. The capacitor is configured and adapted to be connected to an electrical circuit to produce signals indicative of external loading on the pin based on relative displacement of the inner and outer capacitor plates. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043979 | Measuring system for a down conductor of a wind turbine blade - A measuring system for a down conductor of a wind turbine blade includes a measuring cable connected in series with its first end to the down conductor. A second end of the measuring cable is accessible for measurement of the electrical resistance in a lower base part of the blade. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043980 | WEAR SENSOR - A wear sensor comprises an electric circuit supported on a substrate. The circuit comprises a plurality of discrete elements which are coupled in parallel with each other across conductive rails. The circuit is electrically connected with a measuring device. The measuring device measures an electrical characteristic of the circuit such as resistance. The sensor is disposed in or adjacent an object which is subject to wear and wears with the object. As the sensor wears, the elements are sequentially decoupled from the circuit thereby changing the characteristic measured by the device. This change provides an indication of the amount of wear of the object. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043981 | Corrosion Monitoring of Concrete Reinforcement Bars (Or Other Buried Corrodable Structures) Using Distributed Node Electrodes - Systems and methods for real time detection of corrosion of rebars embedded in a concrete structure. Test bars are selected for corrosion testing purposes, and may or may not also be part of the concrete reinforcement structure. These test bars are coated, and exposed sections of these test bars form a network of node electrodes. Electrical measurement from a counter electrode near a node electrode provides an indication of corrosion at that node electrode. Using a system of node electrodes and counter electrodes, a large concrete area may be monitored, and if corrosion is indicated, a methodical selection of electrodes can be used to locate the corrosion. The same concepts may be applied to detect corrosion in buried structures, such as pipelines and tanks. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043982 | CRITICAL PATH MONITOR HAVING SELECTABLE OPERATING MODES AND SINGLE EDGE DETECTION - A critical path monitor having selectable data output modes provides additional information about critical path delay variation. A pulse is propagated through a synthesized path representing a critical path in a functional logic circuit and a synthesized path delay is measured by a monitoring circuit that detects the arrival of an edge of the pulse at the output of the synthesized delay. The measured delay is provided as a real-time output and a processed result of the measured delay is processed according to a data output mode selected from multiple selectable output modes, thereby providing different information describing the real-time data about critical path delay, such as a range of edge positions corresponding to a variation of the critical path delay. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043983 | INSPECTION DEVICE OF SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT, INSPECTION METHOD OF SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT, AND CONTROL PROGRAM OF INSPECTION DEVICE OF SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - An inspection device of a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a drive unit that moves a probe card back and forth and from side to side, a storage unit that stores arrangement of the semiconductor integrated circuit and a shape of the pads, and a control unit that controls the drive unit. The control unit controls the drive unit, performs an apex detection processing pressing the probe pin to the semiconductor integrated circuit, detecting positions of the probe pin where conduction is detected or not detected, and calculating coordinates of one apex of a inspection pad from detected positions, and calculates central coordinates of the inspection pad from information of the shape of the inspection pad based on the coordinates of the apex of the inspection pad. The drive unit presses the probe pin to the calculated central coordinates of the inspection pad to perform inspection. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043984 | Test Adapter and Method for Achieving Optical Alignment and Thermal Coupling Thereof With a Device Under Test - Independent assemblies are compliantly mounted to a force transfer mechanism to optically align and thermally couple a device under test (DUT) to a test apparatus. A first assembly includes an optical connector. The first assembly has an alignment feature and a first compliant interface. A second assembly includes a thermal control member and force transfer members coupled to a structure. A passage permits a portion of the arm of the first assembly to extend through the structure. The force transfer members provide respective seats for an additional compliant interface. The alignment feature engages a corresponding feature to align the optical connector with the DUT before the compliant interfaces compress under an external force. Compliant mounting of the assemblies accommodates manufacturing tolerances in the DUT so that contact forces on the DUT are relatively consistent and thereby enable consistent optical and thermal coupling between the test apparatus and the DUT. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043985 | Electrical Probe and Associated Method - An electrical probe and associated method are provided to establish electrical contact with a wire. The electrical probe includes an elongate member extending between opposed first and second ends, and first and second needles connected to the elongate member and extending beyond the first end of the elongate member. The electrical probe also includes first and second conductors electrically connected to the first and second needles, respectively, and extending along the elongate member. The electrical probe also includes a bumper stop connected to the elongate member proximate the first end of the tube. Further, the electrical probe includes a movable engagement member extending lengthwise along the elongate member. The moveable engagement member includes a hook that extends beyond the first end of the elongate member and beyond the first and second needles. The hook may include a terminal portion configured to contact the bumper stop. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043986 | Junction box with test contact - A junction box for a solar module, including a base that is parallel to a mounting surface for the solar module; an inner cavity formed by a housing and closed by a cover; a connecting conductor for putting out electricity generated by the solar module and connected in the inner cavity with a contact for the solar module, and a test contact that is accessible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base. The connecting conductor exits the inner cavity and is provided with a plug connector that is arranged in a support device at the junction box, wherein the test contact is electrically connected with a connecting contact of the plug connector of the connecting conductor, and wherein a function of the junction box is testable through feeding an electrical voltage into the test contact. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043987 | Probe Card for Testing Semiconductor Devices and Vertical Probe Thereof - A vertical probe for testing semiconductor devices includes a bottom contact and a top contact stacked on the bottom contact in a substantially linear manner. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom contact includes a plurality of first wave springs stacked one on top of another in a crest to crest manner, the bottom contact has a bottom opening configured to contact a device under test, and the wave spring is configured to provide a vertical displacement for relieving the stress generated as the vertical probe contacts the device under test, wherein the width of the top contact is greater than the width of the bottom contact. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043988 | SOLAR COMBINER WITH INTEGRATED STRING CURRENT MONITORING - A combiner that calculates energy produced by each panel feed during the daytime, and calculates a resistance value needed to calculate the energy by injecting a known current into each panel feed at nighttime and measuring the resulting voltage across a resistive element in each panel feed. A voltage tap across the protection device in each panel feed allows logic and control circuitry to measure the voltage across each protection device. At nighttime, a known current is injected into each panel feed and the voltage across each protection device is measured. Plugging the current and voltage into Ohm's Law, a resistance of each protection device is calculated, then that resistance value is used during the daytime to calculate energy produced by each string in real time and to monitor each string's performance. When an individual string's performance wanes, an alarm is indicated to help the operator troubleshoot which individual panel(s) within the string is responsible for that string's underperformance. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043989 | INSPECTION METHOD AND INSPECTION APPARATUS - An inspection method, including: measuring an impedance of a cell structure of an inspection object that includes one or a plurality of serially-connected cell structures each including a transparent electrode layer formed on a substrate, a porous semiconductor layer formed on the transparent electrode layer, a porous insulator layer formed on the porous semiconductor layer, and a counter electrode layer formed on the porous insulator layer; and judging a quality of the inspection object based on the measured impedance of the cell structure. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043990 | ZENER DIODE DETECTING CIRCUIT - A circuit includes a power supply circuit and a measuring circuit. The measuring circuit includes a voltage meter, a current meter, and a connector connected to a zener diode under test. The voltage meter is connected to the connector in parallel. The current meter is configured to measure a current flowing through the zener diode. The power supply circuit is capable of providing an output voltage that becomes greater gradually. The voltage meter is capable of obtaining a breakdown voltage of the zener diode when the current flowing through the zener diode increases and a voltage across the zener diode is unchanged. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043991 | Scan Cell Use With Reduced Power Consumption - Selective blocking is applied to discrete segments of scan chains in the integrated circuit device. In some implementations, locking components associated with the scan segments are selectively activated according to blocking data incorporated in test pattern data. In other implementations, selective blocking is applied to the scan cells identified as causing the highest power consumption. Selective incorporation of blocking components in an integrated circuit device is based on statistical estimation of scan cell transition rates. When the blocking components are enabled, pre-selected signal values are presented to the functional logic of the integrated circuit device. At the same time, propagation of output value transitions that may take place in the scan cells is prevented. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043992 | IC OUTPUT SIGNAL PATH WITH SWITCH, BUS HOLDER, AND BUFFER - An electronic integrated circuit includes a signal path connected between the functional logic ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120043993 | HOST COMPUTER - A host computer includes an enclosure, a motherboard mounted in the enclosure. The motherboard includes a battery, a reference voltage generating circuit, an electronic switch, an alarm unit mounted on the enclosure, and a comparator. The reference voltage generating circuit generates a reference voltage. The comparator is connected to the battery and the reference voltage generating circuit to receive the reference voltage and detect a voltage of the battery. The comparator compares the detected voltage of the battery with the reference voltage, and outputs a control signal to turn on the electronic switch to start the alarm unit when the voltage of the battery is less than the reference voltage. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043994 | CURRENT BALANCING OF PARALLEL CONNECTED SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS - A method and an arrangement are provided for balancing the switching transient behavior of parallel connected power semiconductor components. The method includes providing a switch signal to the parallel connected power semiconductor components for changing the state of the components, forming control signals for each of the parallel connected components from the switch signal, and determining, during the change of state of the power semiconductor component, the voltage induced to an inductance in the main current path of the component in each of the parallel connected components. The method also includes comparing each of the induced voltages with a predetermined threshold voltage, measuring time differences between the time instants at which the induced voltages crosses the threshold voltage, and modifying one or more of the control signals on the basis of the measured time differences in the respective following state change for balancing the switching transient behavior. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043995 | Detection Circuit - A detection circuit is disclosed in specification and drawing, where the detection circuit includes a current source, a voltage-current converter and a current comparator. The voltage-current converter is configured to acquire a receiving current from the current source by comparing a reference voltage with an input voltage of a detecting terminal. The current comparator is configured to output an output voltage by comparing a steady current with an output current based on the receiving current. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043996 | LINEAR TRANSCONDUCTOR FOR RF COMMUNICATIONS - The present patent application comprises a linear transconductor having at least one input and at least one output, comprising a differential amplifier having a plurality of transistors and a plurality of inputs, wherein a difference of input signals is amplified, a cascode circuit having a plurality of transistors, wherein the transistors are operably connected to the differential amplifier, wherein reverse isolation between an input and an output of the linear transconductor is improved by decoupling the input and the output of the linear transconductor by mounting at least one transistor of the plurality of transistors of the cascode circuit as a common-gate stacked on the at least one transistor of the differential amplifier, an active load having a plurality of transistors operably connected between the cascode circuit and supply voltage, and an auxiliary device operably connected to the connection between the active load, the cascode device and ground. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043997 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING TRANSMITTER AC-COUPLING DROOP - As part of a transmitter and receiver system a droop compensator is provided between the channel isolation device and the driver system to compensate for reduced transition densities. The droop compensator is configured to improve power transfer to the channel in response to reductions in transition density without affecting power transfer during periods of high transition density. The droop compensator creates an impedance mismatch between the matching circuit and driver in relation to the line impedance. The droop compensator may comprise passive elements, such as capacitors, inductors, or resistor, or active elements including transistors or power control modules. The droop compensator may be configured to operate with transformer line couplers or capacitor line couplers, and either current drivers or voltage drivers. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043998 | RESET CIRCUIT - A reset circuit includes two voltage dividing circuits, a switching circuit, a selection button, two voltage converters, and a processor. The voltage converters convert a first or second power supply for supplying power to the processor. When the first power supply supplies power to the processor the processor operates normally. When the second power supply supplies power to the processor, one of the voltage dividing circuits outputs a signal to the processor to restore an electronic device to factory settings according to the signal. | 2012-02-23 |
20120043999 | MEMS STABILIZED OSCILLATOR - A voltage controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO) is locked to a MEMS oscillator with a variable frequency ratio that is a function of a sensed temperature. That allows the long-term stability of the MEMS oscillator and temperature compensation to be reflected in a VCXO output signal having good short-term stability. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044000 | Method and Apparatus for Accurate Clock Synthesis - Methods and apparatus are provided in the present invention to adjust the frequency of an output clock close to within a required accuracy of an oscillation frequency. In another embodiment, a method comprises: entering a calibration mode; generating a first control word to control a timing of a clock synthesizer; adjusting the first control word until the timing of the clock synthesizer is sufficiently accurate with respect to a timing of a reference clock; sensing a temperature using a temperature sensor; storing a present value of an output of the temperature sensor and the first control word into a non-volatile memory; exiting the calibration mode; entering a normal operation mode; sensing the temperature using the temperature sensor; generating a second control word to control the timing of the clock synthesizer in accordance with an output of the non-volatile memory and the output of the temperature sensor. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044001 | SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS - A signal processing apparatus of the present invention includes an input unit configured to receive a reference signal supplied from an external device, a phase detection unit configured to detect a phase difference between the reference signal received from the input unit and a clock signal, a generation unit configured to generate the clock signal with a frequency corresponding to an output of the phase detection unit, and a control unit configured to detect an error between a frequency of the reference signal received from the input unit and the frequency of the clock signal based on an output of the phase detection unit and to output information, which indicates the status of a frequency change in the reference signal, to a display device based on the detected error. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044002 | SEMICONDUCTOR APPARATUS AND DLL CIRCUIT USING THE SAME - A semiconductor apparatus includes: an update pulse generating unit configured to generate an update pulse every first period based on a frequency of a clock, and a control unit configured to control an output signal in response to an input signal and the update pulse, so that the output signal is varied based on the input signal. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044003 | SKEW ADJUSTMENT CIRCUIT AND SKEW ADJUSTMENT METHOD - A skew adjustment circuit, provided in an integrated circuit device having a plurality of signal lines transmitting a plurality of signals respectively, and a plurality of buffer circuits to which a plurality of signals transmitted through the signal lines are respectively input, has: a plurality of delay circuits, respectively provided in stages preceding the buffer circuits; a monitoring circuit monitoring changes in the signals of the plurality of signal lines; and a delay adjustment circuit, which decides delay amounts for the plurality of delay circuits based on a monitoring result output of the monitoring circuit, and sets the delay amounts in the plurality of delay circuits. The monitoring circuit detects, as the monitoring result, a number of signal changes in the signal lines in which a signal change occurs in a monitoring period, and the delay adjustment circuit decides the delay amounts based on the number of signal changes. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044004 | TRACK AND HOLD ARCHITECTURE WITH TUNABLE BANDWIDTH - To date, bandwidth mismatch within time-interleaved (TI) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) has been largely ignored because compensation for bandwidth mismatch is performed by digital post-processing, namely finite impulse response filters. However, the lag from digital post-processing is prohibitive in high speed systems, indicating a need for blind mismatch compensation. Even with blind bandwidth mismatch estimation, though, adjustment of the filter characteristics of track-and-hold (T/H) circuits within the TI ADCs can be difficult. Here, a T/H circuit architecture is provided that uses variations of the gate voltage of a sampling switch (which varies the “on” resistance of the sampling switch) to change the bandwidth of the T/H circuits so as to precisely match the bandwidths. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044005 | FAIL SAFE ADAPTIVE VOLTAGE/FREQUENCY SYSTEM - A system on chip (SoC) has a digital domain. An adaptive voltage/frequency scaling circuit includes a critical path replica circuit with respect to that digital domain. The critical path replica circuit generates a margin signal, and the adaptive voltage scaling circuit responds to the margin signal by decreasing bias voltage (and/or increasing clock frequency) applied to the digital domain of the system on chip so as to recover available margin. A fail-safe timing sensor is included within the digital domain of the system on chip. The timing sensor generates a flag signal when timing criteria within the digital domain are violated. The adaptive voltage scaling circuit responds to the flag signal by increasing the bias voltage (and/or decreasing the clock frequency) applied to the digital domain of the system on chip so as to implement a recovery operation. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044006 | DC OFFSET CALIBRATION APPARATUS, DC OFFSET CALIBRATION SYSTEM, AND METHOD THEREOF - A DC offset calibration apparatus including a signal processing unit, a comparison unit, a first resistor array, a second resistor array, and a resistor array control unit is provided. The signal processing unit receives an input differential signal and generates an output differential signal. The comparison unit detects and determines a first DC output voltage and a second DC output voltage of the output differential signal and generates a DC offset signal. First ends of the first resistor array and the second resistor array are respectively coupled to a first input terminal and a second input terminal of the signal processing unit. The resistor array control unit adjusts resistances of the first and the second resistor array according to the DC offset signal and a bit code sequence until the DC offset signal enters a transient state, so as to calibrate a DC offset voltage in the output differential signal. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044007 | COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A communication device is provided. The communication device includes a circuit for reducing low-frequency interference, and the circuit for reducing low-frequency interference includes a low-frequency filter circuit and a capacitor. The low-frequency filter circuit includes a terminal and a terminal, in which the terminal is connected to a power supply, and the terminal is connected to a load; the capacitor includes a terminal and a terminal, in which the terminal is connected to the load, and the terminal is connected to the power. By setting the circuit for reducing low-frequency interference in a communication device, an input current of the communication device may be maintained stable, as a result, low-frequency interference of the communication device to other communication devices is reduced. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044008 | LEVEL SHIFTERS FOR IO INTERFACES - A level shifter includes an input node, an output node, a pull-up transistor, a pull-down transistor, and at least one diode-connected device coupled between the pull-up transistor and the pull-down transistor. The level shifter is arranged to be coupled to a high power supply voltage, to receive an input signal having a first voltage level at the input node, and to supply an output signal having a second voltage level at the output node. The high power supply voltage is higher than the first voltage level. The at least one diode-connected device allows the output signal to be pulled up to about a first diode voltage drop below the high power supply voltage and/or to be pulled down to about a second diode voltage drop above ground. The first diode voltage drop and the second diode voltage drop are from the at least one diode-connected device. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044009 | Level-Shifting Latch - A level-shifting latch circuit is disclosed. The level-shifting latch circuit may provide a level-shifting function, a data state retention function, and a dynamic-to-static conversion function. The level-shifting latch may receive two input signals from a dynamic logic circuit that are driven to the same state during a precharge phase. During an evaluation phase, one of the input signals may evaluate to a logic state complementary to the other input. The level-shifting latch circuit may generate an output signal corresponding to the input signal. On a precharge phase of a next cycle, the level-shifting latch may retain the state of the output when the two inputs are again driven to the same state. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044010 | SEMICONDUCTOR CIRCUIT AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - In a semiconductor circuit, a high frequency level detecting unit detects a level of a high frequency component adjusted with a first adjusting unit, and a first control unit controls a first gain of the adjusting unit according to the level of the high frequency component thus detected. Further, a low frequency level detecting unit detects a level of a low frequency component adjusted with a second adjusting unit. A second control unit controls a second gain according to the level of the high frequency component and the level of the low frequency component thus adjusted, so that a difference between the level of the high frequency component adjusted with the first adjusting unit and the level of the low frequency component adjusted with the second adjusting unit becomes smaller than a specific level determined in advance. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044011 | INITIATING FORCED SHUTDOWN OF A DEVICE - A method comprises initiating generation of a feedback signal in response to determining that an input has been selected throughout a first predetermined period of time and initiating a forced shutdown of a device in response to determining that the input has been deselected within a second predetermined period of time after the initiating of the generation of the feedback signal. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044012 | REFERENCE VOLTAGE GENERATOR CIRCUIT AND IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - A reference current generating circuit includes a generator that generates a reference voltage, a bias generator includes plural transistors of a different conductive types from each other and generates a first bias voltage and a second bias voltage, respectively, a first output transistor and a second output transistor of a different conductive type that outputs a current corresponds to a reference current when the first bias voltage or the second bias voltage is supplied thereto, an input-output unit that one terminal connected between the first output transistor and the second output terminal and the other terminal connected to a load, and supplies current from the first output transistor to the load or from the load to the second output transistor, and a switch that turns on/off the first and the second output transistors based on the output voltage of the input-output unit. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044013 | ELECTROSTATIC CAPACITANCE-TYPE INPUT DEVICE - An electrostatic capacitance-type input device includes X driving electrodes and Y driving electrodes on an operation face operated by a finger. A correction electrode and a correction detection electrode are provided to be opposed at a place which is not affected by the finger operating the operation face. Driving voltage is sequentially applied to the X driving electrodes by an X driving unit, and the voltage is also applied to the correction electrode. An input detection signal for detecting a contact position of the finger and a correction detection signal obtained from the correction detection electrode changed on the basis of environmental changes are detected by the same detection unit, and the correction detection signal and the input detection signal are corrected in a data processing unit. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044014 | Switching Circuits For Extracting Power From An Electric Power Source And Associated Methods - An integrated circuit chip includes a first input port, a first output port, and first and second transistors electrically coupled in series across the first input port. The second transistor is also electrically coupled across the first output port and is adapted to provide a path for current flowing through the first output port when the first transistor is in its non-conductive state. The integrated circuit chip additionally includes first driver circuitry for driving gates of the first and second transistors to cause the transistors to switch between their conductive and non-conductive states. The integrated circuit chip further includes first controller circuitry for controlling the first driver circuitry such that the first and second transistors switch between their conductive and non-conductive states to at least substantially maximize an amount of electric power extracted from an electric power source electrically coupled to the first input port. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044015 | Universal Digital Input Module in a Process Automation Controller - In a process automation controller, a universal digital input module is provided. The universal digital input module comprises a plurality of digital input channels, each channel to sink a first current at a first voltage level associated with an input having a digital high value and to sink a second current at a second voltage level associated with the input having a digital high value, wherein the first current is greater than the second current and wherein the first voltage is less than the second voltage. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044016 | ELECTRIC DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD OF THE SAME - An electric device and a control method of the same, the electric device including a load terminal, a constant voltage output unit to generate an output voltage to the load terminal, a feedback circuit having a plurality of feedback circuit elements to generate a feedback signal to the constant voltage output unit to adjust the output voltage, and a controller to set a power mode of the electric device and to generate a control signal according to an enable signal and the set power mode such that the control signal corresponds to one or more of the feedback circuit elements to adjust the feedback signal, wherein the enable signal corresponds to a level of the output voltage. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044017 | DEMODULATOR AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTING MODULATED INFORMATION, IN PARTICULAR FOR RADIOFREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TAGS - A demodulator including a delay line adapted for receiving an input signal at an input frequency, phase or frequency modulated by symbols with a duration equal to a period of the input signal or very close to that period. The delay line has N | 2012-02-23 |
20120044018 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED OVER-CURRENT CLIPPING - Systems and methods for implementing over-current protection include reducing a clip level while an over-current condition is being detected. Once the over-current condition is no longer detected, the clip level is maintained for a specified period before allowing the clip level to be increased. In an embodiment, the specified period, for which the clip level is maintained before the clip level is allowed to be increased, starts when the over-current condition is no longer detected, and ends when each of N immediately preceding sample(s) of the audio signal are not clipped to the clip level, where N is an integer ≧1. After an over-current condition is no longer detected, and after the clip level has been maintained for the specified period, the clip level can be increased if an over-current condition is not detected for a sample and the clip level is below a specified maximum clip level. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044019 | POWER AMPLIFIER - Power amplifier for amplifying an electric input signal in an operational frequency range and providing an output signal, comprising switching means ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120044020 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SENSING A CURREN FOR VARYING IMPEDANCE LOADS - Recently, there has been an increased desire to measure load currents of class-D amplifiers to improve performance. The traditional solution has been to include one or more discrete components in series with the load, but this degrades performance. Here, however, circuit is provided (which includes sample-and-hold circuit) that accurately measures load currents without inhibiting performance and that is not inhibited by the phase differences between the load voltage and load current. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044021 | DIFFERENTIAL AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT - A differential amplifier circuit includes: P-type and N-type differential input units outputting respectively first and second outputs in response to first and second input voltages; a P-type current mirror circuit driven by the second output; an N-type current mirror circuit driven by the first output; an output unit outputting an output voltage in response to control outputs from the P-type and N-type current mirror circuits; a first sub-current source including first and second P-type transistors connected in series; and a second sub-current source including first and second N-type transistors connected in series. Control ends of the second P-type and second N-type transistors receive the control outputs from the P-type and N-type current mirror circuits, respectively. Control ends of the first P-type and first N-type transistors are coupled to a common node between the first and second P-type transistors, and a common node between the first and second N-type transistors, respectively. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044022 | DYNAMIC DEVICE SWITCHING (DDS) OF AN IN-PHASE RF PA STAGE AND A QUADRATURE-PHASE RF PA STAGE - An in-phase radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) stage and a quadrature-phase RF PA stage are disclosed. The in-phase RF PA stage includes a first group of arrays of amplifying transistor elements and the quadrature-phase RF PA stage includes a second group of arrays of amplifying transistor elements. A group of array bias signals is based on a selected one of a group of DDS operating modes. Each of the group of array bias signals is a current signal. The in-phase RF PA stage biases at least one of the first group of arrays of amplifying transistor elements based on the group of array bias signals. Similarly, the quadrature-phase RF PA stage biases at least one of the second group of arrays of amplifying transistor elements based on the group of array bias signals. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044023 | Apparatus and Method for a Smooth Powerup of a Reference Signal - A circuit for providing a reference voltage can be widely used in audio applications. However, at startup an abrupt start in the reference signal can cause undesirable audible artifacts. A circuit employing feedback of a reference voltage to control the charging of a capacitor which provides the reference voltage can be used to provide a smooth startup to the reference voltage. The circuit contains a differential pair for steering a fixed current source from one path to another as the reference voltage increases. The steered current can then be mirrored into one or more current mirrors where the newly mirrored current can be squeezed to zero when the difference between a desired reference voltage and the reference voltage approaches zero. This newly mirrored current can be used to charge a capacitor which is used to provide the reference voltage. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044024 | LATCHED RING OSCILLATOR DEVICE FOR ON-CHIP MEASUREMENT OF CLOCK TO OUTPUT DELAY IN A LATCH - A novel and useful apparatus and related method for on-chip measurement of the clock to output delay of a latch within an integrated circuit. The delay measurement mechanism enables measuring the time delay from the transition of the clock input to the data output of a latch. The output delay of the on-chip latch is measured by making the latch delay part of a ring oscillator and measuring its frequency of oscillation. A latch based delay stage is used to construct the ring oscillator in which a delayed short pulse derived from the input edge is used as the trigger for the latch. The latched ring oscillator mechanism of the invention can be used to measure the clock to output (C2Q) delay of on-chip latch devices. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044025 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE, ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE MANUFACTURING METHOD - An electronic device is provided which includes a base, a through-electrode that passes through the base and from which an insulating material on an end face thereof is removed by polishing, a circuit pattern that is formed on an end face of the through-electrode, an electronic component that is disposed via an internal wiring formed on the circuit pattern, an electrode pattern that is formed on the surface of the base opposite to the surface on which the electronic component is disposed and that is connected to the other end face of the through-electrode, an external electrode that is formed on the electrode pattern, and a cap that is bonded to the base so as to protect the electronic component on the base. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044026 | MULTIBAND MATCHING CIRCUIT - A multiband matching circuit of the present invention includes an inductive element having one end connected to an input terminal, a first switch having one end connected to the other end of the inductive element and the other end grounded, a capacitive element having one end connected to the input terminal, a second switch having one end connected to the other end of the capacitive element and the other end grounded, a first-band matching circuit that is connected between the other end of the inductive element and a first output terminal and performs impedance matching in a first frequency band, and a second-band matching circuit that is connected between the other end of the capacitive element and a second output terminal and performs impedance matching in a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044027 | ACOUSTIC WAVE RESONATOR AND DUPLEXER USING SAME - An acoustic wave resonator includes a piezoelectric body, an IDT electrode for exciting an acoustic wave with wavelength λ, and a dielectric thin film provided so as to cover the IDT electrode. The IDT electrode includes a bus bar electrode region, a dummy electrode region, and an IDT cross region in order from outside. The film thickness of the dielectric thin film above at least one of the bus bar electrode region and the dummy electrode region is smaller than that above the IDT cross region by 0.1λ to 0.25λ. This configuration provides an acoustic wave resonator that reduces transverse-mode spurious emission. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044028 | ADAPTIVE ON DIE DECOUPLING DEVICES AND METHODS - Semiconductor dies and methods are described, such as those including a first capacitive pathway having a first effective series resistance (ESR) and a second capacitive pathway having an adjustable ESR. One such device provides for optimizing the semiconductor die for different operating conditions such as operating frequency. As a result, semiconductor dies can be manufactured in a single configuration for several different operating frequencies, and each die can be tuned to reduce (e.g. minimize) supply noise, such as by varying the ESR or the capacitance of at least one of the pathways. | 2012-02-23 |
20120044029 | NOISE FILTER AND AN EMC FILTER USING THE SAME - A noise filter for suppressing conducted emission generated in a power conversion apparatus includes a grounding capacitor circuit, an interphase capacitor circuit and an impedance circuit. The impedance circuit is connected to at least one of the grounding capacitor circuit and the interphase capacitor circuit for adjusting attenuation characteristics of the noise filter. | 2012-02-23 |