25th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 17 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090153086 | MOTOR DRIVE APPARATUS - The present invention provides a motor drive apparatus which improves a trade-off relation between a stable position detection and noise at its driving. A sensorless drive operation circuit calculates by operation a zero cross point (point p) of a voltage of a position detection phase at the next interval, using time information measured based on an output signal from a comparison circuit at the previous interval and the present interval. After the point p has been calculated, points a and b are detected by interrupting a predetermined time drive current. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153087 | Method for controlling motor torque in hybrid electric vehicle - The present invention provides a method for controlling motor torque in a hybrid electric vehicle, which can reduce current control mapping time and simplify control algorithm by providing a torque control compensation logic against a change in temperature of a motor (interior permanent magnet synchronous motor) of the hybrid electric vehicle. The present method includes: forming a single current control map based on an engine room temperature; determining a motor operation range that requires temperature compensation according to motor load conditions such as speed and torque; obtaining an optimization formula for torque command compensation; determining a torque command compensation value using the optimization formula; generating a new torque command with the torque command compensation value and applying the new torque command to the single current control map; and applying to a motor a current for which a torque variation according to a temperature change is compensated. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153088 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TEMPERATURE LIMITATION ACCORDING TO CURRENT AND/OR VOLTAGE - The invention relates to a method for temperature limitation according to the current and/or voltage, for an actuating device ( | 2009-06-18 |
20090153089 | APPARATUS FOR MONITORING OF BRUSHES, IN PARTICULAR SLIPRING OR COMMUTATOR BRUSHES, ON ELECTRICAL MACHINES - An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring brushes, such as slipring or commutator brushes, on electrical machines. At least one electronic sensor is configured to be arranged in or on a brush apparatus of an electrical machine such that an electrical supply power can be locally drawn directly from an electromagnetic environment of the brush apparatus. The apparatus can transmit measurement data detected by it by electromagnetic radiation to an indication device. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153090 | MOTOR CONTROLLER - A motor controller that outputs a drive signal to a direct-current motor to drive the motor is provided. The motor controller includes a drive circuit that generates the drive signal. The drive circuit superimposes on a direct-current voltage an alternating-current component having a frequency in the audible frequency range of the human ear, thereby generating the drive signal. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153091 | IMAGE FORMATION APPARATUS - An error detector determines whether or not there is a frequency error. In a case where it is determined that there is the frequency error, the error detector further determines whether or not the frequency error stays within a targeted error range. In a case where it is determined that the frequency error stays within the targeted error range, a proportional gain is decreased. In a case where it is determined that the frequency error fails to stay within the targeted error range, the proportional gain is increased. Then, a frequency proportional-integral-derivative operation processing is executed based on a set gain. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153092 | NUMERICAL CONTROLLER HAVING CONTROL MODE SWITCHING FUNCTION - A pulse distribution unit notifies a mode control/instruction unit of an output start signal Sa that notifies of the start of output of a position command signal. The mode control/instruction unit outputs a mode setting signal, a speed command signal, and a compensation pulse Sc to an axis control unit. In a position control mode, the mode control/instruction unit continues outputting the speed command signal to the axis control unit until the mode control/instruction unit receives the output start signal Sa from the pulse distribution unit, and stops, up receiving the output start signal Sa, outputting the speed command signal. The compensation pulse Sc is output to the axis control unit to cancel the difference between a spindle position and the position control start reference position of the spindle. The axis control unit adds the compensation pulse Sc to the position command signal of the spindle output from the pulse distribution unit and outputs the result to a servo control unit. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153093 | METHOD AND CONTROLLER FOR DETECTING A STALL CONDITION IN A STEPPING MOTOR DURING MICRO-STEPPING - A method is provided for detecting a stall condition in a stepping motor. The stepping motor has two coils and a rotor, and is micro-stepped by substantially continuously driving both of the two coils with out-of-phase time varying voltages. The method includes stepping the stepping motor to a next micro-step. It is then determined when a predetermined motor parameter of a first coil of the two coils is to be sampled. To sample the predetermined motor parameter of, for example, the first coil, the first coil is opened for a predetermined period, wherein the predetermined period is less than or equal to a micro-step. Then the first coil is sampled during the predetermined period and the result of sampling is integrated and used to increment or decrement an accumulated value. If the accumulated value is less than a preset value, then a stall condition exists. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153094 | DRIVE - The invention relates to a drive for simmering apparatus comprising an electric motor and a power converter arrangement which arrangement includes a rectifier unit, an intermediate circuit unit, an inverter unit and an electronic control unit wherein the inverter unit, the electronic control unit and the electric motor are combined into one common module that is arranged separate from a power input module comprising g the rectifier unit and the intermediate circuit. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153095 | Driving Circuit for Single-Phase Switched Reluctance Motor and Driving Method Thereof - Disclosed are a driving circuit for a single-phase SRM and a driving method thereof. The driving circuit for the single-phase SRM includes a switched reluctance motor, a voltage source which supplies energy to the switched reluctance motor, and an inverter circuit which is connected to the switched reluctance motor in parallel so as to temporarily store energy of the voltage source, and then supply the energy to the switched reluctance motor. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153096 | Power Switching Apparatus for Natural Energy Power Supply - A power switching apparatus for natural energy power supply includes a AC power supply provided by an electricity plant, a converting power supply connected with the AC power supply, a power switch connected with the converting power supply and an external load respectively, a charger connected with the power switch, at least a natural energy power supply connected with the charger, configured for generating electric power and supplying the electric power to the charger, a voltage sensor connected with the charger, and a battery pack connected with the voltage sensor. When there is not sufficient power output from the natural energy power supply, the AC power supply and the load are connected so that the object of uninterruptedly driving the load to work when the natural energy power supply stops working is achieved and the reliability of the natural energy power supply is improved. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153097 | Battery charging apparatus - The present invention provides a battery charging apparatus with reduced weight, volume and manufacturing cost. The apparatus includes: an alternating current power source including a first electrode and a second electrode and supplying an alternating voltage for charging the battery; a diode including an anode electrode connected to the battery and a cathode electrode connected to the second electrode and half-wave rectifying the alternating voltage applied from the alternating current power source; a three-phase motor connected to the first electrode and transmitting to the battery the half-wave rectified voltage applied from the diode and the alternating current power source; and an inverter connected between the three-phase motor and the battery and converting the voltage applied from the three-phase motor into a direct voltage to transmit the direct voltage to the battery. Alternatively, the apparatus may comprise an alternating current power source, an inverter, a three-phase motor and a switching unit. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153098 | Battery charger cradle - In a battery charger cradle, a battery incorporated in a battery built-in device is charged by electric power induced to an induction coil. The cradle includes a primary coil inducing electromotive force to the induction coil, a casing having a top plate atop of which the battery built-in device is placed, a movement mechanism moving the primary coil along an inner surface of the top plate, and a position detection controller detecting a position of the battery built-in device placed on the top plate and controlling the movement mechanism to bring the primary coil closer to the induction coil in the battery built-in device. When the battery built-in device is placed on the top plate, the position detection controller detects the position of the battery built-in device, and the movement mechanism moves the primary coil to be brought closer to the induction coil in the battery built-in device. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153099 | METHOD OF ELECTRIC ENERGY TRANSFER BETWEEN A VEHICLE AND A STATIONARY COLLECTOR - A vehicle includes an amplifier, a vehicle battery for supplying electrical power to the amplifier, a frequency generator for generating an input signal for the amplifier, and a control system. The amplifier is in communication with the frequency generator for selectively increasing the power of the input signal and outputting an output signal having a frequency and an increased power than the input signal. The control system includes a sensor for detecting the presence of a stator exteriorly of the vehicle and is in communication with the frequency generator and the amplifier. The vehicle also includes a magnetic field generating device for generating a magnetic field. The amplifier is in communication with the magnetic field generating device, and the magnetic field generating device generates a magnetic field in response to receiving the output signal from the amplifier. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153100 | CHARGING CONTROL APPARATUS CONTROLLING CHARGING CURRENT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFORE - Provided is a control apparatus that controls a battery circuit, including a voltage detector that detects a battery voltage, a battery protection circuit that stops charging current when the battery voltage detected by the voltage detecting unit exceeds a protection voltage, and a charging circuit being capable of changing a charging current value for charging a battery. The control apparatus includes an input interface that reads the battery voltage detected by the voltage detecting unit, a decision unit that decides whether or not the read battery voltage has approached the protection voltage to a predetermined limit value, an output interface that outputs a signal for controlling the charging current, and a current control unit that limits the charging current to a predetermined limit value via the output interface when the read battery voltage is decided to have approached the protection voltage to the predetermined limit value. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153101 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHARGING MULTI-CELL LITHIUM-BASED BATTERIES - A method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a housing, at least one terminal to electrically connect to a battery pack supported by the housing, and a controller operable to provide a charging current to the battery pack through the at least one terminal. The battery pack includes a plurality of lithium-based battery cells, with each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells having an individual state of charge. The controller is operable to control the charging current being supplied to the battery pack at least in part based on the individual state of charge of at least one battery cell. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153102 | Method and System For Load Shifting - There is provided a system for storing electrical energy during an off-peak period and distributing the electrical energy to consumers during a peak period. The system includes an energy storage means for storing the electrical energy; a first means for directing the electrical energy produced during the off-peak period into the energy storage means; and a second means for directing the electrical energy from the energy storage means to consumers during the peak period. Preferably, the energy storage means consists of five sodium-nickel-chloride batteries having a specific energy in the range of about 80 to about 200 Wh/kg, preferably about 100 to about 150 Wh/kg, and most preferably about 120 Wh/kg. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153103 | Portable Device and Battery Pack for the Same - A portable device is disclosed that includes a charge control circuit configured to control charging of a secondary battery included in a battery pack, the secondary battery being configured to supply power to the portable device; a temperature detection terminal at which the temperature of the secondary battery is detected from a temperature detection part of the battery pack; positive and negative power terminals to be connected to the battery pack; a control circuit configured to control the operation of the portable device; and an interface circuit connected between the temperature detection terminal and each of an input terminal of the charge control circuit and an input terminal of the control circuit, in which a signal detected at the temperature detection terminal is fed to each of the charge control circuit and the control circuit through the interface circuit. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153104 | Charging method - A charging method includes first and second charging steps to charge a lithium-ion battery. In the first charging step, a temperature rise gradient of the battery to a current is detected. A battery temperature when the battery is charged to a first predetermined capacity is predicted based on the gradient. A charging current is controlled based on the predicted temperature. The battery is charged, at a current that brings a battery temperature lower than a predetermined temperature, to the first predetermined capacity. In the second charging step, a temperature rise gradient of the battery is detected. A battery temperature when the battery is charged to a second predetermined capacity is predicted based on the gradient. A charging current is controlled based on the predicted temperature. The battery is charged, at a current that brings the temperature of the battery lower than the predetermined temperature, to the second predetermined capacity. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153105 | Alternator - The present invention relates to an alternator comprising: | 2009-06-18 |
20090153106 | Excitation Device for an Electric Machine - With an aim of minimizing excitation losses in electric machines having electrically excited and displaceable secondary parts, bi-directional inductive transmission of energy is carried out by a rotating inductive transmission device. An associated electronic system for the bi-directional transmission of power and/or energy, is provided. Advantageously, super-conductive inductance is present wherein the flow is introduced. It is possible to excite by supplying energy to the stator and to also de-excite by removing energy without converting the power into heat on the rotor by applying a bipolar tension. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153107 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REGULATING ELECTRICAL POWER FROM A NON-PERPETUAL POWER SOURCE - A method and system for regulating electrical power from a non-perpetual power source. In one implementation, the method includes receiving a variable power output from the non-perpetual power source, wherein a power amplitude of the variable power output substantially varies over time; and generating a regulated current output or a regulated voltage output based in part on the variable power output received from the non-perpetual power source. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153108 | Power management efficiency using DC-DC and linear regulators in conjunction - A power management unit for improving power efficiency of an electronic device. The power management unit includes a first and a second stage power regulator and a control circuitry. The first stage power regulator includes a switching regulator to efficiently adjust an input voltage based on a feedback signal. The adjusted input voltage provides the second stage power regulator that includes low dropout voltage regulators with an input voltage close to its output. Thus, power dissipation in the second stage is reduced by reducing the voltage differential between the input and desired output voltages. The second stage turns on/off power to units of the electronic device. The control circuitry generates the feedback signal based on dropout voltages of the low dropout voltages, the desired output voltage and the adjusted input voltage. The largest dropout voltage is selected and adds it to the desired output voltage to generate the feedback signal. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153109 | MULTI-CELL VOLTAGE REGULATOR - In some embodiments, the number of active cells in a multi-cell voltage regulator is controlled so that the current-per-active-cell approaches a predefined target or to be within an acceptable range so that the active cells operate with suitable efficiency. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153110 | Control method for multi-phase DC-DC controller and multi-phase DC-DC controller - A multi-phase DC-DC controller. The multi-phase DC-DC controller comprises converter channels, a channel control device and a power control device. Each converter channel comprises a switch device, a first output node and an inductor coupled between the switch device and the first output node. The channel control device generates adjusted pulse width modulation signals according to control signals of the converter channels to respectively control operation of the switch device in each converter channel. The power control device generates the control signals according to sensed currents in the converter channels so as to dynamically turn on or off each converter channel according to the sensed currents. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153111 | Switching Power Converter with Reduced Switching Losses - A switching power converter has at least one electronic power switch. To minimize switching losses and optimize efficiency, the gate drive voltage level used to drive the electronic power switch is optimized. In an aspect, a digital controller generates optimizes the gate drive voltage using efficiency optimization algorithms, which in an aspect are programmed in the digital controller. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the switching power supply has at least two electronic power switches coupled in parallel. Optimization algorithms are used to determine the optimum number of switched electronic power switches that are actively being switched at a given time in order to achieve optimized efficiency for condition changes, such as input voltage variation, load and environmental temperature changes. In an aspect, the algorithms are programmed in a digital controller chip. In an aspect, both gate drive voltage level and the number of electronic power switches being actively switched at a given time are optimized. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153112 | LINEAR STEP-DOWN VOLTAGE REGULATOR - A linear step-down voltage regulator is provided. The linear step-down voltage regulator is grounded with a ground terminal. The ground terminal is electrically connected to a digital ground terminal of a switching circuit. The linear step-down voltage regulator includes a pass element, a voltage dividing resistor, an error amplifier, a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor, and a low-pass filter. The employment of the low-pass filter effectively adjusts and restricts the switching noise to pass therethrough, so as to decrease the output of the switching noise and thus eliminating the problems due to the noise. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153113 | APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROL OF AC/AC CONVERSION - A method, system and apparatus for controlling a pulse width modulator (PMW) converter for direct AC/AC conversion and/or AC voltage regulation. According to some embodiments of the invention, an output voltage may be provided, independent of the input voltage quality, thereby avoiding or minimizing power company irregularities, brownouts and the like. Embodiments of the present invention may be useful, for example, for use in connection with motors and motored devices or other applications. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153114 | DC-DC converters with transient response control - A DC-DC converter used to convert an input voltage to an output voltage is disclosed. The DC-DC converter comprises a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) generator, a transient boost circuit, a logic circuit, a switching device, and a buck circuit. The pulse-width-modulation (PWM) generator generates a PWM signal according to the output voltage. The transient boost circuit generates an adjusting signal according to the variation of the output voltage. The logic circuit generates a switch signal according to the PWM signal and the adjusting signal. The switching signal is at a high level when the PWM signal or the adjusting signal is at the high level, and the switching signal is at a low level when the PWM signal and the adjusting signal are at the low level. The switching device converts the input voltage to a driving signal according to the switching signal. The buck circuit receives the driving signal to generate the output voltage. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153115 | DC-DC converter drive circuit which has step up mode and step down mode - A switching signal for load power control undergoes a logic change on the basis of a reference power supply potential by a controller responding to a load power feed control sense signal, and a reference signal. The sense signal in a first operation mode is converted from a load power feed state feedback signal varying on the basis of an input power supply potential into a signal varying on the basis of the reference power supply potential to be fed to the controller. On the other hand, a load power feed state feedback signal varies on the basis of the reference power supply potential in a second operation mode, and the load power feed state feedback signal is used as the sense signal to be fed to the controller. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153116 | SWITCHING CONTROLLER AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE USED IN THE SAME - According to the present invention, in a switching power supply, a feedback signal from an output voltage detection circuit | 2009-06-18 |
20090153117 | LOAD CONTROLLER - A load controller includes: an input circuit which detects that a drive instruction signal is less or equal to a first input threshold value; a constant current source activated in accordance with a detection by the input circuit; a PWM signal generating unit that is activated by the constant current source and generates a PWM signal; a comparator that is activated by the constant current source and compares the drive instruction signal with a second input threshold value set to be lower than the first input threshold value; a logic calculation unit that carries out a logic calculation of the PWM signal with a compared result of the comparator; a drive control unit that operates in accordance with an output from the logic calculation unit to generate a PWM drive control signal; and a load driving element that is driven by the PWM drive control signal to control a load. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153118 | POWER SUPPLY CONTROLLER AND MECHANICAL APPARATUS USING THE SAME - There is a need for improving switching regulator characteristics and providing a stable power supply controller. The power supply controller uses a battery and either or both functions of stepping up and stepping down a battery voltage. The power supply controller includes a means that prevents a ripple voltage from occurring by stopping the up conversion function for a switching operation in connection with a battery during a predetermined period without changing conditions for a conventional switching device or smoothing circuit and fast stabilizes a primary voltage using only the down conversion function. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153119 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING CURRENT FOR A DC-DC CONVERTER - An embodiment of a current sensing device for a DC-DC converter comprising an output node through which passes an output current and taken to an output potential equal respectively to first and second values. The current sensing device comprises an amplifying module comprising a retroaction node through which passes a mirror current that is proportional to the output current and taken to the potential present on a first input of the amplifying module. The device also comprises a first intermediate module mounted between the first potential and the output node, comprising an intermediate node connected to the first input and taken to an intermediate potential equal to third and fourth values respectively correlated to the first and second values, wherein the difference between the third and fourth values is smaller than the difference between the first and second values. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153120 | Phase doubling for switching power supply - A switching power supply control system may include logic to generate a greater number of second switching control signals in response to a first number of original switching control signals. For example, the logic may increase the number of phases that may be controlled by an existing switching power supply controller. The logic may be configured to steer feedback signals from the increased number of phases back to original feedback inputs on the controller. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153121 | Voltage supply interface with improved current sensitivity and reduced series resistance - A voltage supply interface provides both coarse and fine current control with reduced series resistance. The voltage supply interface has a segmented switch having N component switches that are digitally controlled. The voltage supply interface replaces a conventional sense resistor with a calibration circuit that has a replica switch that is a replica of the N component switches. The calibration circuit includes a reference current I | 2009-06-18 |
20090153122 | DROPPER-TYPE REGULATOR - A dropper-type regulator capable of providing a soft start function using a simple circuit configuration. An exemplary regulator includes a first FET having a relatively high current driving capability and a second FET having a relatively low current driving capability are provided in parallel between an input terminal and an output terminal. For a predetermined time immediately after power activation, only the second FET is driven, thereby preventing a large rush current. A switch circuit connected to the gate of the first FET is operated after the predetermined period of time, thereby supplying a driving voltage to the gate of the first FET. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153123 | PWM CONTROLLER AND METHOD THEREFOR - In one embodiment, a PWM controller is configured to inhibit a drive signal responsively to a bulk input voltage remaining at a low value for a time interval. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153124 | DC-TO-DC CONVERTER - A DC-to-DC converter includes a DC-to-DC conversion unit for converting an input voltage into an output voltage by switching operation of the switching element according to a drive signal and supplying the output voltage to a load and a control unit for generating the drive signal. The control unit includes a determination circuit for determining whether the load is in a normal operation state or a standby state, an error amplifier for generating an error signal according to the output voltage, a first drive-signal generator for generating a pulse sequence of pulses each having a pulse width according to the error signal, and a second drive-signal generator for generating a pulse having a pulse width larger than a cycle of repetition of the pulses in the pulse sequence when the voltage according to the output voltage falls below the reference voltage and the load is in the standby state. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153125 | ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT - An electronic circuit is disclosed. The electronic circuit includes a bandgap circuit provided with first and second bipolar transistors that are coupled at a first node and a current mirror circuit provided with third and fourth transistors with respective control terminals coupled at a second node. The electronic circuit further includes a fifth transistor that is bipolar which is coupled to an output terminal of the third transistor where a base of the fifth transistor is coupled to a collector of the second transistor and a sixth transistor that is bipolar that is coupled to an output terminal of the fourth transistor with a base of the sixth transistor coupled to the first node. A control circuit controls a current provided to the bandgap circuit based on an output of the current mirror circuit. A reference voltage output terminal is provided between the control circuit and the bandgap circuit and outputs a reference voltage. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153126 | CURRENT MIRROR CIRCUIT - The present invention discloses a current mirror circuit generating an output current flowing through an output current path according to an input current flowing through an input current path. The current mirror circuit comprises a P type transistor in the output current path, an operational amplifier, and a basic circuit. The operational amplifier has a negative input coupled to a node receiving the input current, a positive input coupled to a drain of the P type transistor, and an output coupled to a gate of the P type transistor. The basic circuit comprises a first transistor in the input current path and a second transistor in the output current path. The first transistor has a gate and a drain coupled together. The second transistor has a gate coupled to the gate of the first transistor. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153127 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXTERNAL CONTROL MODE STEP DOWN SWITCHING REGULATOR - A switching regulator integrated circuit (IC) is disclosed that includes a switch circuit that further includes a first switch and a second switch, a mode selector circuit controlled by external circuitry to select between a first mode and a second mode, and a control circuit. In response to a feedback signal from the switch circuit, when the first mode is selected, the control circuit toggles the first switch and the second switch ON and OFF alternately at a fixed first frequency. When a second mode is selected, the control circuit causes the second switch to turn OFF completely and the first switch to switch ON and OFF at a variable second frequency. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153128 | DUMMY BATTERY APPARATUS - The invention discloses a dummy battery apparatus ( | 2009-06-18 |
20090153129 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A NETWORK STRUCTURE OR LAYOUT OF AT LEAST A PART OF AN ELECTRICITY TRANSPORT NETWORK - A method for determining a network structure or layout of at least a part of an electricity transport network, for instance a low voltage part of this network extending in a city, includes providing a test signal to the network at at least first network location; and verifying whether the test signal, which has been provided to the first network location, reaches at least a second network location, in particular utilizing at least one detector. An embodiment of the invention relates to a system for determining a network structure or layout of at least a part of an electricity transport network. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153130 | FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR-BASED BIOSENSOR WITH INORGANIC FILM, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE BIOSENSOR, AND METHOD OF DETECTING BIOMOLECULE USING THE BIOSENSOR - Provided is a Field-Effect Transistor (FET)-based biosensor including: a substrate; a source and a drain, disposed on the substrate, having opposite polarity to the substrate; a gate, disposed on the substrate, contacting the source and the drain; and an inorganic film capable of binding with a biomolecule, disposed on a surface of the gate. A method of manufacturing the FET-based biosensor and a method of detecting a biomolecule using the FET-based biosensor is also provided. The FET-based biosensor can be manufactured using a semiconductor fabrication process without performing an additional process. Therefore, the inorganic film can be selectively deposited on a surface of a specific gate of a single FET, or on the surfaces of some gates of a plurality of FETs using patterning. Furthermore, the FET-based biosensor can be used to effectively detect trace amounts of a target biomolecule in a sample. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153131 | Current Detecting Circuit - Indirect detection of current using a current mirror circuit is performed with good accuracy, with a small sized circuit. In a current detection circuit, a current detection current mirror circuit includes an output current transistor which supplies an output current, and a current detection transistor which supplies a detection current proportional to the output current. A compensation current mirror circuit is connected to a current supply side of the current detection current mirror circuit, so as to make a collector voltage of the output current transistor and a collector voltage of the current detection transistor equal. A current detector detects the detection current, to indirectly detect the output current. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153132 | Methods and apparatus for computing and using a spectral map for performing nonlinear calibration of a signal path - In one embodiment, a spectral map for performing nonlinear calibration of a signal path is developed by 1) identifying a set of frequency locations for a set of particular output signal spurs that result from applying one-tone and two-tone input signals covering a bandwidth of interest to the signal path; 2) developing, based on the set of frequency locations, a spectral map for predistorting, in the frequency domain, signals that are applied to, or received from, the signal path in the time domain; and 3) saving the spectral map for performing nonlinear calibration of the signal path. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153133 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING CHARACTERISTICS OF A POWER LINE A BPL SYSTEM - An apparatus for collecting characteristics of a power line in a broadband over power line system that comprises a power line characteristic measuring device for measuring power line characteristics and a collector unit for collecting data from the power line characteristic measuring device and sending the data over the broadband over power line system to a remote location where the collector unit is a regenerator. Further, the apparatus can comprise a coupler, to couple the power line to the power line characteristic measuring device and the collector unit and allows a broadband over power line signal to pass from the power line to the collector unit. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153134 | POSITION DETECTION DEVICE AND OPTICAL APPARATUS - A position detection device includes a magnetic generation unit that has: a first magnetism generating section that is provided on one end side along a predetermined direction and generates magnetism; a second magnetism generating section that is provided on another end side along the predetermined direction and generates magnetism of polarity different from that of the first magnetism generating section; and a low magnetism section that is formed in the first magnetism generating section and the second magnetism generating section such that a width of the low magnetism section varies along the predetermined direction to generate magnetism lower than those of the first magnetism generating section and the second magnetism generating section, and a magnetic detection unit that is capable of moving relative to the magnetic generation unit along the predetermined direction and that detects the magnetism generated by the first magnetism generating section and the second magnetism generating section. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153135 | MAGNETOSTRICTIVE DISPLACEMENT TRANSDUCER WITH PHASE SHIFTED BIAS BURST - An assembly includes a magnetostrictive transducer that provides a transducer output. Amplifier circuitry receives the transducer output and generates a transducer output burst and a bias output burst. The transducer output burst and bias output burst overlap in time and differ by a phase difference. A burst processor receives the transducer output burst and the bias output burst. The burst processor provides a displacement output that is a function of a time when the transducer output burst and the bias output burst are at the same voltage level. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153136 | Pulsar Ring for Rotary Encoder - A pulsar ring for a rotary encoder has a mounting ring ( | 2009-06-18 |
20090153137 | Methods and Apparatus for Vibration Detection - Apparatus for detecting vibration of an object adapted to rotate includes one or more vibration processors selected from: a direction-change processor adapted to detect changes in a direction of rotation of the object, a direction-agreement processor adapted to identify a direction of rotation of the object in at least two channels and identify an agreement or disagreement in direction of rotation identified by the at least two channels, a phase-overlap processor adapted to identify overlapping signal regions in signals associated with the rotation of the object, and a running mode processor adapted to identify an unresponsive output signal from at least one of the at least two channels. A method for detecting the vibration of the object includes generating at least one of a direction-change output signal with the direction-change processor, a direction-agreement output signal with the direction-agreement processor, a phase-overlap output signal with the phase-overlap processor, and a running-mode-vibration output signal with the running-mode processor, each indicative of the vibration the object. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153138 | SENSOR MODULE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SENSOR MODULE - A method of manufacturing a sensor module includes providing a substrate comprising an array of magnetically sensitive elements on a first main face of the substrate. An array of conducting lines is applied over the first main face of the substrate. An array of electrical interconnects is applied over the first main face of the substrate. The substrate is singulated after application of the electrical interconnects. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153139 | Methods and Apparatus for Compensating Field Inhomogeneities in Magnetic Resonance Studies - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method or determining location(s) at which at least one magnetic article is to be positioned during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure of at least one subject. A magnetic field Bo is applied to a region that includes the at least one subject and does not include the at least one magnetic article. First magnetic resonance information about the region in response to the applied magnetic field BO is received. The first magnetic resonance information relates at least in part to one or more magnetic field inhomogeneities in the region. Based at least in part on the first magnetic resonance information, at least one first location proximate the at least one subject at which at least one paramagnetic article and/or diamagnetic article is to be positioned is determined, so as to at least partially compensate for the one or more magnetic field inhomogeneities. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153140 | NMR SOLENOIDAL COIL FOR RF FIELD HOMOGENEITY - An NMR signal acquisition device that can increase the magnetic field homogeneity in a high frequency magnetic field by one of the following. (a) Current paths each having a different inductance are provided to adjust the diversion ratio of the current, (b) A current path branch point is provided in an intermediate part of the winding of a solenoidal coil so that there are more current paths in the intermediate part of the winding than in the current paths connected to the feeding points at both ends, (c) The radiuses of current paths are adjusted, (d) Winding pitches in the axis direction are adjusted, (e) Current path widths are adjusted, and (f) The solenoidal coil has both positive direction current paths and negative direction current paths. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153141 | Flux Orientation Locating in a Drilling System - An above ground locator includes an apparatus for determining the strength of the locating signal at a selected point relative to the boring tool. The apparatus includes an antenna arrangement configured for measuring the strength of the locating signal at the selected point along first and second orthogonally opposed receiving axes to produce first and second received signals. A phase shifting arrangement phase shifts the first and second received signals in a predetermined way to generate first and second phase shifted signals, respectively. Thereafter, a summing arrangement adds the first and second phase shifted received signals to generate an output signal which is a vector sum of the first and second received signals. In one feature, third and fourth signals derived from the first and second signals are used to eliminate balance point ambiguity which is present using the first and second signals alone. In another feature, signals corresponding to first, second, third and fourth axes are compared in a way which confines the possible locations of an above ground point to one particular type of region out of a plurality of different types of regions. Tracking of the boring tool may be accomplished in a number of described ways since the regions occur in a specific sequence along the intended path with respect to the location of the boring tool. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153142 | METHOD FOR MEASURING AN IONIZATION CURRENT OF A SPARK PLUG OF THE TYPE WITH RESONANT STRUCTURE AND CORRESPONDING DEVICE - A device for measuring an ionization current of a spark plug of a type with a resonant structure, including a motor vehicle ignition system, the spark plug being coupled to a generator including a regulating capacitor. The generator includes a polarizer that polarizes the spark plug, connected between the generator and the spark plug, and a device that measures ionization current of the spark plug, connected between the regulating capacitor and ground. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153143 | SENSOR ARRAY FOR DETECTING THE STATE OF A BATTERY - A sensor array for detecting the state of a battery which is situated in the proximity of the pole terminals of the battery for detecting the electrical state variables of the battery. In addition to a measuring path, an electronic circuit is also integrated into the sensor array whose supply voltage is taken directly from the battery, the supply voltage being connected to the electronic circuit via a cutout in such a way that the cutout is integrally joined into the lead of the supply voltage in the housing of the sensor array. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153144 | FAULT DETECTION APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR FAULT DETECTION OF SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING TOOLS - Fault detection apparatuses and methods for detecting a processing or hardware performance fault of a semiconductor production tool have been provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for detecting a fault of a semiconductor production tool comprises sensing a signal associated with a test component of the production tool during operation of the production tool and converting the signal to an electronic test signal. A prerecorded signature signal corresponding to the test component is provided and the test signal and the prerecorded signature signal are compared. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153145 | Method and Device for Checking Current Converters by Means of High-Current Pulses - In order to check the functionality of a conventional current converter at low cost, a device for checking a current converter is provided. The current converter includes a test current conductor and a test pulse circuit. The latter has an energy storage device, a charging device for charging the energy storage device and a switching element for discharging the energy storage device via the test current conductor. As a result, a discharge current can be generated in the test current conductor, wherein an evaluation unit for detecting a current converter signal caused by the discharge current is provided. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153146 | APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING CIRCUIT BOARD AND METHOD OF INSPECTING CIRCUIT BOARD - An apparatus and method for inspecting a circuit board is described which can well absorb a variation in a height of an electrode to be inspected and can maintain an insulating property between adjacent inspection electrodes even if the electrode to be inspected is arranged at a fine pitch. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153147 | INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEM - An intrusion detection system includes an intrusion detection device, and a pair of leaky transmission paths including a leaky transmission path of a sending side which is connected to the intrusion detection device and outputs a leaky electric wave on the basis of an output from the intrusion detection device and a leaky transmission path of a receiving side which receives the leaky electric wave output from the leaky transmission path of the sending side, and the intrusion detection device detects that the leaky electric wave received in the leaky transmission path of the receiving side varies to detect the presence or absence of intrusion and an intrusion point. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153148 | SENSOR AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A SUBSTANCE - A sensor for detecting a substance in a physical space, having an RF energy emitter fed by a signal source on one side of the space and an RF energy receiving element coupled to a detector at an opposite side of the channel, spaced apart by a distance (r) selected so that when the signal wavelength (λ) changes based on the value of the dielectric constant (ε) of the particular substance in the physical space between the emitter and receiver, the mode of field type within the sensor channel changes between near field and intermediate or far field mode. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153149 | OBSTRUCTIONLESS INLINE FLEX FUEL SENSOR - A sensing apparatus for determining a property of a fuel such as a gasoline and ethanol blend known as flex fuel includes an acetal plastic tube with an inlet, an outlet and a fuel passage in between. One property is a dielectric constant. A pair of semi-circular shaped sensing plates are placed around the tube in concentric relation therewith, leaving the fuel passage unobstructed. A processing circuit on a printed circuit board (PCB) is located near and connected with the sensing plates. The circuit applies an excitation signal, senses a capacitance, and generates an output signal indicative of a property of the fuel. A shield for reducing EMI surrounds and encloses the sensing plates and the PCB. The sensed capacitance will increase with increasing concentration of ethanol in the fuel flowing through the passage. An interface connector allows the sensing apparatus to output the indicative signal to an engine controller. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153150 | Measuring device and method for local measurement of at least one electrical property of the content of a container - Measuring device for local measurement of an electrical property of the content of a container, comprising at least three electrodes disposed adjacently of each other in height direction and electrically insulated from each other, wherein each of the electrodes can be connected to an electrical measuring circuit for measuring, via one of the electrodes and one other electrode connected to an electrical earth, the electrical property of the content of the container in the vicinity of the electrodes, wherein the electrical measuring circuit is adapted to generate at least one electric measuring signal representing the measured electrical property, and a control unit for connecting the one electrode to the electrical measuring circuit and connecting the other electrode to an electrical earth. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153151 | Obstacle Detection System and Obstacle Detection Method Thereof - An obstacle detection system includes a static capacitance detection module including a sensor strip for detecting a static capacitance, an RF oscillator connected to the sensor strip, a phase lock loop section for maintaining the oscillation frequency of the RF oscillator to a selected value and a first MCU for controlling the operation of the phase lock loop section, a control module including a second MCU for remotely controlling the first MCU of the static capacitance detection module and a transmission line for connecting the static capacitance detection module and the control module and transmitting the information acquired by the first MCU so as to be transmitted to the control module, a control signal to be transmitted from the second MCU to the first MCU and drive power of the static capacitance detection module. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153152 | COMPENSATION CIRCUIT FOR A TX-RX CAPACITIVE SENSOR - A capacitive sensor may include a transmit electrode and a receive electrode capacitively coupled with the transmit electrode. A capacitance sensing circuit senses a capacitance between the transmit and receive electrodes by applying a signal to the transmit electrode and rectifying a current waveform induced at the receive electrode. A compensation circuit reduces the effect of a mutual and parasitic capacitances of the transmit and receive electrode pair by adding a compensation current to the rectified current. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153153 | Multiaperture sample positioning and analysis system - Systems for positioning and/or analyzing samples such as cells, vesicles, cellular organelles, and fragments, derivatives, and mixtures thereof, for electrical and/or optical analysis, especially relating to the presence and/or activity of ion channels. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153154 | FUEL SENSOR - A sensing apparatus for determining a property of a fuel such as a gasoline and ethanol blend known as flex fuel includes an acetal plastic tube with an inlet, an outlet and a fuel passage in between. One property of the fuel is a dielectric constant. A pair of sensing plates are placed on opposite sides of the tube leaving the fuel passage unobstructed. A processing circuit on a printed circuit board (PCB) is located near to and is connected with the sensing plates. The circuit applies an excitation signal, senses a capacitance, and generates an output signal indicative of a property of the fuel. The sensed capacitance will increase with increasing concentration of ethanol in the fuel flowing through the passage. A shield for reducing EMI surrounds and encloses the sensing plates and the PCB. An interface connector allows the sensing apparatus to output the capacitance indicative signal to an engine controller or the like. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153155 | DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE QUALITY AND/OR DEGRADATION OF FLUID, PARTICULARLY A FOOD OIL - The invention relates to a device for measuring the quality and/or degradation of a fluid, especially an oil, comprising a sensor consisting of at least one pair of electrodes which are distanced from each other. Said sensor is immersed in the fluid which is to be measured. The electrodes and the fluid form a capacitive element whose capacity varies according to the dielectric constant of the fluid. The sensor can provide an electric output signal representing said dielectric constant. The inventive device also comprises processing means which receive the output signal and which can determine the degree of quality and/or degradation of the fluid on the basis of said output signal. The invention is characterized in that the electrodes extend substantially on the same plane and in that the fluid surrounds the two surfaces of the electrodes on both sides of said plane. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153156 | INSULATION RESISTANCE DETECTING APPARATUS - There is provided an insulation resistance detecting apparatus that accurately calculates an insulation resistance value in real time. The insulation resistance detecting apparatus includes: pulse generator | 2009-06-18 |
20090153157 | RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS OF A HELICAL COIL - Test methods and components are disclosed for testing resistances of helical coils formed in magnetic recording heads. Helical coils in magnetic recording heads include a bottom coil structure, a top coil structure, and connecting structures that electrically connect the top and bottom coil structures. A test component is fabricated on the wafer along with the magnetic recording heads. The test component includes a bottom coil structure connected in series, and includes a top coil structure connected in series which is electrically disconnected from the bottom coil structure. Resistances of the top and bottom coil structures are measured in the test component. A total resistance of a helical coil is also measured. The resistance of the connecting structures in the helical coil may then be determined based on the resistance of the bottom coil structure, the resistance of the top coil structure, and the total resistance of the helical coil. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153158 | RF INTEGRATED CIRCUIT TEST METHODOLOGY AND SYSTEM - Over the air or radiated testing of an RF microelectronic or integrated circuit device under test (DUT) that has an integrated millimeter wave (mmw) antenna structure, is described. The antenna structure may have multiple elements in an array design that may be driven and/or sensed by integrated RF transmitter and/or receiver circuitry. An interface printed wiring board (e.g., a tester load board or a wafer probe card assembly) has formed in it a mmw radiation passage that is positioned to pass mmw radiation to and/or from the integrated antenna of the DUT. Test equipment may be conductively coupled to contact points of the interface board, to transmit and/or receive signals for testing of the DUT and/or provide dc power to the DUT. A test antenna is designed and positioned to receive and/or transmit mmw radiation through the passage, from and/or to the integrated DUT antenna. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153159 | Probing Adapter for a Signal Acquisition Probe - A probing adapter has a support member receiving a probing tip assembly having probing arms. The probing tip assembly is mounted to the support member via a rotational joint having elastomeric member disposed in the probing arms with each of the probing arms having a pivot point disposed away from the rotational joint. Each of the probing arms supports a removable probing tip substrate having a probing tip at one end electrically coupled via an electrical signal conductor to an electrical connector at the other end. Substrate retention clips secure the removable probing tip substrates to the probing arms. A probing tip positioning member is mounted to the probing arms for varying the distance between the probing tips on the removable probing tip substrates. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153160 | CIRCUIT BOARD TEST CLAMP - A circuit board test clamp is configured to test a circuit board via a tester having a probe. The circuit board test clamp includes a clamping element configured to clamp on the circuit board and a testing element mounted on the clamping element. The testing element includes a first test probe and a second test probe. When the circuit board is clamped by the clamping element, the first test probe electrically contacts a test point of the circuit board, and the second test probe is electrically connected to the probe of the tester. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153161 | Probe Holder and Probe Unit - A probe holder is for containing a plurality of probes for inputting and outputting an electrical signal to and from a circuitry when the probes come in contact with the circuitry. The probe holder includes a distal end for holding the probes; a proximal end that supports the distal end; and a flexure-causing unit between the distal end and the proximal end to cause a flexure of the distal end relative to the proximal end. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153162 | Sharing conversion board for testing chips - The invention relates to a device interface board for testing chips, which is cooperatively installed with one of a plurality of probe cards. Each of the plurality of probe cards is provided with a specified wiring area and a first public signal area, the specified wiring area being electrically connected with the first public signal area. The first public signal area of each of the plurality of probe cards is located in a same particular area, and the specified wiring area of each of the plurality of probe cards is electrically connected with a testing jig and is different depending on a different testing jig. The device interface board comprises a chip test area and a second public signal area, in which the chip test area is used to carry a chip under test and is electrically connected with the second public signal area, whereby, through electrical connection between the device interface board and the first public signal area of each of the plurality of probe cards, test signals are transferred between the testing jig and the chip under test, and testing of chips under test having the same model are accomplished between different testing jigs. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153163 | CIRCUIT BOARD HAVING BYPASS PAD - An electronic device having a printed circuit board is provided. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board includes a plurality of external pads to be coupled with an external device and a plurality of bypass pads for testing an electric circuit. The external pads are exposed and at least one of the plurality of bypass pads are not exposed from an outer surface of the PCB. A system using the electronic device and a method of testing an electronic device are also provided. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153164 | Contactor Assembly for Integrated Circuit Testing - The present invention provides a contactor assembly ( | 2009-06-18 |
20090153165 | High Density Interconnect System Having Rapid Fabrication Cycle - An improved interconnection system and method is described, such as for connectors, socket assemblies and/or probe card systems. An exemplary system comprises a probe card interface assembly (PCIA) for establishing electrical connections to a semiconductor wafer mounted in a prober. The PCIA comprises a motherboard parallel to the semiconductor wafer having an upper surface and an opposing lower planar mounting surface, a reference plane defined by a least three points located between the lower surface of the motherboard and the wafer, at least one component located below the motherboard mounting surface, and a mechanism for adjusting the planarity of the reference plane with respect to the wafer. A probe chip having a plurality of spring probes extending there from is mountable and demountable from the PCIA, without the need for further planarity adjustment. The interconnection structures and methods preferably provide improved fabrication cycles. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153166 | Apparatus and Method for Terminating Probe Apparatus of Semiconductor Wafer - A probe apparatus and method of terminating a probe that probes a semiconductor device with a signal cable from a tester side by side at a proximal end of the probe and a distal end of the signal cable. In one embodiment, the probe apparatus includes: a chassis; a dielectric block mounted in the chassis for retaining the probe, the probe extending on the chassis from a proximal end of the probe to the dielectric block, extending through the dielectric block, and projecting from the dielectric block towards the semiconductor device at a distal end of the probe; and a terminating apparatus, mounted in the chassis, for terminating the proximal end of the probe with a distal end of the signal cable side by side. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153167 | Chuck for holding a device under test - A chuck includes a conductive element that contacts a device under test in a location on the chuck. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153168 | HI-FIX BOARD, TEST TRAY, TEST HANDLER, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING PACKAGED CHIPS - A hi-fix board, a test tray, a test handler, and a packaged chip manufacturing method are provided. The hi-fix board includes: test sockets to which packaged chips to be tested are connected; and a main frame in which the test sockets are disposed in at least one first area to form an a×b matrix (where a and b are integers greater than 0) and the test sockets are disposed in at least one second area to form a c×d matrix (where c is an integer greater than a and d is an integer greater than 0). By allowing the test tray to contain more packaged chips at a time and minimizing a difference in length between a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, it is possible to reduce the index time. By allowing all the packaged chips contained in a test tray to be subjected to a testing process at the same time, it is possible to reduce the time for the testing process and to enhance the stability. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153169 | PROBE HAVING A FIELD-REPLACEABLE TIP - A probe is provided for testing the electrical characteristics of a device. The probe includes a housing, a plurality of cables, a circuit board located within the housing, and a field-replaceable probe tip. The probe tip includes an array of contacts. Each of the plurality of cables is connected to a corresponding contact. The probe includes a retractable shroud that retracts as the probe is connected to the device. The contacts have bifurcated tips. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153170 | INSPECTION APPARATUS - An inspection apparatus includes a movable mounting table having a temperature control device, an elevation drive unit for vertically moving the mounting table, a controller for controlling the elevation drive unit and a probe card having probes arranged above the mounting table. The elevation drive unit includes first and second driving shafts connected to each other through coupling members to drive the mounting table, a motor for driving the first and second driving shafts, and a torque detection unit for detecting a torque between the first and second driving shafts based on a contact load between the probes and the at least one device. The controller includes a torque controller for controlling the torque based on detection results of the torque detection unit when the probe card expands or contracts due to temperature variation. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153171 | Apparatus for testing objects under controlled conditions - An apparatus for testing objects includes a test board having electrical connection areas to connect to the objects, a chamber fixture located on the test board to form test chambers that are configured to individually receive the objects, a thermoelectric element provided to each test chamber to adjust the temperature of the object, and a temperature controller for individually controlling operations of the thermoelectric elements. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153172 | STRUCTURE FOR INDICATING STATUS OF AN ON-CHIP POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM - A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes a system for indicating status of an on-chip power supply system with multiple power supplies, having a power system status register for receiving digital compliance signals, each compliance signal associated with one of the multiple power supplies, and having an associated compliance level, wherein each digital compliance signal indicates whether its associated power supply is operating at the associated compliance level, and wherein the power system status register generates a power supply status signal based on the digital compliance signals indicating status of the digital compliance signals; and an output for outputting the power supply status signal, wherein if a power supply is operating at its associated compliance level, the power supply status signal indicates that the power supply is passing, otherwise the power supply status signal indicates that the power supply is failing. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153173 | Semiconductor Device - An object of the invention is to manage variation of electrical characteristics of an element in a semiconductor device due to a vapor deposition process by measuring electrical characteristics of a TEG. A substrate | 2009-06-18 |
20090153174 | SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE METHOD TO DETECT POLY RESIDUES IN LOCOS PROCESS - A test structure which can be used to detect residual conductive material such as polysilicon which can result from an under etch comprises a PMOS transistor and an OTP EPROM floating gate device. By testing the devices using different testing parameters, it can be determined whether residual conductive material remains subsequent to an etch, and where the residual conductive material is located on the device. A method for testing a semiconductor device using the test structure is also described. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153175 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE TEST APPARATUS AND METHOD OF SETTING AN OPTIMUM PUSHING CONDITION FOR CONTACT ARM OF ELECTRONIC DEVICE TEST APPARATUS - An electronic device test apparatus comprises: a contact arm making an IC device move and pushing it against a socket 301; a control device controlling the contact arm; an instructing unit instructing the control device on a pushing torque of the contact arm; an acquiring unit acquiring from the tester the result whose a test of an IC device is executed when the contact arm pushes the IC device against the socket according to the torque instructed by the instructing unit; a correction unit correcting the torque on which the control device is instructed on the basis of the test result acquired by the acquiring unit; and a setting unit setting the stroke at the time when the test result is normal as an optimum stroke if the torque was not corrected by the correction unit. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153176 | Semiconductor device - Disclosed is a semiconductor device including chips having output terminals connected in common to an external terminal. Each of the chips includes a data input and output section that provides a difference during testing between a first driving capability setting the output terminal to a first power supply potential side and a second driving capability setting the output terminal to a second power supply potential side. During testing, the second driving capability is set so as to be higher than the first driving capability. The output signal level from each chip to the terminal equal to the second power supply potential indicates a fail, and the output signal level from each chip to the terminal equal to the first power supply potential indicate a pass. Under this condition, if at least one or more of the multiple chips outputs a fail signal, the second power supply potential is delivered to the external terminal to which the terminals are connected in common. A test method for the semiconductor memory is also disclosed (FIG. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153177 | SEPARATE TESTING OF CONTINUITY BETWEEN AN INTERNAL TERMINAL IN EACH CHIP AND AN EXTERNAL TERMINAL IN A STACKED SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - A stacked semiconductor device is disclosed which is capable of conducting a test to determine whether or not there is continuity between an external terminal and a corresponding internal terminal in each chip, on an internal terminal-in each chip basis. The semiconductor device includes continuity test dedicated terminals for each chip, and continuity test elements each connected between an internal terminal in each chip and a continuity test dedicated terminal associated with the chip. A voltage is applied between an external terminal associated with an internal terminal whose connection status is to be checked and a continuity test dedicated terminal associated with a chip which includes the internal terminal such that a continuity test element associated with the internal terminal is rendered conductive. Thereafter, the value of current that flows through the continuity test element is measured to determine the connection status of the internal terminal. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153178 | METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING TEST TRAYS IN A SIDE-DOCKING TYPE TEST HANDLER - The present invention relates to a test tray for a test handler. According to this invention, there is disclosed a technique that an insert loaded in a loading part which is arranged in a matrix pattern in a frame of the test tray allows an amount and direction of free movement thereof to be determined in accordance with a location of the loading part, where the insert is loaded, on the matrix, thereby enabling a thermal expansion or contraction of a match plate or the test tray to be compensated. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153179 | CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT FOR BALANCING A RESISTANCE CIRCUIT - A circuit arrangement is provided for balancing a resistance circuit, which has a field-effect transistor as a controllable resistor and a control circuit, by which the field-effect transistor can be controlled with a gate-source voltage so that there is a resistance between a drain electrode and a source electrode of the field-effect transistor in a predefinable ratio to a reference resistor. In a balancing operation mode, a reference current can be set by the drain-source path of the field-effect transistor and by the reference resistor, which depends on a differential voltage between a voltage drop, caused by the reference current at the reference resistor and a voltage drop, caused by the reference current, at the drain-source path of the field-effect transistor. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153180 | SINGLE FLUX QUANTUM CIRCUITS - Superconducting single flux quantum circuits are disclosed herein, each having at least one Josephson junction which will flip when the current through it exceeds a critical current. Bias current for the Josephson junction is provided by a biasing transformer instead of a resistor. The lack of any bias resistors ensures that unwanted power dissipation is eliminated. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153181 | DATA RETENTION KILL FUNCTION - Various data protection techniques are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes manufacturing a memory component of an electronic system. Manufacturing the memory component may include disposing a memory array on a substrate and coupling a control circuit to the memory array. The control circuit may be configured to selectively prevent access to data stored within the memory array upon removal of the memory component from the electronic system. Various additional methods, devices, and systems are also provided. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153182 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - A speed performance measurement circuit that may perform speed performance measurement is provided between a first logic circuit and a second logic circuit. The speed performance measurement circuit includes a first flip flop that stores first data, a first delay circuit that delays the first data and generates second data, and a second flip flop that stores the second data. Furthermore, the speed performance measurement circuit includes a first comparator circuit that compares output of the first flip flop to output of the second flip flop, and a third flip flop that stores output data from the first comparator circuit in accordance with timing of the first clock signal. Data in a normal path is compared to data in a path delayed by a certain time to measure speed, and power voltage of a circuit is determined based on such comparison. Thus, change in speed with respect to power voltage in a critical path can be measured. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153183 | NOISE FILTER CIRCUIT, DEAD TIME CIRCUIT, DELAY CIRCUIT, NOISE FILTER METHOD, DEAD TIME METHOD, DELAY METHOD, THERMAL HEAD DRIVER, AND ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT - A noise filter circuit includes a first inverter circuit that receives a signal based on an input signal, a second inverter circuit that receives a signal based on the input signal, and a latch circuit that receives signals based on a signal output from the first inverter circuit and a signal based on a signal output from the second inverter circuit as a set signal and a reset signal. Each of the first inverter circuit and the second inverter circuit includes a first-conductivity-type transistor and a second-conductivity-type transistor, the capability of one of the first-conductivity-type transistor and the second-conductivity-type transistor being lower than the capability of the other of the first-conductivity-type transistor and the second-conductivity-type transistor. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153184 | OUTPUT DRIVER CIRCUIT WITH OUTPUT PRESET CIRCUIT AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF HAVING LOWER POWER CONSUMPTION - The configurations of an output preset circuit for an output driver circuit and the controlling methods thereof are provided. The proposed output preset circuit includes a latch generating an latch output signal and a pull-up circuit receiving an preset enable signal and the latch output signal, in which the pull-up circuit increases an output voltage of the output driver circuit from a ground level to a first level when the preset enable signal is at a low level and the latch output signal is at the high level. | 2009-06-18 |
20090153185 | On-die-termination control circuit and method - On-die-termination control circuit includes a mode detecting unit for detecting a power-down mode and a power-down delay configured to delay an on/off control signal in the power-down mode. On-die-termination control circuit provided a shift register configured to delay an on/off control signal in synchronization with shift clocks in a non-power-down mode, and transfer the on/off control signal as received without delay in a power-down mode, a power-down delay configured to delay the on/off control signal in the power-down mode, and not to delay the on/off control signal in the non-power-down mode and a controller configured to control enabling/disabling of an on-die-termination operation according to information about enable/disable timing of an on-die-termination operation provided by the on/off control signal that have passed through the shift register and the power-down delay. | 2009-06-18 |