Avago Technologies ECBU (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120163028 | MULTI-SEGMENTED LIGHT GUIDE FOR AN INPUT DEVICE - An input device and display apparatus with multi-light segments has been disclosed. The input device may comprise a rigid light guide layer having alignment structures that define the rigid light guide layer into multiple light segments, a plurality of first layer flexible light guide films and a plurality of second layer flexible light guide films. The alignment structures may be formed together when making the rigid light guide layer in an injection molding process. By coupling multiple light sources into each of the light guides, the display may be configured to display multiple color and multiple symbols, independently. In another embodiment, the light guide may be utilized in a display apparatus without a LCD. | 06-28-2012 |
20120105355 | Capacitive Touchscreen System with Touch Position Encoding during Analog-to-Digital Conversion - Disclosed herein are various embodiments of circuits and methods in a capacitive touchscreen system that eliminate the need to digitize an entire array of pixel signals obtained from a touchscreen. Instead, regions of interest, or projections of object or touch signal clusters, from touchscreen | 05-03-2012 |
20120104242 | Optical Reflective Encoder Systems, Devices and Methods - Disclosed are various embodiments of high-speed, high-performance, low-noise, low-cost, compact, optical encoders having a multi-faceted flat-faced lens disposed over the light emitters and light detectors thereof. Disclosed also are various means for preventing undesired stray light from reaching light detectors incorporated therein. Structures employed to block stray light in the optical encoders include light barriers, air gap trenches, and coatings disposed between first and second sides of a substrate of the encoder. Methods of making such optical encoders are also disclosed. | 05-03-2012 |
20120104236 | Hysteresis-Compensating Interpolation Circuits in Optical Encoders - Disclosed are various embodiments of circuitry and methods to compensate for variations in hysteresis associated with the comparators of an interpolation circuit in a single track optical encoder. Such variations in hysteresis may be minimized or eliminated by providing appropriately configured resistor ladder circuits to condition the inputs to the comparators, or by programming or trimming resistors in positive feedback loops of the comparators. The single track optical encoder configurations disclosed herein permit very high resolution reflective optical encoders in small packages to be provided. Methods of making and using such optical encoders are also disclosed. | 05-03-2012 |
20120068614 | Transmitting and Receiving Digital and Analog Signals across an Isolator - Various embodiments of systems for transmitting and receiving digital and analog signals across a single isolator, solid state lighting systems, and DC/DC converter feedback regulation control systems are disclosed. At least some of the circuits, systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented using conventional CMOS design and manufacturing techniques and processes to provide, for example, a single integrated circuit or ASIC. | 03-22-2012 |
20120008964 | Printable Media Sensing Device, System and Method - Printable media sensing devices, systems and methods are disclosed herein. An array of light emitters projects light through a printable media sheet for detection by a corresponding array of light sensors. A processor is operably connected to the array of light emitters and light sensors, and is configured to activate the light emitters, and receive output signals from the light sensors, and permit the accurate detection and determination of the locations of top of form (TOF) and bottom of form (BOF) for a given printable media sheet, as well as multiple widths corresponding to such sheet. According to some embodiments, the locations of labels on a sheet may also be detected with heightened accuracy, as may regions having no labels disposed thereover. | 01-12-2012 |
20110310052 | Capacitive Touchscreen System with Switchable Charge Acquisition Circuit - Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a capacitive touchscreen system which includes switchable charge acquisition circuits and corresponding charge integrator circuits for sensing mutual capacitances associated with a touchscreen. Various embodiments of the switchable charge acquisition circuits and corresponding charge integrator circuits provide lower power consumption, increased operational stability, substantially reduced integrated circuit area, and increased temperature stability. | 12-22-2011 |
20110310051 | Reduction of Electromagnetic Interference in a Capacitive Touchscreen System - Disclosed herein are various embodiments of circuits and methods for reducing electromagnetic interference in mutual capacitance measurement or sensing systems, devices, components and methods such as capacitive touchscreens. Charge integrator circuits and switched capacitance filtering circuits are disclosed that improve the signal-to-noise ratio (or the ratio of a desired sensed mutual capacitance signal to an undesired EMI signal) in a capacitive sensor readout circuit without the need to increase the amplitude of the drive signal. The various embodiments of the charge integrator and switched capacitance filtering circuits described herein permit an improvement in noise immunity without requiring the excessive power levels typically associated with high amplitude drive circuitry, and moreover result in boosting signal-to-noise ratios during early stages of signal processing. | 12-22-2011 |
20110310018 | OPTICAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH LIFT DETECTION - An optical navigation system with a lift detection module is provided for preventing cursor movement if the optical navigation system has been lifted from the navigation surface. The optical navigation system may include an image sensor, a controller and a lift detection module. The lift detection module may be operatively coupled with the image sensor and the controller to selectively report a motion data upon determining a lift by comparing the average of the photosensitive pixel elements with a pixel element threshold value and the surface quality value with a surface quality threshold value. The lift detection module may be incorporated in a microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller may be added to a navigation system to provide an additional lift detection feature. | 12-22-2011 |
20110298745 | Capacitive Touchscreen System with Drive-Sense Circuits - Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a capacitive touchscreen system that is capable of sensing, simultaneous or near-simultaneous multiple finger touches made on a capacitive touchscreen. In one embodiment, drive-sense circuits operably connected to X and Y lines of the touchscreen may be interchangeably and selectably configured as either sense circuits or drive circuits by a drive/sense processor operably connected thereto. | 12-08-2011 |
20110298744 | Capacitive Touchscreen System with Multiplexers - Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a capacitive touchscreen system that is capable of sensing simultaneous or near-simultaneous multiple finger touches made on a capacitive touchscreen. In one embodiment, drive and sense circuits operably connected to X and Y lines of the touchscreen may be interchangeably and selectably configured to drive and sense X and Y lines of the touchscreen, respectively, or drive and sense Y and X lines, respectively, of the touchscreen, through first and second multiplexers operating under the control of a drive/sense processor. | 12-08-2011 |
20110207578 | Harmonic Gear Multi-Turn Encoder - Various embodiments of harmonic gear multi-turn encoders are disclosed that provide the ability to accurately sense absolute rotational positions over a wide range of rotational counts. High gear reduction ratios in each stage of the multi-turn encoders permit very small size and volume encoders to be provided, thereby opening up many new applications for multi-turn encoders. In one embodiment, inductive means are employed to determine the number of revolutions a central shaft operably connected to an encoder module has turned. The inductive coils comprise emitter coils and receiver coils, which are operably associated with and opposed to corresponding encoder devices. The various embodiments of the harmonic gear multi-turn encoders disclosed herein are capable of operating under high temperature conditions and withstanding the effects of various environmental contaminants, and are also amenable to miniaturization and low cost manufacturing. | 08-25-2011 |
20110204233 | Infrared Attenuating or Blocking Layer in Optical Proximity Sensor - An optical proximity sensor is provided that comprises an infrared light emitter an infrared light detector, a first molded optically transmissive infrared light pass component disposed over and covering the light emitter and a second molded optically transmissive infrared light pass component disposed over and covering the light detector. Located in-between the light emitter and the first molded optically transmissive infrared light pass component, and the light detector and the second molded optically transmissive infrared light pass component is a gap. Layers of infrared opaque, attenuating or blocking material are disposed on at least some of the external surfaces forming the gap to substantially attenuate or block the transmission of undesired direct, scattered or reflected light between the light emitter and the light detector, and thereby minimize optical crosstalk and interference between the light emitter and the light detector. | 08-25-2011 |
20110186736 | Optical Proximity Sensor Package with Lead Frame - Various embodiments of an optical proximity sensor having a lead frame and no overlying metal shield are disclosed. In one embodiment, a light emitter and a light detector are mounted on a lead frame comprising a plurality of discrete electrically conductive elements having upper and lower surfaces, at least some of the elements not being electrically connected to one another. An integrated circuit is die-attached to an underside of the lead frame. An optically-transmissive infrared pass compound is molded over the light detector and the light emitter and portions of the lead frame. Next, an optically non-transmissive infrared cut compound is molded over the optically-transmissive infrared pass compound to provide an optical proximity sensor having no metal shield but exhibiting very low crosstalk characteristics. | 08-04-2011 |
20110163233 | Optical Proximity Sensor with Improved Dynamic Range and Sensitivity - Various embodiments of an optical proximity sensor and corresponding circuits and methods for measuring small AC signal currents arising from the detection of pulsed AC light signals emitted by a light emitter and reflected from an object to detected in the presence of larger ambient light DC current signals are disclosed. Circuits and corresponding methods are described that improve the dynamic range, sensitivity and detection range of an optical proximity sensor by cancelling the contributions of DC current signals arising from ambient light signals that otherwise would dominate the detected small AC signal currents. The DC signal cancellation occurs in a differential amplifier circuit before small AC signal currents are provided to an analog-to-digital converter The circuits and methods may be implemented using conventional CMOS design and manufacturing techniques and processes. | 07-07-2011 |
20110133941 | Optical Proximity Sensor with Improved Shield and Lenses - Various embodiments of an optical sensor comprising a novel shield that may be quickly and accurately aligned and positioned with respect to an underlying light emitting and light detecting assembly are disclosed. Also disclosed are novel lens arrangements for efficiently collimating light emitted and received by the optical proximity sensor, and for reducing crosstalk. | 06-09-2011 |
20110121182 | Methods, Systems and Devices for Crosstalk Measurement and Cancellation in Optical Proximity Sensors - Various embodiments of a optical proximity sensor and corresponding methods of measuring crosstalk in the sensor are disclosed. The amount of crosstalk generated between the light emitter and the light detector of an optical proximity sensor is measured and quantified according to one of two methods. The measured crosstalk may then be stored in a register or memory location and then subtracted from signals representative of signals indicative of the nearby presence of an object to be detected combined with crosstalk, thereby removing so the contribution or effect of crosstalk on such signals. | 05-26-2011 |
20110121181 | Infrared Proximity Sensor Package with Improved Crosstalk Isolation - Disclosed are various embodiments of an infrared proximity sensor package comprising an infrared transmitter die, an infrared receiver die, a housing comprising sidewalls, a first recess, a second recess, a partitioning divider disposed between the first and second recesses, and an overlying shield comprising an infrared-absorbing material. The transmitter die is positioned in the first recess, and the receiver die is positioned within the second recess. The partitioning divider comprises liquid crystal polymer (LCP) such that the partitioning divider and the infrared-absorbing material of the shield cooperate together to substantially attenuate and absorb undesired infrared light that might otherwise become internally-reflected within the housing or incident upon the receiver as a false proximity or object detection signal. | 05-26-2011 |
20110114829 | High Resolution Optical Encoder Systems, Devices and Methods - Disclosed are various embodiments of front-end analog circuitry for use in conjunction with optical encoders. Highly accurate analog output signals are provided by front-end analog circuitry in incremental or absolute motion encoders to interpolation circuitry, which is capable of providing high interpolation factor output signals having high timing accuracy. The disclosed interpolation circuits may be implemented using CMOS or BiCMOS processes without undue effort. | 05-19-2011 |
20110095620 | Galvanic Isolators and Coil Transducers - Disclosed herein are various embodiments of coil transducers and galvanic isolators configured to provide high voltage isolation and high voltage breakdown performance characteristics in small packages. A coil transducer is provided across which data or power signals may be transmitted and received by primary and secondary coils disposed on opposing sides thereof without high voltage breakdowns occurring therebetween. At least portions of the coil transducer are formed of an electrically insulating, non-metallic, non-semiconductor, low dielectric loss material. Circuits are disclosed herein that permit high speed data signals to be transmitted through the coil transducer and faithfully and accurately reconstructed on the opposing side thereof. The coil transducer may be formed in a small package using, by way of example, printed circuit board, CMOS and other fabrication and packaging processes. | 04-28-2011 |
20110074676 | Large Depth of Field Navigation Input Devices and Methods - Disclosed are various embodiments of a navigation input device, and methods, systems and components corresponding thereto. According to some embodiments, the navigation input device has a large depth of field associated therewith and employs time- and/or frequency-domain processing algorithms and techniques. The device is capable of providing accurate and reliable information regarding the (X,Y) position of the device on a navigation surface as it is moved laterally thereatop and thereacross, notwithstanding changes in a vertical position of the device that occur during navigation and that do not exceed the depth of field of an imaging lens incorporated therein. According to one embodiment, the navigation input device is a writing instrument that does not require the use of an underlying touch screen, touch pad or active backplane to accurately and reliably record successive (X,Y) positions of the writing device as it is moved across and atop an underlying writing medium such as paper, a pad or a display. | 03-31-2011 |
20110063276 | Methods, Systems, Devices and Components for Reducing Power Consumption in an LCD Backlit by LEDs - Disclosed are various embodiments of methods, systems, devices and components nets for reducing power consumption in an LCD display that is backlit by LEDs. The various embodiments typically require the use of an array of backlighting LEDs | 03-17-2011 |
20110057129 | Package-on-Package (POP) Optical Proximity Sensor - Various embodiments of a package-on-package optical sensor comprising three distinct different packages are disclosed. The three different packages are combined to form the optical proximity sensor, where the first package is a light emitter package, the second package is a light detector package, and the third package is an integrated circuit package. First and second infrared light pass components are molded or casted atop the light emitter package and the light detector package after they have been mounted atop the integrated circuit package. An infrared light cut component is then molded or casted between and over portions of the light emitter package and the light detector package. | 03-10-2011 |
20110057108 | Compact Optical Proximity Sensor with Ball Grid Array and Windowed Substrate - Various embodiments of a compact optical proximity sensor with a ball grid array and windowed or apertured substrate are disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical proximity sensor comprises a printed circuit board (“PCB”) substrate comprising an aperture and a lower surface having electrical contacts disposed thereon, an infrared light emitter and an infrared light detector mounted on an upper surface of the substrate, an integrated circuit located at least partially within the aperture, a molding compound being disposed between portions of the integrated circuit and substrate, an ambient light detector mounted on an upper surface of the integrated circuit, first and second molded infrared light pass components disposed over and covering the infrared light emitter and the infrared light detector, respectively, and a molded infrared light cut component disposed between and over portions of the first and second infrared light pass components. | 03-10-2011 |
20110057104 | Miniaturized Optical Proximity Sensor - Various embodiments of a miniaturized optical proximity sensor are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ambient light sensor and a light detector are mounted on first and second spacers, which in turn are mounted to a top surface of an integrated circuit die-attached to a substrate. An optically-transmissive infrared pass compound is molded over the ambient light sensor, the light detector, the integrated circuit, alight emitter and peripheral portions of the substrate. Next, an optically non-transmissive infrared cut compound is molded to over the optically-transmissive infrared pass compound to provide a miniaturized optical proximity sensor having no metal shield but exhibiting very low crosstalk characteristics. | 03-10-2011 |
20110057102 | Multiple Transfer Molded Optical Proximity Sensor and Corresponding Method - Various embodiments of a multiple-stage-molded optical proximity sensor and method of making same are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method comprises mounting an infrared light emitter atop a first portion of a substrate, and mounting an infrared light detector, an ambient light detector and an integrated circuit atop a second portion of the substrate. In a first molding step, an infrared light pass component is molded over the substrate and the infrared light emitter, the infrared light detector, the ambient light detector, and the integrated circuit. The infrared light pass component is then cured, followed by forming a slot in the cured infrared light pass component between the first and second portions of the substrate. In a second molding step, an infrared light cut component is molded over the slot, the integrated circuit, the ambient light detector, and over portions of the infrared light emitter and the infrared light detector. | 03-10-2011 |
20110050617 | Method and Apparatus for Detecting Defective Traces in a Mutual Capacitance Touch Sensing Device - Several different methods of testing the integrity and proper operation of the drive and sense electrodes in a mutual capacitance sensing device such as a touchscreen or touchpad are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, measured values of mutual capacitance corresponding to individual cells in a mutual capacitance sensing device are compared to one another and to predetermined thresholds. The results of the comparison are employed to determine whether any of the traces forming the electrodes in the device are defective. By way of example, traces can be defective if they are broken, too thin, too thick, or shorted together. The various embodiments of the methods disclosed herein may be used for touchscreen or touchpad quality control in a manufacturing setting, or may be used to test touchscreens or touchpads that have already been incorporated into electronic devices. The various methods disclosed herein lower manufacturing costs, increase product quality and yield, and may be carried out quickly. | 03-03-2011 |
20110024627 | Proximity Sensor with Ceramic Housing and Light Barrier - An optical proximity sensor is provided that comprises an infrared light emitter, an infrared light detector, a ceramic housing, a substrate, and a cover or shield. The ceramic housing is mounted on or attached to the substrate, and comprises first and second recesses separated by a light barrier. The cover is mounted over the ceramic housing, the light emitter and the light detector. The infrared light emitter is located within the first recess and mounted on the substrate. The infrared light detector is located within the second recess and mounted on the substrate. The light barrier between the first and second recesses, in conjunction with the remainder of the ceramic housing, the substrate, and the cover or shield substantially attenuates or blocks the transmission of undesired direct, scattered or reflected infrared light between the light emitter and the light detector, and thereby minimizes optical crosstalk and interference between the light emitter and the light detector. | 02-03-2011 |
20100329363 | Wake-Up Circuits, Devices and Methods for Galvanic Isolators - According to one embodiment, there is provided a method of reducing the amount of power consumed by a galvanic isolator. A transmitter transmits a wake-up signal to a receiver located across an isolation medium when the transmitter is ready or preparing to transmit data or power signals to a receiver, which is operably connected to a sensing circuit. The sensing circuit receives the wake-up signal through the isolation medium, which may be operably connected to and powered substantially continuously or intermittently by a first power source. In response to the sensing circuit receiving the wake-up signal, the receiver is powered up from a sleep mode to an operating mode. After a period of time t | 12-30-2010 |
20100327164 | Optical Proximity Sensor Package with Molded Infrared Light Rejection Barrier and Infrared Pass Components - An optical proximity sensor is provided that comprises an infrared light emitter an infrared light detector, a first molded optically transmissive infrared light pass component disposed over and covering the light emitter and a second molded optically transmissive infrared light pass component disposed over and covering the light detector. Located in-between the light emitter and the first molded optically transmissive infrared light pass component, and the light detector and the second molded optically transmissive infrared light pass component is a substantially optically non-transmissive infrared light barrier component. The infrared light barrier component substantially attenuates or blocks the transmission of undesired direct, scattered or reflected light between the light emitter and the light detector, and thereby minimizes optical crosstalk and interference between the light emitter and the light detector. | 12-30-2010 |
20100327152 | Miniaturized Single Track Optical Encoder System with Integrated Index Channel(s) - Disclosed are various embodiments of a reflective optical encoder system having at least three channels—two data channels and at least one index channel. The various configurations of reflective optical encoders disclosed herein permits very high resolution reflective optical encoders in small packages to be provided. In addition, the embodiments of the reflective optical encoder systems disclosed herein reduce problems associated with misalignment between code scales and light detectors, permit relatively simple electronic circuitry to be used to process outputs, and reduce manufacturing, assembly, integrated circuit and encoder costs. Methods of making and using such optical encoders are also disclosed. | 12-30-2010 |
20100315368 | Controller, System and Method for Identifying a Number of Interactions with a Computer Input Area - Disclosed is a method for identifying a number of interactions with a computer input area defined by at least first and second intersecting sets of detection paths. First, indications of which of the detection paths are affected by the interactions are received. Then, for each of the detection path sets, the set's indications of affected detection paths are parsed to identify up to N extents of adjacent, affected detection paths (N≧2). A controller having logic to implement the method, and a system incorporating a control system that implements the method, are also disclosed. | 12-16-2010 |
20100314532 | Optical Encoder Systems, Devices and Methods - Disclosed are various embodiments of high-speed, high-performance, low-noise optical encoders having various means for preventing undesired stray light from reaching light detectors incorporated therein. Structures employed to block stray light in the optical encoders include light barriers, air gap trenches, and coatings disposed between first and second sides of a substrate of the encoder. Also disclosed are compact single track optical encoders having a single dome lens disposed thereover, and dual track triple dome lens optical encoders. Methods of making such optical encoders are also disclosed. | 12-16-2010 |
20100302201 | Sensor Patterns for Mutual Capacitance Touchscreens - According to one embodiment, there is provided a mutual capacitance touchscreen comprising a first set of electrically conductive traces arranged in rows or columns and a second set of electrically conductive traces arranged in rows or columns arranged at right angles with respect to the rows or columns of the first set, where the first and second sets of traces are electrically insulated from and interdigitated respecting one another, and gaps between the first and second sets of traces form boundaries between the first and second sets of traces that undulate and that are not straight or linear. Other embodiments of a mutual capacitance touchscreen are also disclosed, such as “mini-diamond” sensor array patterns and sensor array patterns that may be manufactured at low cost. | 12-02-2010 |
20100301195 | High Resolution Single Track Optical Encoder - Disclosed are various embodiments of a single track reflective optical encoder featuring increased spatial resolution, reduced cross-talk between adjoining photodiodes, and increased amplitude output signals from individual photodiodes. With respect to prior art single track optical encoders, some photodiodes are removed from a photodiode array, while nevertheless maintaining appropriate phase relationships between pairs of A and A\, and B and B\, photodiodes. Such a configuration of photodiodes results in increased inter-photodiode spacing, and thereby permits spatial resolution to be increased while boosting current outputs from individual photodiodes. The single track optical encoder configurations disclosed herein permit very high resolution reflective optical encoders in small packages to be provided. In addition, the single track configuration reduces problems with misalignment between code scales and light detectors, permits relatively simple electronic circuitry to be used to process outputs, and reduces manufacturing, assembly, integrated circuit and encoder costs. Methods of making and using such optical encoders are also disclosed. | 12-02-2010 |
20100283394 | Light Guide for Ambient Light Sensor in a Portable Electronic Device - Disclosed are various embodiments of a light guide and corresponding ambient light sensor, computing device and backlit display for use in a portable electronic device. The various embodiments of the light guide are configured to permit ambient light to be collected efficiently and accurately over wide angles of incidence, even under low-ambient-light conditions. The efficient and accurate collection of ambient light by the various embodiments of the light guide disclosed herein may be employed to more accurately control the amount and degree of backlighting provided to a backlit display, which in turn can be used to conserve valuable battery power in a portable electronic device. | 11-11-2010 |
20100282951 | Metal Shield and Housing for Optical Proximity Sensor with Increased Resistance to Mechanical Deformation - An optical proximity sensor is provided that comprises an infrared light emitter operably connected to and driven by a light emitter driving circuit and a light detector operably connected to and driven by a detector sensing circuit. A metal housing or shield formed of metal and comprising first and second apertures surrounds the light emitter and the light detector such that at least a first portion of light emitted by the light detector passes through the first aperture, and at least a second portion of the first portion of light reflected from an object of interest in proximity to the sensor passes through the second aperture for detection by the light detector. The metal housing or shield further comprises first and second modules within which the light detector and light detector are disposed, respectively. The first and second modules comprise adjoining optically opaque metal inner sidewalls that provide optical isolation between the first and second modules, where the first and second inner sidewalls are separated from one another by at least one metal tab foldably disposed therebetween. The at least one metal tab is configured to transfer a vertical force applied to one end of one module to an opposite end of the other module. | 11-11-2010 |
20100277624 | System and Method for Canceling Dark Photocurrent in a Color Sensor Circuit - A system and method for canceling dark photocurrent in a color sensor circuit is disclosed. A color sensor is described including a color sensor circuit, a dark color sensor circuit, and a differential amplifier circuit. The color sensor circuit receives photocurrent from a color component of a light input. The color sensor circuit outputs a first voltage indicating intensity of the color component. The dark color sensor circuit receives dark photocurrent and outputs a second voltage indicating an offset voltage. The differential amplifier circuit is coupled to the color sensor circuit and to the dark color sensor circuit. The differential amplifier circuit receives the first and second voltages and outputs a final output that cancels contributions of the offset voltage in the first voltage due to the dark photocurrent. | 11-04-2010 |
20100259909 | Widebody Coil Isolators - Disclosed herein are various embodiments of widebody coil isolators containing multiple coil transducers, where integrated circuits are not stacked vertically over the coil transducers. The disclosed coil isolators provide high voltage isolation and high voltage breakdown performance characteristics in small packages that provide a high degree of functionality at a low price. | 10-14-2010 |
20100252719 | Optical Encoder with Code Wheel Misalignment Detection and Automatic Gain Control - According to one embodiment, there is provided a device and method for correcting code wheel misalignment which employs upper and lower code wheel misalignment photodetectors positioned above and below at least first and second motion detection photodetectors. According to other embodiments, there are provided a device and method for automatically setting the gain of an output circuit in an optical encoder. Still further embodiments of optical encoders combine the code wheel misalignment and automatic gain control features of the invention. | 10-07-2010 |
20100214139 | Interpolation Accuracy Improvement in Motion Encoder Systems, Devices and Methods - Disclosed are various embodiments of interpolation circuits for use in conjunction with optical encoders. The analog output signals provided by incremental or absolute motion encoders are provided to an interpolation circuit, which is capable of providing high interpolation factor output signals having high timing accuracy. The disclosed interpolation circuits may be implemented using CMOS or BiCMOS processes without undue effort. | 08-26-2010 |
20100213997 | Interpolation Accuracy Improvement in Motion Encoder Systems, Devices and Methods - Disclosed are various embodiments of interpolation circuits for use in conjunction with motion encoders. The analog output signals provided by incremental or absolute motion encoders are provided to an interpolation circuit, which is capable of providing high interpolation factor output signals having high timing accuracy. Problems with noise spikes common to zero-hysteresis comparators typically employed in interpolation circuits are eliminated, as are problems with time delays differing between comparators that do feature hysteresis. The disclosed interpolation circuits may be implemented using CMOS processes without undue effort. | 08-26-2010 |
20100201422 | Automatic Gain Control for Motion Encoder Signals - Disclosed are various embodiments of pulse generation and automatic gain control (“AGC”) circuits and corresponding methods that are especially well suited for use in motion encoding systems. Analog output signals provided by a motion encoder serve as inputs to the pulse generation circuit, where peaks, valleys and/or crosspoints corresponding to such analog signals are first detected and then employed to generate output pulses corresponding thereto. These output pulses are next provided to an AGC circuit as self-generated clock signals which control the time windows over which the analog signals of the motion encoder are sampled and processed by the AGC circuit so as to adjust the gains applied to such analog signals. | 08-12-2010 |
20100188362 | Neutralizing Electromagentic Noise for a Capacitive Input Device - A method of capturing user control inputs for an electronic device comprises sampling an input measurement signal at a capacitive input sensor of the electronic device to capture user control inputs for operating the electronic device. Electromagnetic interference affecting the sampling or the input measurement signal is electronically neutralized. | 07-29-2010 |
20100171029 | Reflective Multi-Turn Encoders with Different Light Sensing Systems - Disclosed herein are a number of different embodiments of reflective multi-turn optical encoders with different light sensing systems. Three different basic configurations of reflective multi-turn optical encoder light sensing systems are disclosed herein: (a) optical encoders employing multiple arrays of light detectors; (b) optical encoders employing multiple arrays of stacked die light sensors, and (c) optical encoders employing variable tone density light sensing systems. | 07-08-2010 |
20100171028 | Reflective Optical Encoder Package and Method - Disclosed are various embodiments of a reflective optical encoder package having a light emitter and a light detector disposed on an integrated circuit having an optically transparent glass layer disposed thereover. The package can be manufactured without resort to wirebonding techniques and instead can be made using wafer level packaging methods and materials. The package can also be made of lower profile or smaller footprint than many conventional optical encoder packages, and may be employed to sense or detect rotary or linear motion. | 07-08-2010 |
20100155586 | Optical Encoder Systems, Devices and Methods - Disclosed are various embodiments of high-speed, high-performance, low-noise optical encoders having various means for preventing undesired stray light from reaching light detectors incorporated therein. Structures employed to block stray light in the optical encoders include light barriers, air gap trenches, and coatings disposed between first and second sides of a substrate of the encoder. Also disclosed are compact single track optical encoders having a single dome lens disposed thereover, and dual track triple dome lens optical encoders. Methods of making such optical encoders are also disclosed. | 06-24-2010 |
20100068844 | Microcap Wafer Bonding Method and Apparatus - A method of fabricating an apparatus including a sealed cavity and an apparatus embodying the method are disclosed. To fabricate the apparatus, a device chip including a substrate and at least one circuit element on the substrate is fabricated. Also, a cap is fabricated. Next, the device chip and the cap are bonded such that a sealed cavity is formed by the device chip and the cap. The bond is accomplished using thermo compression technique. Gold or other suitable metal can be used as a bonding agent. Then or at the same time, caulking agent is reflowed over the bonding agent, over portions of the cap, or both to further seal the cavity. In the resultant device, the sealed cavity is sealed by the bonding agent, the caulking agent, or both. The caulking agent increases hermeticity of the cavity and provides for even higher level of protection of the cavity against adverse environmental conditions. | 03-18-2010 |
20100002437 | Low Profile and High Efficiency Light Device for Backlighting Applications - A light source having a flexible substrate and a plurality of dies having LEDs is disclosed. The light source can be conveniently utilized to provide an extended light source by bonding the light source to a suitable light pipe. The substrate is divided into first and second regions. The dies are bonded to the substrate in a first region. A portion of the surface of the substrate in the second region is reflective. The substrate is bent such that the second region forms a reflector that reflects light that would otherwise be emitted in a non-useful direction to a more useful direction. The substrate can be constructed from a three layer flexible circuit carrier in which the dies are mounted on a bottom metal layer to provide an improved thermal path for heat generated in the dies. | 01-07-2010 |
20090315608 | Energy Saving Driving Circuit and Associated Method for a Solid State Relay - An energy saving driving circuit and method is provided for use with a solid state relay (SSR). The circuit and method reduce the overall energy required to drive a solid state relay by maintaining the SSR in an “on” state with a minimal maintenance or holding current after applying a turn-on current. The driving circuit includes a control circuit configured for outputting a control signal; a turn-on circuit configured for providing an output current at a first current level for a first time period in response to the control signal; and a holding circuit configured for maintaining said output current at a second reduced current level for a second time period. The maintenance or holding current is reduced in respect of that of a conventional driving current, and in some cases may be an order of magnitude or more less in magnitude than a conventional driving current, thereby resulting in less energy consumed by the SSR. | 12-24-2009 |
20090285590 | Closed-Loop Printing Registration Systems, Devices, Components and Methods - Closed-loop printing registration systems (e.g., printers), devices, components and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a printer reproduces continuously and sequentially on a sheet of paper invisible ink landmarks that mimic registration information provided initially by permanent invisible ink markers, disposed on a platform or platen. According to one embodiment, once the first row of invisible ink landmarks has been printed on a sheet of paper, the first and subsequent rows of invisible ink landmarks provide a basis for continuous registration and alignment of sheet of the paper as it is being printed upon and advanced through the printer. In other embodiments, one or two invisible ink landmarks dispensed on a sheet of paper, preferably in combination with a sensed edge or corner of a sheet of paper, provide sufficient information for a sheet of paper to be registered and aligned initially with respect to a print head or carriage, and for subsequent invisible ink landmarks to be deposited on the sheet of paper at locations which are determined. | 11-19-2009 |
20090272885 | Optical Encoder with Code Wheel Misalignment Correction and Automatic Gain Control - According to one embodiment, there is provided a device and method for correcting code wheel misalignment which employs upper and lower code wheel misalignment photodetectors positioned above and below at least first and second motion detection photodetectors. According to other embodiments, there are provided a device and method for automatically setting the gain of an output circuit in an optical encoder. Still further embodiments of optical encoders combine the code wheel misalignment and automatic gain control features of the invention. | 11-05-2009 |
20090272884 | Optical Encoder with Amplitude Correction - According to one embodiment, there is provided an optical encoder having a photodetector array comprising motion detection photodetectors and at least one reference photodetector vertically offset from the motion detection photodetectors. The output signal generated by the at least one reference photodetectors is employed to correct undesired variations in the amplitudes of the output signals generated by the motion detection photodetectors. Such variations typically arise from various mechanical and optical misalignments in the optical encoder, and are compensated for by using the reference output signal to add to or subtract from, as required, the amplitudes of motion detection output signals. | 11-05-2009 |
20090243783 | Minimizing Electromagnetic Interference in Coil Transducers - Disclosed herein are various embodiments of means and methods for reducing the pick-up of electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) by coil transducers configured to provide high voltage isolation and high voltage breakdown performance characteristics in small packages. In some embodiments, the lengths, heights, and horizontal distances between wires electrically connecting transmitter circuits and receiver circuits to coil transducers are minimized and optimized respecting one another. | 10-01-2009 |
20090243782 | High Voltage Hold-Off Coil Transducer - Disclosed herein are various embodiments of coil transducers configured to provide high voltage isolation and high voltage breakdown performance characteristics in small packages. A coil transducer is provided through and across which data or power signals may be transmitted and received by primary and secondary coils disposed on opposing sides thereof without high voltage breakdowns occurring therebetween. A central core layer separates the transmitting and receiving coils, and has no vias disposed therethrough. At least portions of the coil transducer are formed of an electrically insulating, non-metallic, non-semiconductor, low dielectric loss material. | 10-01-2009 |
20090206960 | High Voltage Isolation Dual Capacitor Communication System - According to one embodiment, there is provided a high voltage isolation dual capacitor communication system comprising communication drive and sense electrodes and corresponding first and second capacitors that are formed in two separate devices. The two devices are electrically connected in series to provide a single galvanicly-isolated communication system that exhibits high breakdown voltage performance in combination with good signal coupling. The system effects communications between drive and receive circuits through the first and second capacitors, and in a preferred embodiment is capable of effecting relatively high-speed digital communications. The system may be formed in a small package using, by way of example, CMOS or other semiconductor fabrication and packaging processes. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206958 | High Voltage Isolation Semiconductor Capacitor Digital Communication Device and Corresponding Package - According to one embodiment, there is provided a semiconductor digital communication device comprising communication drive and sense electrodes formed in a single plane, where the electrodes have relatively high sidewalls. The relatively high sidewalls permit low electrical field densities to be obtained in the sense and drive electrodes during operation, and further permit very high breakdown voltages to be obtained between the electrodes, and between the drive electrode and an underlying ground plane substrate. The device effects communications between drive and receive circuits through the drive and sense electrodes by capacitive means, and in a preferred embodiment is capable of effecting relatively high-speed digital communications. The device may be formed in a small package using, by way of example, CMOS or other semiconductor fabrication and packaging processes. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206244 | Single Track Optical Encoder - Disclosed are various embodiments of a reflective optical encoder having at least three channels—two data channels and one index channel—disposed along a common axis or single track. The single track configuration disclosed herein permits very high resolution reflective optical encoders in small packages to be provided. In addition, the single track configuration reduces problems with misalignment between code scales and light detectors, permits relatively simple electronic circuitry to be used to process outputs, and reduces manufacturing, assembly, integrated circuit and encoder costs. Methods of making and using such optical encoders are also disclosed. | 08-20-2009 |
20090129426 | Semiconductor System Having a Ring Laser Fabricated by Epitaxial Layer Overgrowth - The present invention provides a ring laser system comprising forming an optical core by an epitaxial layer overgrowth over an intermediate layer, forming multi-quantum wells adjacent to the optical core and forming an outer structure further comprising a total internal reflector, wherein forming photons within the multi-quantum wells further comprises circulating the photons within the ring laser structure comprising the outer structure, the multi-quantum wells, and the optical core. | 05-21-2009 |