A wireless sensor node is described. The wireless sensor node may include a wake-up circuitry configured to awaken the sensor when a request is received. The sensor may be placed in a sleep mode, thus saving battery usage until a wake-up signal requesting use of the sensor is received. Powering of the wake-up circuitry may be supplied through energy captured using an energy harvester. In one example, the energy for powering the wake-up circuitry is extracted from the same signal used for awakening the sensor. The wireless sensor mode may operate in a passive mode, in which the energy for powering the wake-up circuitry is harvested, or in a power supply-assisted mode, in which some of the power is provided by a power supply. High quality factors filters may be used to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the wake-up signals, thus improving the node's ability to recognize activation requests.
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
The disclosed technology generally relates to integrated circuit devices with wear out monitoring capability. An integrated circuit device includes a wear-out monitor device configured to record an indication of wear-out of a core circuit separated from the wear-out monitor device, wherein the indication is associated with localized diffusion of a diffusant within the wear-out monitor device in response to a wear-out stress that causes the wear-out of the core circuit.
G01R 31/28 - Testing of electronic circuits, e.g. by signal tracer
G01N 27/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance
3.
Systems and methods for determining the condition of a gas sensor
An impedance in an electrochemical gas sensor can be measured by connecting at least one pin in an integrated circuit to at least one electrode in an electrochemical gas sensor, using a damping capacitor to connect the at least one pin in the integrated circuit to an electrical ground, applying a voltage to the electrochemical gas sensor to provide a bias voltage to at least one electrode in the electrochemical gas sensor, receiving a current from at least one electrode in the electrochemical gas sensor, determining a measured gas amount from the received current, activating a switch located within the integrated circuit to isolate the damping capacitor from the at least one pin in the integrated circuit, and measuring an impedance of the electrochemical gas sensor using an excitation signal while the at least one damping capacitor is isolated from the at least one electrode in the electrochemical gas sensor.
G01N 27/12 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluidInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid
G01N 27/404 - Cells with anode, cathode and cell electrolyte on the same side of a permeable membrane which separates them from the sample fluid
4.
Method of operating a receiver to process a preamble of a data packet, and to a receiver operating in accordance with the method
An improved receiver for use in a data pocket communications is provide, where the process of configuring the gain of the receiver and identifying a preamble in the data packet are made more robust. The improved receiver does not need to rely on the received power level exceeding a trigger threshold to initiate the gain control. Instead the gain control runs while the receiver is waiting for a data packet. The frequency correction process can run concurrently with the gain control process.
H04W 52/52 - Transmission power control [TPC] using AGC [Automatic Gain Control] circuits or amplifiers
H04B 1/00 - Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
Aspects of the embodiments are directed to systems, methods, and devices for eye gaze tracking. In embodiments, a projective surface, such as a virtual reality display screen or augmented reality projective surface, can project light towards a wearer's eyes. The light can be light representing the shape of the projective surface or can be a displayed shape. The light can be reflected from a cornea. The reflected light from the cornea can be received. A distortion of the shape of the projective surface or displayed shape can be used to determine an eye gaze position.
This application discusses techniques for reducing the energy of an output ripple in a voltage converter at a switching frequency of the voltage converter. In certain examples, an amplitude of a reference voltage can be modulated with a time-varying random value or pseudo-random value to provide a reduction in the energy of the output ripple at the switching frequency of the voltage converter.
H02M 1/14 - Arrangements for reducing ripples from DC input or output
H02M 3/335 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate AC using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
Aspects of the embodiments are directed to a time-of-flight imaging system and methods of using the same. The time-of-flight imaging system includes a light emitter comprising at least one one-dimensional array of laser diodes; a photosensitive element for receiving reflected light from an object; and a light deflection device configured to deflect light from the light emitter to the object. In embodiments, the time-of-flight imaging system includes a lens structure to deflect emitting light from the laser diodes at a predetermined angle towards a light steering device.
Isolated DC-DC converters are described. A DC-DC converter is a device which converts a direct current (DC) signal from one voltage to another. An isolated DC-DC converter performs the conversion across an electrical isolation barrier separating two voltage domains. The signal converted from one voltage to another, and transferred from one voltage domain to another, may be a power signal. Described are isolated DC-DC converters which transfer a power signal from one voltage domain to another via an isolator, and a power feedback signal back across the isolator. The isolator is a transformer in some situations.
H02M 3/335 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate AC using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
9.
DIGITAL PREDISTORTION FOR MULTIPLE POWER AMPLIFIERS
Various examples are directed to a power amplifier circuit, comprising a digital predistortion circuit, first and second power amplifiers, and a bias feedback circuit. The digital predistortion circuit may be configured to generate a predistorted input signal based at least in part on an input signal. The first power amplifier may be configured to generate a first amplified signal based at least in part on the predistorted input signal. The second power amplifier may be configured to generate a second amplified signal based at least in part on the predistorted input signal. The bias feedback circuit may be configured to adjust at least one of a bias of the first power amplifier or a bias of the second power amplifier to align a first nonlinear behavior of the first power amplifier with a second nonlinear behavior of the second power amplifier.
A system and method can be provided for introducing a varying time delay between a sequence of electrical pulses in a laser range finding system. A laser beam can be modulated with the sequence of electrical pulses. The laser beam can be transmitted towards a target and a photosensitive element can receive the modulated laser beam after reflection by the target. Control circuitry can determine a distance between the laser range finding system and the target based on the varying time delay, such as to provide a reduced error in the distance determination.
Suspended microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices including a stack of one or more materials over a cavity in a substrate are described. The suspended MEMS device may be formed by forming the stack, which may include one or more electrode layers and an active layer, over the substrate and removing part of the substrate underneath the stack to form the cavity. The resulting suspended MEMS device may include one or more channels that extend from a surface of the device to the cavity and the one or more channels have sidewalls with a spacer material. The cavity may have rounded corners and may extend beyond the one or more channels to form one or more undercut regions. The manner of fabrication may allow for forming the stack layers with a high degree of planarity.
A transformer (100, 180, 500) is described. The transformer comprises a top conductive coil (106, 206, 506), a bottom conductive coil (102), and a dielectric layer (104, 504) separating the top conductive coil from the bottom conductive coil. The top conductive coil comprises an outermost portion (110, 510) having multiple segments (142, 144, 148). The segments are configured to reduce the peak electric field in a region of the dielectric layer near the outer edge of the top conductive coil. The top conductive coil may comprise a first lateral segment (142), and a second lateral segment (144) that is laterally offset with respect to the first lateral segment. The first lateral segment may be closer to the center of the top conductive coil than the second lateral segment, and may be closer to the bottom conductive coil than the second lateral segment. The transformer may be formed using microfabrication techniques.
H01F 27/32 - Insulating of coils, windings, or parts thereof
H01F 41/04 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or assembling magnets, inductances or transformersApparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing materials characterised by their magnetic properties for manufacturing cores, coils or magnets for manufacturing coils
H01L 23/522 - Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another including external interconnections consisting of a multilayer structure of conductive and insulating layers inseparably formed on the semiconductor body
H01F 19/08 - Transformers having magnetic bias, e.g. for handling pulses
13.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING POWER ACROSS AN ISOLATION BARRIER
It is often desirable to transmit data between circuits or components operating at a relatively high voltage and circuits operating at a relatively low voltage. Such a task can be performed by use of an isolator. Some isolator designs use magnetic coupling to transfer the data as this is more robust against inadvertently transmitting high voltage transients than capacitor based isolators. However it is often desirable to encode the data for exchange across the transformer of the isolator and decode after transmission across the transformer. This requires power for the encoding and decoding circuits. To ensure both sides are powered, power may be transferred by another transformer. The transformer primary is driven by an oscillating signal. The system disclosed in some embodiments herein varies the frequency of the oscillating signal to mitigate the risk of it interfering with other circuits or systems associated with the isolator.
H02M 3/335 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate AC using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
H02J 5/00 - Circuit arrangements for transfer of electric power between ac networks and dc networks
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from AC mains by converters
H04B 5/00 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
14.
AN ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSOR, AND A METHOD OF FORMING AN ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSOR
An electrochemical sensor is provided which may be formed using micromachining techniques commonly used in the manufacture of integrated circuits. This is achieved by forming microcapillaries in a silicon substrate and forming an opening in an insulating layer to allow environmental gases to reach through to the top side of the substrate. A porous electrode is printed on the top side of the insulating layer such that the electrode is formed in the opening in the insulating layer. The sensor also comprises at least one additional electrode. The electrolyte is then formed on top of the electrodes. A cap is formed over the electrodes and electrolyte. This arrangement may easily be produced using micromachining techniques.
Aspects of this disclosure relate to an array calibration system and method using probes disposed between antenna elements. In certain embodiments, the calibration is performed by measuring near-field relative phase and amplitude measurements of the antenna elements and using such relative measurements to adjust the amplitude and phase of the transceivers connected to the antenna elements. In some embodiments, each antenna element within a set of antenna elements transmits a signal that is received by a single probe, and the received signals are assessed to determine relative phase or amplitude measurements. In some embodiments, a single probe transmits a signal that is received by each antenna element within a set of antenna elements, and the received signals are assessed to determine relative phase and amplitude measurements.
H01Q 3/26 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
H01Q 21/06 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
16.
GALVANICALLY ISOLATED DATA ISOLATOR WITH IMPROVED COMMON MODE TRANSIENT REJECTION
A transformer based digital isolator is provided that has improved immunity to common mode interference. The improved immunity is provided by placing the transformer in association with an H-bridge drive circuit, and taking additional effort to tailor the on state resistance of the transistors to control a common mode voltage at the transformer.
According to some aspects, a power regulation system (100A) for energy harvesters (102) that lacks a battery is provided. In some embodiments, the power regulation system (100A) may receive power from multiple energy harvesters (102) that generate energy from different sources, such as wind currents and ambient light. In these embodiments, the power regulation system (100A) may selectively provide power from one or more of the energy harvesters (102) to a load (104) as environmental conditions change and power itself with energy from the energy harvesters (102). Thereby, the power regulation system (100A) may start and operate without a battery and provide power to the load (104) over a wider range of environmental conditions.
An apparatus is provided that can estimate a transfer function, for example of current measurement systems, voltage measurement systems and power measurement systems, and also provide an estimate of certainty about the transfer function. This enables customers to have confidence that they are not being overcharged for electricity.
G01R 27/28 - Measuring attenuation, gain, phase shift, or derived characteristics of electric four-pole networks, i.e. two-port networksMeasuring transient response
19.
METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR LEARNING THE PHASE ERROR OR TIMING DELAYS WITHIN A CURRENT TRANSDUCER AND POWER MEASUREMENT APPARATUS INCLUDING CURRENT TRANSDUCER ERROR CORRECTION
Current transducers are widely used in current measuring systems. They provide good isolation between the supply voltage and the measurement equipment. However they can introduce small phase errors which can become significant sources of error if the current to a load is out of phase with the supply voltage for the load. This disclosure discusses a robust measurement apparatus and method that can be used in situ to monitor for and correct phase errors.
G01R 21/133 - Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor by using digital technique
G01R 25/00 - Arrangements for measuring phase angle between a voltage and a current or between voltages or currents
G01R 22/10 - Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods using digital techniques
G01R 21/06 - Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor by measuring current and voltage
G01R 19/25 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof using digital measurement techniques
Aspects of the embodiments are directed an analog front end circuit (AFE circuit), the AFE circuit including a beamforming circuit configured to receive as an input a plurality of receiver inputs, the receiver inputs coupled to a sensor element. The beamforming circuit can include a plurality of receiver sub-circuits, each sub-circuit including a digital-to-analog converter, a low noise amplifier, and an I/Q mixer circuit element; an adder circuit element at an output of the I/Q mixer circuit element; and a multiplexer coupled to an output of the adder circuit. The AFE can be part of a current sensing device. The current sensing device can include a two-dimensional array of sensor elements.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of image sensors, in particular to complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imager sensors having reduced power consumption. One exemplary CMOS image sensor includes an array of pixel cells arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, where each of at least some columns are driven with two or more column lines, each column line configured to read out voltages on a respective sub-set of pixels. Other exemplary CMOS image sensors include a bias current source which may be time multiplexed between multiple column lines, where the multiple column lines may be associated either with the same or different columns.
An integrated circuit is disclosed and includes an Ethernet physical layer (PHY) with a plurality of communication channels. The communication channels coupled to a corresponding plurality of terminals. The integrated circuit further includes a plurality of electrical isolation circuits and a compensation circuit. At least one of the plurality of electrical isolation circuits is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of communication channels and electrically isolates the PHY from a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals. The compensation circuit is configured to compensate for at least one of baseline wander and parameter drift associated with at least one of the plurality of isolation circuits. The PHY and the plurality of isolation circuits are integrated on a single substrate.
System and techniques for a visual vehicle parking occupancy sensor are described herein. A color image, including a parking space, is received from a camera. A cascaded search for vehicle features in a hue-saturation-value (HSV) converted version of the color image is performed to produce search results. A search for macro vehicle features in the color image is also performed to produce an indication of found macro vehicle features when the search results are of a first type. An occupancy indicator is provided based on the search results when the search results are of a second type and based on the indication otherwise.
System and techniques for an occupancy sensor are described herein. Images from a camera can be received. Here, the camera has a certain a field of view. A proximity indicator from a proximity detector can be received when an object enters the field of view. The images from the camera are processed to provide an occupancy indication. A first technique is used for the occupancy indication in the absence of the proximity indicator and a second technique is used otherwise.
Various examples are directed to configuring a configurable hardware module (120) to perform a measurement of a physical quantity. A configuration manager (102) may receive an indication of the physical quantity and performance factor data describing the measurement of the physical quantity. The configuration manager may generate a hardware configuration (110) of the hardware based at least in part on the indication of the physical quantity and the performance factor data. The hardware configuration may comprise instruction data to configure the hardware module to execute a dynamic measurement of the physical quantity. The configuration manager may also generate configuration data describing the hardware configuration, wherein the configuration data comprises simulation data comprising input parameters for a simulation of the hardware configuration and hardware configuration data for configuring a hardware module to implement at least a portion of the hardware configuration.
Subject matter herein can include identifying a biochemical test strip assembly electrically, such as using the same test circuitry as can be used to perform an electrochemical measurement, without requiring use of optical techniques. The identification can include using information about a measured susceptance of an identification feature included as a portion of the test strip assembly. The identification can be used by test circuitry to select test parameters or calibration values, or to select an appropriate test protocol for the type of test strip coupled to the test circuitry. The identification can be used by the test circuitry to validate or reject a test strip assembly, such as to inhibit use of test strips that fail meet one or more specified criteria.
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are described. The MEMS switches can be actively opened and closed. The switch can include a beam coupled to an anchor on a substrate by one or more hinges. The beam, the hinges and the anchor may be made of the same material in some configurations. The switch can include electrodes, disposed on a surface of the substrate, for electrically controlling the orientation of the beam. The hinges may be thinner than the beam, resulting in the hinges being more flexible than the beam. In some configurations, the hinges are located within an opening in the beam. The hinges may extend in the same direction of the axis of rotation of the beam and/or in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the beam.
A variable output data rate converter circuit preferably meets performance requirements while keeping the circuit complexity low. In some embodiments, the converter circuit may include an oversampling sigma delta modulator circuit to quantize an analog input signal at an oversampled rate, and output an sigma delta modulated signal, a transposed polynomial decimator circuit to decimate the sigma delta modulated signal, and output a first decimated signal, and an integer decimator circuit to decimate the first decimated signal by an integer factor and output a second decimated signal having a desired output data rate. The transposed polynomial decimator circuit has a transposed polynomial filter circuit and a digital phase locked loop circuit, which tracks a ratio between a sampling rate of the first decimated signal and the oversampled rate, and outputs an intersample position parameter to the transposed polynomial filter circuit.
This disclosure describes techniques for real-time monitoring of a cooling process using a flow sensor system that can detect a failure or a reduction in efficacy, which can prompt corrective action to be taken.
G01F 1/698 - Feedback or rebalancing circuits, e.g. self heated constant temperature flowmeters
G01F 15/00 - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
G01K 13/02 - Thermometers specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring temperature of moving fluids or granular materials capable of flow
G01F 1/708 - Measuring the time taken to traverse a fixed distance
30.
Electromagnetic flow sensor interface allowing differential dc coupling
An interface circuit to an electromagnetic flow sensor is described. In an example, it can provide a DC coupled signal path from the electromagnetic flow sensor to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit. Examples with differential and pseudo-differential signal paths are described. Examples providing DC offset or low frequency noise compensation or cancellation are described. High input impedance examples are described. Coil excitation circuits are described, such as can provide on-chip inductive isolation between signal inputs and signal outputs. A switched mode power supply can be used to actively manage a bias voltage of an H-Bridge, such as to boost the current provided by the H-Bridge to the sensor coil during select time periods, such as during phase shift time periods of the coil, which can help reduce or minimize transient noise during such time periods.
G01F 1/58 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using electric or magnetic effects by electromagnetic flowmeters
H01F 7/06 - ElectromagnetsActuators including electromagnets
H03F 3/04 - Amplifiers with only discharge tubes or only semiconductor devices as amplifying elements with semiconductor devices only
Techniques for a configurable, hardware-implemented, inverter controller are provided. In an example, a power inverter control circuit can include a configurable, hardware-implemented control loop circuit, an application interface and a configuration register. The hardware-implemented nature of the inverter controller can allow for more interface flexibility, more tightly coupled feedback, and high bandwidth while allowing ancillary processors to extract status and diagnostic information without burdening the inverter switch timing control or the acquisition of raw feedback information.
G05F 1/00 - Automatic systems in which deviations of an electric quantity from one or more predetermined values are detected at the output of the system and fed back to a device within the system to restore the detected quantity to its predetermined value or values, i.e. retroactive systems
H02M 3/335 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate AC using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
H02M 3/337 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate AC using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only in push-pull configuration
32.
BALANCING SENSE AMPLIFIER FOR ETHERNET TRANSCEIVER
An Ethernet or other communications module can amplify and reinforce a signal received from a non-local source without requiring a transformer or other magnetic component. A semiconductor integrated difference amplifier circuit can be used to amplify and reinforce a differential mode component of the received signal, while also attenuating a common mode component of the received signal. A transmission compensation network can generate a phase- shifted version of a locally transmitted signal being placed on the same communication terminals as the received signal during full duplex communications, for cancellation of such locally transmitted signal at inputs of a local receiver circuit. This can enhance detection of the received signal generated by the non-local source.
Techniques for duplex communication and power transfer across an isolator are provided. In an example, a first transceiver coupled to a first side of an isolator can include a transmit modulator configured to receive first data and timing signals, to provide control signals to oscillate an output of the transceiver to transmit power and to order each half-cycle of an oscillation cycle of the output to transmit the first data. A second transceiver coupled to a second side of the isolator can include a receive detection circuit configured to compare a received oscillation cycle with a plurality of thresholds and to provide a plurality of comparator outputs indicative of reception of the positive half-cycle and the negative half-cycle, and a receive decoder configured to identify the order of half-cycles and to provide an output indicative of logic level of the first data.
H04B 3/54 - Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
H04B 3/56 - Circuits for coupling, blocking, or by-passing of signals
H04L 25/49 - Transmitting circuitsReceiving circuits using code conversion at the transmitterTransmitting circuitsReceiving circuits using predistortionTransmitting circuitsReceiving circuits using insertion of idle bits for obtaining a desired frequency spectrumTransmitting circuitsReceiving circuits using three or more amplitude levels
A circuit for compensation of baseline voltage wander operating at an input of an isolator is disclosed. The circuit can compensate electronically the frequency response of an isolation circuit (e.g., a transformer) by increasing the pass band in the low frequency region in order to minimize the baseline wander caused by low inductance windings. The compensation circuit can be used to inject a current ramp proportional to the amplitude and the duration of the pulse and inversely proportional to the open circuit inductance of the isolation circuit.
It may be desirable to sense the concentration of a gas in another gas. This measurement may be important to warn of impending danger. Gas sensors may be made in batches by a manual process, leading to large variations in sensor performance between batches and indeed between sensors in a batch. This means the sensors often need individual calibration before use. The present approach to sensor design can make use of integrated circuit manufacturing techniques to give rise to sensors with well-matched and reproducible characteristics.
An integrated circuit may include a semiconductor die having a trench formed in a surface of the semiconductor die. One or more circuit components may be formed on the surface of the semiconductor die. The trench can extend into the semiconductor die next to at least one circuit component. The trench may surround the circuit component partially or wholly. The trench may be filled with a material having a lower bulk modulus than the semiconductor die in which the trench is formed.
Many conventional video processing algorithms attempting to detect human presence in a video stream often generate false positives on non-human movements such as plants moving in the wind, rotating fan, etc. To reduce false positives, a technique exploiting temporal correlation of non-human movements can accurately detect occupancy while reject non-human movements. Specifically, the technique involves performing temporal analysis on a time-series signal generated based on an accumulation of foreground maps and an accumulation of motion map and analyzing the running mean and the running variance of the time-series signal. By determining whether the time-series signal is correlated in time, the technique is able to distinguish human movements and non-human movements. Besides having superior accuracy, the technique lends itself to an efficient algorithm which can be implemented on low cost, low power digital signal processor or other suitable hardware.
Sensor error detection with an additional channel is disclosed herein. First and second magnetic sensing elements can be disposed at angles relative to each other. In some embodiments, the first and second magnetic sensing elements can be magnetoresistive sensing elements, such as anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensing elements. Sensor data from first and second channels, respectively, having the first and second sensing elements, can be obtained. Third channel can receive a signal from the first sensing element and a signal from the second sensing element, and sensor data from the third channel can be obtained. Expected third channel data can be determined and compared to the obtained third channel data to indicate error.
G01D 5/16 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying resistance
G01D 5/244 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing characteristics of pulses or pulse trainsMechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means generating pulses or pulse trains
G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
Embodiments of full duplex radios are disclosed herein. For example, a radio may include: a first transmitter, a second transmitter, and a receiver. The first transmitter may be configured to receive an input signal, process the input signal to generate a first transmit signal, and transmit the first transmit signal. The second transmitter may be configured to receive the input signal, process the input signal to generate a second transmit signal, and couple the second transmit signal into an input path of the receiver. Leakage at the receiver may thus be reduced. Some embodiments of a radio may also include a base band correction circuit and means for reducing transmitter noise that leaks into the receiver.
H04B 1/525 - Hybrid arrangements, i.e. arrangements for transition from single-path two-direction transmission to single-direction transmission on each of two paths or vice versa with means for reducing leakage of transmitter signal into the receiver
H04B 7/02 - Diversity systemsMulti-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas
40.
CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR USE WITH A SENSOR, AND MEASUREMENT SYSTEM INCLUDING SUCH A CONTROL CIRCUIT
A control circuit for use with a four terminal sensor, such as a glucose sensor. The Glucose sensor is a volume product and typically its manufacture will want to make it as inexpensively as possible. This may give rise to variable impedances surrounding the active cell of the sensor. Typically the sensor has first and second drive terminals and first and second measurement terminals, so as to help overcome the impedance problem. The control circuit is arranged to drive at least one of the first and second drive terminals with an excitation signal, and control the excitation signal such that a voltage difference between the first and second measurement terminals is within a target range of voltages. To allow the control circuit to work with a variety of measurement cell types the control circuit further comprises voltage level shifters for adjusting a voltage at one or both of the drive terminals, or for adjusting a voltage received from one or both of the measurement terminals.
In an example embodiment, an analog to digital converter (ADC) facilitating passive analog sample and hold is provided and includes a pair of binary weighted conversion capacitor arrays, a pair of sampling capacitors, and a plurality of switches that configure each conversion capacitor array and the sampling capacitors for a sampling phase, a charge transfer phase, and a bit trial phase. During the sampling phase, the sampling capacitors are decoupled from the conversion capacitors and coupled to an analog input voltage. During the charge transfer phase, the sampling capacitors are coupled to the conversion capacitors and decoupled from the analog input voltage. During the bit trial phase, the sampling capacitors are decoupled from the conversion capacitors.
H03M 1/46 - Analogue value compared with reference values sequentially only, e.g. successive approximation type with digital/analogue converter for supplying reference values to converter
42.
METHOD FOR AN IMPROVED THROUGHPUT OF SENSOR DATA IN A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND CORRESPONDING COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (Germany)
Inventor
Koenig, Aleksandar
Kelly, Thomas W.
Baur, Richard
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for transmitting data in a communication system (100), having the steps of (a) sending a first synchronization signal (411, 511, 611, 711) from a bus controller (150) to at least one sensor controller (110), (b) detecting an analogue signal by means of a sensor (111) of the sensor controller (110), (c) capturing at least one signal value of the detected analogue signal at a predefined instant after the first synchronization signal (411, 511, 611, 711), as a reaction to the first synchronization signal (411, 511, 611, 711), (d) converting the at least one signal value into a sequence of binary signals, (e) filtering the sequence of binary signals by means of a low-pass filter (113) having a predefined cut-off frequency in order to produce a digital value, (f) transmitting the digital value from the buffer store (114) of the sensor controller (110) on a communication system, particularly on a communication bus, wherein steps (b) to (g) are performed N > 1 times, as a reaction to step (a).
H04L 7/08 - Speed or phase control by synchronisation signals the synchronisation signals recurring cyclically
G08C 15/06 - Arrangements characterised by the use of multiplexing for the transmission of a plurality of signals over a common path successively, i.e. using time division
Many processes for audio signal processing can benefit from voice activity detection, which aims to detect the presence of speech as opposed to silence or noise. The present disclosure describes, among other things, leveraging energy-based features of voice and insights on first and second formant frequencies of vowels to provide a low-complexity and low-power voice activity detector. A pair of two channels is provided whereby each channel is configured to detect voice activity in respective frequency bands of interest. Simultaneous activity detected in both channels can be a sufficient condition for determining that voice is present. More channels or pairs of channels can be used to detect different types of voices to improve detection and/or to detect voices present in different audio streams.
An active antenna test system comprising an active antenna unit comprising: a test signal generator arranged to generate at least a first test signal and at least one second test signal; a plurality of transmitter modules operably coupled to the test signal generator wherein the plurality of transmitter modules are arranged to simultaneously process the first test signal and at least one second test signal to produce at least one radio frequency test signal therefrom; and at least one receiver module arranged to process one or more signals falling in at least one spectral band determined to be susceptible to intermodulation distortion products caused by the at least one radio frequency test signal being generated from the first test signal and at least one second test signal; and an intermodulation determination module operably coupled to the at least one receiver module and arranged to determine a first received intermodulation performance. A first transmitter module of the plurality of transmitter modules is operably uncoupled from the test signal generator and at least a first test signal and at least one second test signal re-applied to the remaining transmitter modules, such that the intermodulation determination module determines a second received intermodulation performance in order to determine an intermodulation distortion contribution of the first transmitter module therefrom.
2 as needed to dynamically balance the duty cycles of the first and second signals and thereby reduce flux imbalance in the transformer that might otherwise arise.
H02M 3/335 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate AC using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
H02M 1/08 - Circuits specially adapted for the generation of control voltages for semiconductor devices incorporated in static converters
H02M 1/40 - Means for preventing magnetic saturation
H03K 17/56 - Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and -breaking characterised by the use of specified components by the use, as active elements, of semiconductor devices
H02M 7/48 - Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
A “windowless” H-bridge buck-boost switching converter includes a regulation circuit with an error amplifier which produces a ‘comp’ signal, a comparison circuit which compares ‘comp’ with a ‘ramp’ signal, and logic circuitry which receives the comparison circuit output and a mode control signal indicating whether the converter is to operate in buck mode or boost mode and operates the primary or secondary switching elements to produce the desired output voltage in buck or boost mode, respectively. A ‘ramp’ signal generation circuit operates to shift the ‘ramp’ signal up by a voltage Vslp(p−p)+Vhys when transitioning from buck to boost mode, and to shift ‘ramp’ back down by Vslp(p−p)+Vhys when transitioning from boost to buck mode, thereby enabling the converter to operate in buck mode or boost mode only, with no need for an intermediate buck-boost region.
H02M 3/158 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of output voltage or current, e.g. switching regulators including plural semiconductor devices as final control devices for a single load
Various methods and systems are provided to control a probe moving towards fluid held in a container. The probe is moved towards the fluid to take a sample of the fluid in the container. To take a sample, probe is actuated to hit the fluid surface and to pass the fluid surface by a predetermined distance. Capacitive sensing which incorporates the probe itself is used to support an approach engine for controlling the motion of the probe. The approach engine determines the speed of the probe based on capacitance measurements, and in some cases based on position information of the probe. The approach engine ensures the probe hits the surface of the fluid in the container in order to take a sample while ensuring the probe does not hit the bottom of the container.
G01F 23/26 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields
G01N 35/10 - Devices for transferring samples to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
48.
SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE BASED OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHOD
An exemplary object detection method includes generating feature block components representing an image frame, and analyzing the image frame using the feature block components. For each feature block row of the image frame, feature block components associated with the feature block row are evaluated to determine a partial vector dot product for detector windows that overlap a portion of the image frame including the feature block row, such that each detector window has an associated group of partial vector dot products. The method can include determining a vector dot product associated with each detector window based on the associated group of partial vector dot products, and classifying an image frame portion corresponding with each detector window as an object or non-object based on the vector dot product. Each feature block component can be moved from external memory to internal memory once implementing the exemplary object detection method.
An active antenna test system is described. The active antenna test system comprises an active antenna unit comprising: a plurality of antenna elements; at least one processor; a plurality of transceiver modules operably coupled to the at least one processor and arranged to receive at least one first baseband signal for transmission via at least one of the plurality of antenna elements and arranged to pass at least one second baseband signal thereto received and down-converted from at least one of the plurality of antenna elements; and at least one switching module operably coupling the plurality of antenna modules to the plurality of transceiver modules. The active antenna test system also comprises at least one communication test equipment, such as a radio frequency, RF, test module and at least one baseband processor. The active antenna unit further comprises at least one externally connectable radio frequency, RF, test port operably coupled to the at least one switching module and arranged to externally couple the at least one communication test equipment to at least one of the plurality of transceiver modules for conductive testing.
H01Q 21/24 - Combinations of antenna units polarised in different directions for transmitting or receiving circularly and elliptically polarised waves or waves linearly polarised in any direction
50.
NETWORK ELEMENT, RADIO FREQUENCY MAST-TOP MODULE AND METHODS THEREFOR
A network element (MBCU) for a mast-top installation comprising a baseband converter module comprising at least one data interface and at least one microprocessor operably coupled to the at least one data interface and arranged to configure signals within the network element. Wherein the baseband converter module further comprises or is operably coupled to at least one radio frequency mast-top docking station, electrically coupled to the at least one data interface and for physically receiving a corresponding at least one removable radio frequency mast-top module comprising a memory that stores data to allow determination of at least one configuration of the at least one removable radio frequency mast-top module and wherein the at least one microprocessor is arranged to interrogate the memory of a docked at least one removable radio frequency mast-top module via the at least one radio frequency mast-top docking station to determine the at least one configuration thereof and interoperate therewith. A radio frequency mast-top module and associated methods are also described.
The present invention relates to power conversion apparatus (40) configured to receive a high voltage alternating current (AC) signal at an input (42, 44) and to provide in dependence thereon a low voltage direct current (DC) signal from an output stage (58, 60). The power conversion apparatus (40) comprises a main path comprising a high voltage capacitor (46) in series with the input. The power conversion apparatus (40) also comprises a first path operative to carry current carried by the main path in at least one of a positive going part and a negative going part of the high voltage alternating current signal and a second path operative to carry current carried by the main path in a positive going part and a negative going part of the high voltage alternating current signal. The power conversion apparatus further comprises first and second switches (52, 54) which are operative to determine when a respective one of the first and second paths carries current. In the power conversion apparatus, the output stage (58, 60) receives current flowing in the first path and at least one of the first and second switches (52, 54) is operable in dependence on a control signal derived from the low voltage direct current signal.
H02M 7/12 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
52.
COMMUNICATION UNIT, INTEGRATED CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A PLURALITY OF SECTORED BEAMS
A communication unit comprises a plurality of antenna element feeds (203, 205) for coupling to a plurality of antenna elements of an antenna array, where each antenna element feed comprises at least one coupler; and a plurality of transmitters operably coupled to the plurality of antenna element feeds. At least one transmitter of the plurality of transmitters comprises: an input for receiving a first signal and at least one second signal; beamformer logic arranged to apply independent beamform weights (RefBF1, RefBF2) on the first signal and the at least one second signal of the transmitter respectively, wherein each of the independent beamform weights is allocated on a per sector basis; and a signal combiner arranged to combine the first signal and the second signal to produce a combined signal, such that the combined signal supports a plurality of sectored beams.
H04B 7/04 - Diversity systemsMulti-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas
H01Q 1/24 - SupportsMounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set
H01Q 3/26 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
H01Q 23/00 - Antennas with active circuits or circuit elements integrated within them or attached to them
H04B 7/06 - Diversity systemsMulti-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station
A method for calibrating an antenna array coupled to a plurality of transmitters via a plurality of couplers and a plurality of antenna element feeds is described. The method comprises, at a communication unit: selecting and coupling at least one coupler to a calibration receiver in a feedback path in the communication unit; scaling at least one first signal by at least one first beamform weight; applying the scaled at least one first signal to a first transmitter of the plurality of transmitters and routing the scaled at least one first signal via the selected at least one coupler to the calibration receiver; generating a reference signal by selecting and scaling the at least one first signal by at least one second beamform weight substantially equal to the at least one first beamform weight; comparing the at least one first signal scaled with the at least one first beamform weight with the at least one first signal reference signal scaled by the at least one second beamform weight to determine at least one first parameter result; storing the at least one first parameter result of the comparison associated with the first transmitter; repeating for subsequent transmitters the steps of selecting and coupling a further coupler, scaling, applying at least one further signal to a further transmitter of the plurality of transmitters, generating a further reference signal, comparing and storing at least one further parameter result until the plurality of couplers have been selected; and determining at least one calibration correction coefficient from a plurality of parameter results for applying to at least one second signal input to at least one transmitter of the plurality of transmitters coupled to the antenna array to substantially equalise a transfer function of a plurality of transmit paths to antenna element feeds for the at least one second signal having beamform weights applied thereto.
H01Q 3/26 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
54.
NETWORK ELEMENT, INTEGRATED CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF DETERMINING CONNECTIVITY FROM ANTENNA ELEMENTS TO TRANSCEIVER LINE-UPS
A method for assigning, in a database, a relationship between at least one logical channel and at least one antenna element feed that is coupleable to at least one antenna element of an antenna arrangement, is described. The method comprises either: applying a first signal to at least one first logical channel; and detecting whether there is a presence of a radio frequency signal converted from the first signal on at least one first antenna element feed; or applying a second signal to at least one first antenna element feed coupleable to at least one first antenna element of the antenna arrangement; and detecting whether there is a presence of a logical signal converted from the second signal on at least one first logical channel. The method further comprises assigning in the database in response thereto a relationship between the at least one first logical channel and the at least one first antenna element feed. This advantageously allows assigning of logical channels via a plurality of transceivers to a plurality of antenna elements. Furthermore, a logical channel to beamform coefficient assignment may be determined for the antenna array.
H04B 7/04 - Diversity systemsMulti-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas
The present invention relates to electrical measurement apparatus (10). The electrical measurement apparatus (10) comprises a measurement arrangement (20,24) configured to be disposed in relation to an electrical circuit (12,14,16,18) which bears an electrical signal, the measurement arrangement (20,24) being operative when so disposed to measure the electrical signal. The electrical measurement apparatus (10) further comprises a signal source (22) operative to apply a reference input signal to the measurement arrangement (20,24) whereby an output signal from the measurement arrangement comprises an electrical output signal corresponding to the electrical signal and a reference output signal corresponding to the reference input signal, the reference input signal having a substantially piecewise constant form which is repeated over each of plural cycles. The electrical measurement apparatus (10) yet further comprises processing apparatus (26) which is operative: to determine at least one cumulative representation, determination of the cumulative representation comprising summing plural received sections of the output signal, each of the plural received sections corresponding to at least a part and to a same part of the cycle of the reference input signal; and to determine at least one of: a transfer function for the measurement arrangement; a change in a transfer function for the measurement arrangement; and the electrical signal,in dependence on the at least one cumulative representation and the reference input signal.
G01R 21/133 - Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor by using digital technique
G01R 1/20 - Modifications of basic electric elements for use in electric measuring instrumentsStructural combinations of such elements with such instruments
G01R 11/25 - Arrangements for indicating or signalling faults
A sensor polling unit for microprocessor integration comprises a configuration logic block associated with each of a plurality of external sensor devices. Each configuration logic block issues a read command for predetermined sensor data registers of the associated external sensor device via a read trigger supplied by a trigger generator. A global timer based on a microprocessor clock signal supplies a global time value to the trigger generators. A polling state machine is operatively coupled to the configuration logic blocks for receipt of respective read commands, and issues a corresponding read command to the external sensor device through a standardized bi-directional data communication interface connected to the external sensor device. The polling state machine receives register data transmitted by the external sensor device in response to the read command and transmits the received register data to a microprocessor accessible data memory area for storage.
G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computerOutput arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
G06F 13/10 - Program control for peripheral devices
A root-mean-square (RMS) detector includes detection circuitry having as an input a radio frequency signal, target voltage and a set voltage and a RMS signal as an output, and a gain stage within the detection circuitry to produce the RMS signal as an output. The gain stage provides for faster settling times of the detector.
G06G 7/20 - Arrangements for performing computing operations, e.g. amplifiers specially adapted therefor for evaluating powers, roots, polynomes, mean square values, standard deviation
G01R 19/02 - Measuring effective values, i.e. root-mean-square values
58.
NARROW VOLTAGE RANGE MULTI-LEVEL OUTPUT PULSE MODULATED AMPLIFIER WITH ONE-BIT HYSTERESIS QUANTIZER
An amplifier system may include a power stage having inputs for three different supply voltages and an output for coupling to a load, a controller to generate control signals to the power stage that cause the power stage to vary an output voltage applied to the load among more than three distinct voltage levels, a monitor to provide a first control signal to the controller based on an input voltage signal, and a feedback system to provide a second control signal to the controller based on comparison of the output voltage and the input signal.
An analog to digital converter comprising at least one sampling capacitor connected to a sample node, and a pre-charge circuit arranged to cause the voltage on the sample node to substantially match the input voltage prior to the analog to digital converter entering an acquire mode in which the sample node is connected to the input node by a sample switch.
H03K 17/687 - Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and -breaking characterised by the use of specified components by the use, as active elements, of semiconductor devices the devices being field-effect transistors
60.
Multi-state DC-DC converter having undirectional switches
DC-DC converters adapted to provide two or more DC output voltages. More particularly, a multi-state or mode DC-DC converter circuit comprising first and second controllable switches configured for unidirectional conduction of charging current.
H02M 3/156 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of output voltage or current, e.g. switching regulators
G05F 1/00 - Automatic systems in which deviations of an electric quantity from one or more predetermined values are detected at the output of the system and fed back to a device within the system to restore the detected quantity to its predetermined value or values, i.e. retroactive systems
The present invention relates to a driver circuit wherein upper and lower legs of a first driver comprise first and second sets of parellelly coupled semiconductor switches, respectively. A control circuit is configured to generate respective control signals for the first and second sets of parellelly coupled semiconductor switches to create a current path through the upper and lower legs during an overlap time period between state transitions of a driver output.
H02B 1/00 - Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casingsDetails of substations or switching arrangements
H03B 1/00 - GENERATION OF OSCILLATIONS, DIRECTLY OR BY FREQUENCY-CHANGING, BY CIRCUITS EMPLOYING ACTIVE ELEMENTS WHICH OPERATE IN A NON-SWITCHING MANNERGENERATION OF NOISE BY SUCH CIRCUITS Details
H03K 17/56 - Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and -breaking characterised by the use of specified components by the use, as active elements, of semiconductor devices
patents
