4521 results about "Signal conditioning" patented technology

An industrial plant asset management system comprising of a synchronized multiple view graphical user interface combining simultaneous real time and database display capability, a database including a knowledge manager and having input and output interfaces, a normalizing data acquisition module with real time and database interfaces, and a variety of device dependent data collector modules with associated signal conditioning and processing devices for providing an environment for development and deployment of visual models for monitoring plant assets.

The present invention is directed to a system that programmably interconnects integrated circuit chips and other components at near-intra-chip density. The system's contact structure allows it to adapt to components with a wide variety of contact spacings and interconnection requirements, the use of releasable attachment means allows component placement to be modified as needed, the system identifies the contacts and the components to facilitate specifying the inter-component connections, and the system provides signal conditioning and retiming to minimize issues with signal integrity and signal skew.

A heart monitor includes a single chest accelerometer (210), an analog signal conditioning and sampling section (215) responsive to said accelerometer to produce a digital signal substantially representing acceleration, and a digital processor (220) operable to filter the acceleration signal into a signal affected by body motion and to cancel the body motion signal from the acceleration signal, thereby to produce an acceleration-based cardiac-related signal. Other processes and electronic systems are also disclosed.

The present invention provides an electromagnetic tracking system that includes a field generator and a field sensor arranged to generate and detect, respectively, an electromagnetic field. Both the transmitter and receiver coils are connected to signal conditioning and processing circuitry to provide outputs indicative of the coil signals. A processor operates on the signals to determine the coordinates of the sensing assembly relative to the generator assembly. The signal processor produces ratiometric outputs, and applies a mutual inductance model to solve for position / orientation coordinates. In some embodiments, a disturber in the form of a conductive ring or a sheath is disposed about an interfering piece of equipment to moderate and standardize disturbances due to eddy currents.

Methods and systems for performing three dimensional LIDAR measurements with a highly integrated LIDAR measurement device are described herein. In one aspect, the illumination source, detector, and illumination drive are integrated onto a single printed circuit board. In addition, in some embodiments, the associated control and signal conditioning electronics are also integrated onto the common printed circuit board. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the illumination drive and the illumination source are integrated onto a common Gallium Nitride substrate that is independently packaged and attached to the printed circuit board. In another aspect, the illumination light emitted from the illumination source and the return light directed toward the detector share a common optical path within the integrated LIDAR measurement device. In some embodiments, the return light is separated from the illumination light by a beam splitter. In some other embodiments, the optical design avoids losses associated with a beam splitter.

A three dimensional imaging device is presented which uses a single pulse from a pulsed light source to detect objects which are obscured by camouflage, fog or smoke but otherwise enveloped by a light-transmitting medium. The device simultaneously operates in two modes, light reflected from the nearest object is processed to form a three-dimensional image by an array of pixels. This first image is based upon the light-pulse transit time recorded in each pixel. Each pixel also contains a high-speed analog memory that sequentially stores reflected signals at a repeated time interval. The first reflection acts as a time base that controls when the analog memory begins or ends the storage sequence. The first return could be from a camouflage net and the amplitudes of the return signals, after the first return, would then be from objects behind the net. Computer processing these amplitudes reveals the three-dimensional nature of the obscured objects.The device consists of the pulsed light source, optics for collecting the reflected light, a sensor for detecting the light and converting it to electrical data, drive and output electronics for timing and signal conditioning of data generated by the sensors and a computer for processing the sensor data and converting it to a three dimensional image. The sensor collects and processes the light data in a unique manner, first converting it to electricity by a number of alternate detector technologies and then using integrated circuit chips which consist of a two dimensional array of electronic pixels also called unit cells. The two dimensional array defines two dimensions of the image. Stored within each unit cells is data associated with the third dimension, ranges of targets, and amplitudes of target reflections. This data is read out of the integrated circuit chip in the time interval between laser pulses to a processing computer. The processing computer corrects the data and, by means of computer algorithms specific to the device, converts the data to a three-dimensional image of one or more targets. This image may be viewed or processed electronically to isolate targets.

A wearable medical device and method of detecting clipping of ECG signals is disclosed. In one embodiment, the wearable medical device comprises a plurality of ECG sensing electrodes configured to sense an ECG of a patient and an ECG acquisition circuit electrically coupled to a pair of the plurality of ECG sensing electrodes and configured to provide an amplified and conditioned analog ECG signal, a programmable attenuation / gain stage electrically coupled between a first gain stage and a second gain stage, an ADC electrically coupled to the ECG acquisition circuit to receive and digitize the amplified and conditioned analog ECG signal and provide a digitized ECG signal, and a signal conditioning and control unit electrically coupled to the ECG acquisition circuit and the ADC to receive and monitor the digitized ECG signal and to detect clipping of the amplified and conditioned analog ECG signal based upon the digitized ECG signal.

A hand-held mobile communication device, such as smart telephone, incorporating sensors and signal conditioning modules for measuring signals from external sources of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in the low, radio, ultraviolet, and infrared spectral ranges. These include the detector for receiving and monitoring electromagnetic fields originating from various external sources of radiation that pose potential health hazards or may interfere with various electronic devices. The mobile phone equipped with such sensors could alternate between communication and monitoring functions. Other integrated EMR sensors are a photodiode for the ultraviolet detection to monitor the user's sun exposure and a thermopile for non-contact measurement of temperature of humans or inanimate objects. This infrared sensor in combination with a photographic digital camera and a pattern recognition signal processing allows measuring temperatures at specific locations and from optimal distances to the surface of the object to enhance accuracy of non-contact temperature measurements.

System and method for measurement, DAQ, and control operations. A measurement module includes measurement circuitry for performing signal conditioning and / or signal conversion, and interface circuitry which provides an interface for the measurement circuitry. A carrier unit couples to the interface circuitry of the module. A computer system couples to the carrier unit and stores one or more hardware configuration programs. The interface circuitry communicates an interface protocol describing the interface, e.g., to the carrier unit or the computer system. The computer system provides a hardware configuration program in response to the communicated interface protocol, and programs one or more programmable hardware elements on the carrier unit with the hardware configuration program. After being configured, the programmable hardware elements interface with the measurement module in accordance with the communicated interface protocol. The measurement module and the programmed carrier unit may perform together as a DAQ device, measurement device, and / or control device.

The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for control using field and control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network. By way of non-limiting example, such field device can be an “intelligent” transmitter or actuator that includes a low power processor, along with a random access memory, a read-only memory, FlashRAM, and a sensor interface. The processor can execute a real-time operating system, as well as a Java virtual machine (JVM). Java byte code executes in the JVM to configure the field device to perform typical process control functions, e.g., for proportional integral derivative (PID) control and signal conditioning. Control networks can include a plurality of such field and control devices interconnected by an IP network, such as an Ethernet.

An advanced modular plug connector assembly incorporating an insert assembly disposed in the rear portion of the connector housing. In one embodiment, the connector has a plurality of ports in multi-row configuration, and the insert assembly includes a substrate adapted to receive one or more electronic components such as choke coils, transformers, or other signal conditioning elements or magnetics. The substrate also interfaces with the conductors of two modular ports of the connector, and is removable from the housing such that an insert assembly of a different electronics or terminal configuration can be substituted therefor. In this fashion, the connector can be configured to a plurality of different standards (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet and 10 / 100). In yet another embodiment, the connector assembly comprises a plurality of light sources (e.g., LEDs) received within the housing. Methods for manufacturing the aforementioned embodiments are also disclosed.

System and method for measurement, DAQ, and control operations. A measurement module includes measurement circuitry for performing signal conditioning and / or signal conversion, and interface circuitry which provides an interface for the measurement circuitry. A carrier unit couples to the interface circuitry of the module. A computer system couples to the carrier unit and stores one or more hardware configuration programs. The interface circuitry communicates an interface protocol describing the interface, e.g., to the carrier unit or the computer system. The computer system provides a hardware configuration program in response to the communicated interface protocol, and programs one or more programmable hardware elements on the carrier unit with the hardware configuration program. After being configured, the programmable hardware elements interface with the measurement module in accordance with the communicated interface protocol. The measurement module and the programmed carrier unit may perform together as a DAQ device, measurement device, and / or control device.

Disclosed is method and device for signal conditioning in a force-based touch screen. In one embodiment, signal conditioning includes multiplying a force signal by a scaling signal which is a predetermined function of the total force applied to the force-based touch screen and integrating the force signal over a touch event.

A system for monitoring blood pressure and other physiologic parameters is provided. The system is designed such that it can be delivered to the patient with ease and minimal invasion. The system contains at least one self contained implantable sensing device consisting of a sensor, an electrical circuit for signal conditioning and magnetic telemetry, a biocompatible outer surface and seal, an anchoring method, and an external readout device. The implant is small in size so that it may be delivered to the desired location and implanted using a catheter, although direct surgical implantation is also possible. The circuit, sensor, and antenna for telemetry are packaged together and sealed hermetically to the biologic environment. The larger readout unit remains outside the body but proximal to the implant for minimizing communication distance.

A single integrated sensing chip with multi-functions for tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) comprises: a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, and an ASIC (Applied Specific Integrated Circuit) that implements signal conditioning and digitalizes pressure output. The accelerometer incorporated for vehicle motion is used to determine centrifugal acceleration or three-axial acceleration of the rotating wheel, and used for the TPMS sensor wake-up from “power down” mode, or when the velocity of the vehicle is higher than certain speed threshold, which is more robust and lower in cost than the mechanical vibration switch and is naturally integrated with the electronic control unit. The accelerometer can be used for regular motion sensing to monitor the dynamic stability. The integrated sensor system can be packaged into one plastic package first, and then surface mounted to the printed circuit board, or the multi-function single chip can be wafer bonded on the wafer level first and diced into many individual chips, with each chip being directly attached on to the printed circuit board by wire bonding or flip-chip assembly.

An integrated filter connector apparatus that performs the functions of a coaxial cable connector component combined with the functions of an in-line signal conditioning component. The apparatus eliminates at least one exposed point of connection between a separate coaxial cable connector component and an in-line signal conditioning component. Elimination of such a point of connection likely reduces RF ingress into a signal path and likely reduces interference with a signal traveling through the signal path. Embodiments of the connector apparatus provide various types of connector interfaces.

An industrial plant asset management system comprising of a synchronized multiple view graphical user interface combining simultaneous real time and database display capability, a database including a knowledge manager and having input and output interfaces, a normalizing data acquisition module with real time and database interfaces, and a variety of device dependent data collector modules with associated signal conditioning and processing devices for providing an environment for development and deployment of visual models for monitoring plant assets.

A protective case for enveloping a smartphone incorporates at least one sensor for detecting stimuli arriving from outside of the smartphone. The case and the phone form an integral unit that possess extra features than the phone alone wouldn't have. The sensor is supplemented by a signal conditioning and interface electronic circuit for communicating the sensed information to the smartphone inner processor. The communication is via a wired connection to the smartphone's connector or wireless via a radio waves or optical link. For expanding versatility of the smartphone, the sensors may be adapted for detecting non-contact temperature, light, ultrasonic, smell, material composition, human vital signs, and other signals.

The invention discloses a method for vibration online monitoring and fault diagnosis of a power transformer. The surface vibration of an oil tank of a transformer, the voltage, the current and the oil temperature of the transformer, and the switching values reflecting the on-states of a vibration source fan and the oil tank of the transformer are taken as basic monitoring parameters to be monitored; after signal conditioning is performed on the monitoring parameters, continuous synchronous waveform data sampling, processing and saving are performed; then the processed waveform data are continuously displayed in real time; signal decomposition, multi-parameter correlation analysis and characteristic vector magnitude extraction are performed on the waveform data; and then various characteristic vector thresholds of a specific transformer are compared to analyze and diagnose the operating state and the fault of the transformer. With the method, the operating state of the power transformer can be monitored in real time, and early warning as well as the analysis and the diagnosis of the fault condition of the transformer are provided, thus guaranteeing the secure and stable operation of the transformer.

Systems and methods receive a digital signal and generate an analog signal indicative thereof. In one embodiment, a system includes a DAC that receives a multi-bit digital signal, generates at least two analog signals each indicative of the value of the multi-bit digital signal, and filters two or more of the at least two analog signals. In another embodiment, a system includes a DAC that receives digital input signals at an input data rate and outputs analog signals indicative of the digital signals to a signal conditioning stage at an output data rate different than the input data rate.

A combined pressure and temperature transducer (10) particularly adapted for high temperature fluids has a sensing element assembly mounted at the tip of a tubular probe (20) which is arranged for placement in a fluid flow path. A sensing element (12) includes a pressure responsive diaphragm (12g) closing the open end of the tubular probe and being provided with piezo-resistive gauge elements bonded to the diaphragm. Wires are bonded between the gauge elements and a first, heat resistant, printed circuit board (PCB). The first PCB, together with the piezo-resistive elements, form a Wheatstone bridge. An inner connector (26) mounts elongated, axial stress absorbing contacts connecting the first PCB at one end of the inner connector with a second printed circuit board (PCB) mounted at the opposite end of the inner connector physically removed from the sensing element and first PCB and away from the fluid flow path. The second PCB mounts signal conditioning and amplifying electronics. An outer connector (38) and housing (42) mounts the second PCB and provides an electrical interface with transducer.

An instantaneous / real-time wireless dynamic tire pressure sensor (DTPS) for characterizing pavement qualities and for detecting surface and subsurface pavement defects under normal driving conditions. Signal processing provides quantitative assessment of surface conditions. DTPS includes a vehicle tire valve stem-mounted pressure sensor and wheel hub-mounted signal conditioning, amplification, and transmitting circuitry. A signal processing computer within the vehicle is wirelessly coupled to the hub-mounted circuitry. Tire pressure changes caused by ground vibration excitation from the interaction between the tire and pavement at normal driving speeds are detected. When acoustic radiation from a surface wave is significantly stronger than acoustic noise, subsurface information can be extracted. An energy harvester based on strong magnetostatic coupling between a high permeability core solenoid, fixed proximate a vehicle wheel, and a bias magnet array, fixedly mounted in conjunction with a dust shield, can provide power the DIPS.

The invention provides a mobile phone near field communication system and method based on visible light. The mobile phone near field communication system and method based on the visible light are used for short distance wireless communication. According to the mobile phone near field communication system, a transmitting terminal is arranged on a mobile device provided with a light-emitting screen and a light sensor, and comprises an encoding module and a rate adaptive mechanism module; a receiving terminal is provided with an LED and comprises a light sensor array, a signal conditioning module, a decoding module and a feedback module. The encoding module encodes data into a brightness level sequence and sends the brightness level sequence out through light signals; the receiving terminal collects the light signals to conduct signal conditioning and decoding so as to obtain decoded data; the feedback module is used for feeding back a signal of data blocks which need retransmission and a signal of adjustment of brightness level numbers to the transmitting terminal; the transmitting terminal controls the retransmission of the data blocks and the adjustment of the brightness level numbers through the rate adaptive mechanism module. The mobile phone near field communication system and method based on the visible light are low in cost, easy to use, safer, free of addition of extra hardware, and capable of achieving the near field communication functions such as mobile payment, equipment matching and data exchange between mobile phones.

A transmission arrangement includes a transmitter circuit for subjecting signals for transmission to signal conditioning, the signal output of said transmission arrangement being connected to a power amplifier. The power amplifier is produced in a semiconductor body and has at least one mode of operation that is characterized by at least one adjustable setting parameter. Outside of the semiconductor body, there is a programmable control circuit which is designed to send setting signals to the power amplifier in order to set the at least one adjustable setting parameter. The control circuit and the power amplifier are thus of separate design and can each be produced independently using the best technology.

The novel miniaturized inclinometer for angle measurement with accurate measurement indicator is designed to monitor the angular motion of limbs. The device contains at least one inclinometer with signal conditioning electronics, including a microprocessor, placed within a miniature housing. A number of different sensors can be used and positioned in their housings so that their outputs vary as a function of their angle with respect to the gravity sector. The microprocessor controls a multiplexer, which controls the activities of the sensors; performs analog to digital conversions and measures the output curves from the sensor pairs to perform a conversion which results in a three hundred and sixty degree range with respect to gravity. Calibration data is stored in a read only memory and the microprocessor corrects variables to ensure accuracy and measures the difference in angle between the pairs of sensors.

A stacked jack modular jack assembly is comprised of a multi-port housing, and a plurality of modular jack subassemblies. The jack subassemblies include upper and lower jack housings sandwiching therebetween, a cross-talk shield. The terminal subassembly is substantially Z-shaped, which allows for increased space there below for signal conditioning components. The terminal module also includes a center shield and a lower shield, and an outer shield, all of which are commoned together and grounded. An outer shield substantially surrounds the entire assembly, and is commoned to the other shield members.

The invention relates to a walk-aiding exoskeleton robot system and a control method, which belong to the technical field of rehabilitation engineering. The system comprises a hanging support, a moving platform, joints, protecting sleeves, a sensor module, a signal acquisition module, a central processing module and a motion control module, wherein the hanging support is fixed on the moving platform, the joints are connected with the hanging support to form an exoskeleton robot, the sensor module, the signal acquisition module, the central processing module and the motion control module are sequentially connected, the sensor module is used for acquiring joint angles, the interacting force of the exoskeleton robot and the human being and the myoelectric signals of the muscles of the human body, the signal acquisition module carries out signal conditioning and digital-to-analog conversion, the central processing module carries out action generation and the reverse solution of motion, and transmits an action command to the motion control module, and the motion control module is connected with the exoskeleton robot and generates a pulse signal to control the coordinated motion of the exoskeleton robot. The invention realizes the synchronous motion of the exoskeleton robot and the human body and real-time active control.