| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20080202237 | Sensor And Method For Sensing The Linear Acceleration And An Angular Velocity - A sensor has a suspended mechanical resonator being responsive to one of a linear acceleration and an angular velocity of the sensor such that a first area and a second area are subjected to opposite elongation movements and responsive to the other such that the first area and the second area are subjected to a common elongation movement, a first mechanical-electrical interface interacting with the first area, a second mechanical-electrical interface interacting with the second area, a common mode signal generator coupled to the mechanical-electrical interfaces with a common mode signal output, a differential mode signal generator coupled to the mechanical-electrical interfaces with a differential mode signal output, a first processing circuit coupled to the differential mode output, with an output for a first processed signal, and a second processing circuit coupled to the common mode output with an output for a second processed signal. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080297235 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN OUTPUT VOLTAGE AND VOLTAGE CONTROLLER - A voltage controller for controlling an output voltage to a predetermined value. The voltage controller has a first terminal configured to connect a supply voltage, a second terminal configured to output the output voltage, a control voltage generating unit configured to provide a control voltage, and a control transistor. The control transistor is connected as a series controller between the first terminal and the second terminal. The control voltage can be applied to the control terminal of the control transistor, wherein the output voltage is controlled in a manner dependent on the supply voltage and the control voltage. Furthermore, an offset voltage is superposed on the control voltage. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20090001965 | Magnetic-Field Sensor and Method of Calibrating a Magnetic-Field Sensor - An embodiment of a magnetic-field sensor has a plurality of sensor elements connected to form measurement arrangements, each measurement arrangement having a measurement tap, and a control circuit formed to perform an embodiment of a method of calibrating the magnetic-field sensor. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090001982 | Method and Apparatus for Defined Magnetizing of Permanently Magnetizable Elements and Magnetoresistive Sensor Structures - A method of magnetizing a permanently magnetizable element associated with a magnetic field sensor structure includes generating a test magnetic field penetrating the magnetic field sensor structure and the permanently magnetizable element, detecting the magnetic field and providing a test signal based on a magnetic field through the magnetic field sensor structure, aligning the test magnetic field and the magnetic field sensor structure with the permanently magnetizable element to each other, until the test signal reaches a set value corresponding to a predetermined magnetized field distribution with respect to the magnetic field sensor structure, and generating a magnetizing field for permanently magnetizing the element to be permanently magnetized, wherein the magnetizing field corresponds to the predetermined magnetic field distribution within a tolerance range. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090066550 | SIGMA-DELTA MODULATOR FOR OPERATING SENSORS - A sigma-delta modulator can be used for actuating a sensor element. The sigma delta modulator includes: a forward branch to which an input signal is fed at an input and which includes a loop filter, a quantizer and an output for providing an output signal. A feedback branch is configured to feed back the output signal of the forward branch at least temporarily to the input of the forward branch. A signal source is configured to generate a readout signal which corresponds to the voltage profile at the sensor element during a measuring process. A control unit is configured to generate a control signal dependent on which either the output signal of the forward branch or the readout signal of the signal source is fed back to the input of the forward branch. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090069969 | TIRE SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tire sensor system includes a first sensor and a second sensor spaced apart from the first sensor. The first and second sensors are mounted to a tire. A processor receives input signals from the first and second sensors, and is programmed to determine the length of a contact patch of the tire in response to the input signals. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090071237 | CAPACITIVE MEASUREMENT OF TIRE DEFORMATION - The invention relates to systems and methods for detecting and monitoring tire deformation. In one embodiment, a tire deformation detection system comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, circuitry, and a central control unit. The first electrode is coupled to an interior surface of a tire. The second electrode is coupled to an interior surface of the tire and configured with the first electrode to form a first capacitor. The circuitry is configured to measure a first capacitance of the first capacitor. The central control unit is configured to detect a deformation of the tire based at least in part on the first capacitance. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090072958 | INTELLIGENT TIRE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The invention is related to intelligent tire systems and methods. In one embodiment, an intelligent tire system (ITS) comprises a first sensor device, a second sensor device, a central control unit, and a transceiver. The first sensor device is mounted in a tire of a vehicle and comprises a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. The second sensor device is mounted in the tire and comprises an RF transceiver, the second sensor device adapted to receive a transmitter transmission from the first sensor device comprising first sensor data. The central control unit is mounted in the vehicle. The transceiver is mounted in the vehicle and is adapted to receive a transceiver transmission from the second sensor device comprising first sensor data and second sensor data and to transmit the transceiver transmission to the central control unit. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090078347 | TIRE TREAD DETECTION AND MEASUREMENT OF PHYSICAL VARIABLES OF A TIRE ON A MOVING VEHICLE - A tire tread sensing system includes a magnetic field sensor and a magnetic field source configured to magnetize magnetizable particles embedded in a tire tread. The magnetic field sensor is configured to measure a magnetic field strength associated with the magnetic field source and the magnetizable particles, and the magnetic field strength is indicative of a tire tread depth. Alternatively, the particles comprise alternating permanent magnets embedded in a tread portion of a tire. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090080703 | OPTICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING TIRE CHARACTERISTICS - The invention is related to systems and methods for optically measuring conditions and characteristics related to vehicle tires. In one embodiment, a tire monitoring system comprises a grid, a camera, and a processor. The grid can be configured to deform in conjunction with a deformation of the tire. The camera can be mounted optically proximate the grid and configured to acquire an image of the grid. The processor can be in communication with the camera and configured detect the deformation of the tire from the image. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090160461 | CAPACITIVE SENSOR AND MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A system includes a capacitive sensor including a first electrode and a second electrode. The system includes a measurement system configured to sense a capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode and apply a first offset to the sensed capacitance to provide an offset compensated capacitance. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090190283 | PREDICTIVE PHASE LOCKED LOOP SYSTEM - A phase locked loop (PLL) circuit includes a first signal detector having a first input terminal configured to receive a varying first input signal, a second input terminal configured to receive a feedback signal that corresponds to the center of the input frequency, and an output terminal configured to provide an output signal corresponding to a phase difference between the first input and feedback signals. A delay estimator has an input terminal configured to receive the output signal from the first phase detector and in response thereto, output a phase difference estimation signal. A variable delay circuit has an input terminal configured to receive the phase difference estimation signal and in response thereto, phase shift the second input signal. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090243633 | Capacitance Sensor - A capacitance sensor, having at least one electrode is disclosed. A frequency spread signal generation circuit is coupled to the at least one electrode to apply a frequency spread signal based on a spread sequence. A periodic signal with a frequency is coupled to the at least one electrode. A frequency controller is coupled to the frequency spread signal generation circuit to vary the frequency of the periodic signal. A receiver circuit is coupled to the at least one or a further electrode to receive a version of the frequency spread signal which depends on a capacitance applied to the at least one electrode. An evaluation circuit is coupled to the receiver circuit to determine a capacitance value based on the received, dependent version of the frequency spread signal. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090273341 | SYSTEM INCLUDING SIGNAL OFFSET ESTIMATION - A system includes a first circuit configured to convert a first analog signal to a first digital signal. The system includes a second circuit configured to determine an area of the first digital signal above a set value and an area of the first digital signal below the set value to provide a second digital signal indicating an offset of the first analog signal. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090290053 | PREDICTIVE SENSOR READOUT - A predictive sensor readout is suitable for coupling to a sensor. The predictive sensor readout includes a sampling circuit, a predictor, and a preset circuit. The sampling circuit is configured to receive and over-sample previously digitized samples of signals previously input from the sensor. The predictor is coupled to the sampling circuit and is configured to receive the over-sampled digitized samples into a signal history and to generate a predicted input from the sensor based on the signal history. The preset circuit is coupled to the predictor and the sampling circuit and is configured to present the sampling circuit to receive the predicted input from the sensor prior to sampling an actual input from the sensor. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090309621 | IDDQ TESTING - Embodiments of the invention relate to device-embedded IDDQ testing in the field to detect defects, aging, and other reliability reducing problems. Methods of testing integrated circuits and integrated circuit devices are disclosed. For example, an integrated circuit device can comprise an integrated circuit, a buffer capacitor coupled to the integrated circuit; and IDDQ test circuitry coupled to the buffer capacitor and configured to suspend normal operation of the integrated circuit and measure a discharge time of the buffer capacitor, wherein the discharge time is related to a leakage current of the integrated circuit. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090326859 | PREDICTIVE ANGULAR SENSOR READOUT - A sensor readout includes a selector circuit, a predictor circuit, and a select controller. The selector circuit receives a plurality of actual sensor inputs. Each actual sensor input is provided to the selector circuit along a corresponding channel. The selector circuit also passes a selected sensor input. The predictor circuit receives the selected sensor input into a signal history and generates predicted sensor inputs. The select controller receives the predicted sensor inputs, determines which of the predicted sensor inputs is most changed from the actual sensor inputs as the most changed input, and directs the selector circuit to pass a next signal on a the channel having the most changed input. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090326860 | ROTATION SENSING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A sensing system and method. A coded wheel is configured to generate a signal that varies with rotation of the coded wheel. A sensor is configured to sense the varying signal and output a corresponding signal. A correction module is configured to receive the signal output by the sensor and compare the received signal to a stored signal and detect a defect in the coded wheel in response to the comparison. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100002821 | CLOCK DETERMINATION FOR A SENSOR - A method for determining a clock for a sensor signal which has a synchronization signal, which method involves a control unit measuring the period between a first edge and a second edge of the synchronization signal, wherein both edges are either rising or falling, and the control unit taking the period as a basis for determining a clock for sampling data in the sensor signal. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100024538 | TIRE FOOTPRINT DETERMINATION APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In one embodiment, a method comprises sampling a sensor during rotation, determining a percentage of samples within a target range, and calculating a circumferential portion of the rotation associated with the percentage of samples. In other embodiments, additional systems and methods and disclosed. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100050731 | ANGLE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - An angular position measurement system including a continuous angular position sensor configured to provide a first signal representative of a continuous angular position of a rotating shaft, an incremental angular position sensor configured to provide a second signal representative of incremental angular positions of the rotating shaft, and a controller configured to calibrate the first signal based on the second signal to provide a third signal representative of a calibrated continuous angular position of the rotating shaft. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100054305 | SYSTEM INCLUDING CAPACITIVELY COUPLED ELECTRODES AND CIRCUITS IN A NETWORK - A system including a first electrode, a second electrode, a first circuit and a second circuit. The second electrode is capacitively coupled to the first electrode. The first circuit is configured to receive data via a network and transmit a signal via the first electrode based on the data. The second circuit is configured to receive data via the network and receive a current that corresponds to the signal via the second electrode based on the data. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100060263 | OFF-CENTER ANGLE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - An angle measurement system including a magnet coupled to a rotating member and adapted to provide a magnetic field which rotates with the rotating member about a rotational axis of the rotating member, and an integrated circuit angle sensor disposed within the magnetic field at a radially off-center position from the rotational axis. The integrated circuit angle sensor includes first and second bridges of magneto resistive elements configured to respectively provide first and second signals representative of substantially orthogonal first and second directional components of the magnetic field and together representative of an angular position of the rotating member, and a set of adjustment parameters for adjusting attributes of the first and second signals having values selected to minimize errors in the first and second signals. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100060471 | CAPACITIVE DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The invention is related to capacitive detection systems and methods. In one embodiment, a capacitive detection system comprises a first transmitter electrode and a first receiver electrode disposed in a first seat and configured to form a first capacitor, and a second transmitter electrode disposed in a second seat and configured with the first receiver electrode to form a second capacitor. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100072988 | SYSTEM THAT OBTAINS A SWITCHING POINT WITH THE ENCODER IN A STATIC POSITION - A system including an encoder, multiple sensing elements and control logic. The encoder has a pole pitch and is configured to rotate in a direction of rotation. The multiple sensing elements are situated along the direction of rotation and span at least half the length of the pole pitch. The control logic is configured to receive signals from the multiple sensing elements based on the encoder in a static position and obtain a switching point based on the signals. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100079269 | CAPACITIVE DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The invention is related to capacitive sensing and detection systems and methods. In one embodiment, a capacitive sensor system comprises a first electrode arrangement having a first characteristic and related to a first capacitance, a second electrode arrangement having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic and related to a second capacitance, and a control unit coupled to the first and second electrode arrangements and configured to identify an object-dependent variable from at least one of the first and second characteristics and first and second capacitances. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100079283 | CAPACITIVE DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The invention is related to capacitive sensing and detection systems and methods. In one embodiment, a capacitive sensor system comprises a first electrode and a second electrode forming a first capacitive sensor mounted to a vehicle and configured to create a first electric field directed outward from the vehicle, and a control unit coupled to the first and second electrodes and configured to measure a change in the first electric field. In another embodiment, a method comprises capacitively sensing an object relative to a vehicle and communicating information related to the object. In yet another embodiment, a method comprises configuring a capacitive sensor to sense an object relative to a vehicle, and providing a path to communicate information from the capacitive sensor. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100117845 | Method and Device for Sensing a Body - In an embodiment of the present invention, a method for sensing a body is disclosed. The method includes measuring an impedance of a body occupying a seat over a plurality of frequencies and comparing the measured impedance of the body with a predefined body model. The method also includes determining whether the predefined body model corresponds to the measured impedance of the body. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100118447 | MAGNETIC SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A sensor system includes a first magnetoresisitive sensor resistor including a pinned magnetic layer having a fixed orientation in a reference magnetization direction. The first sensor resistor is configured such that its resistance changes in response to an angle defined between the reference magnetization direction and a magnetic field. A plurality of second magnetoresisitive sensor resistors are configured to provide a differential signal. Each of the second sensor resistors includes a pinned magnetic layer having a fixed orientation in the reference magnetization direction. Another sensor system includes a first magnetoresisitive sensor resistor having a length axis oriented by 90°+an angle Φ, where Φ<90° relative to a reference magnetization axis. A second magnetoresisitive sensor resistor has a length axis oriented by 90°−Φ relative to the reference magnetization axis. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100145580 | CAPACITIVE OBJECT RECOGNITION USING ADJUSTABLE ELECTRODE - A system for capacitive object recognition including a pair of electrodes, one of the electrodes having an adjustable parameter, and a controller modeling current pathways formed by interaction of an object with an electric field between the pair electrodes as a network of capacitors. The controller is configured to set the adjustable parameter to a first setting and to apply a set of alternating current voltages to the pair electrodes and measure a resulting first set of current values at each of the electrodes, configured to set the adjustable parameter to a second setting and apply the set of alternating current voltages to the pair of electrodes and measure a resulting second set of current values at each of the electrodes, and configured to determine values for up to all capacitors of the network of capacitors based on the first and second sets of current values. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100180687 | PRESSURE SENSOR INCLUDING SWITCHABLE SENSOR ELEMENTS - A semiconductor device includes a first sensor element in a first branch of a Wheatstone bridge and a second sensor element in a second branch of the Wheatstone bridge. The semiconductor device includes a first reference element in the first branch and a second reference element in the second branch. The semiconductor device includes a circuit configured to switch the first sensor element to the second branch and the second sensor element to the first branch. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100192694 | PRESSURE SENSOR INCLUDING THERMAL SELFTEST - A semiconductor device includes a diaphragm, a sensing element, and a circuit. The sensing element is configured to sense deflection of the diaphragm. The circuit is configured to heat the diaphragm to induce deflection of the diaphragm. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100194193 | SYSTEM WHERE THE NUMBER OF CONDUCTORS IS EQUAL TO OR ONE MORE THAN THE NUMBER OF SENSORS - A system including circuits, conductors and sensors. The circuits are configured to supply voltages. The conductors are configured to receive the supply voltages and the sensors are configured to provide data. Each of the sensors is configured to receive the supply voltages via a different set of two of the conductors and provide data via the different set of two of the conductors. The number of conductors is equal to the numbers of sensors or one more than the number of sensors. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100194384 | SYSTEM INCLUDING CIRCUIT THAT DETERMINES CALIBRATION VALUES - A system including magnetic sensing elements and a circuit. The magnetic sensing elements are configured to sense a magnetic field that is generated via a current and to provide signals that correspond to the magnetic field. The circuit is configured to determine calibration values based on the signals and measure the current based on the signals. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20110110011 | Clock-Pulsed Safety Switch - Embodiments related to operating a high-side switch in a safety-related application are described and depicted. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110146410 | PRESSURE SENSOR INCLUDING SWITCHABLE SENSOR ELEMENTS - A semiconductor device includes a first sensor element in a first branch of a Wheatstone bridge and a second sensor element in a second branch of the Wheatstone bridge. The semiconductor device includes a first reference element in the first branch and a second reference element in the second branch. The semiconductor device includes a circuit configured to switch the first sensor element to the second branch and the second sensor element to the first branch. | 06-23-2011 |
