26th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 22 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110156652 | STATE OF CHARGE RANGE - A management system for a battery cell pack, the management system including a controller determining an adjustable charge profile for the battery cell pack wherein the adjustable charge profile includes an operational parameter identifying a next operation drive range mode from a set of drive range modes for the battery cell pack wherein each the drive range mode includes a state of charge (SOC) window between a charge SOC and a discharge SOC, with the set of drive range modes including a first drive range mode having a first SOC window and including a second drive range mode having a second SOC window less than the first SOC window; and one or more energy transfer stages to produce the charge SOC of the next operation drive range mode in the battery cell pack. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156653 | SOLAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM AND DRIVING METHOD OF SAME - A solar power supply system includes a load device, a solar panel that converts light energy into electrical energy, an energy storage device storing the electrical energy from the solar panel, a charge/discharge control device, and a transformer device. The charge/discharge control device selects one of the energy storage device and the solar panel as an operation power supply to the charge/discharge control device and generates an output voltage. The transformer device transforms the output voltage of the charge/discharge control device into a driving voltage to drive the load device. A feedback circuit generates a feedback signal according to an actual power consumption of the load device. A power detector detects an instant output power of the charge/discharge control device. A power regulator minimizes the output power of the charge/discharge control device according to the instant output power of the charge/discharge control device and the actual power consumption of the load device. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156654 | PROTECTION CIRCUIT FOR BATTERY PACK - A protection circuit of a battery pack capable of detecting the error of a charging device from the battery pack. The protection circuit of the battery pack having a battery cell charged by a charging device, the protection circuit including a charge switch coupled to a high current path (HCP), the charge switch disposed between the battery cell and the charging device charging the battery cell and a controller sensing a voltage or a current of the charging device during a charge stop period stopping a charging of the battery cell and determining whether an error of the charging device occurs according to the voltage or the current of the charging device. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156655 | BATTERY PACK AND METHOD OF CHARGING BATTERY PACK - A battery pack and a method of charging the same are disclosed. The battery pack is chargeable by a variety of chargers which have different output voltages. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156656 | OVERCHARGE PROTECTION CIRCUIT, BATTERY PACK, AND CHARGING SYSTEM - An overcharge protection circuit includes: a voltage detection portion which detects a terminal voltage of a secondary battery; and a control portion, having a normal state in which the secondary battery can be charged, a judgment execution state in which judgement as to whether the secondary battery is in an overcharged state is performed, and a first charging prohibition state in which charging of the secondary battery is prohibited, wherein in the normal state, when a terminal voltage detected by the voltage detection portion exceeds a first overcharge detection voltage set in advance as a voltage at which charging of the secondary battery is to be prohibited, the control portion transitions to the judgment execution state, in the judgment execution state, when an accumulated value, after the judgment execution state is established, of a time interval during which the terminal voltage detected by the voltage detection portion exceeds the first overcharge detection voltage, exceeds a first reference time set in advance, the control portion transitions to the first charging prohibition state, and in the judgment execution state, when the terminal voltage detected by the voltage detection portion falls below a judgment cancellation voltage lower than the first overcharge detection voltage, the control portion transitions to the normal state and enables charging of the secondary battery. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156657 | Method For Managing Power Limits For A Battery - A method for managing power limits for a battery includes the step of increasing a minimum operating state of charge after an initial power capability has decreased to the point where a predefined full discharge power is not available at an initial minimum operating state of charge. The increased minimum operating state of charge can be chosen such that the full discharge power is available. The increased minimum state of charge may not be chosen to provide the full discharge power if the increased minimum state of charge is greater than a maximum low limit state of charge. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156658 | Active Communications Bus Power Harvester For Differential Signal Communication System - A balanced differential signal communication system having at least two data lines connecting multiple nodes in series, each node comprising a signal generator for applying signals to the data lines that produce a controllable differential voltage across the data lines; a rechargeable storage device for receiving electrical energy from the data lines to charge the storage device; at least one device coupled to the storage device for receiving electrical energy from the storage device; and a controllable converter coupling the data lines to the storage device for controlling the charging and discharging of the storage device with power captured from the data lines. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156659 | Rechargeable Device and Power Feeding Control Method - Provided is an electronic device which is selectively connectable to two or more power sources thereby to charge the battery therein, and when connection with one power source is discontinued, the electronic device promptly switches connection to another power source thereby to start battery charging. When the external device connection section | 2011-06-30 |
20110156660 | QUICK CHARGE METHOD - The present invention provides a quick charge method belonging to the field of the battery and particularly relates to a quick charge method for lithium ion battery and polymer lithium ion battery. During a battery is being charged, the battery stops charging when the battery is charged to a charge limit voltage, and the charge limit voltage between two poles of the battery is set to be U=2U | 2011-06-30 |
20110156661 | FAST CHARGING WITH NEGATIVE RAMPED CURRENT PROFILE - A battery cell charging system, including a charger and a controller, for rapidly charging a lithium ion battery cell, the battery cell charging system having a circuit for charging the battery cell using an adjustable voltage charging-profile to apply a charging voltage and a charging current to the battery cell wherein the adjustable voltage charging-profile includes: a first charging stage with a constant first stage charging current and an increasing battery cell voltage with the first stage charging current provided until the first stage charging voltage is about equal to a first stage complete voltage less than a maximum battery cell voltage; an intermediate ramped charging stage, the intermediate ramped charging stage including both an increasing ramped voltage and a decreasing ramped iBat current for the battery cell for the voltage charging range of the first stage complete voltage to about the maximum battery cell voltage; and a final charging stage with a constant final stage charging voltage about equal to the maximum battery cell voltage and a decreasing final stage charging current with the final stage charging voltage provided until the final stage charging current reaches a desired charge complete level. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156662 | MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR EXCHANGE ELECTRIC STORAGE DEVICES AND MANAGEMENT METHOD FOR EXCHANGE ELECTRIC STORAGE DEVICES - A PC executes a program including a step of selecting an exchange electric storage device with the shortest charging history when a charging request is present, inventory of exchange electric storage devices with completed charging is available, the number of inventory days is equal to or less than A days, and the sufficient number of storage locations is ensured, a step of selecting an exchange electric storage device with the longest charging history when the sufficient number of storage locations is not ensured, and a step of executing charging control when the selected exchange electric storage device is connected to a charger. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156663 | TEST CIRCUIT FOR SERIAL LINK RECEIVER - A test circuit for a serial link receiver includes a first current source coupled to a first input of the serial link receiver, and a second current source coupled to a second input of the serial link receiver. The first current source is symmetrically matched to the second current source. A first switch of the first current source is turned on to permit a charge-retaining mechanism thereof to be charged. A second switch of the first current source is turned on to permit the retained charge retained to be asserted on the first input. The charge turns on a control switch of the first current source, through which the charge is asserted on the first input. A charge-draining mechanism of the first current source is turned on to thereafter permit the charge to be drained in a controlled manner after the charge has been asserted. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156664 | POWER GENERATOR WITH IMPROVED CONTROLLABILITY OF PHASE OF PHASE CURRENT - In a power generator, three-phase armature windings and a switching unit are provided for each phase armature winding. The switching unit includes a pair of a high-side switching element with a first diode and a second low-side switching element with a second diode. The switching unit rectifies, through at least one of the high-side switching element, the first diode, the second low-side switching element, and the second diode, a voltage induced in each phase armature winding. A zero-cross detector detects a point of time when a phase current based on the voltage induced in each phase armature winding is reversed in direction as a zero-cross point of the phase current. A deter miner determines an off timing of the high-side switching element or the low-side switching element for each phase armature winding relative to the zero-cross point detected by the zero-cross detector. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156665 | LINEAR MODULATION VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER CIRCUITRY - A linear modulation voltage transformer circuitry includes a power stage unit, a voltage division unit, a linear modulation unit, an error amplifier, and a recursive controller. The power stage unit adapts an input voltage and outputs a first voltage to the voltage division unit, which outputs a divided voltage. The linear modulation unit receives the divided voltage, compares it with a control voltage, and outputs an error voltage signal to the error amplifier, which amplifies the error voltage signal as an error gain control signal. The recursive controller receives and modulates the error gain control signal and outputs the modulation error gain control signal to the power stage unit as a reference signal so as for the power stage unit to modulate the first voltage. Thus, the first voltage can be varied in real time via the linear modulation unit to meet load demands. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156666 | TRANSFORMING DEVICE, ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, AND POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME - When an electronic apparatus comes to a state of being capable of receiving electric power, an output voltage of an AC adaptor changes from a second voltage Vb to a first voltage Va and the change in voltage can be detected by an electronic apparatus. Due to this configuration, a structure that can detect the type of AC adaptor can be provided without adding any new contacts to a DC input terminal and to a DC output terminal. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156667 | VOLTAGE REGULATOR WHICH PROVIDES SEQUENTIALLY AND ARBITRARRILY SHAPED REGULATED VOLTAGE AND RELATED METHOD - A voltage regulator includes an amplifier, a power device, a delay signal generator, and a voltage-generating circuit. The amplifier generates a control signal according to a reference voltage and a feedback voltage. The power switch generates the output voltage by regulating the output current according to the switch control signal. The delay signal generator generates a plurality of sequential delay signals each having distinct delay time with respect to an externally applied power-on burst signal. The voltage-generating circuit provides an equivalent resistance for generating the feedback voltage corresponding to the output voltage, and regulates the output voltage by adjusting the equivalent resistance according to the plurality of sequential delay signals. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156668 | VOLTAGE CONVERTER - A DC voltage converter, comprising: a multi-ratio capacitive converter; a linear voltage regulator in series with the multi-ratio capacitive converter; and a controller; the controller arranged to control the ratio of the multi-ratio capacitive converter dependent upon the voltage difference across the linear voltage regulator. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156669 | DC-DC CONVERTER - A DC-DC converter includes a bootstrap circuit including a capacitor which is configured to be charged when a low-side switch is an on-state, and being configured to pull up an on-drive voltage of the high-side switch by a charged voltage of the capacitor, a control circuit configured to perform switching control of the high-side switch and the low-side switch, and a predetermined-time trigger circuit configured to cause an output to be active for a predetermined time, when a break signal for instructing switching control of the high-side switch and the low-side switch to be halted is inactive. The control circuit performs switching control to turn the high-side switch off and the low-side switch on, when the output of the predetermined-time trigger circuit is active. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156670 | PASSIVE BOOTSTRAPPED CHARGE PUMP FOR NMOS POWER DEVICE BASED REGULATORS - A charge pump in a low dropout (LDO) regulator includes a first capacitor coupled to an output of an amplifier and to a gate of a pass transistor. A first plurality of switches is operable to couple a second capacitor between an output of the LDO regulator and to a ground in a first clock phase, such that the second capacitor charges to an output voltage. A second plurality of switches is operable to couple the second capacitor in parallel to the first capacitor in a second clock phase such that the second capacitor charges the first capacitor. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156671 | FAST LOAD TRANSIENT RESPONSE CIRCUIT FOR AN LDO REGULATOR - A fast load transient response circuit includes a feedback loop that senses a load transient; a first driver and a second driver responsive to a feedback signal from the feedback loop; and a first pass transistor and a second pass transistor with sources and drains being coupled to each other, and a gate of the first pass transistor being driven by the first driver and a gate of the second pass transistor being driven by the second driver. A width of the channel to length of the channel (W/L) ratio of the first pass transistor is different than that of the second pass transistor such that second pass transistor reacts faster than the first pass transistors to a load transient. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156672 | STARTUP CIRCUIT FOR AN LDO - A startup circuit in an LDO includes an operational amplifier having an inverting terminal and a non-inverting terminal and an output node. The non-inverting terminal receives a reference voltage. The startup circuit further includes a feedback capacitor coupled between an output node and the inverting terminal and a current source coupled between the inverting terminal and ground such that the current source and the feedback capacitor together control rate of change of an output voltage of the operational amplifier. A comparator is used to stop the rate of change of output voltage after the output voltage reaches a desired value. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156673 | INTERNAL POWER GENERATING CIRCUIT AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME - A semiconductor device includes an enable unit configured to enable an output terminal, a feedback unit configured to receive an output of the output terminal and output a feedback signal, an amplifying unit configured to amplify a difference between a reference signal and the feedback signal, and a transfer unit configured to transfer an amplified signal of the amplifying unit as an enable control signal of the enable unit, and to have an output resistance value smaller than an output resistance value of the amplifying unit. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156674 | LOW DROPOUT REGULATOR - A low dropout regulator having a power transistor, a current-voltage converting circuit, a current variation sensing circuit and a compensation circuit is provided. The power transistor has a power terminal receiving an input voltage, a control terminal, and an output terminal coupled to the current-voltage converting circuit to generate an output voltage. The current variation sensing circuit provides a first and a second output terminal and, according to a current variation of the power transistor, the first and second output terminals vary with distinct voltage transition speeds. The compensation circuit controls the control terminal of the power transistor to adjust the output voltage according to a first voltage difference between a feedback of the output voltage and a reference voltage and a second voltage difference between the second and first output terminals of the current variation sensing circuit. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156675 | POWER CONVERTER HAVING A SWITCH COUPLED BETWEEN WINDINGS - An example power converter includes a first winding, a second winding, a switch, a controller and an output circuit. The second winding is magnetically coupled to the first winding and the controller includes a feedback terminal and a common terminal. The controller is coupled to control the switch to regulate an output of the power converter in response to a feedback voltage received at the feedback terminal. The output circuit is coupled between the common terminal of the controller and a common reference of the power converter to provide an output voltage to a load. The feedback voltage is a positive voltage with respect to the common terminal and the output voltage is a negative voltage with respect to the common reference of the power converter. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156676 | GENERATING A REGULATED SIGNAL FROM ANOTHER REGULATED SIGNAL - An embodiment of a method includes generating a regulated output signal from a regulated intermediate signal in response to a reference signal and the regulated output signal, and generating the regulated intermediate signal from an input signal in response to the regulated output signal and the regulated intermediate signal. By generating one regulated signal (e.g., a regulated output voltage) from another regulated signal (e.g., a regulated intermediate voltage), one may significantly reduce the magnitude of the ripple component of the one regulated signal as compared to a conventional regulation technique. Furthermore, by generating the regulated intermediate signal in response to the regulated output signal, one may significantly increase the efficiency of the regulation as compared to conventional signal regulation. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156677 | LOW-DROPOUT REGULATOR - There is provided a low-dropout regulator capable of preventing transistors from operating in a triode or deep triode region. A low-dropout regulator according to an aspect of the invention may include: a first operational amplifier having a first input receiving an input voltage; a first P-channel MOSFET having a gate connected to an output of the first operational amplifier, a source connected to a power source terminal, and a drain connected to an output terminal; a feedback circuit providing at least portion of a voltage of the output terminal as a feedback to a second input of the first operational amplifier; and a triode limiter circuit receiving voltages at the source and the gate of the first P-channel MOSFET comparing a voltage difference therebetween with a predetermined reference voltage, and increasing a voltage of the second input of the first operational amplifier when the voltage difference is substantially the same as the reference voltage to thereby prevent the first P-channel MOSFET from entering a triode mode or a deep triode mode. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156678 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND DC-TO-DC CONVERTER - In general, according to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a device main body, a semiconductor substrate. The device main body includes a semiconductor substrate mounting part and a first conductor provided around the semiconductor substrate mounting part. The semiconductor substrate includes a DC-to-DC converter control circuit having a detector to detect at least one of a current flowing through the first conductor and a voltage supplied to the first conductor. The semiconductor substrate is disposed on the semiconductor substrate mounting part so that the detector comes close to the first conductor. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156679 | INTEGRATED TRENCH GUARDED SCHOTTKY DIODE COMPATIBLE WITH POWERDIE, STRUCTURE AND METHOD - A method and structure for a voltage converter including a trench field effect transistor (FET) and a trench guarded Schottky diode which is integrated with the trench FET. In an embodiment, a voltage converter can include a lateral FET, a trench FET, and a trench guarded Schottky diode integrated with the trench FET. A method to form a voltage converter can include the formation of a trench FET gate, a trench guarded Schottky diode gate, and a lateral FET gate using a single conductive layer such as a polysilicon layer. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156680 | Methods and related controllers for controlling output power of a power supply - A method of controlling a power supply comprising a switch and an inductive device includes turning the switch on to energize the inductive device, detecting inductor current flowing through the inductive device to generate a current sensing signal, comparing a peak of the current sensing signal and a limiting signal to generate an adjustment value, and comparing the current sensing signal and the limiting signal. The switch is closed when the current sensing signal, the limiting signal, and the adjustment value are approximately in a specific relationship for approximately equalizing a next peak of the current sensing signal to the limiting signal to cancel signal delay influence. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156681 | SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY CONTROL APPARATUS - According to embodiments, a switching power supply control apparatus causes a switching element to perform an ON/OFF once in each period of a clock signal, when an output voltage of a switching power supply formed by charging a capacitor with a current of a choke coil that stores/releases current energy in conjunction with the ON/OFF operation of the switching element is adjusted by exercising ON/OFF control of the switching element based on comparator output that compares the output voltage with a reference voltage. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156682 | VOLTAGE CONVERTER WITH INTEGRATED SCHOTTKY DEVICE AND SYSTEMS INCLUDING SAME - A semiconductor device such as a voltage converter includes a circuit stage such as an output stage having a high side device and a low side device which can be formed on a single die (i.e., a “PowerDie”) and connected to each other through a semiconductor substrate, and further includes a Schottky diode integrated with at least one of the low side device and the high side device. Both the high side device and the low side device can include lateral diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistors. Because both output transistors include the same type of transistors, the two devices can be formed simultaneously, thereby reducing the number of photomasks over other voltage converter designs. The voltage converter can further include a controller circuit on a different die which can be electrically coupled to, and co-packaged with, the PowerDie. Various embodiments of the Schottky diode can provide Schottky protection and, additionally JFET protection for the Schottky device. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156683 | Current mode buck-boost DC-DC controller - A current mode DC-DC controller operates with high efficiency even when the input and output voltages are close. Switches selectively connecting an input, ground and an output to inductor terminals are controlled in a buck/boost region to alternate between operation as a buck converter and operation as a boost converter. The number of switches repeatedly changing state is thus reduced, lowering switching losses and improving conversion efficiency. Current through the inductor during operation is sensed and compared to an error value to control switching from buck mode operation to boost mode operation and back. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156684 | DC-DC CONVERTERS WITH PULSE GENERATORS SHARED BETWEEN PWM AND PFM MODES - A DC-DC converter system having at least one DC-DC converter operating in either a PWM mode or a PFM mode is provided. The DC-DC converter system includes a state machine configured to control the switching between the PWM mode and PFM mode. The state machine determines whether an inductor current provided by the DC-DC converter reaches a first specified value for a selective number of clock cycles so switching between the PWM mode and PFM mode is to occur. A pulse generator circuit is connected to the state machine and being configured to provide the appropriate switching period for the PWM mode and the PFM mode at the time of switching. The pulse generator circuit is shared amongst the PWM mode or PFM mode and utilizes a master clock for its operations. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156685 | CONSTANT TIME BUCK-BOOST SWITCHING REGULATOR AND CONTROL CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR THE SAME - The present invention discloses a constant time buck-boost switching regulator, and a control circuit and a method for controlling the buck-boost switching regulator. The buck-boost switching regulator includes an inductor, a first and a second power switches coupled to a first end and a second end of the inductor respectively, and a first and a second power devices coupled to the first end and the second end of the inductor respectively, the first power switch being coupled between the first end of the inductor and an input voltage, the second power switch being coupled between the second end of the inductor and ground, the first power device being coupled between the first end of the inductor and ground, and the second power device being coupled between the second end of the inductor and an output voltage. The control method comprises: generating only one single constant time; and generating a switch control signal to control the first and second power switches such that the first and second power switches operate by the same switching period with the same ON-time. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156686 | LDO REGULATOR WITH LOW QUIESCENT CURRENT AT LIGHT LOAD - A low dropout (LDO) regulator includes an amplifier having an input terminal, an output terminal; a first bias source and a second bias source, the first and second bias sources receiving a supply voltage, and a pass transistor and a sense transistor. Sources of the pass transistor and sense transistor are coupled to each other that receive the supply voltage. Gates of the pass transistor and sense transistor coupled to each other and to the output terminal of the amplifier. The LDO further includes a detection circuit responsive to a load current to deactivate the second bias source such that quiescent current in the amplifier is reduced. The detection circuit comprises a comparator coupled across a resistor. The resistor is coupled to a drain of the sense transistor. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156687 | EFFICIENCY MEASURING CIRCUIT FOR DC-DC CONVERTER WHICH CALCULATES INTERNAL RESISTANCE OF SWITCHING INDUCTOR BASED ON DUTY CYCLE - An efficiency measuring circuit may measure the efficiency of a DC-DC converter having a switching inductor with an internal DC resistance and a plurality of electronic switches that control current through the inductor. A duty cycle circuit may measure the duty cycle of current flowing through one of the electronic switches. A current sense circuit may measure the current flowing through one of the electronic switches. An inductor voltage sensor circuit may measure the voltage across the inductor. A computation circuit may compute the internal DC resistance of the switching inductor based in part on the duty cycle measured by the duty cycle circuit and the current measured by the current sense circuit. The computation circuit may also compute the efficiency of the DC-DC converter. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156688 | Regulator Over-Voltage Protection Circuit with Reduced Standby Current - An embodiment of the invention relates to a power converter formed with an error amplifier and a related method. In an embodiment, a first switch is coupled in series with an error amplifier compensation capacitor. Upon detection of a current level greater than a threshold level, the compensation capacitor is decoupled from the error amplifier by opening the first switch. In an embodiment, a second switch is coupled in parallel with the compensation capacitor, and the current-sensing circuit enables conductivity of the second switch to discharge the compensation capacitor upon detection of the current level greater than the threshold level. The second switch is opened upon detection of the current level less than the threshold level. In an embodiment, the current-sensing circuit controls an output current of the power converter at a current-limit level upon detection of the internal current level greater than the threshold level. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156689 | POWER CONVERTER HAVING A SWITCH COUPLED BETWEEN WINDINGS - An example power converter includes a first winding, a second winding, a switch, and a controller. The second winding is magnetically coupled to the first winding and the switch is coupled between the first winding and the second winding such that a current flows through the first winding, the second winding and the switch when the switch is in an ON state. The controller is coupled to control the switch to regulate an output of the power converter in response to a feedback signal. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156690 | REFERENCE VOLTAGE GENERATION CIRCUIT - A first resistance element is coupled between a first rectifying element and an output node at which a reference voltage is generated. Second and third resistance elements are coupled in series between a second rectifying element and the output node. A differential amplifier outputs a control voltage corresponding to a difference between a first voltage generated at a connection point of the first rectifying element and the first resistance element and a second voltage generated at a connection point of the second resistance element and the third resistance element. A control circuit supplies a control current corresponding to the control voltage from the differential amplifier. A start-up circuit causes, by supplying a start-up current to the output node in response to supply of a power supply voltage, transition from a first stable state to a second stable state. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156691 | POWER SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT FOR DIRECT ELECTRICAL HEATING OF A PIPELINE SYSTEM - In a power supply arrangement for supplying electrical power to the pipeline, the power supply arrangement for direct electrical heating of a pipeline system has basically a three phase transformer, a symmetrization unit, and a compensation unit. The three phase transformer is adapted to support a single phase load connected between a first and a second phase of the transformer. The transformer has at least one first tap changer at a high voltage side of the transformer. The symmetrization unit has a first capacitor connected between the first phase and a third phase of the transformer and an inductor connected between the second phase and the third phase of the transformer. The compensation unit has a second capacitor connected between the first phase and the second phase of the transformer. The first tap changer, the first capacitor, the second capacitor and the inductor are adapted to be varied on-load. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156692 | POWER INJECTOR DETECTION - In one embodiment, a signal detector is coupled to an external power source. The signal detector is configured to ascertain whether a predetermined signal was received from the external power source. Control logic is coupled to the signal detector and to the external power source. The control logic is responsive to the signal detector to determine a characteristic of the external power source based on whether the signal detector detected the predetermined signal. The characteristics of the external power supply can be determined based on the frequency, amplitude and duration of a signal received from the power injector. This enables the control logic to determine the power available from an unknown power supply and to configure a device to operate accordingly. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156693 | Operating an Integrated Circuit at a Minimum Supply Voltage - In one embodiment, an integrated circuit comprises at least one measurement unit configured to generate an output indicative of a supply voltage at which the integrated circuit is operable for a given operating frequency and a control unit coupled to receive the output. The control unit is configured to generate a voltage control output indicative of a requested supply voltage for the integrated circuit responsive to the output. The voltage control output may be output from the integrated circuit for use by circuitry external to the integrated circuit in generating the supply voltage for the integrated circuit. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156694 | APPARATUS FOR FEEDING ANTENNA ELEMENTS AND METHOD THEREFOR - An apparatus ( | 2011-06-30 |
20110156695 | Magneto Optical Current Transducer with Improved Outage Performance - A MOCT metering system includes a cutoff module that ensures zero output when values from an optical module fall below a threshold value. The cutoff module includes an RMS to DC converter that drives a comparator. The comparator drives a switch that causes the cutoff module to pass through the measured signal unmodified if above a threshold value and to output a zero voltage signal if below a threshold value. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156696 | MULTIMETER - A multimeter has a plurality of control panels, a display screen that can change display orientation, and/or a magnetic portion to releasably support the multimeter. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156697 | COMPACT, TWO STAGE, ZERO FLUX ELECTRONICALLY COMPENSATED CURRENT OR VOLTAGE TRANSDUCER EMPLOYING DUAL MAGNETIC CORES HAVING SUBSTANTIALLY DISSIMILAR MAGNETIC CHARACTERISTICS - A device for sensing electrical current or voltage in an electrical distribution system using an actively compensated current ratio transformer that includes a first magnetic core having a first permeability and a second magnetic core having a second permeability higher than the first permeability. A primary winding having P turns is coupled with the first and second magnetic cores, a measurement winding having M turns is coupled with the first and second magnetic cores so that current in the primary winding induces current in the measurement winding, and a sense winding having S turns is coupled with the second magnetic core. An amplifier coupled to the sense winding receives a voltage developed across the sense winding and produces a compensation current in response to the received voltage. The amplifier has an output coupled to the sense winding to feed the compensation current through the sense winding to reduce the voltage developed across the sense winding voltage to substantially zero. A burden resistor is coupled to the measurement winding and the sense winding for receiving the sum of the current induced in the measurement winding and the compensation current. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156698 | PHASE CANCELING CURRENT TRANSDUCER - A phase canceling current transducer for a power meter includes an error correction unit including a memory for storing error correction factors. A data processing device of the error correction unit adjusts the output of the transducer to correct for phase and ratio errors produced by the transducer current transformer or to cause the transducer's output to mimic the output of another current transducer. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156699 | MULTI-TURN ANGLE SENSOR - A multi-turn angle sensor includes rotors | 2011-06-30 |
20110156700 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING INTERFERENCE TO A SIGNAL CAUSED BY A MAGNETIC FIELD - The present invention is directed to a system and method for assessing interference to a signal caused by magnetic field. The system includes a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field. The system further includes a first magnetic field sensor configured to detect a magnetic field and to generate a first signal representative of the magnetic field detected thereby. The system still further includes a second magnetic field sensor. The second magnetic field sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field and to generate a second signal representative of the magnetic field detected by the second magnetic field sensor. The system yet still further includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive and process the second signal to determine whether said magnetic field detected by said second magnetic field sensor may cause distortion to said first signal, as well as the magnitude of such distortion. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156701 | ROTATING MAGNETIC FIELD FOR IMPROVED DETECTION IN CLUSTER ASSAYS - In a method of performing a cluster assay, a suspension ( | 2011-06-30 |
20110156702 | Stray Field Collector Pad, and Bio-Molecule Sensing Module or Biochip Using the Same - Provided is a stray field collector (SFC) pad and a bio-molecule sensing module or a biochip using the same, and more particularly, a SFC pad, in which probe or detection molecules are attached to a plurality of magnetic labels (magnetic particles or beads) and they are bonded to complementary molecules to enhance a stray field sensor signal of the magnetic labels remaining in the vicinity of the sensor, and a bio-molecule sensing module and a biochip using the same. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156703 | System For Combining Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Particle-Based Radiation Systems for Image Guided Radiation Therapy - A hybrid MRI-particle-based therapy system can include as components both a particle radiation therapy system configured to apply a charged particle beam to a region of application in a predetermined direction and also a MRI system including a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field in an imaging volume which includes the region of application at the same time that the charged particle beam is applied. The MRI system can be configured with two torroidal magnets or a magnet having apertures to provide access to the region of application for the charged particle beam, and to provide a homogeneous magnetic field in the region of application of the charged particle beam. The particle beam can be positioned to pass through a relatively low-strength portion of the main magnetic B | 2011-06-30 |
20110156704 | B1-MAPPING AND B1L-SHIMMING FOR MRI - The invention relates to a method of acquiring MRI image data comprising the following steps: performing a 3-dimensional B1 mapping of a first volume using a first voxel size, selecting an MRI protocol, performing the B1-shim in accordance with the MRI protocol, performing the MRI protocol to acquire MRI imaging data of a second volume using a second voxel size, wherein the first voxel size is larger than the second voxel size, wherein the first volume is larger than the second volume, and wherein the second volume is contained within the first volume. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156705 | QUADRATURE AND LINEAR RF COIL ARRAY FOR MRI OF HUMAN SPINE AND TORSO - A radio frequency (RF) coil array includes a plurality of RF coil sections arranged in a superior-inferior direction. Each RF coil section includes a first linear coil element, a loop-saddle coil quadrature pair and a second linear coil element configured in an overlapping arrangement in a left-right direction. The position of the first linear coil element and the second linear coil element on the left and right may be shifted in the superior-inferior direction with respect to the center loop-saddle coil quadrature pair. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156706 | SENSING DURING MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - Physiologic information can be received from a subject during a portion of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) session using a sensing circuit of an implantable medical device (IMD). An indication of an active MRI scan can be received, and a time period to inhibit use of physiological information from the subject can be determined following the received indication of the active MRI scan. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156707 | METHOD OF STUDYING ROCK MASS PROPERTIES AND APPARATUS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF - The rock mass thermal excitation is performed by means of pumping the flush fluid through the wellbore using a tubing string, the flush fluid temperature differs from the rock mass temperature. Before the thermal excitation, during the thermal excitation and after the termination thereof differential electrical signals proportional to the well bore temperature difference are registered by at least one pair of the temperature transducers positioned along the wellbore axis. The distances between the transducers in the pairs and the number of pairs is selected in advance based on the required accuracy of the determination of the rock mass areas with different properties, minimum and maximum possible length of the rock mass areas identified and the nature and degree of the wellbore temperature noise. Differential electrical signals of the temperature transducers measured before the rock mass excitation start are compared with the differential electrical signals from the same temperature transducers measured during the thermal excitation and the differential electrical signals of different temperature transducers positioned along the wellbore are compared with one another. Based on the comparison results of the differential electrical signals the difference of different rock mass areas are characterized by their properties and the boundaries between the rock mass areas with different properties are identified. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156708 | CONCENTRIC BUTTONS OF DIFFERENT SIZES FOR IMAGING AND STANDOFF CORRECTION - Disclosed is a method of estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole. The method includes: disposing into the borehole a sensor having a plurality of return electrodes and at least one transmitter electrode disposed in a concentric arrangement; injecting a first current of a first frequency into the formation by applying an alternating current voltage between first selected ones of the plurality of return electrodes and the at least one transmitter electrode; injecting a second current of a second frequency into the formation by applying an alternating current voltage between second selected ones of the plurality of return electrodes and the at least one transmitter electrode; measuring effective impedance for each of the currents; and estimating the property using the measurements of the effective impedance for each of the currents; wherein the estimating compensates for an influence of standoff distances of the sensor on the measurements | 2011-06-30 |
20110156709 | MICRORESISTIVITY ANISOTROPY LOGGING TOOL EMPLOYING A MONOPOLE CURRENT INJECTION ELECTRODE - A microresistivity logging tool includes a monopole current injection electrode and at least first and second pairs of potential electrodes. The tool may further include a controller configured for making microresistivity anisotropy measurements using a single firing of the monopole current injection electrode. The controller may be configured to compute a two-dimensional tensor of the local formation resistivity from a single firing of the monopole current injection electrode. The use of a single firing tends to decrease measurement time, which in turn tends to improved azimuthal sensitivity in microresistivity anisotropy imaging while drilling applications. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156710 | CALIBRATION METHOD FOR A MICRORESISTIVITY LOGGING TOOL - Methods for making calibrated microresistivity logging measurements in nonconductive drilling fluid are disclosed. A calibrated measurement parameter (e.g., a calibrated electrical impedance or a calibrated potential difference) is obtained and further utilized to compute a formation resistivity. The methods tend to be particularly well suited for drilling applications in which the borehole environment is highly resistive (i.e., boreholes in which both the drilling fluid and the formation have a high resistivity). | 2011-06-30 |
20110156711 | LOGGING TOOL EMPLOYING A MONOPOLE CURRENT INJECTION ELECTRODE FOR MICRORESISTIVITY IMAGING - A microresistivity logging tool includes a monopole current injection electrode and first and second potential electrodes deployed on a downhole tool body. A controller is configured to apply a high frequency alternating current between the monopole current injection electrode and a return and measure a corresponding AC potential difference between the first and second electrodes. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156712 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TESTING MAGNETIC SWITCHES AT WAFER-LEVEL STAGE OF MANUFACTURE - A testing mechanism for testing magnetically operated microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switches at a wafer level stage of manufacture includes an electromagnetic fixture configured to be received in a standard probe ring. The electromagnetic fixture is rotatable, relative to the probe ring, to permit adjustment of orientation of a generated magnetic field relative to the MEMS devices of a subject wafer. The testing mechanism also includes a probe card with probes positioned to contact test pads on the subject wafer. During operation, the probe card is positioned over the wafer to be tested, with the test probes in electrical contact with respective contact pads of the wafer, and the electromagnetic fixture is positioned above the probe card. An electrical potential is applied across the switches on the subject wafer, and the electromagnetic fixture is energized at selected levels of power and duration. Current flow across each switch is measured to determine one or more of: open circuit contact resistance, closed circuit contact resistance, response time, response to switching magnetic field, frequency response, current capacity, critical dimensions, critical angles of magnetic field orientation, etc. Wafer level testing enables rejection of non-compliant switches before the cutting and packaging levels of manufacture. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156713 | APPARATUS FOR CALCULATING POLARIZATION VOLTAGE OF SECONDARY BATTERY AND APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING STATE OF CHARGE OF THE SAME - There is provided an apparatus that calculates a polarization voltage of a secondary battery. A temperature sensor detects a temperature of the secondary batter; a voltage sensor detects a voltage of the secondary battery; and a current sensor detect an electric current of the secondary battery. A battery ECU calculates a polarization voltage based on the electric current and adaptively sets an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the polarization voltage according to a temperature characteristic of the secondary battery. The calculated polarization voltage is compared with an upper limit value and a lower limit value, whereby the polarization voltage is corrected. An SOC is estimated based on the corrected polarization voltage. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156714 | BATTERY FAULT DETECTION APPARATUS - The battery fault determination apparatus includes battery monitor sections connected in a daisy chain, each of which is provided for a corresponding one of unit batteries each including battery cells connected in series to monitor the battery cells and output an output signal indicative of a monitoring result, and a control section configured to output a control signal to the battery monitor sections. The control signal and the output signal are cascaded through the battery monitor sections causing each battery monitor section to perform a state change between a state to monitor overcharge of the battery cells and a state to monitor wire breakage. Each battery monitor section is configured to receive the control signal from the immediately upstream-side battery monitor section, make a detection whether the state change has been performed correctly, and output the output signal including a detection result to the immediately downstream-side battery monitor section. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156715 | Environmental Monitoring System and Method With a Prefilter - Various environmental systems are disclosed. In accordance with one of the systems, a first and second valve are provided. The valves provide a first air flow path from an air pump to a photo-ionization detector is provided through a pre-filter. The valves also provide a second air flow path from the air pump to the photo-ionization detector so that the pre-filter is isolated from its environmental surroundings. Various other arrangements of environmental monitoring systems with one or more pre-filters are also disclosed. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156716 | System and method for localizing and passivating defects in a photovoltaic element - The present invention relates to a system and method for localizing defects causing leakage currents in a photovoltaic element ( | 2011-06-30 |
20110156717 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTION DEFECT DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An electrical connection defect detection system to detect whether an electrical connection between an under-test pin of an under-test device and a signal line of a circuit board is normal is provided. The electrical connection defect detection system comprises a signal provider providing a test signal to the under-test pin through the signal line, a detection module, an electrode board and a plurality of grounding paths. The electrode board comprises a detection surface to be adapted to a surface of the under-test device opposite to the under-test pin to make the detection module detect a capacitance value associated with the electrode board, the under-test pin and the signal line larger than a threshold value when their connection is normal. The grounding paths are connected to one of not-under-test pin groups respectively to further connect to the ground potential. An electrical connection defect detection method is disclosed herein as well. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156718 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTION DEFECT DETECTION DEVICE - An electrical connection defect detection device to detect whether an electrical connection between an under-test pin of an under-test device and a signal line of a circuit board is normal is provided. The electrical connection defect detection device comprises a signal provider providing a test signal to the under-test pin through the signal line, a detection module and an electrode board comprising a detection surface and at least one array of through holes. The detection surface contacts a surface of the under-test device to make the detection module detect a capacitance value associated with the electrode board, the under-test pin and the signal line larger than a threshold value when their connection is normal. The through holes are placed along the edges of the electronic board and are electrically connected to a ground potential to perform a capacitive shielding. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156719 | ELECTRICAL INSULATION TEST APPARATUS - An electrical insulation test apparatus includes a cap having an indentation, and a conductive cushion arranged in the indentation. The conductive cushion has a receiving space sized to meet a tested photovoltaic panel. Since the conductive cushion is deformable, the conductive cushion will deform upon the size of the tested photovoltaic panel for completely contacting with peripheral surfaces of the tested photovoltaic panel when the tested photovoltaic panel is in the receiving space. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156720 | PORTABLE PARTIAL DISCHARGE DETECTION DEVICE - A partial discharge detection device for detecting and measuring partial discharges in electric systems or components, which delivers signals having a form much resembling that of the radiated pulse, for improved identification and analysis. The device is of small size, totally insulated and self-powered, and allows measurements to be performed with the highest safety with no need for direct connection, thereby allowing operators to stand at a distance and avoid any system shutdown while making measurements. Furthermore, it can also detect and deliver the sync signal, which is obtained by picking up the supply voltage of the discharge generating components. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156721 | PASSIVE MICROWAVE FIRE AND INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEM - A passive microwave receiver array, operating in the one meter to sub-millimeter wavelengths range and including an internationally protected range of frequencies of varying bandwidth, may be used for fire and intrusion detection. One or more receiver array can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver array can be placed inside a wall. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device. This method and apparatus achieves high performance by exploiting conventional low noise amplification block conversion circuits and provides the detection of thermal signals through clear, smoky, misty, or environmentally untenable conditions as well as the detection of fire and intrusion events through a non-metallic wall. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156722 | METHOD FOR DETECTING CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL SPECIES AND ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENT THEREFOR - The present invention pertains to a process for detecting one or more chemical or biological species, which can either react in a redox reaction or directly or indirectly generate a molecule, which can react in a redox reaction, wherein current generated by said redox reaction is detected at at least one electrode, comprising the following steps: 1. Positioning a quantity of the species or molecule, which quantity varies over time, on, at or in the vicinity of the at least one electrode within a period t | 2011-06-30 |
20110156723 | NON-CONTACTING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING CONTACT VOLTAGE SOURCES AND PROVIDING A WARNING FOR SAME - This invention relates to non-contact measurement methods and an apparatus for the identification of hazardous contact voltages on energized objects and surfaces. The apparatus includes an electric field sensor structured to sense an electric field and a gain amplifier electrically connected to the electric field sensor to amplify electric signals from the electric field sensor. The apparatus further includes a signal conditioning circuit adapted to process the amplified electric signals and form time-coordinated signals and a digital signal processor adapted to evaluate the time-coordinated signals and provide a user with a status of a contact voltage source by activating an appropriate status indicator. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156724 | CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A first capacitor and a second capacitor are charged until voltage at the second capacitor settles to a settling voltage. While charging, the first capacitor is alternately switched between a current source and ground. When the settling voltage is reached, charging of the first capacitor is halted. The second capacitor continues to be charged until voltage at the second capacitor reaches a reference voltage. The amount of time it takes for the settling voltage to reach the reference voltage corresponds to a measure of capacitance on the first capacitor. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156725 | Calculating A Parasitic Capacitance of an Oscillator Circuit - Described herein are techniques for determining a board parasitic capacitance of a crystal oscillator circuit. A crystal's frequency is measured under load condition off-circuit. After coupling the crystal to the oscillator circuit, external capacitors may be adjusted to produce frequencies approximating the off-circuit measurement with upper and lower margins. Calculation of the load capacitor values at the exact frequency measured off-circuit allows for derivation of the board parasitic capacitance by subtracting the calculated capacitor values from the original total load value used in the off-circuit measurement. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156726 | MEASURING SENSOR, FUEL FEED LINE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A MEASURING SENSOR - A measuring sensor has a hollow body through which a fluid is able to flow. Two sections of a wall of the hollow body form electrodes for a capacitive and/or a resistive measurement and the electrodes are made of a conductive plastic. The measuring sensor may be used in a fuel feed line. A method for manufacturing is also described. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156727 | Soot Sensor - A soot sensor for the detection of soot particles in an exhaust gas flow, having interdigitally engaged measurement electrodes applied on a substrate. An electrical resistance between the measurement electrodes is a measure of soot load of the exhaust gas flow. The measurement electrodes are divided into two regions, a first region in which no soot particles can be deposited and a second region where soot particles are deposited from the exhaust gas flow. The first region and the second region are exposed simultaneously to the other conditions prevailing in the exhaust gas flow. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156728 | ROTATION ANGLE SENSING ASSEMBLY INCLUDING ATTACHING STRUCTURE, VARIABLE VALVE MECHANISM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE USING THE ATTACHING STRUCTURE, AND VEHICLE INCORPORATING THE SAME - In a rotation angle sensor attaching structure for detecting rotation of a rotational angle detection object shaft through a reduction gear, an outer race of a bearing is force fitted in and secured to a central portion of the reduction gear, and an inner race of the bearing is secured to a supporting wall by a supporting bolt. A sensor-connecting element of a rotation angle sensor, which extends across a head portion of the supporting bolt, is secured integrally to an outer side face of the reduction gear. Such arrangement achieves a minimal size of the rotation angle sensor attaching structure. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156729 | TEST APPARATUS AND TEST METHOD - A test apparatus and a test method with which a circuit size can be decreased are provided. A recovered clock generating circuit generates a recovered clock of which phase is approximately the same as a phase of output data output by a device under test (DUT). The recovered clock generating circuit includes a phase comparator that compares a phase of the output data of the DUT to a phase of the recovered clock to generate a phase difference signal, a binary counter of which output value is incremented or decremented based on the phase difference signal, a control signal generating section that generates a control signal based on an output value of the binary counter, and a phase shifter that shifts the phase of the reference clock based on the control signal. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156730 | CHIP-BASED PROBER FOR HIGH FREQUENCY MEASUREMENTS AND METHODS OF MEASURING - A chip-based prober for measuring a device-under-test is provided. The prober includes a probe tip, a voltage and control connector, a chip carrier, and a programmable termination chip. The probe tip is configured to contact the device-under-test. The voltage and control connector is in electrical communication with the probe tip. The programmable termination chip has a plurality of terminations interconnected with the voltage and control connector and the chip carrier through controlled collapsed chip connections. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156731 | SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first bump pad and a second bump pad configured to perform at least one of a data input operation and a data output operation in a normal mode; a probe pad configured to perform at least one of a data input operation and a data output operation in a test mode; a data output unit configured to communicate a data to one of the first bump pad and the probe pad; a data input unit configured to communicate a data from one of the second bump pad and the probe pad; a first switching unit configured to connect the probe pad and the data output unit in response to a test mode signal; and a second switching unit configured to connect the probe pad and the data input unit in response to the test mode signal. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156732 | PROCESS FOR CONTROLLING THE CORRECT POSITIONING OF TEST PROBES ON TERMINATIONS OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES INTEGRATED ON A SEMICONDUCTOR AND CORRESPONDING ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An embodiment for making a check of the electric type executed on wafer for testing the correct positioning or alignment of the probes of a probe card on the pads or bumps of the electronic devices integrated on semiconductor wafer. An embodiment consists in making a current circulate in at least part of the seal ring of at least one of the above devices, and in case it has to flow in the seal ring of more devices, these seal rings are suitably interconnected to each other. Thanks to an embodiment the seal ring may also be reinforced in the angle areas of the chip, and suitable circuits may be possibly inserted in the seal ring or between the seal rings. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156733 | TEST HEAD MOVING APPARATUS AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENT TESTING APPARATUS - A test head moving apparatus includes elevating arms that move a test head up and down, a frame that horizontally moves the test head, and an interlock mechanism that prohibits the horizontal movement of the frame on the basis of a height of the test head. The interlock mechanism has a limit switch that detects that the test head is positioned at the lowermost limit and stoppers capable of pressing the pressing units onto a floor plane. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156734 | TEST SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TESTING ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Devices under test (DUTs) can be tested in a test system that includes an aligner and test cells. A DUT can be moved into and clamped in an aligned position on a carrier in the aligner. In the align position, electrically conductive terminals of the DUT can be in a predetermined position with respect to carrier alignment features of the carrier. The DUT/carrier combination can then be moved from the aligner into one of the test cells, where alignment features of the carrier are mechanically coupled with alignment features of a contactor in the test cell. The mechanical coupling automatically aligns terminals of the DUT with probes of the contactor. The probes thus contact and make electrical connections with the terminals of the DUT. The DUT is then tested. The aligner and each of the test cells can be separate and independent devices so that a DUT can be aligned in the aligner while other DUTs, having previously been aligned to a carrier in the aligner, are tested in a test cell. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156735 | WAFER TEST CASSETTE SYSTEM - Wafer cassette systems and methods of using wafer cassette systems. A wafer cassette system can include a base and a probe card assembly. The base and the probe card assembly can each include complementary interlocking alignment elements. The alignment elements can constrain relative movement of the base and probe card assembly in directions parallel to a wafer receiving surface of the base, while permitting relative movement in a direction perpendicular to the receiving surface. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156736 | SEMICONDUCTOR APPARATUS AND PROBE TEST METHOD THEREOF - Various embodiments of a semiconductor apparatus and related methods are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a semiconductor apparatus may include a chip, scribe lanes disposed around the chip, and a probe test logic circuit for conducting a probe test on the chip. The probe test logic circuit is disposed on a portion of the scribe lanes. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156737 | CONTACTOR - A contactor | 2011-06-30 |
20110156738 | SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a bump pad through which data is outputted, a probe test pad having a larger size than the bump pad, a first output drive unit configured to drive the bump pad at a first drivability in response to output data, a second output drive unit configured to drive the probe test pad at a second drivability higher than the first drivability in response to the output data, and a multiplexing unit configured to transfer the output data to the first output drive unit or the second output drive unit in response to a test mode signal. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156739 | TEST KIT FOR TESTING A CHIP SUBASSEMBLY AND A TESTING METHOD BY USING THE SAME - A test kit for testing a chip subassembly and a testing method by using the same is provided. The chip subassembly includes at least two stacked chips each having a number of electric contacts is provided. The test kit includes a test socket and a test plate. The test socket is configured to electrically engage the electric contacts on a first side of the chip subassembly. The test plate has at least a number of first probes configured for electrically engaging the electric contacts on a second side of the chip subassembly. At least one of the test socket and the test plate has a number of second probes for electrically connecting the test socket and the test plate. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156740 | PROBE CARD - There is provided a probe card. A probe card according to an aspect of the invention may include: a printed circuit board; a horizontal regulator passing through the printed circuit board and having an insertion portion having a horizontal regulation bolt and an insertion portion having a curved portion provided on an end portion of the horizontal regulation bolt; a probe substrate electrically connected to the printed circuit board; and a connection member mounted on the probe circuit, engaged with the horizontal regulation portion, and having an insertion recess therein so that the insertion portion is rotated within the insertion recess. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156741 | TEST OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES WITH BOARDS WITHOUT SOCKETS BASED ON MAGNETIC LOCKING - An embodiment is proposed for testing electronic devices; each electronic device has a plurality of terminals for electrically contacting the electronic device. A corresponding test system includes a set of test boards; each test board is equipped with a plurality of banks of electrically conductive receptacles each one for resting a corresponding electronic device (with each receptacle that is adapted to receive a terminal of the corresponding electronic device). Locking means are provided for mechanically locking the electronic devices on the test boards. The locking means include free means—such as ferromagnetic discs—being adapted to be freely rested on the electronic devices for pressing the electronic devices against the test boards—for example, because of the attractive force exerted by corresponding magnetic discs being fastened under the test board. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156742 | Chip Testing Circuit - A chip testing circuit is disclosed. The chip testing circuit uses a judging circuit to switch the connection of the data compressing circuit between data compressing base units which compresses 4 XIOs, so as to obtain testing data by one single interface circuit and to increase the testing throughput. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156743 | SYSTEM FOR TESTING POWER SUPPLY PERFORMANCE - A system for testing a DC power supply performance includes a load module electrically coupled to the DC power supply, a switch module electrically coupled to the DC power supply, a control module electrically coupled to the load module and the switch module respectively, and an indication module electrically coupled to the control module. The control module includes a judge module and a comparison module. The judge module is configured for receiving DC voltage signals from the DC power supply; wherein the judge module is capable of turning on when the DC power supply is normal. The comparison module is configured for comparing the DC voltage signals with a reference voltage; wherein the comparison module is capable of outputting a control signal when the DC voltage signals are greater than the reference voltage. The indication module is configured for receiving the control signal and indicating status of the DC power supply. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156744 | LINEAR VOLTAGE GENERATING DEVICE FOR TESTING PERFORMANCE OF POWER SUPPLIES - A linear voltage generating device for testing performance of a power supply includes a filter circuit, an analog to digital (A/D) conversion circuit, and an amplifier circuit. The filter circuit is configured for receiving a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, and comparing the PWM signal with a reference voltage to output a filtered PWM signal. The A/D conversion circuit is configured for receiving the filtered PWM signal, and converting the filtered PWM signal to a linear digital signal. The amplifier circuit is configured for receiving the linear digital signal, and outputting an amplified linear digital signal to an electric load electrically coupled to the power supply. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156745 | ELECTRONICS TESTER WITH A SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION BOARD AND A WAFER CHUCK HAVING DIFFERENT COEFFICIENTS OF THERMAL EXPANSION - The invention relates to a tester apparatus of the kind including a portable supporting structure for removably holding and testing a substrate carrying a microelectronic circuit. An interface on the stationary structure is connected to the first interface when the portable structure is held by the stationary structure and is disconnected from the first interface when the portable supporting structure is removed from the stationary structure. An electrical tester is connected through the interfaces so that signals may be transmitted between the electrical tester and the microelectronic circuit to test the microelectronic circuit. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156746 | PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICE HAVING AN EMBEDDED TEST LOGIC WITH SECURE ACCESS CONTROL - An improved configuration for a programmable logic device and an improved method for configuration of a programmable logic device are provided. A programmable logic device such as field programmable logic device is configured to include an application logic, an embedded test logic that monitors the application logic, and an access control logic that grants access to an external device to embedded test data provided that an access control requirement is met that is based upon a key stored in a memory and information received from the external device. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156747 | FUSING APPARATUS FOR CORRECTING PROCESS VARIATION - An fusing apparatus for correcting process variation is provided. The fusing apparatus for correcting the process variation of the semiconductor device includes a fusing part including a fusing resistor fused by a current penetrating; a current driving transistor for fusing the fusing resistor by driving a fusing current according to a fusing enable signal applied; a current path part for building a current path by connecting to the fusing part, and controlling a first node voltage according to a fusing state of the fusing resistor; and a latch part for latching a second node signal inversely amplified from the first node voltage, and outputting the latch value when a power-on reset part operates in a normal mode. Using the fusing cell, the test time can be reduced and the current consumption can be greatly decreased in the fusing process. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156748 | SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A semiconductor integrated circuit includes first and second bump pads configured to output data, a probe test pad coupled to the first bump pad, and a pipe latch unit configured to selectively transfer data loaded on first and second data lines to one of the first and second bump pads in response to a pipe output dividing signal during a normal mode, and sequentially transfer the data loaded on the first and second data lines to the probe test pad in response to the pipe output dividing signal during a test mode. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156749 | High-Speed Standard Cells Designed Using a Deep-Submicron Physical Effect - A system comprises signal paths. There are first through n signal paths, n being a positive integer. A critical one of the first through n signal paths is based on being a respective one of the first through n signal paths having a slowest signal propagation and/or a path in which a signal propagates slower than a clock cycle. The critical one of the first through n signal paths comprises a first size of a standard cell including corresponding logic devices. The non-critical ones of the first through n signal paths comprise a second size of a standard cell including corresponding logic devices, the second size being smaller than the first size. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156750 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE WITH DYNAMICALLY SELECTED ON-DIE TERMINATION - In an integrated circuit device having dynamically selected on-die termination, a set of data inputs are coupled respectively to a set of termination circuits, each termination circuit having multiple controllable termination impedance configurations. A termination control signal input is provided to receive an indication that the integrated circuit device is to apply one of the controllable termination impedance configurations at each of the data inputs, and a logic circuit applies one of a first and a second of the controllable termination impedance configurations at the data inputs based on the indication received at the termination control signal input and an internal state of the memory device, such that during a first internal state corresponding to the reception of write data on the data inputs, the first of the controllable termination impedance configurations is applied at each of the data inputs, and during a second internal state following the first internal state, the second of the controllable termination impedance configurations is applied at each of the data inputs. | 2011-06-30 |
20110156751 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - An image processing apparatus including a processing unit having a rewritable circuit arrangement, comprises a supply unit which supplies a voltage to the processing unit, a measurement unit which measures a magnitude of the voltage supplied from the supply unit to the processing unit, a control unit which rewrites the circuit arrangement of the processing unit in accordance with the magnitude of the voltage that is measured by the measurement unit. | 2011-06-30 |