41st week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 16 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120256595 | METHOD OF EXTENDING THE SHELF-LIFE OF A COIN CELL IN AN APPLICATION REQUIRING HIGH PULSE CURRENT - A system is provided for extending the shelf life capacity of a coin cell, the system utilizing a coin cell; a voltage step up converter/regulator, configured to step up the voltage of output from the coin cell and the storage capacitor; and a storage capacitor receiving output from the voltage step up converter/regulator. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256596 | INPUT-OUTPUT CIRCUIT - A power supply detection circuit detects power feeding to a VBUS terminal from the outside. A charger detection circuit specifies the kind of charger by detecting the voltages of a DP terminal and a DM terminal. The charger detection circuit detects open, pull-up, pull-down of at least one of the DP terminal and the DM terminal or formation of a short circuit between both the terminals. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256597 | AC ADAPTER AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS UNIT - An AC adapter includes a conversion part, an output terminal, and a voltage adjusting circuit. The conversion part converts alternating current input to an input terminal into a direct current. The output terminal supplies the direct current to an electronic apparatus outside. The voltage adjusting circuit lowers a voltage of the output terminal by a predetermined voltage from a regular supply voltage in a term after the AC adapter is connected to the electronic apparatus until a predetermined time lapses. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256598 | Battery Pack Detection Circuit - A battery pack detection circuit that can detect cold or false welding, charging status, and discharging status is disclosed. The battery pack detection circuit comprises a driving circuit electrically connected to a switch unit outside the battery pack detection circuit; a voltage detection and comparison circuit electrically connected to a multi-cell battery pack having a plurality of battery cells outside the battery pack detection circuit, wherein the voltage detection and comparison circuit is configured to detect cell voltages across each of the battery cells under at least two circuit connection conditions and compare the differences in cell voltage with a predetermined value, wherein the differences in cell voltage are derived from a subtraction operation performed on the cell voltages measured under the at least two circuit connection conditions; and an interface and control unit configured to receive commands from a SMBUS and provide a signal to a detection load. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256599 | BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A battery management system (BMS) and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the BMS includes a reference setup unit configured to set a charge completion value used to calculate a state of health (SOH) of the battery, wherein the battery comprises one or more battery packs each including a plurality of battery cells, and a charge amount calculation unit configured to calculate an amount actually charged in the battery from a first point in time when charging of the battery begins to a second point in time when the battery charging actually reaches the charge completion value. The BMS may further include an SOH calculation unit configured to calculate the SOH of the battery based on a ratio of i) the actual charge amount to ii) a preset charge amount expected to be charged from the first time point to the second time point. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256600 | IONIC ELECTRON CONDUCTIVE POLYMER CAPACITOR - Technologies are generally described for an electron conductive polymer capacitor may incorporate a conductive polymer mixture embedded with carbon nanoparticles between electrodes to rapidly charge and store large amounts of charge compared to conventional electrolytic capacitors. Such a capacitor may be constructed with a laminate sheet including layers of inner and outer electrodes, an electrolyte mixture between the electrodes, a conductive polymer mixture, and a composite mixture of carbon nanoparticles embedded in the conductive polymer between the inner electrodes. The laminate sheet may be wound into a roll and the inner and outer electrodes are coupled electrically. When an electric field is applied, cations within the electrolyte mixture move towards the outer electrodes and anions towards the inner electrodes. Further, the inner conductive polymer layer is ionized causing electrons to move toward the inner electrodes to be deposited onto high surface area carbon nanoparticles where charge is stored. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256601 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A CONVERTER CIRCUIT, AND APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD - A method and apparatus are provided for operating a converter circuit, which includes n input phase connections and p output phase connections, where n≧2 and p≧2, and (n·p) two-pole switching cells for switching at least one positive and negative voltages between the poles. Power semiconductor switches of the switching cells are driven a drive signal. To reduce undesired circulating currents and adjust the mean voltage deviation of capacitive energy storage of all the switching cells to zero, an inductance is connected into each series connection, with a switching cell together with an inductance in each case forming a phase module. For each phase module, the drive signal is formed from a reference signal based on the voltage across the phase module and from a voltage signal across the inductance. The voltage signal is formed from an intermediate setpoint value of the current through the phase module. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256602 | METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE SWITCHES OF A BOOST CONVERTER COMPOSED OF PLURAL BRIDGE DEVICES - A method for controlling the switches of a boost converter composed of plural bridge devices connected in series, each bridge device being composed of a capacitor and plural switches. The method includes: controlling the switches of each bridge device of at least a part of the plural bridge devices according to a given periodical pattern during a first time period, and controlling, during a second time period following the first time period, the switches of each bridge device of the at least part of the plural bridge devices according to a periodical pattern previously used for controlling the switches of another bridge device of the at least part of the plural bridge devices during the first time period. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256603 | SYNCHRONOUS REGULATION CIRCUIT FOR TURN-ON AND TURN-OFF PHASE ANGLE OF THE AC VOLTAGE - The present invention provides a synchronous regulation circuit for turn-on and turn-off phase angle of the AC voltage, wherein a solid switch unit is installed between an AC power source and a load, and a phase angle regulation circuit is utilized to synchronously regulate both of the turn-on phase angle and turn-off phase angle of the solid switch unit, so that the sine waveform voltage of the AC power source can be kept to output in symmetrical waveforms within the range in which the turn-on and turn-off phase angles being synchronously regulated. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256604 | POWER REGULATION CIRCUIT AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH THE SAME - A power regulation circuit is connected to a voltage supply unit for receiving a power-on voltage supplied by the voltage supply unit and to a voltage management unit for enabling an enable port thereof. The power regulation circuit includes a first regulation unit and the second regulation unit. The first regulation unit is used for outputting an enable signal to the enable port when the power-on voltage is lower than a threshold value such that the voltage management unit can output a first working voltage to a load via a first output port thereof. The first regulation unit stops outputting the enable signal after the expiry of a certain period of time following the drop in a power supply to a level which is below a certain threshold value for a predetermined period. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256605 | BAND-GAP VOLTAGE GENERATOR - A generator of a voltage logarithmically variable with temperature may include a differential amplifier having a pair of transistors, each coupled with a respective bias network adapted to bias in a conduction state the transistors first and second respectively with a constant current and with a current proportional to the working absolute temperature. The pair of transistors may generate between their control nodes the voltage logarithmically variable with temperature. The differential amplifier may have a common bias current generator coupled between the common terminal of the differential pair of transistors and a node at a reference potential, and a feedback line to provide a path for the current difference between the sum of currents flowing through the transistors of the differential pair and the common bias current. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256606 | Switching Circuit - A multiple output switching circuit ( | 2012-10-11 |
20120256607 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - A semiconductor device includes: a voltage-control-type clock generation circuit having a plurality of stages of first delay elements and whose oscillation frequency is controlled according to a control voltage applied to the first delay elements; a delay circuit having a plurality of stages of second delay elements connected serially; and a selection circuit selecting one from pulse signals output by the plurality of stages of respective second delay elements. The first delay elements and the second delay elements have a same structure formed on a same semiconductor substrate, and a delay amount of the second delay elements is adjusted according to the control voltage. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256608 | LINEAR VOLTAGE STABILIZING CIRCUIT - A linear voltage stabilizing circuit includes a main stabilizing unit, a first resistor, a second resistor, and a sub-stabilizing unit. The main stabilizing unit includes a first transistor connected between a signal input terminal and a signal output terminal, and a first comparator controlling the first transistor. The first and the second resistor are connected between the signal input terminal and ground. The voltage between the first resistor and the second resistor is equal to a first reference voltage. The sub-stabilizing unit includes a third resistor, a fourth resistor, a second transistor connected between the signal input terminal and the first transistor, and a second comparator. The third and fourth resistor are connected between the second comparator and ground. The node of the third and fourth resistor is connected to the node between the first and the second resistor. The second comparator controls the second transistor turn on or off. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256609 | ERROR AMPLIFIER WITH BUILT-IN OVER VOLTAGE PROTECTION FOR SWITCHED-MODE POWER SUPPLY CONTROLLER - An error amplifier includes a first amplification circuit with a reference signal input and a feedback signal input representing the amplitude of a load voltage of a switched mode power supply. The error amplifier includes a difference amplifier providing a difference signal representing a difference between the reference signal and the feedback signal, provided for determining the duty cycle of a switching signal in the switched mode power supply. The first amplification circuit further includes a control circuit providing a control signal generated as a function of the difference between the reference signal and the feedback signal. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256610 | Step Down Current Mirror for DC/DC Boost Converters - A low voltage current mirror design is used to control a high voltage boost converter. A high amperage reference current emanating from a high voltage inductor based DC-to-DC boost converter is mirrored to a low amperage output current. On-chip CMOS elements are used to measure and manipulate the output current, eliminating the need for a high precision, low resistance, external resistor. The measured and manipulated current is used to control the PWM duty cycle of an inductor based DC-to-DC boost converter, allowing for a lower cost solution in a high voltage, high current situation. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256611 | POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A power supply apparatus includes a controller. If the controller detects that the internal resistance of a battery detected by an internal resistance detecting unit is relatively high, then the controller switches a first switch from an open state to a closed state using a first threshold value with respect to the voltage difference between a battery voltage and a system voltage, and if the controller detects that the internal resistance of the battery is relatively low, then the controller switches the first switch from the open state to the closed state using a second threshold value which is smaller than the first threshold value. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256612 | System For The Electronic Management Of Photovoltaic Cells With Adapted Thresholds - The invention relates to a system for the electronic management of a photovoltaic generator, said system comprising a plurality of n static converters ( | 2012-10-11 |
20120256613 | LOW SUPPLY REGULATOR HAVING A HIGH POWER SUPPLY REJECTION RATIO - A power supply noise rejection circuit for functional circuits, such as a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The power supply noise rejection circuit includes an isolation transistor connected to a voltage supply for providing an output current and voltage substantially free of noise across the full frequency range. A current source, a diode connected reference transistor with resistance means connected between its gate and drain terminals, and a dummy circuit serially connected between the voltage supply and ground generate a bias voltage that is applied to the gate of the isolation transistor. The dummy circuit mimics the DC characteristics of the functional circuit such that the output current tracks with process and temperature variations. The isolation transistor and the reference transistor can have negative threshold voltages, and the circuit can include bleed means for drawing current from the gate of the reference transistor and isolation transistor. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256614 | TECHNIQUE FOR LIMITING FAULT CURRENT TRANSMISSION - A technique for limiting fault current transmission is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized with a fault current limiter comprising a core having at least first easy axis and a hard axis; and a first coil wound around the core, the first coil configured to carry current. In some embodiment, the easy axis of the core may be aligned with H fields generated by the current transmitted through the first coil. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256615 | MEASUREMENT AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL MEASUREMENT OF ELECTRICAL DRIVE PARAMETERS FOR A MEMS BASED DISPLAY - Methods and devices to measure voltage margins of electromechanical devices are disclosed. The voltage margins are determined based on responses to test voltages which cause the devices to change states. State changes of the devices are detected by monitoring integrated current or charge used to drive the devices with the test voltages. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256616 | HAND-HELD MICROWAVE SPECTRUM ANALYZER WITH OPERATION RANGE FROM 9 KHz TO OVER 20 GHz - A spectrum analyzer that provides from below 9 kHz to above 20 GHz operation range while remaining hand-held. The spectrum analyzer includes an integrated precision stand-alone step attenuator that does not rely on printed circuit board (PCB) mounted circuit elements within the signal path. Further, a PIN diplexing switch separates signals into different base-band and highband paths. The baseband path includes a pre-amplifier for low frequency signals, while the higher frequency bands may not necessarily include a pre-amplifier. The highband path incorporates multi-throw MMIC PIN diode switches to selectively filter different bands of input signals. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256617 | Device and Assembly for Measuring an Electric Current - The device for measuring an electric current is provided to measure currents flowing in a cable. It comprises means for securing a flexible Rogowski coil able to occupy an open position enabling engagement around the cable and a closed position designed to surround the cable. The device comprises actuating means designed to move said coil from one position to the other. The measuring assembly comprises at least one such measuring device and measurement and/or transmission electronics of the result of the measurements receiving data from the coil of the measuring device. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256618 | SURGE CURRENT DETECTION DEVICE - A surge current detection device | 2012-10-11 |
20120256619 | RELATIVE ANGLE DETECTION DEVICE, ROTATION ANGLE DETECTION DEVICE, RELATIVE ANGLE DETECTION METHOD, AND ROTATION ANGLE DETECTION METHOD - Disclosed is a relative angle detection device for detecting a relative angle between a first rotary shaft and a second rotary shaft, the relative angle detection device being provided with a first magnetic field sensing unit which outputs a value according to a magnetic field of a magnet, a second magnetic field sensing unit which outputs a value according to the magnetic field of the magnet and outputs a value different from the output value of the first magnetic field sensing unit even if being placed in the same magnetic field as that of the first magnetic field sensing unit, a correction unit which corrects one output value out of the output value of the first magnetic field sensing unit and the output value of the second magnetic field sensing unit in accordance with an amplitude ratio between magnetic field components orthogonal to each other in the magnetic field of the magnet, and a computing unit which computes the relative angle between the first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft on the basis of the one output value corrected by the correction unit and the other output value different from the one output value. Consequently, a technique capable of detecting the relative rotation angle with high accuracy is provided even if magnitudes of amplitudes of magnetic field components orthogonal to each other in the magnetically sensitive surface of the magnetic field sensing unit are different from each other. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256620 | Systems and Methods of Detecting a Change in Object Presence in a Magnetic Field - The systems and methods of detecting a change in object presence in a magnetic field disclosed herein inject a low amplitude signal near the resonant frequency into the coil until the system comes to equilibrium. At this point the feedback is measured. The feedback signal can be measured as at least one of several signals, for example, but not limited to the voltage on the resonant capacitor, the current in the coil, and the voltage between the resonant capacitor and the coil. A change in the steady state response indicates a change in device presence. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256621 | Method and Apparatus for Preventing Contamination from Affecting Magnetic Field Sensors - A magnetic field sensor is employed to determine a rotational velocity of an element by sensing frequency variations in a magnetic flux during rotation of the element. The magnetic field sensor includes a sensor face provided with obstacles, such as a series of spaced, substantially parallel grooves arranged perpendicular to a direction in which contamination tends to move across the face during operation of the sensor. The obstacles inhibit movement of contamination across the face such that the contamination does not cause false variations in the magnetic flux which would degrade sensor signals. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256622 | HALL SENSOR HAVING OFFSET REMOVAL FUNCTION AND OFFSET REMOVING METHOD THEREOF - There are provided a hall sensor having an offset removal function removing an offset included in a hall voltage, and an offset removing method thereof. The hall sensor includes: a converting unit converting first and second detection voltages detected for each of a plurality of preset detection directions by a hall device detecting a magnetic field as a voltage according to the plurality of preset detection directions into a pulse having a level difference therebetween as a width; a sign determining unit comparing the first and second detection voltages with each other and determining whether the pulse has a positive sign or a negative sign according to the comparison result; a counter counting the width of the pulse from the converting unit with a preset reference time unit; and an operating unit removing an offset voltage included in the first and second detection voltages by performing a minus operation with the numbers counted by the counter according to the sign determined by the sign determining unit. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256623 | NON-CONTACT MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION APPARATUS - A non-contact magnetic particle inspection apparatus includes a test article support and manipulation system having a first rail that extends along a first axis, a second rail that extends along the first axis, and a third rail that extends a second axis. The third rail includes a first end that extends to a second end through an intermediate portion. The first end is mounted to the first rail and the second end is mounted to the second rail. A mounting fixture is mounted to the third rail. The mounting fixture includes a test article mounting system and a test article orientation system. The test article orientation system is configured and disposed to selectively manipulate a test article within a magnetic field. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256624 | OIL COMPOUND AND DEFOAMER COMPOSITION - An oil compound used for defoaming includes (A) a substantially hydrophobic organopolysiloxane having a viscosity of 10 to 100,000 mm | 2012-10-11 |
20120256625 | Method for Accelerated High Resolution Chemical Species Separation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging - A method for producing an image of a subject with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. Image data is acquired at a sequence of multiple echo times occurring within two or more repetition times (TRs). Odd-numbered echoes are sampled during odd-numbered TRs, and even-numbered echoes are sampled during even-numbered TRs. Images are reconstructed and used to calculate the respective signal contributions of two or more chemical species using, for example, an IDEAL separation technique. The respective signal contributions are then used to produce images that depicts substantially only one of the chemical species. For example, separated water and fat images may be produced. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256626 | PARALLEL TRANSMISSION RF PULSE DESIGN WITH LOCAL SAR CONSTRAINTS - A method of designing a parallel transmission radio frequency (RF) pulse for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes compressing a model for a subject to be scanned by the MRI system into a plurality of voxel clusters, each voxel cluster defining a virtual observation point with a peak sensitivity to local specific absorption rate (SAR) for the voxel cluster, and defining the parallel transmission RF pulse based on an approximation of a minimization criterion having a local SAR component based on the peak sensitivity of each virtual observation point, the approximation comprising a weighted sum of the local SAR values for each virtual observation point. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256627 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE METHOD - According to one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an imaging condition setting unit, a verification image generating unit and an imaging unit. The imaging condition setting unit is configured to set an imaging condition for applying radio frequency pre-pulses to adjust a contrast. The radio frequency pre-pulses includes a region selective radio frequency pulse. The verification image generating unit is configured to generate and display an image for verifying the contrast based on application conditions including an application region and an application number of the radio frequency pre-pulses. The imaging unit is configured to perform magnetic resonance imaging according to the imaging condition. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256628 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING USING RANDOMIZED RADIO FREQUENCY PULSES - Methods, systems and apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging that facilitate applying a gradient waveform to generate a k-space trajectory in a subject, applying radio frequency (RF) pulses having a pseudorandom phase distribution, such that the RF pulses are applied to the subject at a plurality of non-uniform locations near a center of the k-space trajectory and collecting, based on the applied RF pulses and the applied gradient waveform, imaging data from the subject. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256629 | NUCLEAR-SPIN POLARIZATION DETECTION DEVICE AND NUCLEAR-SPIN POLARIZATION DETECTION METHOD - Provided is a total electrical nuclear-spin polarization device that is applicable to many narrow-gap semiconductor two-dimensional quantum structures such as InSb with a large g-factor and with a mobility having a normal value. A nuclear-spin polarization device | 2012-10-11 |
20120256630 | DYNAMIC NUCLEAR POLARIZATION APPARATUS WITH SAMPLE TRANSPORT SYSTEM - The invention relates to a dynamic nuclear polarization apparatus ( | 2012-10-11 |
20120256631 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE HOMOGENEITY OF A FLUID FLOW - An apparatus for determining the homogeneity of a fluid flow in a pipe, such as a reducing-agent flow in an exhaust-gas pipe of an internal combustion engine, including a transmitter arranged on a light-transmissive region of the pipe and a diametrically opposite detector. The transmitter and detector being coupled such that they are rotatable through an angle of 360° about a rotational axis which is located substantially in the axis of symmetry of the pipe. The transmitter and the detector are rotated through at least 360° about the rotational axis, thus capturing an intensity of the detected light over the rotation angle, and from this a homogeneity of the fluid flow is deduced. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256632 | NMR measuring configuration with optimized sample container geometry and method for calculating the shape of the sample container - A sample container ( | 2012-10-11 |
20120256633 | RECEIVING COIL AND LOCAL COIL FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE APPLICATIONS - A local coil for magnetic resonance applications includes a rigid housing that radially surrounds a substantially cylindrical examination volume. Arranged in the rigid housing is a transmitting coil, by which an excitation signal may be applied to the examination volume. An object to be examined arranged in the examination volume may be excited by the excitation signal for emitting a magnetic resonance signal. The local coil includes a size-variable structure, in which an antenna assembly for receiving the magnetic resonance signal emitted by the object to be examined is arranged. The size-variable structure is arranged in the examination volume and is connected to the rigid housing. The size-variable structure is soft and flexible. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256634 | ELECTRODE SYSTEM AND SENSOR FOR AN ELECTRICALLY ENHANCED UNDERGROUND PROCESS - An electrically stimulated electrode system comprises injection and return electrodes and a power supply for causing electrical current to flow through a subterranean formation. An electronic system for the injection electrode includes: a power harvester extracting electrical power from current flowing in the injection electrode, a control for the injection electrode current, a sensor of the injection electrode and/or formation, or a telemetry for the injection electrode and/or formation, or any combination thereof. A sensor comprises: a pair of spaced apart electrodes, a power conversion device connected to the spaced apart electrodes for providing electrical power, and a processor providing a representation of a current. The electronic system may include: a power harvester, a commandable and/or programmable current control; and a control system for commanding and/or programming the current control, whereby the current flowing in the injection electrodes may be independently controlled and/or sequenced in time. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256635 | POSITION SENSOR FOR WELL TOOLS - A position sensor for well tools. A position sensor includes an indicator portion including a carrier supporting a resistive element and at least one contact, and a support device for supporting the carrier. Another position sensor includes an indicator portion including a slider for displacing at least one contact relative to a resistive element, the slider being displaceable between first and second limits, and an end load mechanism including a biasing device which exerts a biasing force on the slider as the slider approaches at least the first limit. Another position sensor includes an indicator portion including a resistive element and at least one contact which contacts and displaces across the resistive element, a change in position of the contact relative to the resistive element being indicated by a resistance change as the contact displaces across the resistive element. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256636 | METHOD FOR DETECTING A BREAKDOWN IN A SWITCHING CURRENT SOURCE AND CORRESPONDING POWER SOURCE - A method of detecting a fault of a switching electricity source having a control stage responsive to a setpoint signal to deliver a control signal that is modulated with a predetermined duty ratio (α) to a power stage that is to deliver electricity to a load. The method includes the steps of: determining at least one nominal value (α | 2012-10-11 |
20120256637 | LINE FAULT DETECTOR - The present invention relates to a fault detection system for detection of line faults on an electrode line in an HVDC system wherein the electrode line comprises a first and second branch connected in parallel. The fault detection system comprises a first and second pulse generation circuit arranged to generate electrical pulses onto the first and second branches, respectively, as well as first and second current measurement devices arranged to generate signals indicative of electrical signals occurring in first and second injection lines, respectively. The possibility of independent generation of electrical pulses onto the first and second branches, respectively, as well as the independent registration of first and second signal patterns representing electrical signals on the first and second injection lines, respectively, increases the information content in the collected data, thereby facilitating for a more reliable analysis of whether or not a fault is present on the electrode line. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256638 | NOISE DETECTION FOR A CAPACITANCE SENSING PANEL - An embodiment of a method for detecting noise for a capacitance sensing panel may comprise generating an input signal based on a noise signal, performing a series of measurements for measuring capacitances from a capacitive sensor sensitive to the noise signal, and controlling timing for at least one of the subconversions based on the input signal. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256639 | APPARATUS COMPRISING A RECURSIVE DELAYER AND METHOD FOR MEASURING A PHASE NOISE - Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for measuring a phase noise of a test signal. The apparatus comprises a recursive delayer, a combiner and a phase noise determinator. The recursive delayer is configured to provide a delayed signal on the basis of the test signal. The combiner is configured to combine a first signal with a second signal to provide a combiner output signal. The first signal is based on the test signal or a signal identical to the test signal. The second signal is based on the delayed signal or a signal identical to the delayed signal. The phase noise determinator is configured to provide a phase noise information that depends on the combiner output signal. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256640 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR USE IN DETERMINING THE PRESENCE OF MATERIALS ENTRAINED WITHIN A MEDIUM - A method for determining a presence of at least one material entrained within a medium is provided. The method includes transmitting at least one microwave signal to a microwave emitter. At least one electromagnetic field is generated by the microwave emitter from the microwave signal. A change in the dielectric constant for the medium at a frequency received from the microwave emitter is detected. Moreover, an expected power level of the frequency received from the microwave emitter is compared with an actual power level of the frequency to determine the presence of the material entrained within the medium. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256641 | CONDUCTIVITY SENSOR ASSEMBLY - A flow-through conductivity sensor assembly comprises a housing ( | 2012-10-11 |
20120256642 | SINGLE LAYER TOUCH SENSOR - Embodiments described herein provide capacitance sensing devices and methods for forming such devices. The capacitance sensing devices include a substrate having a central and an outer portion. A plurality of substantially co-planar electrodes are on the central portion substrate. A first plurality of conductors are on the substrate. Each of the first plurality of conductors has a first end portion electrically connected to one of the plurality of electrodes and a second end portion on the outer portion of the substrate. An insulating material is coupled to the second end portions of the first plurality of conductors. A second plurality of conductors are coupled to the insulating material. Each of the second plurality of conductors is electrically connected to the second end portion of at least some of the first plurality of conductors and is insulated from the second end portion of the others of the first plurality of conductors. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256643 | INTERNAL PIPE COATING INSPECTION ROBOT - There is provided herein a robot-based electrical system for locating holidays within coated pipe that does not utilize a grounding wire. In a preferred arrangement, the robot will carry a metal rotating brush/capacitive pad combination and changes in the capacitance in the brush/pad circuit will be used to identify imperfections in the interior coating of the pipe and especially those located proximate a girth weld. In another preferred embodiment, a circumferential brush will be used that allows testing of the integrity of the internal coating throughout the length of the pipe as the robot travels the pipeline. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256644 | COORDINATE DETECTING DEVICE - A coordinate detecting device includes a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a capacitance detecting circuit, a first electrode switch, and a second electrode switch. All of the second electrodes are connected to a power supply by the second electrode switch and the first electrodes are selectively connected to the capacitance detecting circuit by the first electrode switch, thereby detecting a first coordinate. All of the first electrodes are connected to the power supply by the first electrode switch and the second electrodes are selectively connected to the capacitance detecting circuit by the second electrode switch, thereby detecting a second coordinate. When a plurality of first coordinates or a plurality of second coordinates are detected, capacitances between the first and second electrodes corresponding to combinations of the detected first and second coordinates are measured, thereby specifying the position of the detection target. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256645 | CAPACITIVE SENSOR, INTEGRATED CIRCUIT, ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD - A sensor for sensing an analyte includes capacitive elements, each having a pair of electrodes separated by a dielectric wherein the dielectric constant of the dielectric of at least one of the capacitive elements is sensitive to the analyte, the sensor further including a comparator adapted to compare a selected set of capacitive elements against a reference signal and to generate a comparison result signal, and a controller for iteratively selecting the set in response to the comparison result signal, wherein the sensor is arranged to produce a digitized output signal indicative of the sensed level of the analyte of interest. An IC comprising such a sensor, an electronic device comprising such an IC and a method of determining a level of an analyte of interest using such a sensor are also disclosed. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256646 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TESTING OF ACOUSTIC DEVICES AND SYSTEMS - Methods and devices are disclosed for testing an acoustic probe having transducing elements for converting between acoustic and electrical signals. An electrical signal is generated at a frequency with a testing device capable of generating electrical signals over a range of frequencies. The electrical signal is transmitted to at least some of the transducing elements to measure a complex impedance and thereby evaluate a performance of the transducing elements. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256647 | CAPACITANCE SENSOR STRUCTURE - A capacitance sensor structure includes a first sensor in a first direction and a second sensor in a second direction for sensing a variation in the mutual capacitance between the first sensor and the second sensor by applying an excitation signal to the first sensor and detecting a response signal from the second sensor. The sensing area of the second sensor is intentionally reduced to be much smaller than the sensing area of the first sensor for noise performance improvement of the mutual capacitance sensing. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256648 | Method and Apparatus for In-Situ Health monitoring of Solar Cells in Space - Embodiments of the present invention describe an apparatus including an oscillator, a ramp generator, and an inverter. The oscillator is configured to generate a waveform comprising a low time and a high time. The inverter is configured to receive the waveform generated by the oscillator, and invert the waveform. The ramp generator is configured to increase a gate control voltage of a transistor connected to a solar cell, and rapidly decrease the gate control voltage of the transistor. During the low time, a measurement of a current and a voltage of the solar cell is performed. During the high time, a measurement of a current of a shorted cell and a voltage reference is performed. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256649 | Dynamic Testing Based on Thermal and Stress Conditions - A plurality of sets of test conditions of a die in a stacked system is established, wherein the plurality of test conditions are functions of temperatures of the die, and wherein the stacked system comprises a plurality of stacked dies. A temperature of the die is measured. A respective set of test conditions of the die is found from the plurality of sets of test conditions, wherein the set of test conditions corresponds to the temperature. The die is at the temperature using the set of test conditions to generate test results. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256650 | TEST APPARATUS - A test apparatus includes a circuit board. The circuit board includes a number of first golden fingers arranged on a first side of the circuit board, and a first test circuit. The first test circuit includes a first capacitor. A first terminal of the first capacitor is grounded. A second terminal of the first capacitor is electrically connected to a first pin of the first golden fingers. A first test pad is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor. A second test pad is connected to a second pin of the first golden fingers. The second pin is grounded. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256651 | TEST STRUCTURE FOR PARALLEL TEST IMPLEMENTED WITH ONE METAL LAYER - An integrated test circuit includes pads of a padset for testing multiple device under test units (MDUTs). The MDUTs each include devices under test (DUTs). A first integrated test circuit metal layer is patterned to connect the pads to N MDUTs such that a first set of pads are employed for enabling testing of each MDUT and a second set of pads are designated for testing individual DUTs associated with the enabled MDUTs such that N parallel tests may be concurrently performed. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256652 | System and Method for Modulating a Power Supply in a Relay Test System - A system and method are provided for using a class H amplifier in a tester for testing protective relaying equipment, particularly useful in conducting end to end testing. The class H amplifier is configured to provide separation between the amplifier and the power supply of the tester using a DSP which also offers flexibility for programming algorithms to realize efficiencies in matching the waveform to the output rail. End to end testing is also improved by including expected results for the test case used by the tester to enable the tester to determine how close the results are to what is expected. This offers time savings and is less prone to error in that the expected results can be predetermined by a qualified/experienced professional. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256653 | PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CIRCUIT USING THREE-DIMENSIONAL STACKING TECHNIQUES - A configurable die stack arrangement including a first configurable integrated circuit die located on a first substrate. The first configurable integrated circuit die includes a first array and a first configuration memory management circuit that includes an interface to the first array. The first array includes a first logic element and a first configuration memory. The configurable die stack arrangement also includes a second configurable integrated circuit die located on a second substrate that is different than the first substrate. The second configurable integrated circuit die includes a second array and a second configuration memory management circuit that includes an interface to the second array. The second array includes a second logic element and a second configuration memory. A signal is coupled to the first configuration management circuit and to the second configuration management circuit, and the first configuration memory management circuit includes circuitry to control the signal. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256654 | REAL TIME AVERAGED IMPEDANCE CALIBRATION FOR ON-DIE TERMINATION - An averaged impedance calibration is obtained by utilizing two separately controlled resistive loads arranged in parallel and choosing two adjacent control codes to configure switch arrays to set the resistance of each of the separate resistive loads. The resistance of the resistive loads is averaged to provide greater accuracy. The two adjacent control codes are close to the target impedance value and typically one is slightly higher and one is slightly lower than the target impedance value. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256655 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - An integrated circuit includes: an on-die-termination (ODT) circuit configured to drive an input signal with drivability adjusted according to an impedance calibration code and a reference voltage; and an input buffer configured to buffer the input signal in response to the reference voltage and generate an output signal. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256656 | HIGH VOLTAGE LATCHING AND DC RESTORATION ISOLATION AND LEVEL SHIFTING METHOD AND APPARATUS - A device and method for dc isolation and level shifting includes a driver circuit powered by a first voltage range, a capacitor connected to the driver circuit, and a latching circuit connected to the capacitor. The latching circuit is powered by a second voltage range and is configured to restore and/or minimize charge loss of the capacitor during a voltage transition at the capacitor. A device and method for analog isolation and measurement configured to measure an analog voltage at a second potential without requiring analog circuits at the second potential. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256657 | FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR, AND ELECTRIC CIRCUIT - The invention relates to a field effect transistor comprising at least one source electrode layer and at least one drain electrode layer arranged in the same plane, a semiconductor layer, an insulator layer and a gate electrode layer, wherein the gate electrode layer, as seen perpendicular to the plane of the at least one source electrode layer and the at least one drain electrode layer, only partly covers a channel arranged between the at least one source electrode layer and the at least one drain electrode layer. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256658 | COMPARATOR CIRCUIT - A comparator circuit, includes a first power source terminal having a first potential, a second power source terminal having a second potential different from the first potential, a detection voltage terminal, a reference voltage generator coupled between the first power source terminal and the second power source terminal, the reference voltage generator generating a middle potential which is a potential between the first potential and the second potential and outputting the middle potential at a middle potential node, the reference voltage generator further generating a reference voltage, a bias unit coupled between the first power source terminal and the middle potential node, the bias unit receiving the reference voltage and generating a corresponding reference voltage by using the first potential and the middle potential as energy sources thereof, and a comparator unit coupled between the first and second power source terminals and the detection voltage terminal. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256659 | CURRENT SHARE COMPENSATION DESIGN - A current share system for providing current to a load includes a first power supply module that controls a first voltage converter to provide a first current to the load, that transmits synchronization information using a first pin, and that transmits at least one second type of information using the first pin. A second power supply module receives the synchronization information at a second pin, receives the at least one second type of information at the second pin, and controls a second voltage converter to provide a second current to the load based on the synchronization information and the at least one second type of information. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256660 | SOURCE DRIVER AND RECEIVER THEREOF - A source driver and a receiver thereof are disclosed. A two-stage amplifier of the receiver includes a first-stage circuit and a second-stage circuit. The second-stage circuit includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a first node, and a second node. The first switch is coupled between the first node and a ground end; the second switch is coupled between the second node and the ground end; the third switch is coupled between the first node and the second node. When the receiver wants to wake up from a power-saving mode to a normal operation mode, the first switch and the second switch are switched to the off-state according to a control signal at first; after a period of delay time, the third switch is also switched to the off-state according to a delayed control signal. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256661 | Current Mode Line Driver - The present invention discloses a line driver for a communication system with a variable loading. The line driver includes a positive output terminal, a negative output terminal, a plurality of current cells, for generating a plurality of output currents, and a plurality of switches, for controlling a number of connections between the plurality of current cells and the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal according to impedance of the variable loading, to generate a total output current such that a output voltage swing stays within a specific range. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256662 | POWER-UP SIGNAL GENERATION CIRCUIT - A power-up signal generation circuit includes: a first section signal generation unit configured to sense a level of an external voltage and a level of an internal voltage and generate a first section signal; a second section signal generation unit configured to output a second section signal by buffering the first section signal when the internal voltage is lowered to below a minimum level; and a selective output unit configured to output the first section signal as a power-up signal, wherein the selective output unit outputs the second section signal as the power-up signal when a power-up section is ended and a mode register setting operation is performed. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256663 | INITIALIZATION CIRCUIT AND BANK ACTIVE CIRCUIT USING THE SAME - An initialization circuit comprises a section signal generator generating a section signal, of which a prescribed section is enabled in response to a power-up signal, a first oscillator generating a first period signal in response to the section signal, a first period multiplier generating a first multiplied signal by multiplying a period of the first period signal, and a signal selector transferring the first multiplied signal or a second multiplied signal selectively as a self-refresh enable signal in response to the section signal. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256664 | POWER-ON-RESET CIRCUIT WITH LOW POWER CONSUMPTION - Methods, devices and circuits are provided for power-on-reset circuits with low static power consumption. One such circuit includes a detector that draws current from a supply voltage. The detector detects that the supply voltage has exceeded a trip-point voltage level and then disables current draw from the detector. The detector responds to an enable signal by enabling current draw from the detector. A pulse generator generates a reset signal in response the supply voltage transitioning from a voltage below the trip point voltage level to above the trip point voltage level. A monitor detects that the supply voltage has dropped and provides, in response thereto, the enable signal to the detector to enable current draw from the portion of the detector. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256665 | DELAY LOCK LOOP WITH A CHARGE PUMP, LOOP FILTER, AND METHOD OF PHASE LOCKING OF A DELAY LOCK LOOP - A delay lock loop includes a phase frequency detector, a loop filter, and a voltage controlled delay circuit. The phase frequency detector is used for outputting an upper switch signal or a lower switch signal according to a reference clock and a feedback clock. The loop filter includes a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a first switch. The first capacitor is charged or discharged and the first switch is turned off during a phase tracking period. The first capacitor and the second capacitor are charged or discharged and the first switch is turned on during a phase locking period. The voltage controlled delay circuit is used for outputting the feedback clock according to the reference clock and a control voltage outputted by the loop filter. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256666 | DELAY LOCK LOOP SYSTEM WITH A SELF-TRACKING FUNCTION AND METHOD THEREOF - A delay lock loop system includes a timing controller, an OR gate, an input buffer, a pulse generator, and a delay lock loop. The timing controller is used for outputting an external enable signal periodically while a power saving signal is at a logic-low voltage, and being disabled according to a logic-high voltage of the power saving signal. The pulse generator is used for generating a pulse according to the positive edge of the power saving signal. The OR gate is coupled to the timing controller for receiving the power saving signal, the pulse, and the external enable signal, and outputting an enable signal according to the power saving signal and the external enable signal. The delay lock loop is coupled to the OR gate and the input buffer for enabling the delay lock loop again according to the enable signal. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256667 | DELAY LOCKED LOOP SEMICONDUCTOR APPARATUS THAT MODELS A DELAY OF AN INTERNAL CLOCK PATH - A delay locked loop semiconductor apparatus that models a delay of an internal clock path is presented. The semiconductor apparatus includes: a DLL and a detection code output block. The DLL includes a delay model unit in which a delay value of an internal clock path is modeled and is configured to output a DLL clock signal of which the phase is controlled by reflecting the delay value of the internal clock path into an applied input clock signal. The detection code output block is configured to output a phase difference detection code having a code value corresponding to a phase difference between a first phase correction clock signal generated by reflecting a model delay value of the delay model unit into the DLL clock signal and a second phase correction clock signal generated by reflecting an actual delay value of the internal clock path into the DLL clock signal. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256668 | METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A TIME BASE FOR A TIRE PRESSURE MEASUREMENT UNIT - Method of controlling the drifting of a low-frequency LFO circuit in a wheel unit of a tire pressure monitoring system, each wheel unit including temperature and pressure sensors in conjunction with a signal control circuit, the sensors being activated according to an LFO circuit time base integrated into the control circuit. An RF emission circuit of each wheel unit transmits data stored in a memory and an identifier of the unit to a central unit. The emission circuit is regulated by a high-precision clock. In each wheel unit, a variation between a measured temperature and a reference temperature is compared with a variation threshold and a drift between the periods of the time base of the LFO circuit and of the clock is determined. The drift is used to adjust the time base to the period of the clock if the temperature variation ΔTi is greater than this threshold ΔT. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256669 | DUTY CYCLE CORRECTION - Method and circuitry for controlling duty cycle of an input signal towards a desired value comprising a sequence of at least two inverters arranged in series and feedback circuitry. A first inverter is arranged to receive the input signal and a last inverter is arranged to output a signal having the same frequency as the input signal. The output signal is an adjusted version of the input signal. The feedback circuitry is arranged to receive the output signal and comprises a comparing and supplying means. The comparing means compares the output signal with a reference signal indicative of a desired value and generates a feedback signal based on the comparison of the output and reference signal. The supplying means supplies the feedback signal to adjust operating conditions of at least one of the inverters, such that the duty cycle of the output signal is controlled towards the desired value. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256670 | Techniques for Reducing Duty Cycle Distortion in Periodic Signals - A transmitter circuit is operable to provide an output signal in response to a first periodic signal. A multiplexer circuit is operable to provide a second periodic signal as a selected signal during a first phase of operation. The multiplexer circuit is operable to provide the output signal of the transmitter circuit as the selected signal during a second phase of operation. A sampler circuit is operable to generate first samples of the selected signal during the first phase of operation. The sampler circuit is operable to generate second samples of the selected signal during the second phase of operation. A duty cycle control circuit is operable to adjust a duty cycle of the first periodic signal based on the first and the second samples. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256671 | SWITCH LEVEL CIRCUIT WITH DEAD TIME SELF-ADAPTING CONTROL - A switch level circuit ( | 2012-10-11 |
20120256672 | PSEUDO FULL-RATE SENSE AMPLIFIER FLIP-FLOP FOR HIGH-SPEED RECEIVER FRONT-END - An apparatus includes a first sensing circuit operative to drive a node with a first sample of an input signal during a first phase of a clock signal. The apparatus includes a second sensing circuit operative to drive the node with a second sample of the input signal during a second phase of the clock signal. An output signal on the node includes the first and second samples and has a bit rate that is N times the rate of the clock signal. N is an integer greater than one. In at least one embodiment of the apparatus, during the second phase of the clock signal, the first sensing circuit provides a high impedance to the node, and during the first phase of the clock signal, the second sensing circuit provides a high impedance to the node. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256673 | PHASE ADJUSTMENT CIRCUIT AND PHASE ADJUSTMENT METHOD - There is provided a circuit for adjusting phases of IQ local signals. As to a local signal A and a local signal B generated by a local signal generating unit for the purpose of generating IQ quadrature local signals, the local signal B in which the gain is adjusted is added to the output of the local signal A to obtain the local signal A | 2012-10-11 |
20120256674 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LINEARIZING FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTORS IN THE OHMIC REGION - Apparatus and methods are disclosed related to using one or more field effect transistors as a resistor. One such apparatus includes a field effect transistor with a first series circuit in parallel with the gate and the source of the field effect transistor and a second series circuit in parallel with the gate and the drain of the field effect transistor. Each series circuit can include a capacitor and a switch in series with the capacitor. The switch can be configured to be on when the field effect transistor is on, and to be off when the field effect transistor is off. This can improve the linearity of the field effect transistor as a resistor. In some implementations, the apparatus can further include an isolation resistor having a first end and a second end, the first end electrically coupled to the gate of the field effect transistor. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256675 | INPUT REFERENCE VOLTAGE GENERATING METHOD AND INTEGRATED CIRCUIT USING THE SAME - An integrated circuit includes: a reference voltage generation unit configured to be driven in response to an enable signal, select one of a plurality of reference voltages generated by dividing a power supply voltage as an input reference voltage, and output the input reference voltage; and a reference voltage level compensation unit configured to be driven in response to the enable signal and change a level of the input reference voltage by an amount of change in a level of an external voltage. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256676 | MIXER CIRCUIT - A driver circuit for supplying a drive signal to a mixer circuit comprising a first and second circuit branch and an operational amplifier. The first circuit branch receives an input signal and a bias signal. The second circuit branch receives the input signal. The operational amplifier has a first input connected to a junction node of the first circuit branch and a second input connected to a junction node of the second circuit branch. The operational amplifier is arranged to provide an operational amplifier output signal a second component of the second circuit branch so that a voltage at the junction node of the second circuit branch is equal to a voltage at the junction node of the first circuit branch. The voltage is dependent on the input signal and providing the drive signal. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256677 | Controlled large signal capacitor and inductor - An electrical resonance network comprising a first capacitor and a first inductor whose resonance frequency can be tuned by means of a second capacitor and/or a second inductor. The resulting effective capacitor- or inductor value of a network period is controlled by a variable coupling respectively decoupling interval by means of at least one coupling switch. The coupling respectively decoupling interval is synchronized by a sign change of a current and/or voltage in the network. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256678 | Variable Impedance Single Pole Double Throw CMOS Switch - A single pole double throw (SPDT) semiconductor switch includes a series connection of a first transmitter-side transistor and a first reception-side transistor between a transmitter node and a reception node. Each of the two first transistors is provided with a gate-side variable impedance circuit, which provides a variable impedance connection between a complementary pair of gate control signals. Further, the body of each first transistor can be connected to a body bias control signal through a body-side variable impedance circuit. In addition, the transmitter node is connected to electrical ground through a second transmitter-side transistor, and the reception node is connected to electrical ground through a second reception-side transistor. Each of the second transistors can have a body bias that is tied to the body bias control signals for the first transistors so that switched-off transistors provide enhanced electrical isolation. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256679 | MULTI-LAYERED SEMICONDUCTOR APPARATUS - Provided is a multi-layered semiconductor apparatus with improved heat diffusion and improved heat release. The multi-layered semiconductor apparatus ( | 2012-10-11 |
20120256680 | SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE - A layout for a semiconductor integrated circuit device can maintain a sufficient capacitance of a capacity cell even when a height of the cell is lowered. In this layout, power supply wiring extending along a first direction supplies a first supply voltage, power supply wiring and power supply wiring extending in parallel with the power-supply wiring supply a second and a third supply voltages respectively. Capacitive element is formed of a transistor that receives the first supply voltage at its source and drain, and receives the second or the third supply voltages at its gate. Capacitive element is disposed under power supply wiring such that it strides over a portion at power supply wiring side and a portion at power supply wiring side. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256681 | CHARGE PUMP - A charge pump circuit comprises a first node, a second node, and at least one capacitance stage coupled between the first node and the second node. Capacitance stages of the at least one capacitance stage are coupled in series. A capacitance stage of the at least one capacitance stage includes a capacitive device and a voltage limiter coupled in parallel with the capacitor. The voltage limiter is configured to limit a voltage dropped across the capacitor. The capacitive device and the voltage limiter are configured such that a first current flowing through a first branch having the voltage limiter is more than a second current flowing through a second branch having the capacitive device. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256682 | Method and Apparatus to Enable a Selective Push Process During Manufacturing to Improve Performance of a Selected Circuit of an Integrated Circuit - Provided are methods and apparatus for enabling selective push processing during design and fabrication of an integrated circuit to improve performance of selected circuits of the integrated circuit. An exemplary method includes identifying a critical portion of an integrated circuit layout that defines a functional element having a critical operating frequency requirement and designing a subcircuit in the critical portion to enable performing a speed push process to increase performance of the subcircuit. The method can also include identifying at least one of a power supply node, a clock supply node, and an interface node at a boundary between the critical portion and a portion of the integrated circuit that is outside of the critical portion. The critical portion can be designed with a power domain that is independent of the portion of the integrated circuit that is outside of the critical portion. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256683 | SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A semiconductor integrated circuit including: a circuit block having an internal voltage line; an annular rail line forming a closed annular line around the circuit block and supplied with one of a power supply voltage and a reference voltage; and a plurality of switch blocks arranged around the circuit block along the annular rail line, the plurality of switch blocks each including a voltage line segment forming a part of the annular rail line and a switch for controlling connection and disconnection between the voltage line segment and the internal voltage line. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256684 | Power Amplification Based on Frequency Control Signal - Methods and systems for vector combining power amplification are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of signals is individually amplified, then summed to form a desired time-varying complex envelope signal. Phase and/or frequency characteristics of one or more of the signals are controlled to provide the desired phase, frequency, and/or amplitude characteristics of the desired time-varying complex envelope signal. In another embodiment, a time-varying complex envelope signal is decomposed into a plurality of constant envelope constituent signals. The constituent signals are amplified equally or substantially equally, and then summed to construct an amplified version of the original time-varying envelope signal. Embodiments also perform frequency up-conversion. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256685 | Power Supply with Tickle Pulse Injection - A power supply injects a series of “tickle” pulses into a pulse width modulated (PWM) controller to induce the controller to generate PWM pulses at a minimum switching frequency, preferably one that is super-sonic (especially for audio applications). The switching frequency may also be selected or controlled such that it avoids resonances in the power supply. The “tickle” pulses may be clocked by the same clock that times the PWM controller, and they may be shaped to help ensure that the power supply maintains some regulation during low-load conditions. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256686 | RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) AMPLIFIER UTILIZING A PREDISTORTION CIRCUIT AND RELATED TECHNIQUES - An apparatus and technique for operating an RF amplifier having a pre-distortion processor and a drain modulation circuit includes generating a compensating drain bias signal having a value which is a function of an RF input signal, a sampled RF output signal and a sampled drain bias signal. The compensating drain bias signal is applied to the RF amplifier. By sampling both the drain bias signal and the RF output signal and providing drain feedback and RF output feedback signals to a pre-distortion processor, RF amplifier distortions can be linearized enabling the RF amplifier to operate over a bandwidth which exceeds the bandwidth of the drain modulation circuit (i.e., the RF bandwidth can exceed the bandwidth of the drain modulator). | 2012-10-11 |
20120256687 | Pre-distortion for a Radio Frequency Power Amplifier - Coefficients of a pre-distorter are determined for correction of distortion of a signal amplified by a radio frequency amplifier by sampling the signal at the pre-distorter input to generate a plurality of input samples and sampling the signal at the amplifier output to generate a plurality of output samples, each of the output samples corresponding to one of the input samples, calculating a figure of merit for one or more of the input samples on the basis of the one or more of the input samples, selectively updating a previously selected set of input samples with said one or more input samples on the basis of the calculated figure of merit, whereby to generate an updated selected set and determining the coefficients of the pre-distorter on the basis of the input samples in the updated selected set and the corresponding output samples. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256688 | AMPLIFYING DEVICE AND SIGNAL PROCESSING DEVICE - Signal timing adjustment in an amplifying device is appropriately performed by phase adjustment by a digital filter. The amplifying device includes an amplifier; an amplitude-voltage converting unit 12 that performs a desired process on a signal relating to operation of the amplifier, whereby the signal is band-broadened; and a timing adjusting unit 15 | 2012-10-11 |
20120256689 | Radiofrequency Emission or Reception Chain with Automatic Impedance Adaptation, and Corresponding Method - As relates to automatic matching of antenna impedance for a radiofrequency transmit or receive circuit, an impedance matching network is inserted between an amplifier and antenna. The current i and output (resp. input) voltage V of the amplifier and their phase shift are measured, the complex impedance defined by V/i is deduced; the impedance of the antenna is calculated as a function of this complex impedance and the known existing values of the adjustable impedances of the matching network. New adjustable values of impedances of the matching network to obtain a desired overall load impedance for the amplifier are calculated on the basis of the calculated antenna impedance value, and the matching network is controlled to adjust the adjustable impedances to these new values. The measurement is made at a measurement frequency different from the working frequency to allow automatic matching without interrupting normal operation of the chain. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256690 | POWER AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT WITH MEANS FOR TUNING WAVE SHAPE OF ASK RF SIGNAL ENVELOPE, AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING THE POWER AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT - A power amplifier circuit can be linked to an antenna arrangement of a communication system for transmission of ASK RF data signals. The power amplifier circuit includes an amplifier core with several cascode amplifier cells in parallel. Each cascode amplifier cell is composed of three NMOS transistors in triode mounting between an output terminal connected to the antenna arrangement, and an earth terminal. A first transistor of each cascode amplifier cell is controlled by a carrier frequency signal, whereas a second transistor of each cascode amplifier cell is controlled by a smoothing control loop in order to modulate data to be transmitted on carrier frequency by amplitude shift keying. The smoothing control loop is provided for generating an increasing gate voltage for the second transistors on the basis of an increasing current ramp from a first minimum current value to a second maximum current value during a “0” to “1” data transition. The smoothing control loop is provided for generating a decreasing gate voltage for the second transistors on the basis of a decreasing current ramp from the second maximum current value to the first minimum current value during a “1” to “0” data transition for shaping the envelope of ASK RF data signals to be transmitted. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256691 | OSCILLATOR AND INPUT-OUTPUT DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A semiconductor device according to an exemplary aspect of the invention is capable of being selectively switched between an oscillation circuit and a signal input-output circuit, and includes first and second external connecting terminals that are connectable to an oscillation device; an inverting amplifier an input side of which is electrically connected to the first external connecting terminal through a coupling capacitor and an output side of which is electrically connected to the second external connecting terminal; a feedback resistor connected to the input side and the output side of the inverting amplifier; a bias stabilization circuit that stabilizes a bias applied to the coupling capacitor; a first signal input-output portion connected to the first external connecting terminal; and a second signal input-output portion connected to the second external connecting terminal. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256692 | OSCILLATOR - An oscillator includes: a substrate; a reference oscillation circuit including a first MEMS oscillator disposed above the substrate, the reference oscillation circuit outputting a first oscillation signal; at least one voltage-controlled oscillation circuit including a second MEMS oscillator disposed above the substrate, the oscillation frequency of the at least one voltage-controlled oscillation circuit being controlled based on a control signal, the at least one voltage-controlled oscillation circuit outputting a second oscillation signal; a frequency division circuit dividing the frequency of the second oscillation signal and outputting a frequency division signal; and a phase-comparison circuit outputting the control signal based on a phase difference between the frequency division signal and the first oscillation signal, wherein the first MEMS oscillator and the second MEMS oscillator each have a first electrode and a second electrode, the second electrode has a movable part disposed so as to face the first electrode. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256693 | SUPPLY-REGULATED VCO ARCHITECTURE - A supply-regulated VCO exhibits reduced or no supply sensitivity peaking. The VCO includes an oscillator whose supply current is regulated to control the oscillating frequency of the oscillator. A VCO input signal controls the supply current so that there is a relationship between the input signal and the oscillator output frequency. Power supply noise that might otherwise affect oscillator operation is shunted from a supply current input lead of the oscillator to ground by a bypass capacitor. In one example, an auxiliary circuit supplies an auxiliary supply current to the oscillator, thereby reducing the amount of supply current a supply regulation control loop circuit must supply. In another example, a supply regulation control loop circuit supplies a control current to a main oscillator, but the bypass capacitor is not coupled to this oscillator but rather is coupled to a slave oscillator that is injection locked to the main oscillator. | 2012-10-11 |
20120256694 | ORTHOGONALLY REFERENCED INTEGRATED ENSEMBLE FOR NAVIGATION AND TIMING - An orthogonally referenced integrated ensemble for navigation and timing includes a dual-polyhedral oscillator array, including an outer sensing array of oscillators and an inner clock array of oscillators situated inside the outer sensing array. The outer sensing array includes a first pair of sensing oscillators situated along a first axis of the outer sensing array, a second pair of sensing oscillators situated along a second axis of the outer sensing array, and a third pair of sensing oscillators situated along a third axis of the outer sensing array. The inner clock array of oscillators includes a first pair of clock oscillators situated along a first axis of the inner clock array, a second pair of clock oscillators situated along a second axis of the inner clock array, and a third pair of clock oscillators situated along a third axis of the inner clock array. | 2012-10-11 |