| 18th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 25 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120105016 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISCHARGING CAPACITOR OF INPUT FILTER OF POWER SUPPLY, AND POWER SUPPLY INCLUDING THE APPARATUS - A power supply includes an input filter and a discharging device. The input filter includes a capacitor to which an AC power source is provided. The discharging device rectifies and samples the AC power source. The discharging device generates a reference voltage according to a peak voltage of a generated sampling signal, generates an AC power source cutoff detection signal according to a comparison signal generated by comparing the sampling signal and a reference voltage, and discharges the capacitor through a discharging register according to the AC power source cutoff detection signal. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105017 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING WET-TANTALUM ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITORS - Wet-tantalum capacitors used in a medical device are charged to and maintained at a maintenance voltage between full energy charges so that deformation in the wet-tantalum capacitor is substantially inhibited. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105018 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING A POWER CONVERTER INPUT TERMINAL VOLTAGE DISCHARGE CIRCUIT - A switch is coupled to a control circuit and to an input of a power converter. The control circuit is coupled to drive the switch in a first operating mode to transfer energy from the input to an output of the power converter when an electrical energy source is coupled to the input of the power converter. The control circuit is coupled to drive the switch in a second operating mode when the electrical energy source is uncoupled from the input. A capacitance is coupled between input terminals of the input of the power converter and is discharged to a threshold voltage in less than a maximum period of time from when the electrical energy source is uncoupled from the input terminals. The control circuit is coupled to drive the switch to have a high average impedance in the first operating mode. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105019 | GENERATOR REGULATING SYSTEM HAVING MAIN AND AUXILIARY REGULATORS - A regulating device for regulating the output voltage of a generator; in particular a vehicle generator is described. To improve protection of the voltage regulation from failure, for normal operation it is proposed to perform the regulation using a main regulator which is implemented as software in a control unit, and in the event of a malfunction of the main regulator, to perform the regulation using an auxiliary regulator. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105020 | CONTROLLER FOR AC GENERATOR - A control system that can accommodate the wide variations in the output of a generator, such as a permanent magnet alternator, while providing an output with relatively uniform phase ripple. The control system includes a zero crossing detector and variable ramp generator for generating control signals to a switching rectifier to generate a regulated DC signal. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105021 | DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS OF ROTOR THERMAL SENSITIVITY - A system and method for diagnosis and prognosis of thermal sensitivity in a rotor of an electrical machine. A first system is provided for evaluating thermal sensitivity in a rotor of an electrical machine and includes: an input system for obtaining vibration data and field current from the rotor and for obtaining a set of operating parameter; a system for calculating a relationship between vibration and field current; an evaluation system for determining whether the relationship is significant; and a system for issuing a notification of thermal sensitivity in response to a determination of a significant relationship. A second system includes a system for calculating a series of relationships between vibration and field current over a period of time; an evaluation system for determining whether a change in the series of relationships over the period of time is significant; and a system for issuing a notification of thermal sensitivity in response to a determination of a significant change in the series of relationships. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105022 | PREDICTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for predicting a condition includes an electric machine having slip rings and an exciter providing current and voltage to the electric machine through the slip rings. The system also includes a monitoring device that measures the current and voltage provided by the exciter to the electric machine and that forms a regression model from a current sample and compares values from a next sample to values predicted by the regression model. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105023 | AUTOMATIC AC BUS VOLTAGE REGULATION FOR POWER DISTRIBUTION GRIDS - A system for automatically regulating voltage on a distribution-level AC bus having an actual voltage and a nominal voltage includes an electronic power converter connected to the distribution-level AC bus. The system generates a feedback signal representative of the actual voltage of the distribution-level AC bus and produces an input control signal in response to the feedback signal. The input control signal is representative of a commanded level of reactive power. The electronic power converter is responsive to the input control signal to deliver a commanded reactive power output to the distribution-level AC bus, and the commanded reactive power output pushes the actual voltage towards the nominal voltage. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105024 | Feedback Regulating Circuit - A feedback regulating circuit provides a regulated voltage to a multi-output circuit that outputs a plurality of output voltages. The feedback regulating circuit includes a voltage control unit, coupled to the plurality of output voltages, for generating a first voltage according to the plurality of output voltages and outputting a voltage control signal according to the first voltage; and a reference voltage generator, coupled to the voltage control unit, for receiving the voltage control signal and generating a reference voltage according to the voltage control signal, with the reference voltage being fed back to the multi-output circuit to regulate voltage to a high degree of accuracy. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105025 | FREQUENCY COMPENSATION CIRCUIT FOR VOLTAGE REGULATOR - A frequency compensation circuit for a voltage regulator is provided in embodiments of the present invention. The frequency compensation circuit mainly includes a first transconductance operational amplifier circuit, a second transconductance operational amplifier circuit, and a third transconductance operational amplifier circuit cascaded sequentially, where the first transconductance operational amplifier circuit receives an input voltage to be compensated, and the third transconductance operational amplifier circuit outputs a compensated voltage; and a primary transconductance negative feedback compensation circuit, connected in parallel between an output end of the second transconductance operational amplifier circuit and an output end of the third transconductance operational amplifier circuit, and a secondary transconductance negative feedback compensation circuit, connected in parallel between an output end of the first transconductance operational amplifier circuit and the output end of the third transconductance operational amplifier circuit. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105026 | SAFE ELECTRIC POWER REGULATING CIRCUIT - A safe electric power regulating circuit is connected between a power supply and a voltage boost/buck circuit to regulate the output voltage by the power supply to have a target voltage through the voltage boost/buck circuit. A switching device includes a switch unit, a first diode, and a first capacitor. The switch unit includes a first end, a second end, and a third end. The first end is connected to the power supply, and the second end is connected to the voltage boost/buck circuit. The switch unit is controlled to connect the third end to the first end or the second end. The first diode has an anode connected to the first end of the switch unit. The first capacitor has one end connected to the third end of the switch unit and the other end connected to circuit ground. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105027 | HIGH EFFICIENCY, THERMALLY STABLE REGULATORS AND ADJUSTABLE ZENER DIODES - This document discusses, among other things, apparatus for high-efficiency, thermally-compensated regulators. In an example, a regulator can include a zener diode having a first temperature coefficient, the zener diode configured couple to an output and to provide at least a portion of a reference voltage, a transistor having a second temperature coefficient, the transistor configured to receive the reference voltage, to receive a representation of the output, and to provide feedback information indicative of an error of the output using the representation of the output voltage and the reference voltage, and wherein the first temperature coefficient and the second temperature coefficient are configured to reduce at least a portion of a temperature drift effect of the zener diode and the transistor. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105028 | POWER SUPPLY WITH DYNAMIC INPUT CURRENT SUPPRESSION - A power supply is described, which comprises a first stage DC-to-DC voltage conversion block, and a second stage voltage conversion block having a feedback circuit to regulate the output voltage (V | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105029 | SWITCHING REGULATOR - A switching regulator includes: switching transistors configured to perform switching according to a control signal; an inductor connected to the switching transistors; a control mode switch unit configured to switch between a first control mode and a second control mode based on a direction in which a current flows through the inductor; an amplifier configured to operate as an error amplifier or a comparator; and a phase compensation unit connected to the amplifier by a switch unit, wherein, in the first control mode, the control mode switch unit connects the amplifier and the phase compensation unit by turning on the switch unit so as to cause the amplifier to operate as the error amplifier, and in the second control mode, the control mode switch unit turns off the switch unit so as to cause the amplifier to operate as the comparator. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105030 | CONTROL CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR A CURRENT MODE CONTROLLED POWER CONVERTER - A control circuit and method for a current mode controlled power converter to convert an input voltage into an output voltage, dynamically adjust the peak or the valley of a ramp signal depending on either or both of the input voltage and the output voltage. Under different conditions of the input voltage and the output voltage, the current mode controlled power converter can generate stable output voltages with an invariant inductor and an invariant compensation circuit, without sub-harmonic which otherwise may happen. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105031 | SWITCHING POWER-SUPPLY UNIT - A switching power-supply unit which controls current flowing through an inductor in a switchable manner and outputs a voltage different from input voltage, the unit including: a terminal-potential detecting circuit which monitors terminal potential of the inductor and outputs a predetermined signal; a comparator which compares an output feedback voltage with a threshold voltage; and a logic circuit which generates a signal for controlling a switching element based on an output from the comparator and an output from the terminal-potential detecting circuit, wherein the comparator compares a first threshold voltage with the feedback voltage in a period in which the output voltage rises, and compares a second threshold voltage which is lower than the first threshold voltage with the feedback voltage in a period in which the output voltage drops. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105032 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN ACTIVE CURRENT ASSIST WITH ANALOG BYPASS FOR A SWITCHER CIRCUIT - A system and method are disclosed for providing an active current assist with analog bypass for a switcher circuit. An active current assist circuit is coupled to a buck regulator circuit, which includes a switcher circuit, an inductor circuit and a capacitor circuit. The active current assist circuit includes an active current analog bypass control circuit and a current source. The active current analog bypass control circuit receives and uses current limit information, voltage error information, and drop out information to determine a value of assist current that is appropriate for a current operational state of the buck regulator circuit. The active current analog bypass control circuit causes the current source to provide the appropriate value of assist current to the buck regulator circuit. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105033 | LIGHT AMOUNT DETECTING APPARATUS, AND LIGHT AMOUNT INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS - A light amount detecting apparatus includes: a photoelectric converting element converting quantity of light inputted to current; a current/voltage converting device having a positive input terminal connected to a first terminal of the photoelectric converting element, a negative input terminal connected to a second terminal of the photoelectric converting element, a negative output terminal for reversing polarity of a current inputted to the positive input terminal and outputting it as a voltage, a positive output terminal for reversing polarity of a current inputted to the negative input terminal and outputting it as a voltage, a first negative feedback resistor connecting the positive and negative output terminals, and a second negative feedback resistor connected between the negative and positive output terminals, the current/voltage converting device setting the photoelectric converting element in zero bias and converting the converted current to the voltage; and an amplifying device for amplifying the converted voltage. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105034 | Controlling a Dead Time of a Switching Voltage Regulator - Embodiments for at least one method and apparatus of controlling a dead time of a switching voltage regulator are disclosed. One method includes generating a regulated output voltage based upon a switching voltage. The method included generating the switching voltage through controlled closing and opening of a series switch element and a shunt switch element, wherein the dead time comprises time that both the series switch element and the shunt switch element are open. The duration of the dead time is adjusted based on a rate of change of the switching voltage. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105035 | Buck Circuit Having Fast Transient Response Mechanism and Operation of the Same - A buck circuit having a fast transient response mechanism is provided. The buck circuit comprises a high side MOS, a low side MOS, a transient control module and an operation control module. The low side MOS is connected to the high side MOS at a connection point for generating an output voltage to an external load according to an input voltage from the high side MOS. The operation control module controls the operation of the high and the low side MOS according to the output voltage when the external load is in a heavy load state such that the transient control module is disabled. When the external load turns from the heavy load state to a light load state such that the output voltage raises over a predetermined level, the transient control module is enabled to turn on the low side MOS for discharging to pull down the output voltage. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105036 | VOLTAGE GENERATION CIRCUIT WHICH IS CAPABLE OF EXECUTING HIGH-SPEED BOOST OPERATION - According to one embodiment, a voltage generation circuit includes a first boost circuit, a voltage division circuit, a first detection circuit, a capacitor and a first switch. The first boost circuit outputs a first voltage. The voltage division circuit divides the first voltage. The first detection circuit is configured to detect a first monitor voltage supplied to the first input terminal, based on a reference voltage which is supplied to a second input terminal of the first detection circuit, and to control an operation of the first boost circuit. The capacitor is connected between an output terminal of the first boost circuit and the first input terminal of the first detection circuit. The first switch cuts off a connection between the capacitor and the first detection circuit, based on an output signal of the first detection circuit, until the first voltage is output from the first boost circuit. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105037 | Voltage Conversion Device Capable of Enhancing Conversion Efficiency - A voltage conversion device capable of enhancing conversion efficiency includes a charge pump for generating output voltage linear to input voltage according to the input voltage, a feedback unit for generating a feedback signal according to the output voltage generated by the charge pump, and a regulating unit for outputting and adjusting the input voltage according to the feedback signal provided by the feedback unit, so as to keep the output voltage unchanged. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105038 | CLOCK PHASE SHIFTER FOR USE WITH BUCK-BOOST CONVERTER - A buck boost converter generates a regulated output voltage responsive to an input voltage and switching control signals. Switching control circuitry generates the switching control signals responsive to the regulated output voltage, a maximum duty cycle signal and a mode signal. Mode control circuitry generates the maximum duty cycle signal and the mode signal responsive to a buck PWM signal and a boost PWM signal, a first clock signal and a second clock signal phase shifted from the first clock signal by a fixed, programmable amount. A phase shifter generates the first clock signal and the second clock signal responsive to a reference voltage and a synchronization signal. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105039 | Delay Block for Controlling a Dead Time of a Switching Voltage Regulator - Embodiments for at least one method and apparatus for controlling timing of switch control signals of a switching voltage regulator disclosed. One method includes generating a regulated output voltage based upon a switching voltage, generating the switching voltage through controlled closing and opening of a series switch element and a shunt switch element, and controlling, by a delay block, the closing and opening of the series switch element and a shunt switch element. The delay block control includes receiving, by the delay block, a timing signal, generating a one of a series switch control signal and a shunt switch control signal by controllably delaying the timing signal with a first delay, and generating one other of the series switch control signal and the shunt switch control signal by inverting, and controllably delaying the timing signal with a second delay. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105040 | Switched Inductor DC-DC Converter - A direct current to direct current (DCDC) voltage converter is described comprising a controller and at least one converter circuit. The converter circuit comprises at least first and second inductors, each having an input and an output; a first input switch connected to the input of the first inductor; a second input switch connected to the input of the second inductor; and an output switch connected to the outputs of the inductors for selectively combining the outputs to form a parallel combination of the inductors or a series combination of the inductors. The controller generates signals for selectively connecting the first and second input switches and the output circuit between a pair of power supply input terminals and a pair of power supply output terminals. In response to appropriate signals from the controller, the converter circuit can be operated as a buck converter or a boost converter. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105041 | DISCONTINUOUS CONDUCTION CURRENT MODE MAXIMUM POWER LIMITATION PHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERTER - A discontinuous conduction current mode maximum power limitation photovoltaic converter connects to a ground and a solar cell having a temperature compensation signal and an output power and being solarized and comprises a direct current/direct current voltage converter and a maximum power control circuit. The direct current/direct current voltage converter connects to the solar cell, comprises an input terminal and an output terminal, offers a stable voltage and has an output voltage signal and an inner current. The maximum power control circuit connects to the direct current/direct current voltage converter and the solar cell, controls the direct current/direct current voltage converter to limit the output power of the solar cell to maximum and comprises a temperature compensation feedback circuit, an output voltage feedback circuit, a current detection circuit and a main control circuit. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105042 | SWITCHING APPARATUS - A switching apparatus is disclosed that includes a first loop circuit configured to include a switching element, an inductive component and a capacitor; and a second loop circuit configured to share the inductive component with the first loop circuit, wherein the capacitor is inserted in series with the inductive component in the first loop, wherein the switching apparatus controls respective currents flowing through the first loop circuit and the second loop circuit in an alternating manner by turning on/off the switching element in order to control the current flowing through the inductive component, and wherein a first magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the first loop circuit as the switching element is being turned on and a second magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the second loop circuit as the switching element is being turned off head in the same direction. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105043 | Control of Multi-Level Supply Stage - There is described a buck-boost converter comprising: a voltage source; an inductor, wherein a first terminal of the inductor is switchably connected to the voltage source; and a plurality of capacitors switchably connected to a second terminal of the inductor, wherein a respective plurality of output voltages are formed across the plurality of capacitors, further comprising: an error determination means, for determining an error in each of the plurality of voltages, an inner control loop adapted to switchably connect one of the plurality of capacitors to the second terminal of the inductor in dependence on the determined errors; and an outer control loop adapted to control switching between buck mode and boost mode in dependence upon the determined errors. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105044 | Circuit Arrangement And Method For Inductive Energy Transfer - A circuit arrangement for the inductive transfer of energy is disclosed. The circuit arrangement includes an oscillator; a power supply for supplying the oscillator with energy and having a complex input resistance; and a device for detecting the inductive load of the oscillator and for modifying the complex input resistance of the power supply depending on the load of the oscillator. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105045 | Controlling a Skew Time of Switches of a Switching Regulator - Embodiments for methods and apparatuses for controlling a skew time of switches of a switching voltage regulator are disclosed. One method includes generating a switching voltage through closing and opening of a series switch and a shunt switch as controlled by a series switch control signal and a shunt switch control signal. An error signal is generated that is proportional to a relative displacement of an on-interval of the series switch and an off-interval of the shunt switch. A relative delay of the series switch control signal and the shunt switch control signal is adjusted based on the error signal, and a regulated output voltage is generated based upon the switching voltage. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105046 | CURRENT MIRROR USING AMBIPOLAR DEVICES - Current mirrors have been used in analog electronics with both CMOS and bipolar transistors for many years. Conventional current minor designs, though, may not be suitable for emerging technology transistors, such as graphene transistors, carbon nanotube (CNT) transistors, or other ambipolar transistors. Here, a current minor has been provided that uses ambipolar transistors, which accounts for the more unusual I-V (drain current to gate-source voltage) characteristics of ambipolar transistors. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105047 | PROGRAMMABLE LOW DROPOUT LINEAR REGULATOR - The present invention provides a programmable low dropout linear regulator using a reference voltage to convert an input voltage into a regulated voltage according to a control signal. The programmable low dropout linear regulator includes an operational amplifier having a negative input coupled to receive the reference voltage, a first transistor having a gate coupled to an output terminal of the operational amplifier and a first source/drain coupled to an output terminal of the regulated voltage, a first impedance coupled between a positive input of the operational amplifier and the output terminal of the regulated voltage, and a second impedance coupled between the positive input of the operational amplifier and a ground. The second impedance includes a second transistor having a gate coupled to receive the control signal. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105048 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SPACE CONTROL AND REMOTE MONITORING - A system and method for space control and remote monitoring is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a frequency modulated signal is emitted from a radioscopic device having an antenna. The frequency of the reflected signal from a target is compared with the emitted frequency modulated signal to obtain a low-frequency signal. The low-frequency signal is processed to form signal pulsations spectrum using a fast Fourier transform. Each spectrum frequency represents a distance to the target. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105049 | SYNTHESIZER HAVING ADJUSTABLE, STABLE AND REPRODUCIBLE PHASE AND FREQUENCY - A measuring device provides a synthesizer device, at least two controlling devices and at least two controlled oscillators. The synthesizer device contains at least one direct digital synthesizer and generates at least two signals of known phase ratio. Signals generated by the synthesizer device form reference signals of at least one controlling device. Signals formed by the controlling devices control the controlled oscillators. The measuring device contains only frequency splitters, which divide by integer division factors. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105050 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VARYING SAMPLING FREQUENCY TO AVOID SOFTWARE HARMONICS WHEN SAMPLING DIGITAL POWER INDICATORS - A method and system for varying sampling frequency to avoid software harmonics when sampling digital power indicators are described herein. A power monitor may repetitively sample, at a variable sampling rate based on a variable delay time, multiple signals of an IC device to obtain energy values. The variable delay time may be based on a pseudo-random value or a predictable value. The variable delay time may indicate a number of delay cycles that may be inserted between the repetitive samples of the energy values. The variable number of delay cycles between energy value samples may produce a variable sampling rate. A variable sampling rate may avoid alignment with software harmonics which can cause an inaccurate representation of power consumption. The multiple samples obtained by repetitively sampling energy value for the portion of the IC may be summed to generate a cumulative energy value for the portion of the IC. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105051 | Accessory Presence Detection - Disclosed is an electronic circuit with a first terminal for connecting an accessory thereto, and with a functionality for detecting the presence of an accessory connected to the first terminal. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105052 | METHOD FOR MEASURING THE CURRENT LEVEL OF AN ALTERNATING CURRENT - A method for measuring a current level of an alternating current uses a current transformer having a measurement winding and a test winding. The resistance of the test winding is measured, the temperature of the test winding and therefore of the measurement winding is determined therefrom, and a value for a current level measured on the measurement winding is corrected using that temperature. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105053 | FAN SPEED TESTING SYSTEM - A fan speed testing system includes a voltage regulating module, a rotational frequency collecting module, and a rotational frequency converting module. The voltage regulating module receives an AC voltage signal and converts the AC voltage signal to a variable first DC voltage signal to adjust a rotational speed of a fan. The rotational frequency collecting module detects the rotational speed of the fan and outputs rotational frequency signals. The rotational frequency converting module receives the rotational frequency signals and determines the rotational speed of the fan according to numbers and period of time level voltage switching in the rotational frequency signals. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105054 | DC RESPONSIVE TRANSDUCER WITH ON-BOARD USER ACTUATED AUTO-ZERO - An accelerometer is provided having a power circuit, a detection circuit, and a compensation circuit. The compensation circuit is operative to measure an offset voltage occurring between an output reference voltage from the power circuit and an output voltage from the detection circuit state, store the offset voltage during a zero acceleration, and output the stored offset voltage to alter the output voltage of the detection circuit. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105055 | ROTATION ANGLE DETECTOR FOR AUTOMOTIVE DRIVE MOTOR AND BEARING ASSEMBLY EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME - Provided is a rotation angle detection device for an automotive vehicle drive motor. The device includes a magnetic encoder including magnetic tracks with different numbers of magnetic poles. The magnetic tracks form coaxial rings. The device also includes magnetic sensors operable to sense the magnetic fields of the magnetic tracks. The magnetic sensors obtain information on a location within a magnetic pole of the magnetic tracks and generate magnetic field signals indicative of respective phases. The device further includes a phase difference determination unit that determines a difference between the respective phases of the magnetic field signals, an angle computation unit that computes an absolute angle of the magnetic encoder, based on the determined difference, and a signal output unit that outputs the computed absolute angle. The magnetic encoder is associated with an output shaft of the drive motor or with a bearing assembly equipped to the drive motor. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105056 | APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING A DISK DRIVE, DISK DRIVE TEST APPARATUS AND METHOD OF TESTING A DISK DRIVE - There is disclosed apparatus for supporting a disk drive, disk drive test apparatus and a method of testing a disk drive. The apparatus for supporting a disk drive includes: a housing, a slot for receiving a disk drive, and a plurality of isolators. The slot is received in the housing and has a longitudinal axis. The isolators are disposed between the slot and the housing for isolating the slot from the housing. The isolators are arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis such that the slot has a low rotational stiffness in the direction of the longitudinal axis relative to the rotational stiffness in at least one other direction. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105057 | HALL-EFFECT SENSOR ARRANGEMENT - A sensor arrangement is operative to sense a relative kinematic state of a magnet ( | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105058 | MAGNETIC FIELD SENSING - An apparatus for magnetic field sensing, the apparatus comprising a graphitic material to exhibit a change in magneto-resistance (MR) in response to a sensed magnetic field, and a circuit in communication with the graphitic material, the circuit to receive an input from the graphitic material, the input being indicative of the MR change, and generate data corresponding to an angle of incidence for the magnetic field in response to the received input. Also disclosed is a method for magnetic field sensing, the method comprising positioning a graphitic material to sense a magnetic field, the graphitic material exhibiting a change in magneto-resistance (MR) in response to the magnetic field, and generating data corresponding to an angle of incidence for the magnetic field based on the MR change. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105059 | SHIELDING APPARATUS AND SHIELDING STRUCTURES FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SCANNER - One or more embodiments of the invention relate to a shielding apparatus for shielding at least one at least partially metallic implant in the body of a patient during an examination by magnetic resonance imaging, which can be attached temporarily on or in the vicinity of the body of the patient and comprises a shielding material, which is suited to attenuate radio frequency alternating electromagnetic fields. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105060 | Use Of Strongly Modulating Pulses In MRI For Providing Chemical Shift Selective Flip Angles - A method of performing nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of a body comprising at least two populations of nuclei characterized by different spin resonance frequencies, the method comprising the steps of: (a) immerging said body (B) in a static magnetic field (B | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105061 | Portable bio-magnetic imager and method - Methods and apparatuses of the present invention perform imaging using a contrast agent and/or a metamaterials lens, together with a low magnetic field detector. The apparatus according to one embodiment comprises: a field source capable of generating a magnetic field directed to an area in a subject; a low magnetic field detector arranged downstream from the field source, the low magnetic field detector being capable of detecting a low magnetic field signature associated with the area in the subject; and a metamaterials lens arranged downstream from the field source, the metamaterials lens concentrating the magnetic field produced by the field source to the area in the subject, and/or concentrating back the magnetic signature from the area in the subject to the low magnetic field detector. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105062 | Method of Controlling Static Magnetic Field in NMR Spectrometer - A method of controlling the static magnetic field in an NMR spectrometer in such a way that the magnetic field can be homogenized even if there is a temperature gradient across a sample tube. A distribution of resonance frequencies and chemical shift differences within the sample tube is found by NMR measurements for each of two peaks of a calibration sample. A temperature distribution is found based on the distribution of the chemical shift differences. A distribution of chemical shifts of a solvent used for the measurements is found, based on the temperature distribution in the sample tube. Shimming is done using magnetic field gradients based on the distribution of the chemical shifts of the solvent. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105063 | SUPERCONDUCTIVE MAGNETIC COIL COMPRISING REGIONS HAVING DIFFERING HEAT TRANSFER - A superconductive magnetic coil is located in a cryostat for cooling purposes which is filled only up to a certain fill level with liquid helium. A helium gas phase having a temperature stratification, in which, for example, temperatures are present that can lead to a collapse of the superconductivity, forms over said helium accumulation. The magnetic coil is therefore subdivided into at least two partial regions having differing heat transfer between the coil and the surrounding medium. In a first partial region of the coil, in the surroundings of which a sufficiently low temperature for cooling is present, the heat transfer is high, while the magnetic coil in a second partial region, in the surroundings of which the temperature of the cooling medium is above a critical value, exhibits heat insulation. Consequently, no heat is exchanged between the coil and the surroundings in the second partial region, while cooling of the coil takes place in the first partial region. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105064 | RADIO FREQUENCY COIL FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SYSTEM - In one embodiment a radio frequency receiver for a magnetic resonance imaging system is provided. The radio frequency receiver comprises a RF coil for receiving one or more radio frequency signals transmitted through an object to be imaged so as to enable a reconstruction processor to generate an image representation of the object based on the received radio frequency signals, a local oscillator configured for generating a stimulus, the stimulus comprising a range of radio frequency signals having different frequencies and a flux probe coupled to the local oscillator, the flux probe configured for applying the stimulus to the RF coil. Further, the RF coil is configured for returning a reflected signal in response to the stimulus applied and comprises at least one digitally tunable capacitor. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105065 | DIAGNOSIS OF HEV/EV BATTERY DISCONNECT SYSTEM - A circuit that detects if contacts in an HV contactor have been welded or stuck closed. The circuit includes a controller that generates a short duration pulse signal that closes a driver switch and allows current flow through a coil in the HV contactor. The current flow is converted to a voltage by a sensor, where the voltage is received by the controller. The controller uses the voltage, such as by comparing the voltage to a stored representative voltage of the coil current for when the HV contactor is open, to determine whether the HV contactor is closed, and possibly welded or stuck closed, or partially closed. The sensor can be the driver switch or another device, such as a resistor. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105066 | SELF-CORRECTING AMPLIFIER SYSTEM - DC offsets introduced in battery testing equipment are automatically compensated for using complementary current-mode servo feedback. An op amp receives and amplifies a response signal, while also introducing internal errors manifested in the amplified response signal. A correction circuitry coupled to receive the amplified response signal and comprising a balanced circuit with a positive input correction device and a negative input correction device to remove the DC bias. The correction circuitry further comprises an error sensing device to correct for the internal errors introduced by the op amp. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105067 | VEHICLE BATTERY TESTING - A method of estimating a state of charge of a battery in a vehicle undergoing a vehicle assembly process. The method may include the steps of: installing the battery in the vehicle; employing a sensor mounted in the vehicle to automatically sense battery net amp hours during at least a portion of the vehicle assembly process; storing the net amp hours in a control module mounted in the vehicle; mounting a data link connector in the vehicle to provide communication with the controller; temporarily connecting a tool connector of a battery test assembly to the data link connector and transmitting the stored net amp hours data to the battery test tool from the control module; and comparing the net amp hours to a predetermined maximum net amp hours to estimate if the state of charge of the battery is acceptable. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105068 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSESSING BATTERY STATE OF HEALTH - A method for monitoring a lithium-ion battery cell includes monitoring a battery cell voltage and a corresponding state of charge of the battery cell during an electric power event which may include either an electric power charge event or an electric power discharge event. A measured potential-derivative is determined by differentiating the battery cell voltage in relation to the corresponding state of charge of the battery during the electric power event. The measured potential-derivative is compared with a preferred anode potential-derivative of an anode charge curve (for electric power discharge events) or an anode discharge curve (for electric power charge events), and with a preferred cathode potential-derivative of a cathode charge curve (for electric power charge events) or a cathode discharge charge curve (for electric power discharge events). A first state of health parameter of the battery cell corresponding to the comparison of the measured potential-derivative with the preferred anode potential-derivative of the anode curve is determined. And, a second state of health parameter of the battery cell corresponding to the comparison of the measured potential-derivative with the preferred cathode potential-derivative of the cathode curve is determined. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105069 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSESSING BATTERY STATE OF HEALTH - A method for monitoring a lithium-ion battery cell includes monitoring a battery cell voltage and a corresponding charge capacity of the battery cell during an electric power event which may include either an electric power charge event or an electric power discharge event. A measured charge-capacity-derivative is determined by differentiating the charge capacity in relation to the corresponding battery cell voltage during the electric power event. The measured charge-capacity-derivative is compared with a preferred anode charge-capacity-derivative of an anode charge curve (for electric power discharge events) or an anode discharge curve (for electric power charge events), and with a preferred cathode charge-capacity-derivative of a cathode charge curve (for electric power charge events) or a cathode discharge charge curve (for electric power discharge events). A first state of health parameter of the battery cell corresponding to the comparison of the measured charge-capacity-derivative with the preferred anode charge-capacity-derivative of the anode curve is determined. And, a second state of health parameter of the battery cell corresponding to the comparison of the measured charge-capacity-derivative with the preferred cathode charge-capacity-derivative of the cathode curve is determined. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105070 | SPECTROSCOPIC BATTERY-CELL IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT ARRANGEMENT - A battery cell measurement system comprising a signal generator coupled to a pulse density modulation circuit generating a control signal which drives a switch connected between a first terminal of a battery cell and a first terminal of a bleeding impedance, a second terminal of the bleeding impedance being coupled to a second battery cell terminal. The first terminal is coupled to a first terminal of a second switch. The second terminal is coupled to a first terminal of a third switch. A second terminal of the second switch and second terminal of the third switch are coupled and are further coupled to a low-pass filter. A signal generated by the low-pass filter is inputted into an analog to digital converter, which provides a signal representative of either a signal across the bleeding impedance, or a signal between the battery cell terminals. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105071 | BATTERY TESTING DYNAMIC DELTA VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT - A method of evaluating battery packs is described. The method includes measuring a cell open voltage for each battery cell group in a section of battery cells; measuring a voltage under charge, or a voltage under load, or both, at a predetermined time interval for each battery cell group in the section of battery cells; determining the magnitude of the difference between the open cell voltage and the voltage under charge, or the voltage under load, or both, for each battery cell group in the section of battery cells by subtracting the voltage under charge from the cell open voltage, or subtracting the voltage under load from the cell open voltage, or both; and determining if the magnitude of the difference between the open cell voltage and the voltage under charge, or the voltage under load, or both, for each battery cell group in the section of battery cells exceeds a predetermined level. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105072 | Methods And Apparatus For Motor Emulation - Methods and apparatus provide for: a first DC bus operating to support a first DC voltage potential and for connecting to a DC input of a motor driver inverter circuit; a motor emulator circuit operating to emulate a polyphase motor and including polyphase output terminals for connecting to a polyphase output of the motor driver inverter circuit; a second DC bus operating to support a second DC voltage potential to a DC input of the motor emulator circuit; and a bi-directional DC-DC power supply coupled between the first and second DC busses, and operating to both: (i) add voltage potential to the first DC voltage potential to produce the higher, second DC voltage potential on the second DC bus, and (ii) subtract voltage potential from the second DC voltage potential to produce the lower, first DC voltage potential on the first DC bus. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105073 | Arrangement for Eliminating Interference from Acoustic Signals in a Ground-Borne Sound Locating Process - An apparatus including a portable receiver with an acoustic sensor and a magnetic field sensor is adapted for locating a fault in an underground electrical line by evaluating ground-borne acoustic signals and electromagnetic signals emitted from a succession of sparking arc-overs caused at the fault location by voltage pulses fed into the electrical line. The apparatus further includes an arrangement for eliminating interference noises from the acoustic signals, wherein the acoustic received signals are delivered to and stored in a memory, and then a respective acoustic signal is processed with reference to a previous stored acoustic signal by a processing algorithm in a processing unit. Start time points of the individual acoustic signals are synchronized with reference to associated electromagnetic signals. A result of the processing algorithm is supplied to an evaluating unit. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105074 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTEROPERABILITY TESTING - A method and system for interoperability testing is provided. Various network communications messages are sent to a device under test (DUT) and a number of similar devices from different sources including different manufacturers. Responses to the test signals from the device under test and the similar devices are compared to expected responses in accordance with the standard, and adjustments are made in the device under test if deviations in responses are detected. The device under test may be a intelligent electronic device or IEC 61850 protocol client device. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105075 | METHOD FOR CHARACTERIZING AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BY IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY - The invention relates to a method for more precisely characterizing an electrical system by impedance spectrometry. Said method consists of:
| 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105076 | METHOD OF CORRECTING RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENTS FOR TOLL BENDING EFFECTS - A method for correcting subterranean resistivity measurements to account for tool bending includes processing at least one coupling component and at least one cross-coupling component in combination with a tool bending angle. Such processing may, for example, remove one or more coupling components from a cross-coupling component. Removal of the coupling component(s) tends to increase the sensitivity of directional resistivity measurements to remote boundaries. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105077 | EXCITATION CIRCUIT FOR DC SENSORS - A circuit for exciting at least one DC sensor is provided in which the circuit has a digital regulation controller connected to a main system and to a regulation loop. The main system has a DAC connected to the sensor via a non-inverted amplified path and via an inverted amplified path in order to send sensor excitation signals including a DC component in differential mode. The regulation system includes an ADC connected to the amplified paths. The circuit includes a monitoring system that is connected to the controller in parallel with the converter in order to send signals as a function of an AC component of the signals taken from the amplified paths. The digital controller is arranged to inject a sinewave in common mode into the excitation signals and to analyze signals output by the monitoring system and signals output by the ADC. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105078 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING AN OPERATING CHARACTERISTIC ASSOCIATED WITH AN INDUCTOR IN A POWER CONVERTER SYSTEM - A method and system is provided for determining at least one operating characteristic associated with an inductor in a power converter system. The operating characteristic may be current through the inductor. The power converter system may be of the type used in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to convert electric power from a high-voltage traction battery to drive an electric motor and/or a generator in the HEV. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105079 | CAPACITANCE-TO-VOLTAGE INTERFACE CIRCUITS - A capacitance-to-voltage interface circuit is utilized to obtain a voltage corresponding to a detected capacitance differential, which may be associated with the operation of a capacitive sensing cell. The interface circuit includes a capacitive sensing cell, an operational amplifier adapted for selective coupling to the capacitive sensing cell, a feedback capacitor for the operational amplifier, a load capacitor for the operational amplifier, and a switching architecture associated with the capacitive sensing cell, the operational amplifier, the feedback capacitor, and the load capacitor. During use, the switching architecture reconfigures the capacitance-to-voltage interface circuit for operation in a plurality of different phases. The different operational phases enable the single operational amplifier to be used for both capacitance-to-voltage conversion and voltage amplification. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105080 | Electrostatic Capacitance Type Physical Quantity Sensor and Angular Velocity Sensor - The present invention provides a high-accuracy electrostatic capacitance type physical quantity sensor and angular velocity sensor configured so as to be capable of suppressing noise derived from internal noise while maintaining resistance to externally-incoming noise. A detection element | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105081 | CAPACITIVE SENSOR, DEVICE AND METHOD - Exemplary capacitive sensors may be capable of determining presence and location of a touch and capable of determining a fingerprint pattern. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105082 | ANGLE-MEASURING DEVICE WITH AN ABSOLUTE-TYPE DISK CAPACITIVE SENSOR - An absolute position measuring device suitable for wide-angle range measurement and providing the advantages of high precision, high resolution, and easy data processing. The measuring device includes a disk capacitive sensor, a measurement signal processing unit, a data processing unit, and a display unit. The disk capacitive sensor includes a rough division sensor and a fine division sensor. The pitch point value of the fine division sensor is at least two times higher than two resolutions of the rough division sensor. The rough division sensor and the fine division sensor have the same zero position. The grids of the two rough division and fine division sensors are independent to each other, are free of electric coherence, and are fixed relatively to each other. The grid has an exclusive absolute displacement value within a single pitch measurement range. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105083 | Static/dynamic Resistance Measuring Apparatus and Method - A resistance measuring apparatus which includes a variable voltage source, a signal display circuit, a bridge consisting of a first standard resistor, a second standard resistor, an adjustable resistor and the unknown resistor, a bridge balance display circuit and a dynamic voltage display circuit alternatively connected within the bridge. The resistance measuring apparatus is adapted to measure static resistance and dynamic resistance variation of an unknown resistor in the case of external environment having changed dramatically. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105084 | HYDROCARBON VAPOR DETECTOR APPARATUS AND METHOD - A hydrocarbon vapor detection instrument includes a hydrocarbon vapor detector, with conductivity proportional to contiguous airborne concentration of hydrocarbon vapor. The instrument further includes electronic circuitry providing an electrical signal proportional to the vapor detector conductivity and to a switch-selected sensitivity setting. The instrument further includes indicators to signal recharging status while a power switch is off and an external power supply is recharging the battery, namely that the battery is partially or fully charged and if the battery temperature is excessive, to signal that operating power is on, to signal that a low battery condition exists, and to signal different concentrations of hydrocarbon vapor. For the last of these, indicator position on a housing corresponds to vapor concentration. The instrument further includes an audible indication of power-on status and vapor concentration, changing with vapor concentration. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105085 | DISPLAY DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR INSPECTING BONDING RESISTANCE AND INSPECTING METHOD THEREOF - A system for inspecting bonding resistance of a display device includes a display panel, at least one circuit board, at least one driving chip and a testing board. The display panel includes at least one testing conductive line and connecting conductive lines. The circuit board is connected with the testing conductive line and the connecting conductive lines. The driving chip includes at least one testing pad and connecting pads, respectively electrically connected to the testing conductive line and the connecting conductive lines; at least one comparator connected to the testing pad; and at least one logic circuit connected to the comparator. The testing board is connected to the circuit board and provides a test signal to the testing pad through the circuit board and the testing conductive line. The test signal is compared with a reference signal in the comparator, and the logic circuit determines a comparing result. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105086 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATED MEASUREMENT OF ELECTRICAL BONDS - A structure is described that includes a first faying surface, a second faying surface for creating an electrical bond with the first faying surface, and a sensor operatively placed proximate the first faying surface and the second faying surface. The sensor includes a current port for injecting a fixed current through the electrical bond, a voltage port for sensing a voltage across the electrical bond induced by the fixed current, a processing device programmed to determine a resistance of the electrical bond based on the fixed current and sensed voltage, and a wireless interface for transmitting at least one of the sensed voltage and the determined resistance to an external device. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105087 | APPARATUS FOR TESTING CIRCUIT BOARDS OF COMPUTING DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SAME - Embodiments provide apparatus for testing a primary PCB of a native computing device, the apparatus including a plurality of fixture mounting posts selectively positionable in alignment with mounting holes for the fixture mounting posts to be received in the mounting holes to support the primary PCB on the apparatus, and a fixture frame configured to support the plurality of fixture mounting posts in a plurality of selected mounting post locations, and embodiments provide methods for testing a primary PCB. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105088 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TESTING BACK-CONTACT SOLAR CELLS - The present invention relates to an apparatus for testing of back-contact solar cells. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support plate having vacuum holes with suction cups partially within the holes and probe pins within the suction cups. A solar cell is placed into contact with the suction cups and vacuum forces are applied through the suction cups to force contact pads of the solar cell against the probe pins. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a support plate having probe pin holes with hollow probe pins located therein. Vacuum forces are applied through the hollow probe pins to force contact pads of the solar cell against the probe pins. The support plate in either embodiment may be an end effector of a robot used to pick up the solar cell and hold the front surface of the solar cell adjacent a light source while performing light induced testing. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105089 | SEMICONDUCTOR PACKAGE HAVING TEST PADS ON TOP AND BOTTOM SUBSTRATE SURFACES AND METHOD OF TESTING SAME - A semiconductor package and testing method is disclosed. The package includes a substrate having top and bottom surfaces, a semiconductor chip mounted in a centrally located semiconductor chip mounting area of the substrate, and a plurality of test pads disposed on top and bottom surfaces of the substrate and comprising a first group of test pads configured on the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate and having a first height above the respective top and bottom surface of the substrate, and a second group of test pads disposed on the lower surface of the substrate and having a second height greater than the first, wherein each one of the second group of test pads includes a solder ball attached thereto. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105090 | PROBE DEVICE FOR TESTING - The present invention relates to a probe device for testing a semiconductor chip, and has the aim of providing a probe device for testing with higher test reliability through an improved structure that enables test current to flow safely, the probe device including a barrel open at the top and bottom thereof and a probe projection formed on a top end to contact a connection terminal of a semiconductor chip, an upper plunger having a lower portion housed in an upper portion of the barrel, and a lower plunger having an upper portion housed in a lower portion of the barrel, wherein a metal ball contained in cylindrical silicon to form a conductive silicon portion that exhibits conductivity and housed inside the band electrically connects the upper plunger and the lower plunger and resiliently supports the downward pressure transferred to the upper plunger during the testing of a semiconductor chip, such that the conductive silicon portion containing the metal ball for exhibiting conductivity and inserted in the barrel resiliently supports the upper plunger during a testing process, thus enabling a test current to flow safely along the conductive silicon portion and improving test reliability. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105091 | STACKED FPGA BOARD FOR SEMICONDUCTOR VERIFICATION - Disclosed herein is an FPGA board assembly for inspecting a semiconductor, the FPGA board assembly being a programmable logic device (PLD) board for inspecting a semiconductor product design, comprising: one or more FPGA boards, each including an FPGA chip provided with a logic circuit for inspecting a semiconductor and a plurality of connectors for inputting/outputting signals; and a switching board including connectors corresponding to the connectors and selectively connecting signals between the FPGA boards, wherein the one or more FPGA boards and the switching board are connected with each other in the form of a laminate by their respective connectors to inspect a semiconductor product design. The FPGA board assembly is advantageous in that boards can be easily connected with each other and in that various problems, such as difficulties of wiring design, the spatial restriction and the like, can be solved. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105092 | DEFECT INSPECTING APPARATUS AND DEFECT INSPECTING METHOD - An evaluation apparatus includes a lighting control section for lighting a liquid crystal display panel including switch-type touch sensors, a pressing section for pressing the liquid crystal display panel that is being lit, and a sensor data acquisition section for acquiring outputs from touch sensors disposed within a region of the liquid crystal display panel that is pressed by the pressing section. The pressing section is made of a material having transparency. With this apparatus, it is possible to inspect switch-type touch sensors of a liquid crystal display panel for defects by checking a display state in a region to which a load is being applied. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105093 | SEMICONDUCTOR APPARATUS AND METHOD OF TESTING AND MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A semiconductor apparatus includes: a semiconductor chip, wherein a conductive layer is formed at one side of the semiconductor chip and one or more of probe pads are formed at the other side thereof; a plurality of through-silicon vias (TSVs), wherein one side of each of the plurality of TSVs is coupled to the conductive layer and the other side of one or more of the plurality of TSVs is coupled to the probe pad; a plurality of latch units each configured to be assigned to the plurality of corresponding TSVs and store a test signal, wherein the test signal is inputted via the probe pad and is transferred via the plurality of corresponding TSVs to the plurality of assigned latch units, respectively; and a signal combination unit configured to combine a plurality of signals stored in the plurality of latch units to output the result as an error detection signal. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105094 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A SiC BIPOLAR JUNCTION TRANSISTOR AND SiC BIPOLAR JUNCTION TRANSISTOR THEREOF - A method of manufacturing a silicon carbide (SiC) bipolar junction transistor (BJT) and a SiC BJT are provided. The SiC BJT comprises an emitter region, a base region and a collector region. The collector region is arranged on a substrate having an off-axis orientation of about 4 degrees or lower. Further, a defect termination layer (DTL) is arranged between the substrate and the collector region. A thickness and a doping level of the DTL are configured to terminate basal plane dislocations in the DTL and reduce the growth of defects from the DTL to the collector region. At least some of the embodiments are advantageous in that SiC BJTs with improved stability are provided. Further, a method of evaluating the degradation performance of a SiC BJT is provided. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105095 | SILICON-ON-INSULATOR (SOI) BODY-CONTACT PASS GATE STRUCTURE - A circuit for testing a floating body field-effect transistor (FET), and a related method, are provided. Embodiments of this invention include a circuit including a contacted-body FET structure that can be operated in a floating body mode or a body-contacted mode, and a passgate FET. A body of the contacted-body FET structure is connected to the drain of the passgate FET. Voltage can be applied to the passgate FET to either allow or restrict current flow through the passgate FET, to operate the contacted-body FET structure in body contacted mode or floating body mode. Data can be taken in each mode and compared to extract a floating body voltage. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105096 | Assessing Connection Joint Coverage Between a Device and a Printed Circuit Board - The present disclosure relates to assessing coverage of a connection joint, such as a solder joint, between a device and a printed circuit board (PCB). In accordance with various embodiments, a PCB includes a conductive thermal pad adapted to be electrically and mechanically connected to an exposed pad of a component by an intervening connection joint to establish a thermal path to dissipate thermal energy from the component. An isolated test via that extends through the conductive thermal pad in non-contacting relation thereto, the test via adapted to mechanically and electrically contact said intervening connection joint. A coverage characteristic of the intervening connection joint can be determined in relation to application of an electrical signal to the test via. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105097 | AUTOMATED EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM (EPSS) TEST REPORTING CRITICALITY OF EPSS TEST FAILURE - An automated emergency power supply system (EPSS) and testing solution that records generator load values and engine exhaust temperature values to evaluate whether an EPSS test satisfies legislated test criteria. The EPSS test is carried out under software control, which initiates a test by instructing an automatic transfer switch (ATS) to change its status to a test status, causing the essential loads to be powered by a generator instead of a main utility power source. Power monitors record the ATS and generator status during the test as well as electrical parameter data from the ATS and generator and exhaust temperature data and other engine parameter data from the generator. When the test is concluded, the ATS is instructed to return the status to normal so that power delivery is resumed from the main power source. The electrical and engine parameter data is analyzed and compared against legislated test criteria to determine a pass/fail result of the EPSS test. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105098 | AUTOMATED EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY TEST USING ENGINE EXHAUST TEMPERATURE - An automated emergency power supply system (EPSS) and testing solution that records generator load values and engine exhaust temperature values to evaluate whether an EPSS test satisfies legislated test criteria. The EPSS test is carried out under software control, which initiates a test by instructing an automatic transfer switch (ATS) to change its status to a test status, causing the essential loads to be powered by a generator instead of a main utility power source. Power monitors record the ATS and generator status during the test as well as electrical parameter data from the ATS and generator and exhaust temperature data and other engine parameter data from the generator. When the test is concluded, the ATS is instructed to return the status to normal so that power delivery is resumed from the main power source. The electrical and engine parameter data is analyzed and compared against legislated test criteria to determine a pass/fail result of the EPSS test. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105099 | Homogeneous Dual-Rail Logic for DPA Attack Resistive Secure Circuit Design - Homogenous dual-rail logic for DPA attack resistive secure circuit design is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an HDRL circuit comprises a primary cell and a complementary cell, wherein the complementary cell is an identical duplicate of the primary cell. The HDRL circuit comprises a first set of inputs and a second set of inputs, wherein the second set of inputs are a negation of the first set of inputs. The HDRL circuit has a differential power at a level that is resistive to DPA attacks. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105100 | IMPEDANCE CALIBRATION CIRCUIT AND SEMICONDUCTOR APPARATUS USING THE SAME - An impedance calibration circuit includes: a first calibration unit configured to compare a first converted voltage obtained by converting a first calibration signal with a reference voltage and vary the first calibration signal; a voltage detection unit configured to activate a voltage detection signal according to a level of a power supply voltage; a multiplexing unit configured to select and output the reference voltage or the first converted voltage in response to the detection signal; and a second calibration unit configured to compare a second converted voltage obtained by converting a second calibration signal with the level of the output signal of the multiplexing unit and vary the second calibration signal. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105101 | MAGNETIC LOGIC GATE - This disclosure is directed to a magnetic logic gate for implementing a combinational logic function. The magnetic logic gate may include a write circuit configured to apply a spin-polarized current to the magnetoresistive device such that a resulting programmed magnetization state of the magnetoresistive device corresponds to a logic input value of a combinational logic function implemented by the magnetic logic device. The magnetic logic gate may further include a read circuit configured to generate a logic output value for the combinational logic function based on the programmed magnetization state in response to the write circuit applying the spin-polarized current to the magnetoresistive device. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105102 | MAGNETIC LOGIC GATE - This disclosure is directed to a magnetic logic device for implementing a combinational logic function. The magnetic logic device may include a chain of at least two magnetoresistive devices electrically coupled in series comprising a first terminal located at a first end of the chain and a second terminal located at a second end of the chain. The magnetic logic device may further include a voltage source configured to apply a voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal of the chain of at least two magnetoresistive devices electrically coupled in series. The magnetic logic device may further include a logic output generator configured to generate a logic output value for a logic function based on a magnitude of a current produced at the second terminal of the chain in response to the applied voltage. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105103 | MAGNETIC LOGIC GATE - This disclosure is directed to a magnetic logic device for implementing a combinational logic function. The magnetic logic device may include a network of at least two magnetoresistive devices electrically coupled in parallel. The magnetic logic device may further include a voltage source configured to apply a voltage between a first terminal and a second terminal of the network of at least two magnetoresistive devices electrically coupled in parallel. The magnetic logic device may further include a logic output generator configured to generate a logic output value for a logic function based on a magnitude of a current produced at the second terminal of the network in response to the applied voltages. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105104 | PERMUTABLE SWITCHING NETWORK WITH ENHANCED INTERCONNECTIVITY FOR MULTICASTING SIGNALS - In one embodiment, the integrated circuit has a L-level permutable switching network (L-PSN) comprising L levels of intermediate conductors. The integrated circuit can be used in electronic devices, such as switching networks, routers, and programmable logic circuits, etc. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105105 | Nonvolatile Logic Circuit - Semiconductor industry seeks to replace traditional volatile logic and memory devices with the improved nonvolatile devices. The increased demand for a significantly advanced, efficient, and nonvolatile data retention technique has driven the development of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) employing a giant magneto-resistance (GMR). The present application relates to nonvolatile logic circuits with integrated MTJs and, in particular, concerns a nonvolatile spin dependent logic device that may be integrated with conventional semiconductor-based logic devices to construct the nonvolatile logic circuits performing NOT, NOR, NAND and other logic functions. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105106 | Low-Power Wire-OR Matching Circuit - A wire-OR matching circuit with low power consumption can be enabled by inputting an input-enabling signal representing “enabled.” The wire-OR matching circuit generates an output-enabling signal according to a control signal and a periodic pulse signal. When the periodic pulse signal represents “turn on”, if the input-enabling signal represents “enabled” and the control signal represents “not disabled”, the output-enabling signal represents “enabled;” if the input-enabling signal represents “enabled” and the control signal represents “disabled”, the output-enabling signal represents “not enabled.” The wire- or matching circuit can promptly break the connection between the high voltage source and the low voltage source by controlling the pulse width of the periodic pulse signal. In this way, large current is avoided, saving power consumption. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105107 | VOLTAGE DETECTION DEVICE AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME - A voltage detection device and a semiconductor device including the same are provided. The voltage detection device includes: a first clock generator which generates a first clock signal having a period that changes according to an external voltage; a second clock generator which generates a second clock signal having a predetermined period corresponding to a reference voltage; and a detector which detects a change of the external voltage by comparing the first clock signal with the second clock signal. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105108 | BROWN-OUT DETECTION CIRCUIT - A data processing system ( | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105109 | OUTPUT STAGE, AMPLIFIER CONTROL LOOP AND USE OF THE OUTPUT STAGE - An output stage includes a first transistor pair with a first conductivity type and a second transistor pair with a second conductivity type. The source connections of the first and second transistors in the first transistor pair and of the first and second transistors in the second transistor pair are respectively connected to a first and a second circuit node. The output stage further includes a first current mirror with the first conductivity type and a second current mirror with the second conductivity type. The current mirror transistors are connected to the signal output. The signal input is connected to control connections of the first transistors in the first and second transistor pairs. A second connection of the second transistor in the first transistor pair is connected to the second current mirror, and a second connection of the second transistor in the second transistor pair is connected to the first current mirror. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105110 | Signal level adjusting device and high-frequency apparatus - To provide, in a frequency synthesizer including: a variable attenuator provided at a subsequent stage of a voltage controlled oscillator; a detector; and a control unit outputting a control voltage for adjusting an attenuation amount of the variable attenuator via a digital/analog converter in accordance with a detection voltage, a technology with which a spurious due to a change in an output of the digital/analog converter can be suppressed. A low-pass filter is provided between an output side of a digital/analog converter and a variable attenuator to cut a frequency component corresponding to an overshoot generated when an output of the digital/analog converter is changed. Further, a period of time from when a control unit outputs a control voltage to when it reads a signal level detected by a detector is set to a period of time longer than a time constant of the low-pass filter determined by a cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter so that no influence is exerted on an operation of automatically controlling the signal level. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105111 | TRANSMITTER INCLUDING POLAR MODULATION CIRCUIT - Provided is a transmitter including a polar modulation circuit which adjusts a timing lag between an amplitude component and a phase component more accurately than a conventional art. The polar modulation circuit includes: an extraction section for extracting an amplitude component and a phase component from an input signal; a first processing section for performing a first signal process on the amplitude component; a second processing section for performing a second signal processing on the phase component; an amplifier for synthesizing an output of the first processing section and an output of the second processing section and amplifying the synthesized outputs; a first calculator for performing an exclusive OR logical operation between the amplitude component before being inputted to the first processing section and the amplitude component after having been inputted to the first processing section; a first accumulation section for accumulating outputs of the first calculator; a second calculator for performing an exclusive OR logical operation between the phase component before being inputted to the second processing section and the phase component after having been inputted to the second processing section; a second accumulation section for accumulating outputs of the second calculator; and a delay fluctuation detection/compensation section for obtaining a delay time of the amplitude component based on an amount of accumulation of the first accumulation section; obtaining a delay time of the phase component based on an amount of accumulation of the second accumulation section; detecting an amount of delay fluctuation by using the delay times; and adjusting timings of the amplitude component and the phase component. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105112 | Method and Apparatus for Providing System Clock Failover - A method and apparatus for providing system clock failover using a one-shot circuit are disclosed. A process, in one embodiment, is able to detect a clock failure using a one-shot circuit, wherein the clock signals are generated by a first clock circuit. Upon generating a switching signal in response to the clock failure, a system reset signal is asserted for a predefined time period in accordance with the clock failure. After switching a second clock circuit to replace the first clock circuit, the process is capable of resuming the clock signals via the second clock circuit. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105113 | DATA TRANSFER CIRCUIT AND DATA TRANSFER METHOD FOR CLOCK DOMAIN CROSSING - A circuit that transfers data between a first clock domain using a first clock and a second clock domain using a second clock synchronized with the first clock. The circuit comprises a data holding circuit operating at the first clock, an enable signal generation circuit connected to the data holding circuit. Preferably, the data transfer circuit includes an edge signal generation circuit connected to the data holding circuit, the edge signal generation circuit generating an edge signal allowing the data holding circuit to receive and send the data when edges of the first clock and the second clock align, and applying the edge signal to the data holding circuit. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105114 | SPREAD SPECTRUM CLOCK GENERATING CIRCUIT - Provided is a spread spectrum clock generating circuit. The spread spectrum clock generating circuit includes: a phase detector receiving a reference frequency signal from the external and detecting a phase difference between the reference frequency signal and a frequency-divided signal; a voltage controlled oscillator outputting an oscillation signal corresponding to a detection result of the phase detector; a main divider generating the frequency-divided signal by dividing a frequency of the oscillation signal by a main dividing ratio; and a dividing ratio controller generating a variable count value, generating a sub dividing ratio by performing delta-sigma modulation according to the count value, and adjusting the main dividing ratio according to the sub dividing ratio. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120105115 | CLOCK AND DATA RECOVERY CIRCUIT - A clock and data recovery circuit includes a multiphase clock generator circuit which generates a multiphase clock having a plurality of clocks, a sampling circuit which samples a received data signal transferring serial data in synchronism with each of the plurality of clocks, and generates a plurality of data signals, a data recovery unit which generates a selection signal indicating a data signal having an appropriate phase among the plurality of data signals, and a storage unit which stores the selection signal. The data recovery unit selects one of the plurality of data signals, based on the selection signal read from the storage unit, and a clock corresponding to the selected data signal. | 2012-05-03 |
