18th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 20 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090108776 | CIRCUIT FOR PROVIDING AN APPROXIMATELY CONSTANT RESISTANCE AND/OR CURRENT AND METHOD THEREFOR - A circuit can provide an approximately constant resistance value that is virtually independent of process and temperature variations. A current control circuit may use a device that tracks the changes in a corresponding device over process and temperature variations. As a result, the behavior of device may be used to help determine the control information provided to device in order to maintain an approximately constant resistance Rm over process and temperature variations. The approximately constant resistance Rm may be used to provide an approximately constant current I | 2009-04-30 |
20090108777 | Devices and systems that deliver nitric oxide - The present disclosure relates to dressings, such as patches and bandages, and other devices and systems that deliver nitric oxide. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108778 | Mobile machine with one or more electric propulsion motors - A mobile machine may include one or more generator units, a plurality of electric propulsion motors, and a power-transfer system operable to transfer electricity from one or more of the generator units to one or more of the electric propulsion motors. The mobile machine may also include power-system controls that control the connection of the one or more electric propulsion motors to the power-transfer system. The power-system controls may selectively use a first motor-connection strategy for controlling when one or more groups of the electric propulsion motors are connected to the power-transfer system in series, and the power-system controls may selectively use a second motor-connection strategy for controlling when one or more groups of the electric propulsion motors are connected to the power-transfer system in series. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108779 | CONTROL UNIT OF SHAPE MEMORY ELEMENT ACTUATOR AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SHAPE MEMORY ELEMENT ACTUATOR - At the time of start of usage, a voltage to be applied to a shape memory alloy wire | 2009-04-30 |
20090108780 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A POWER INVERTER IN ELECTRIC DRIVES - Methods and systems for controlling a power inverter in an electric drive system of an automobile are provided. The various embodiments control the power inverter by, responsive to a commanded torque of the electric motor being below a first torque level, controlling the power inverter to set a switching frequency of the power inverter at a first set frequency; and, responsive to the commanded torque of the electric motor being between the first torque level and a second torque level, controlling the power inverter to determine the switching frequency of the power inverter as a function of the commanded torque of the electric motor while maintaining the switching frequency above a dynamic frequency limit. The method reduces switching frequencies in the inverter at high commanded torques, while maintaining the switching frequencies above dynamic frequency limit that provides effective control over the motor. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108781 | MOTOR DRIVING APPARATUS, BRUSHLESS MOTOR, AND METHOD FOR DRIVING THE SAME - A motor driving apparatus has first, second, and third positive-side driving transistors having drains which are supplied with a power supply voltage, first, second, and third negative-side driving transistors having sources which are grounded and drains which are connected to sources of the first, second, and third positive-side driving transistors, respectively, a power supply monitoring circuit which monitors the power supply voltage and outputs a driving mode switching signal which has a first value if the power supply voltage is not less than a predetermined value and has a second value if the power supply voltage is less than the predetermined value, and an output PWM control section which switches a mode of driving from synchronous rectification PWM driving to one-way PWM driving on the basis of a change of the driving mode switching signal from the second value to the first value. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108782 | Brushless Multiphase Self-Commutation Control (or BMSCC) And Related Inventions - Brushless Multiphase Self-Commutation Control (or BMSCC), also known as Real Time Emulation Control (or RTLC), is a contact-less means for powering any electric apparatus with “conditioned” or “re-fabricated” multiphase electrical excitation that is synchronized to the movement of the electric apparatus. BMSCC inherently phase-locks the frequency of excitation to any speed or position of the electric apparatus being controlled by a natural electromagnetic processing means and as a result, the BMSCC is an Electromagnetic Self-Commutator. BMSCC should never be confused with any derivative of Field Oriented Control, which is the other means of conditioning speed-synchronized electrical excitation by iteratively performing “speed-variant-to-speed-invariant” transformations and frequency synthesis by the unnatural processing means of an electronic computer. The control flexibility of BMSCC realizes additional synergistic or complementary electric apparatus inventions as shown in the illustration. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108783 | Rotor orientation detection in brushless DC motors - In order to determine the orientation of the rotor of a brushless DC motor | 2009-04-30 |
20090108784 | Motor Control Apparatus and Motor System - In a motor control apparatus, apparatus all switching devices of all phases of an inverter are kept fixed at OFF in accordance with a value of an all-OFF control pulse signal Poff outputted by a pulse generator. The pulse generator generates at least twice a pulse causing an induced voltage detection signal Pdet to change to an H level. A terminal voltage of a motor is inputted in accordance with the value of the induced voltage detection signal Pdet. Data of the sampling round in which amplitude of the induced voltage signal is great and the signal is not in saturation is selected from the data so inputted and a rotor position is estimated. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108785 | AC-INPUT TYPE BRUSHLESS DC MOTOR AND ELECTRIC APPLIANCE MOUNTING THE SAME - In an AC-input type brushless DC motor, a current control circuit controls an average current of an inverter circuit, a current indication circuit makes addition or subtraction, with respect to a reference current value, to the average current to be supplied to the inverter circuit such that the average current falls into a correlation indicated by a correlation indication circuit. The foregoing structure allows setting speed-torque characteristics of the brushless DC motor such that the torque increases at a higher rpm of the motor. The characteristics are good for driving a fan. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108786 | Motor protection device and method - A motor protection device includes a detection unit for detecting an operating state of a motor and outputting a detection signal; a reference unit for generating a variable reference signal; a discriminating unit for comparing the detection signal with the variable reference signal to discriminate whether the motor is in an abnormal condition; and a protection unit that receives a result of discrimination from the discriminating unit and limits a driving current for the motor when the motor is in an abnormal condition. The motor protection device is characterized in that the reference unit adjusts the variable reference signal according to a motor rotation detection signal, so that the motor rotation detection signal and the detection signal are used synchronously in discriminating whether the motor is in an abnormal condition, and the motor in an abnormal condition may be doubly protected. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108787 | MOTOR DRIVING SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a motor driving system. The motor driving system includes a motor, a transmission member, a follower member, a position-detecting light emitter, a position-detecting light receiver, and a positioning-status sensing element. The positioning-status sensing element includes a plurality of notches or openings. The positioning-status sensing element is moved between the position-detecting light emitter and the position-detecting light receiver such that a light beam emitted from the position-detecting light emitter is successively penetrated through the notches or openings to be received by the position-detecting light receiver. According to the light-receiving status of the position-detecting light receiver, the speed of the motor is reduced. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108788 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING WINDSHIELD WIPERS - Methods and systems for operating a wiper for removing material impacting a surface of a vehicle are provided. An event indicating that the material has stopped impacting the surface of the vehicle is detected. A first number of wipe cycles are performed with the wiper if movement of the wiper between the detecting of the event and the wiper being moved into a predetermined position is less than a predetermined portion of a wipe cycle of the wiper. A second number of wipe cycles are performed with the wiper if movement of the wiper between the detecting of the event and the wiper being moved into the predetermined position is not less than a predetermined portion of the wipe cycle of the wiper. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108789 | Programmable Motor Drive - A system comprises host logic and a programmable motor drive coupled to the host logic and configured to drive a motor. The programmable motor drive comprises a plurality of H-bridge circuits and the programmable motor drive is programmable to cause any two or more H-bridge circuits to be operated in parallel. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108790 | Control structure of an electric fan - An electric fan includes a motor driving circuit, a controller, and a stepless speed-change device; the motor driving circuit is electrically connected to a blades-driving motor of an electric fan as well as a power circuit; the controller is electrically connected to the motor driving circuit while the stepless speed-change device is electrically connected to the controller therefore the rotational speed of the blades-driving motor of the electric fan can be adjusted in a stepless manner. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108791 | MOTOR CONTROL APPARATUS - At an initial drive operation after turning on of an electric power source, an ECU sequentially changes each current exciting phase among multiple phases through one complete cycle at a predetermined time schedule, so that a rotational position of a rotor and the corresponding exciting phase coincide with each other at some timing during the initial drive operation, and thereby the rotor is rotated. The ECU counts the A-phase signal and the B-phase signal during the rotation of the rotor in the initial drive operation and learns a relationship among a count value of the A-phase signal and the B-phase signal, a rotational position of the rotor and each exciting one of the plurality of phases at an end of the initial drive operation. When the ECU determines that a result of the learning is erroneous, the ECU re-executes the learning by re-executing the initial drive operation. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108792 | Method And System For Eliminating External Piercing In NC Cutting Of Nested Parts - This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and thence to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108793 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A HOLDING FORCE AGAINST, AND LIMITING IMPACT WITH TRAVEL LIMIT POSITIONS - An actuator includes a motor operated by a controller through a pulse width modulation drive signal applied to a drive circuit that drives the motor. The actuator has an output shaft connected to a coupling structure for manipulating a device such as a variable geometry turbine (VGT) or an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. The device has a range of motion limited by first and second mechanical stops located at opposing low and high ends of the range. The controller learns the location of the mechanical stops during calibration. An external control unit transmits a desired position to the actuator. A protocol allows the external control unit to implicitly request a positioning mode by virtue of what value range the desired position falls into. The controller is configured to limit the drive signal to a non-harmful level when one of the positioning modes calls for pushing the device against one of the stops. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108794 | Control Device and Corresponding Control Method for a Boost Converter in a Motor Drive System - A boost converter boosts a DC voltage of a DC power supply. An inverter converts the output voltage of the boost converter into an AC voltage. An AC motor is driven by the output voltage of the inverter. A control device which controls the boost converter reduces an output voltage instruction value of the boost converter in the case where the rotation speed of the AC motor is decreased and an absolute value of a variation rate of the rotation speed is not less than a predetermined value. The inverter is controlled in the control mode selected from a plurality of control modes including three modes of a sine wave PWM control mode, an overmodulation PWM control mode and a rectangular wave control mode. The control device of the boost converter reduces the output voltage instruction value of the boost converter only in the case where the control mode of the inverter is the rectangular wave control mode or the overmodulation control mode. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108795 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STARTING AND STOPPING AN AC INDUCTION MOTOR - An apparatus ( | 2009-04-30 |
20090108796 | Starting Control Apparatus and Method for Motor - An apparatus and method for controlling starting of a motor are disclosed. An exciting coil of a motor is excited by using a controller of an electronic refrigerator without having an extra excitation control circuit, to thereby simplify a component construction for controlling exciting of the motor and thus reduce complexity. The present invention includes: a main coil and an auxiliary coil (sub-coil); an exciting coil that generates an excitation current; a refrigerator control unit that outputs a control signal for controlling an application time of the excitation current when started; and a switch unit electrically connected with the exciting coil and supplying power to the exciting coil according to the control signal outputted from the refrigerator control unit. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108797 | METHOD FOR DRIVING AN ASYNCHRONOUS MOTOR AND PUMP ARRANGEMENT WITH ASYNCHRONOUS MOTOR - A method for driving an asynchronous motor operated at an adjustable three-phase frequency to a predetermined target rotational speed is disclosed. For controlling the asynchronous motor in an operating range around its breakdown point a current rotational speed of the asynchronous motor is determined at predetermined intervals and the three-phase frequency is adjusted stepwise such that the current rotational speed lies within a predetermined maximum rotational speed deviation of an updated three-phase frequency. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108798 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING PULSE WIDTH MODULATION IN A POWER INVERTER IN ELECTRIC DRIVES - Methods and systems for controlling a power inverter in an electric drive system of an automobile are provided. The various embodiments control the power inverter by, responsive to either a commanded torque of the electric motor being above a first torque level, or a commanded speed of the electric motor being above a first speed level, controlling the power inverter with a discontinuous pulse width modulated (DPWM) signal to generate a modulated voltage waveform for driving the electric motor. Additionally, the embodiments control the power inverter by, responsive to both a commanded torque of the electric motor being below the first torque level, and a commanded speed of the electric motor being below the first speed level, controlling the power inverter with a continuous pulse width modulated (CPWM) signal to generate the modulated voltage waveform for driving the electric motor. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108799 | DRIVING DEVICE AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT MODULE - A driving device for driving a load and including a secondary cell, a fuel cell, and an energy management module. The energy management module is coupled to the secondary cell and the fuel cell and generates a first current or a second current to the load according to the voltage of the fuel cell. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108800 | CASE BATTERY - A case battery for a personal digital assistant is provided. The case battery includes a holding portion and a charging portion. The holding portion holds the personal digital assistant detachably. The charging portion is disposed in the holding portion and configured to be electrically connected to the power input. The charging portion extends the usage time of the personal digital assistant. The charging portion includes an electrical power acceptor configured to accept electrical power from outside. The charging portion may further include a secondary battery, and the electrical power acceptor is configured to charge the secondary battery using an external electrical power source. The charging portion may include a primary battery and a receptacle configured to accept the primary battery. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108801 | Device integrated headset charger and holder - A device integrated charger and holder for wireless headsets are provided in the illustrative embodiments. An electronic device integrated holder and charger includes a first holder built into the electronic device to hold an object. A second holder is built into a wireless headset to couple to the first holder. A first set of contacts is accessible from the first holder and is configured to provide electrical power. A second set of contacts is accessible from the second holder and configured to receive electrical power from the first set of contacts when the second holder is coupled to the first holder. A method for holding and charging a device includes fastening a wireless headset to an electronic device, providing electrical power from the device to the wireless headset, and charging a power source in the wireless headset using the electrical power. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108802 | Portable power supply module with automatic winding mechanism - A portable power supply module with winding mechanism is disclosed, which includes a shell body, a battery room formed at the shell body for accommodating at least one battery, a connection line, a pulling compartment in the shell body for accommodation of the connection line and a winding mechanism located in the pulling compartment. At least one set of conductive contact plates are provided and are connected to a circuit board to a supply power from the battery. A first end of the connection line is connected to the circuit board and a second end of the connection line is connected to an output connector. When the connection line is pulled and the winding mechanism slides forward to extend the connection line. When the portable power supply module is not in use, the winding mechanism pulls and retracts the connection body in the shell body. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108803 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JUMP ASSIST OF HYBRID VEHICLES - The present disclosure is a system and method for charging a high voltage battery of a hybrid automotive vehicle which contemporaneously provides a user with a visual display of diagnostic hybrid system information, including but not limited to, battery data and state of charge data through a user interface located internal a cabin of the vehicle. In other exemplary embodiments, the user interface is operable for providing the visual display while also providing access to other features of the vehicle to the user. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108804 | Charging Device - A charging device has a charging unit and a control unit. The charging unit charges a battery pack the battery pack being either a first type or a second type of battery pack. The first type of battery pack includes a single battery cell or a first plurality of battery cells connected in series. The second type of battery pack includes a single battery unit or a second plurality of battery units connected in series. Each battery unit includes at least two battery cells connected in parallel. The control unit controls the charging unit to control at least one of a charging current flowing through the battery pack and a charging voltage applied across the battery pack, depending on the battery pack to be charged. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108805 | LOCALIZED CHARGING, LOAD IDENTIFICATION AND BI-DIRECTIONAL COMMUNICATION METHODS FOR A PLANAR INDUCTIVE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM - Methods and principles are described for systematizing localized charging, load identification and bi-directional communication in a planar battery charging system. Also described is control circuitry for selectively energizing a primary winding when a load is placed on the platform. The optimization of the size of the receiver winding compared to the transmitter winding is discussed, while the associated communication methods include techniques for load identification, compatibility checks, hand-shaking and communication of charging status. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108806 | ADAPTOR, ASSEMBLY OF BATTERY PACK AND ADAPTOR, AND ELECTRIC TOOL WITH THE SAME - When a battery pack having an output voltage of 14.4 V that is connectable to an electric tool in a sliding manner is used as a power supply source for the electric tool that is connectable to a battery pack in an insertion manner and has a rated voltage of 12 V, the electric tool and the battery pack are connected to each other with an adaptor interposed therebetween. The adaptor has an FET that is switched at a predetermined duty of a predetermined frequency. The battery pack and the electric tool are connected or disconnected to or from each other by the switching operation, thereby dropping the output voltage of the battery pack. The voltage from the battery pack is detected. When the detected voltage is out of a predetermined value range, it is judged that the overcurrent or overdischarge has occurred. Then, the FET is turned off to stop the electric tool. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108807 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR UBIQUITOUS CHARGING - A device is provided that includes a battery, a positive node and a negative node and logic configured to send a first signal through the positive node into a charging surface; send a second signal through the negative node into the charging surface; receive current from the charging surface in response to the first and second signals; and charging the battery with the received current from the charging surface. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108808 | Battery Protection Mechanism - The present invention teaches methods and systems for detecting internal battery abnormalities during charging and discharging states. The embodiments of the invention includes a circuit for determining charging and/or discharging state of the battery, a circuit for sampling the battery voltage at sequential time points, a circuit for measuring the decline of the voltage, a counter for counting T | 2009-04-30 |
20090108809 | CHARGING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE CONTROLLED BY AUDIO OUTPUT - A charging system and method for an electronic device controlled by audio output are used for controlling an external charging power supply to charge the electronic device. An electric quantity detection software runs on the electronic device, for detecting an electric quantity of the electronic device and generating audio signals indicating a message of performing a charging operation or a message of stopping the charging operation. An audio output interface is disposed on the electronic device for outputting the audio signals. A decoding device is connected to the audio output interface for receiving the audio signal and controlling the external charging power supply to perform the charging operation or to stop the charging operation on the electronic device. The charging system and method for the electronic device can effectively control the electric quantity of the electronic device, without requiring any charging control circuits. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108810 | BATTERY CHARGING BASED ON BATTERY CAPACITY - A method comprises dynamically updating a register in a battery pack to include a value that is indicative of a present capacity of the battery pack. The method also comprises reading the value from the register and setting a charge current level to charge the battery pack based on the value read from the register. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108811 | CHARGE EVALUATING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MOBILE PHONE - A charge evaluating method for a mobile phone is provided. The method includes calculating a final charge value A of a mobile phone battery when charging is complete according to a charge value prior to the battery being charged by the battery charger, a charge current value, a power dissipation value and a charging time. The method further includes converting the final voltage value to a final charge value B of the mobile phone battery, and displaying the final charge value A if the final charge value B is more than the final charge value A. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108812 | Contact module for rechargeable battery, mobile electronic device having the same contact module and method of preventing rechargeable battery from exploding using the same contact module - A mobile electronic device having a contact module and a method of preventing a rechargeable battery from exploding using a contact module. The contact module includes a contact module body disposed inside a mobile electronic device; a plurality of contact terminals elastically fitted to the contact module body to be electrically connected to contact terminals of the rechargeable battery; and a temperature sensor module disposed on one side of the contact module to detect a temperature of the rechargeable battery. The contact module is embodied by setting contact terminals and a temperature sensor module into one unitary module, and can correctly measure the temperature of the rechargeable battery to effectively prevent the rechargeable battery from exploding when the battery is being charged. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108813 | Portable electronic device with chargeable circuit - The present invention relates to a portable electronic device with chargeable circuit, which comprises: a micro controller; a timer unit coupled to the micro controller; an input button coupled to the micro controller; a voltage converter coupled to the micro controller and input button; and an output interface coupled to the output of the voltage converter. Whereby, when the input button is pressed, the voltage converter will be activated and then supply power to the microcontroller. Afterwards, the microcontroller will activate the timer unit and the voltage controller for outputting power to the output interface in order to charge an electronic product. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108814 | Battery Switch Sensor - The invention relates to a battery switch for use in a multi-battery vehicle to selectively connect or isolate batteries from each other. It includes a detector to monitor the voltage of at least a first battery to detect consistently present transient voltages and on detection of such voltages to connect or maintain connected the battery to at least a second battery. The detector monitors the continuance of transient voltages and additionally monitors the voltage of at least the first and second battery, and isolates the batteries from each other where the voltage of either battery falls below a specified voltage despite the detection of transient voltages at the first battery. The invention also relates to a method of initiating the interconnection or disconnection of at least two batteries on a single vehicle, and to a method of detecting the existence of a charging supply on a supply line to an open battery isolating switch. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108815 | Energy Capture Circuit - An energy capture circuit for capturing energy in response to an input pulse. The circuit is constructed and arranged to transfer input energy in time divided portions among subcircuits. This includes a storage means, a clock means, at least two subcircuits, and at least one transfer circuit. Each subcircuit includes a first inductive means in operative communication with the input source, a rectifying means for producing a positive current in operative communication with the first inductive means, a capacitive means in operative communication with the rectifying means, and a switch means in operative communication with the capacitive means. At least one transfer circuit is in operative communication with each of the switch means of the at least two subcircuits. The output of the clock means is in operative communication with both a first switch means and an inverter means, the inverter means having an output in operative communication with a second switch means. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108816 | OUTPUT CONTROL APPARATUS OF GENERATOR - Output waveform of the generator is improved through stabilization of field current by removing flywheel diode used to be required for automatic voltage regulator. Output electric current of excitation winding | 2009-04-30 |
20090108817 | Method for actuation by boosting power source voltage - A method for actuation by boosting power source voltage includes: determining an overclocking range of an electronic device, setting a duty frequency of the electronic device, detecting actuation conditions of the electronic device, and switching actuation power value. First, get the upper limit of the duty frequency of the electronic device to determine the overclocking range of the electronic device; then determine the duty frequency of the electronic device after actuated, detect the electronic device to get an actuation power from a power source and determine whether the electronic device is started properly. If the electronic device is not started properly, alter the voltage of the actuation power, and determine again the actuation condition of the electronic device. By means of the aforesaid procedure the actuation power voltage value input to the electronic device can be regulated to actuate the electronic device. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108818 | SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT - According to the present invention, an auxiliary power supply | 2009-04-30 |
20090108819 | Method for controlling start time series by stages - A method for controlling start time series by stages adopted for use on a power supply consisting of a main power system and a standby power system. The power supply includes an energy storage unit to store a judgment power. The method mainly includes: setting a start voltage, setting a boosted voltage, getting a judgment power voltage and detecting whether the judgment power has reached the start voltage or the boosted voltage, and alternately starting the standby power system and the main power system. Thus the main power system and the standby power system are started at different time series. In terms of the energy storage unit the load increases by stages. Therefore the energy storage unit can be charged to increase the judgment power voltage and increase loading by stages. As a result, inrush current also rises by stages and can be harnessed as desired. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108820 | Topology for a positive buck-boost switching regulator - A new topology for a buck-boost switching regulator is provided herein. Embodiments provide an efficient buck-boost switching regulator that provides a regulated output voltage from an unregulated input voltage. Embodiments include a buck-boost switching regulator topology, where the operating mode is determined separately from the pulse-width modulated (PWM) control signal. This topology, in one embodiment, provides a better transient response than typical buck-boost switching regulator topologies, where PWM control circuitry and operating mode circuitry are combined. Furthermore, embodiments provide a buck-boost switching regulator that allows for high efficiency when the output voltage is close to the input voltage. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108821 | MULTI-PHASE VOLTAGE REGULATION MODULE - A voltage regulator module that includes components for a multi-phase converter, the converter including a plurality of power stage elements on one circuit board, a control element, driver elements, and elements for the output stages of the power stage elements on another circuit board. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108822 | POWER SUPPLY UNIT AND PORTABLE DEVICE - A power supply unit is adapted to automatically switch its operational mode between a light load mode and a heavy load mode depending on the level of its output current. The unit has a first error amplification circuit for controlling a first output circuit in the heavy load mode, and a second error amplification circuit for controlling the second output circuit in the light load mode. The first and the second output circuits are controllably enabled and disabled in the opposite manner based on the level of the output current. Thus, the unit can operate on a reduced consumption current with an improved transient response when operating in the light load mode. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108823 | CONTROL CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING HIGH EFFICIENCY IN SWITCHING REGULATOR - A high efficiency control circuit for operating a switching regulator is provided. The switching regulator can regulate an output voltage no matter the input voltage is higher, lower, or close to the output voltage. The switching regulator has first, second, third and fourth switches. The control circuit can operate the switching regulator in buck mode, boost mode, or buck-boost mode. In a buck-boost mode, the control logic drives the four switches in an efficiency sequence for reducing energy consumption during the switch transition, on the other side, resistive loss owing to the energy transfer phase is also minimized. Furthermore, the invention is capable of control duty cycle limitation to fit the consideration of the linearity of the converter. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108824 | POWER SUPPLY CONTROLLER AND METHOD THEREFOR - In one embodiment, a PWM controller uses the input power of a power system to regulate a duty cycle of a switching PWM signal. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108825 | CHARGING CIRCUIT FOR A VEHICLE CHARGER - A charging circuit for a vehicle charger includes a front high-voltage protective circuit, a rear high-voltage protective circuit, a first filtering circuit, an over-voltage protective circuit, a high frequency step-down switching regulator, a second filtering circuit, a frequency modulation circuit, a reference voltage input circuit, a sampling circuit, a short-circuit protective circuit and two charging interfaces. The front high-voltage protective circuit connects to a vehicle DC power, the first filtering circuit connects the front high-voltage protective circuit to the switching regulator, the second filtering circuit connects to an output point of the switching regulator to the rear high-voltage protection circuit, the frequency modulation circuit connects to a second input point of the switching regulator, the third input point of the switching regulator connects to the reference voltage input circuit, the short-circuit protective circuit connects the second filtering circuit to the fourth input point of the switching regulator, the sampling circuit connects the second filtering circuit to the fifth input point of the switching regulator, the rear high-voltage protection circuit connects to the two charging interfaces. For the unique design, the charging circuit for a vehicle charger has a short-circuit protective function and provides two charging interfaces. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108826 | MODULATOR WITH LINEAR PERIOD STRETCHING CAPABILITY - A modulator for use with a voltage regulator includes an input for receiving an input voltage, an output for providing a periodic triangular wave form and at least one input for receiving an indication that the voltage regulator is in a discontinuous current mode of operation. The circuitry within the modulator generates the periodic triangular wave form responsive to the input voltage and the indication that the voltage regulator is in the discontinuous current mode of operation. The circuitry further continuously increases a period of the periodic triangular wave form responsive to a decreased load in a discontinuous current mode of operation of the voltage regulator. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108827 | UNDER VOLTAGE LOCK OUT CIRCUIT AND METHOD - An under voltage lock out circuit which monitors an input voltage and executes a predetermined sequence when the input voltage satisfies a predetermined condition may include a voltage comparison unit which compares the input voltage and a predetermined threshold voltage, and outputs a comparison signal; a logic circuit which receives the comparison signal output from the voltage comparison unit and a start-up signal instructing start-up of an equipment mounted with the under voltage lock out circuit, and asserts a sequence control signal when start-up is instructed by the start-up signal in a state the input voltage is higher than the threshold voltage; and a sequence circuit which executes a predetermined sequence when the sequence control signal is asserted, wherein the predetermined threshold voltage is switched according to the sequence control signal. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108828 | ADAPTIVE POWER SUPPLY - In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a power negotiator configured to receive a power request signal, determine if the request signal is acceptable, and transmit a signal based on the determination. The request signal comprises a requested power level. A switcher coupled to the power negotiator generates the requested power level if the request signal is acceptable. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108829 | CONTROL INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH COMBINED OUTPUT AND INPUT - A control circuit for a voltage converter including a power switch for providing power to a load in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a driver circuit operable to provide a first control signal to the power switch to turn the power switch on and off such that a desired voltage is provided to the load, an output terminal connected to the driver circuit and operable to connect the driver circuit to the power switch; and a controller operable to control the driver circuit. The output terminal operates as an input terminal to receive external data under predetermined conditions, and the controller controls the driver circuit based on the external data. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108830 | PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING SURFACE ANOMALIES - Processes and systems for detecting surface anomalies in components generally includes contacting a surface of the component with a detection apparatus, wherein the detection apparatus comprises at least one post, a wire extending from the post and a sensor in operative communication the wire; and sensing the surface anomaly as an increase in resistance of the wire across the surface. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108831 | FLOATING GATE FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTORS FOR CHEMICAL AND/OR BIOLOGICAL SENSING - Specific ionic interactions with a sensing material that is electrically coupled with the floating gate of a floating gate-based ion sensitive field effect transistor (FGISFET) may be used to sense a target material. For example, an FGISFET can use (e.g., previously demonstrated) ionic interaction-based sensing techniques with the floating gate of floating gate field effect transistors. The floating gate can serves as a probe and an interface to convert chemical and/or biological signals to electrical signals, which can be measured by monitoring the change in the device's threshold voltage, V | 2009-04-30 |
20090108832 | HIGH FREQUENCY POWER DETECTOR CIRCUIT AND RADIO COMMUNICATION DEVICE - First and second envelope detector circuits have, respectively, a resistance row, a capacitative element connected to the resistance row in parallel and a transistor connected between a connection point between the resistance row and the capacitative element and a predetermined voltage node. An output of a level shifter is supplied to a gate or a base of the transistor of the first envelope detector circuit. A predetermined voltage is supplied to a gate or a base of the transistor of the second envelope detector circuit. A detector detects an intermediate terminal voltage of the resistance row of the first envelope detector circuit with reference to a total voltage or an intermediate terminal voltage of the resistance row of the second envelope detector circuit. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108833 | ISOLATED CURRENT TO VOLTAGE, VOLTAGE TO VOLTAGE CONVERTER - A current sensor is provided that employs a primary winding that carries the current to be measured, and a secondary winding that controls the flux inside the magnetic core, provides a sample of the primary current, and also helps to control the flux at small primary currents and to saturate the transformer. An auxiliary winding is optionally used to control the flux in order to simplify control of the sensor. By periodically applying a certain voltage at the secondary winding, the transformer core is forced out of saturation, and a sample of the primary current is taken by a sensing circuit that may include a sample-and-hold circuit and an analog-to-digital converter. A control circuit is employed to control the currents flowing in the secondary winding and optional auxiliary winding and to manage the sensing circuit. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108834 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE NON-CONTACT MEASUREMENT OF A DISPLACEMENT OF COMPONENTS RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER - A method and device for non-contact measurement of relative displacement (path difference) between a first component ( | 2009-04-30 |
20090108835 | Concept for Generating a Magnetic Field in a Goal Area for Taking a Goal Decision - A device for generating a magnetic field in a goal area with at least two coils arranged in parallel to a goal area defined and bounded by a goal, wherein a first coil is attached in an area behind the goal and a second coil is attached closer to the goal than the first coil or identical to the goal, wherein the first coil and the second coil respectively have a coil impedance, wherein the coil impedance of the second coil is set so that a magnetic field of the second coil generated due to a magnetic field of the first coil reduces the magnetic field of the first coil at a location within the second coil by at least 20%. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108836 | Position Sensor - A position sensor comprises: a cosine coil and a sine coil as excitation coils which generate excitation signals; a detection coil which detects the excitation signal generated from the cosine coil and the sine coil; and a phase-difference detector serving as a converter that calculates a position of the detection coil based on the excitation signal detected by the detection coil. The cosine coil and the sine coil are plate-shaped conductors each including: a plurality of vertically bent segments which function as a coil; and connecting wire portions provided on both sides of the segments to connect the segments. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108837 | MAGNETIC AUDIO VOLUME CONTROL, CONNECTOR SYSTEM WITH MAGNETIC AUDIO VOLUME CONTROL, AND METHOD - Electronic equipment control of a parameter of electronic equipment includes magnetic encoder responsive to magnetic input to provide control output for electronic equipment, a connector member connects electrically with a further connector member; the magnetic encoder receives magnetic input representing relative motion between the further connector member and the connector member to provide such control output. The further connector member has an electrical terminal connectible with the connector member, a magnet positioned relative to the electrical terminal for movement therewith providing magnetic output representing such movement, and the magnet and magnetic encoder are in proximity for magnetic coupling to provide the magnetic encoder magnetic force representing relative movement of the connector member and further connector member. A method of adjusting a parameter of electronic equipment includes effecting relative movement between connected parts of an electrical connector, and using magnetic force representation of such relative movement adjusting such parameter. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108838 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING GEOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ANOMALY IN A TEST OBJECT AND MEASURING APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD - In a method for determining geometrical characteristics (d) of an anomaly ( | 2009-04-30 |
20090108839 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH STRESS SENSING ELEMENT - An integrated circuit includes a semiconductor die, and a stress sensing element. The stress sensing element comprises a first lateral resistor and a first vertical resistor. The stress sensing element is formed in the semiconductor die and is configured to indicate a level of at least one stress component within the semiconductor die. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108840 | Power Line Sensor - A wireless sensor system for detecting electrical power lines in proximity to equipment including a sensor element for detecting the presence of power lines; a transmitter element responsive which generates a wireless signal that conveys the sensed information; and a base station for receiving the wireless signal. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108841 | TWO-AXIS MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR - Disclosed is a small-sized two-axis magnetic field sensor having a function to cause a magnetic field canceling an external offset magnetic field. The two-axis magnetic field sensor contains a plane coil disposed on a plane and four sets of magneto-resistance element pairs on a plane parallel to the plane coil. The plane coil includes at least two pairs of parallel conductors, and two magneto-resistance elements cross only a single conductor of the coil. A current for canceling the external offset magnetic field is determined in advance, and while a DC current that causes total magnetic fields of biasing magnetic fields plus a magnetic field for canceling the external offset magnetic field flows through the coil, intermediate potential outputs from the magneto-resistance element pairs are detected to measure a magnetic field direction, such as geo-magnetism. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108842 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND RADIO FREQUENCY PULSE WAVEFORM GENERATING METHOD - An MRI apparatus comprises a waveform controlling means for calculating a radio frequency pulse and applying the pulse to an irradiating means, and the waveform controlling means reads out a radio frequency pulse waveform vector from a first memory means which memorizes multiple radio frequency pulse waveform vectors, calculates a simulated irradiation pattern, and calculates a radio frequency pulse waveform which gives the minimum value of weighted sum of squares of differences of absolute values and squares of differences of phases for an ideal irradiation pattern and the simulated irradiation pattern. An RF pulse waveform showing superior ideal irradiation pattern reproducibility and providing reduced power of the RF waveform is formed, and safety of MRI subject is improved by performing imaging using such an RF pulse. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108843 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CORRECTING DISTORTION IN MR IMAGES CAUSED BY METALLIC IMPLANTS - A technique for reconstructing a corrected MR image from MR images distorted by foreign object induced magnetic fields includes locating a foreign object in a subject and defining a localized area of a field of view about the foreign object where a magnetic field distortion adversely affects a first magnetic distortion correction technique. The first magnetic distortion correction technique is applied to the field of view other than in the localized area. A second magnetic distortion correction technique is applied to the localized area and the results of the application of the first and second magnetic distortion correction techniques are combined. An image is reconstructed based on the results of the application of the first and second magnetic distortion correction techniques. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108844 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AND RADIO FREQUENCY IMPEDANCE MAPPING METHODS AND APPARATUS - In one aspect, a method of obtaining magnetic resonance (MR) and radio-frequency impedance mapping (RFIM) data from a region of an object arranged proximate a plurality of radio-frequency (RF) coils is provided. The method comprises detecting nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals emitted from the region to form, at least in part, first MR data, obtaining at least one impedance measurement from the plurality of RF coils to form, at least in part, first RFIM data, and computing a first RFIM map indicating a spatial distribution in the region of at least one dielectric property, the first RFIM map computed based, at least in part, on the first RFIM data and the first MR data. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108845 | SYSTEM FOR SEISMIC DETECTION AND ANALYSIS - A system and method for detecting and processing electromagnetic signals from seismic activity, wherein the system and method includes an antenna configured to receive electromagnetic signals. The antenna includes a coiled electrical conduit having a length equal to about the diameter of the Earth. The antenna also includes a plurality of center taps disposed about critical resonant frequencies of a compound or element. The system and method also includes a signal processing module in communication with the antenna and configured to receive and process electromagnetic signals. The system and method further includes a impulse generation device configured to generate seismic activity. Furthermore, the system and method includes a control module in communication with the signal processing module and the impulse generation module and configured to provide instruction signals to each. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108846 | COMBUSTION STATE DETECTION APPARATUS AND COMBUSTION STATE DETECTION METHOD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A combustion state detection apparatus for an internal combustion engine, includes convexity detection means ( | 2009-04-30 |
20090108847 | Fully Insulated Fuse Test and Ground Device - A fuse test and ground device includes an insulated housing with a bore that extends from the front of the housing towards the rear of the housing. An electrical contact is disposed partially within the bore. A current interrupter, such as a fuse, is electrically connected between the contact and a testing ground lead. An eye, having it's surface insulated by the housing, can be attached to the housing and provide a connection point for manipulation of the device. A grounding bore extends from a second aperture into the housing and provides an electrical connection to the contact. A grounding plug can be connected to ground on one end and inserted into the grounding bore to create a permanent ground for the device. An annunciator is connected to the current interrupter such that the annunciator provides an indication when a current flows through the current interrupter. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108848 | ADDITIONAL PINS ON A USB CONNECTOR - An electronic device includes a receptacle for communicating information via a first communication circuit and a second communication circuit different from the first communication circuit, the receptacle including a plurality of electrically conductive contacts having a predefined arrangement. The electronic device further includes a detection circuit and a configuration circuit. The detection circuit is operatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of contacts, and the detection circuit is operative to detect an electrical state of the at least one contact. The configuration circuit is operatively coupled to a first group of contacts of the plurality of contacts, and the configuration circuit is operative to communicatively couple the first group of contacts to the first communication circuit or the second communication circuit based on the detected state of the at least one contact. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108849 | Method to detect shorted solenoid coils - A method for testing the continuity of a coil that is subjected to a high frequency pulse modulated current that includes sensing a coil voltage and comparing a ratio of the sensed coil voltage to the supply voltage to a threshold to determine whether the solenoid coil is functional. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108850 | Insulation resistance decrease detector for industrial vehicle - An insulation resistance decrease detector for an industrial vehicle is disclosed. The detector includes a coupling capacitor, a sensing resistor, an AC voltage applying section having a first terminal and a second terminal, a voltage detecting section, and a determining section. The AC voltage applying section applies an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency to the vehicle body through the sensing resistor and the coupling capacitor. The voltage detecting section detects the voltage at a node between the sensing resistor and the coupling capacitor. The determining section determines that a resistance value of the insulation resistor has decreased when the level of voltage detected by the voltage detecting section becomes less than or equal to a predetermined level. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108851 | TEST BOARD FOR TESTING PCBS - A test board for testing PCBs includes a plurality of signal input terminals, a plurality of signal output terminals connected to the signal input terminals respectively, a standby signal output terminal, and a plurality of switches. The standby signal output terminal is connected to the signal input terminals via the switches respectively. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108852 | Structure for capacitive balancing of integrated relative humidity sensor - An improved relative humidity sensor apparatus that provides a more accurate measurement of humidity in the presence of water condensation. A series capacitive sensor includes a thin porous platinum top plate, a humidity sensitive polyimide dielectric, and two metal bottom plates on a semiconductor substrate. The two capacitors can be wired in series such that the metal bottom plates form independent, electrically driven connections. The thin top layer can form a top plate. Changes in humidity affect the humidity sensitive dielectric thereby causing changes in the capacitive value. A P-well layer and a P-plus layer can be added at the perimeter of the substrate to create a path for a parasitic capacitance caused by water condensation to connect to one or more connection nodes, thereby preventing erroneous measurements of humidity in the presence of water condensation. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108853 | MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND MEASUREMENT METHOD - There are provided a measurement apparatus and a measurement method capable of stably measuring the physical quantity involved in a measurement object. Two or more electrostatic capacity type displacement sensing devices are mutually connected in their earths and apply to the measuring heads carrier signals each including a sinusoidal wave of a same frequency wherein a sum total of phases becomes 0°, respectively, so that a thickness of the measurement object is measured. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108854 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE UTILIZING IMPEDANCE AND/OR RESISTANCE IDENTIFICATION TO IDENTIFY AN ACCESSORY DEVICE - A device and method for identifying an accessory device connected to a first port and a second port of an electronic device by determining an impedance of the accessory device across the first port and the second port is provided. The electronic device generally includes a first port (e.g. a universal serial bus) configured to receive a first connector from an associated accessory device and a second port (e.g. an audio port) configured to receive a second connector from the associated accessory device. The electronic device includes circuitry coupled to the first port and the second port for determining an impedance associated with the accessory device as measured across the first port and the second port. An identification of the accessory device is then made based on the impedance of the electronic device. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108855 | TEST STRUCTURE FOR ELECTROMIGRATION ANALYSIS AND RELATED METHOD - A test structure for electromigration and related method are disclosed. The test structure may include an array of a plurality of multilink test sets, each multilink test set including a plurality of metal lines positioned within a dielectric material and connected in a serial configuration; each multilink test set being connected in a parallel configuration with the other multilink test sets, the parallel configuration including a first electrical connection to a cathode end of a first metal line in each multilink test set and a second electrical connection to an anode end of a last metal line in each multilink test set. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108856 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DETECTING CRACKING WITHIN AN AFTERTREATMENT DEVICE - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for detecting cracking in a particulate filter. The method may include providing an apparatus comprising an aftertreatment device with a substrate and a substrate surface, a conductive material forming a conduction path bonded to the surface of the substrate surface, and access points configured to allow a resistance measurement of the conduction path. The method may include measuring the resistance of the conduction path, and determining if one or more cracks have occurred on the substrate surface based on the resistance measurement. The method may further include labeling the degradation level of the aftertreatment device based on the indicated amount of cracking, and replacing the aftertreatment device with an equivalent aftertreatment device, based on the degradation level, after a service event. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108857 | Apparatus for testing concentration-type solar cells - There is disclosed an apparatus for testing concentration-type solar cells. The apparatus includes a light source for emitting light, a focusing unit for focusing the light emitted from the light source and turning the same into a light beam, a testing unit for testing any one of solar cells of a wafer; and a wafer-positioning unit for moving the wafer horizontally and vertically, thus brining a targeted one of the solar cells into contact with the testing unit. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108858 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CALIBRATING RC CIRCUITS - A calibration apparatus includes an RC integrator circuit. The calibration apparatus further includes a bandwidth setting controller to provide a bandwidth setting code indicating a reference bandwidth value for calibration of the RC integrator circuit and a capacitance code generator, coupled to the RC integrator circuit, to generate a capacitance code to adjust a capacitance of the RC integrator circuit using the bandwidth setting code and a current capacitance value of the RC integrator circuit. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108859 | TESTING CIRCUIT BOARD - The invention discloses a testing circuit board for placing a device under test and further testing the device under test according to a plurality of testing signals generated by a tester. The testing circuit board includes a circuit board and a plurality of sets of sockets. The circuit board includes a plurality of connecting holes. The plurality of sets of sockets are located on a plurality of connecting holes and electrically connects to the device under test via a plurality of connecting interfaces for transferring the plurality of testing signals to test the device under test. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108860 | VERSATILE MATERIALS PROBE - Disclosed is an electrical measurement probe including two probe blocks, each probe block having a connection face and a measurement face. Each probe block also includes a plurality of spring loaded pogo pins. Each pogo pin has a first end that extends to the connection face and a second end that protrudes from the measurement face. The two probe blocks are attached to a top plate. The top plate is attached to a face of each probe block opposite to the measurement face of the probe block. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108861 | STIFFENER ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH TESTING DEVICES - A stiffener assembly for use with testing devices is provided herein. In some embodiments, a stiffener for use with testing devices includes an inner member; an outer member disposed in a predominantly spaced apart relation to the inner member; and a plurality of alignment mechanisms for orienting the inner and outer members with respect to each other, wherein the alignment mechanisms transfer forces applied to a lower surface of the inner member to the outer member and provide the predominant conductive heat transfer passageway between the inner and outer members. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108862 | Testing system module - A testing system module for testing printed circuit board (PCB) includes a first robot having a pogo pin for moving to a first testing point of a first surface of the PCB and the pogo pin contacting the first testing point; a second robot having another pogo pin for moving to a second point of a second surface of the PCB and the pogo pin contacting the second testing point; and a source meter for forcing the signals to the pogo pins and sensing the signals from the pogo pins. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108863 | METHOD AND CIRCUIT FOR DETECTING AND COMPENSATING FOR A DEGRADATION OF A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - A design structure and method comprising a degradation detection circuit configured to respond to degradation. The degradation detection circuit is located within a semiconductor device and comprises a process sensitive circuit, a measurement circuit, a calculation circuit, and a control circuit. The method comprises subjecting the semiconductor device to a first operating condition. A first value at a first time for a parameter of the process sensitive circuit is measured by the measurement circuit. The semiconductor device is operated to perform an intended function. A second value at a second time for the parameter of the circuit is measured by the measurement circuit. The second time is different from the first time. A first differential value between the first value and the second value is determined by the calculation circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive an enable signal. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108864 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING AN OPERATING CONDITION OF LEDS ON A MOTHERBOARD - A computer-implemented method for testing an operating condition of light emitting diodes (LEDs) on a motherboard includes assigning an LED identification for each LED according to positions of the LEDs on the motherboard, selecting a first LED identification for a first LED and a second LED identification for a second LED, setting the first LED in a bright state, the second LED in a dim state, and any remaining LEDs in a flicker state, and controlling the LEDs to operate. The method further includes determining whether the total count of the LEDs in the bright state is equal to one, and whether the total count of the LEDs in the dim state is equal to one, comparing the first LED identification input with the first LED identification, and comparing the second LED identification input with the LED identification, and reporting a comparison result. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108865 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ARRAY-BASED ELECTRICAL DEVICE CHARACTERIZATION - An electronic circuit to determine current-voltage characteristics of a plurality of electronic devices under test. The electronic circuit is comprised of a plurality of individual test cells, each of the plurality of test cells is configured to electrically couple to a first terminal of one of the plurality of electronic devices under test and to a first current source. A second terminal of each of the plurality of electronic devices under test couples to a second current source. The circuit employs a current-based measurement method. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108866 | RADIATION HARDENED LOGIC CIRCUITS - A radiation hardened inverter includes first and second electrical paths between an input terminal and an output terminal. A first PFET is disposed in the first electrical path, and a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) is disposed in the second electrical path. The first PFET is configured to convert a low level signal at the input terminal to a high level signal at the output terminal, and the BJT is configured to convert a high level signal at the input terminal to a low level signal at the output terminal. The radiation hardened inverter includes a second PFET disposed in the second electrical path. The second PFET is configured to provide a path for bleeding excess current away from the BJT. The radiation hardened inverter also includes a current limiting PFET disposed in the second electrical path. The current limiting PFET is configured to limit current flowing into a base of the BJT. The radiation hardened inverter is free-of any NFETs. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108867 | Method For Operating An Electronic Device With Reduced Pin Capacitance - A method of operating an electronic device having an output driver with on die termination legs ODT, and non-ODT legs, includes the step of selectively tri-stating tuning transistors (ZQ trim devices) in the legs as a function of the operational state of the output driver. The tri-stating step is performed such that when a leg is not being utilized, the tuning transistors in the unused leg are placed in a tri-state. For example, during an ODT mode of the output driver, the tuning transistors in the non-ODT legs are tri-stated. During a READ mode of the output driver, the tuning transistors in the ODT legs are tri-stated. During a HiZ mode of the output driver, the tuning transistors in both legs are tri-stated. Tri-stating the tuning transistors in the unused output driver legs can reduce DQ pin capacitance by a total of approximately (Cgd+Cgs+Cgb). A circuit for performing the method includes tri-state components in electrical communication with the tuning transistors, and logic units configured to control the tri-state components. An electronic device includes the output driver having the tri-state components in electrical communication with the logic units. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108868 | METHOD AND CIRCUIT FOR MATCHING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE BEHAVIOR - A design structure and method. The design structure comprises a selection circuit comprising a logic circuit, an array of sub-circuits and a switching circuit electrically coupled to each other. The selection circuit is subjected to a first operating condition. The switching circuit selects a group of sub-circuits from the array. The selection circuit generates a first frequency. The selection circuit is subjected to a second operating condition that is different from the first operating condition and generates a second frequency. A first frequency differential between the first frequency and the second frequency is compared to a predetermined frequency differential to determine if the first frequency differential is about equal to the predetermined frequency differential. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108869 | Design Structure for a Flexible Multimode Logic Element For Use In A Configurable Mixed-Logic Signal Distribution Path - A design structure for a multimode circuit that is configured to operate in one of multiple operating modes is disclosed. In particular, an exemplary multimode circuit may be configured to operating in one of a full-swing mode, a limited-swing mode, a full-swing to limited-swing converter mode, and a limited-swing to full-swing converter mode. The operating modes of the multimode circuit may be dynamically selectable. One or more multimode circuits may be part of a configurable distribution path for controlling the performance of a signal distribution path or tree of an integrated circuit. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108870 | I/O BUFFER CIRCUIT - An output buffer circuit is provided. The output buffer circuit receives a control signal (OE) and a data signal (Dout) from a first core circuit ( | 2009-04-30 |
20090108871 | METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR A HIGH VOLTAGE TOLERANT BUFFER - Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed, including those for a buffer having pre-driver circuitry configured to provide voltages to thin-gate dielectric transistors One such buffer may comprise a primary pull-up pre-driver operably coupled to a primary pull-up transistor, a secondary pull-up pre-driver operably coupled to a secondary pull-up transistor, a primary pull-down pre-driver operably coupled to a primary pull-down transistor, and a secondary pull-down pre-driver operably coupled to a secondary pull-down transistor. Each of the primary pull-up pre-driver, the secondary pull-up pre-driver., primary pull-down pre-driver, and the secondary pull-down pre-driver are configured to provide a voltage to a gate of a transistor operably coupled thereto at a voltage level so as to sustain gate dielectric integrity of the transistor. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108872 | INTERFACE CIRCUIT THAT CAN SWITCH BETWEEN SINGLE-ENDED TRANSMISSION AND DIFFERENTIAL TRANSMISSION - An object of the present invention is to realize reduction in an area of an output stage driver in an interface circuit that switches between two transmission systems. The interface circuit has two driver circuits and a drive control circuit that can switch between two driving systems that are a voltage driving system and a current driving system. The two driver circuits are connected to a power supply potential via the drive control circuit. Two input signals and inverted logic signals of the input signals are inputted via a selection circuit. According to a control signal inputted into the drive control circuit, the interface circuit switches between the voltage-driving type single-ended transmission system and current driving type differential transmission system. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108873 | Quantum-dot cellular automata methods and devices - A Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) device having normal QCA cells laid out in a planar structure such that there are a set of input lines, that may be columns, and a set of orthogonal, output lines, that may be rows. The device has clocking regions that control the flow of binary signals through the device. The input columns are driven by a separate input signal, and all the cells of each column align to match their input signal. These input columns then serve as drivers for output rows that act as serial shift registers under the control of clock signals applied to sub-sections of the rows. In this way, a copy of the contents of each of the input signals propagates along each of the output rows to an output cell. The output cells of each output row may be assigned their own, latching clock signal. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108874 | Limited Switch Dynamic Logic Cell Based Register - A circuit that has a limited switch dynamic logic gate having a front end logic circuit and a latch. The output of the front end logic circuit is connected to an input of the latch, and the front end logic circuit evaluates a set of input signals applied to the front end logic circuit to generate an output signal. The latch receives and holds the output signal. The circuit also has a logic circuit having an output connected to a clock input in the front end logic circuit. The logic circuit generates a modified clock signal in response to receiving a clock signal from a clock source, and the modified clock signal has a duration that provides a minimum period of time for the front end logic to evaluate the set of input signals and generate the output signal. | 2009-04-30 |
20090108875 | Structure for a Limited Switch Dynamic Logic Cell Based Register - A design structure for a circuit that has a limited switch dynamic logic gate having a front end logic circuit and a latch. The output of the front end logic circuit is connected to an input of the latch, and the front end logic circuit evaluates a set of input signals applied to the front end logic circuit to generate an output signal. The latch receives and holds the output signal. The circuit also has a logic circuit having an output connected to a clock input in the front end logic circuit. The logic circuit generates a modified clock signal in response to receiving a clock signal from a clock source, and the modified clock signal has a duration that provides a minimum period of time for the front end logic to evaluate the set of input signals and generate the output signal. | 2009-04-30 |