140 results about "Capacitive switch" patented technology

A vehicular rearview assembly that has a rounded outer perimeter edge to satisfy safety standards and contains an EC element having a complex peripheral ring, a front surface that is fully observable from the front of the assembly, and a user interface with switches and sensors that activate and configure, in cooperation with electronic circuitry of the assembly, pre-defined function(s) or device(s) of the assembly in response to the user input applied to the user interface. A complex peripheral ring may include multiple bands the structures of which is adapted to provide for specified optical characteristics of light, reflected off of the ring. Electrical communications between the electronic circuitry, the mirror element, and the user interface utilize connectors configured to exert a low contact force, onto the mirror element, limited in part by the strength of adhesive affixing the EC element to an element of the housing of the assembly.

A pointing device some or all of whose elements are made from capacitive sensors. Such elements may include a rotary motion detector which includes a rotating member and a plurality of fixed capacitive detecting members; a rolling ball with patterned conductive surface and a plurality of fixed capacitive detecting members; capacitive touch sensors or capacitive switches to serve as mouse buttons; and a scrolling wheel, knob, or touch surface built from capacitive sensors. The pointing device further includes a capacitance measuring circuit and processor to measure variations of capacitance on the various capacitive elements and to determine the movement of and other activations of the mouse.

An example capacitive switch apparatus comprises a capacitive switch sensor providing a capacitive switch signal, a capacitive reference sensor providing a capacitive reference signal, and an electronic circuit, receiving the switch and reference signals and detecting switch activation by comparing the switch signal level with a threshold level. The threshold level is adjusted as a function of the reference signal level. The reference signal is obtained, for example during periods of operator proximity to the reference sensor. For a finger-operated switch, the reference signal is obtained when a finger is proximate the reference sensor.

A DC / DC converter includes a pre-converter stage, which may include a charge pump, and a post-regulator stage, which may include a boost converter. The duty factor of the post-regulator stage is controlled by a feedback path that extends from the output terminal of the DC / DC converter to an input terminal in the post-regulator stage. The pre-converter steps the input DC voltage up or down by a positive or negative integral or fractional value, and the post-regulator steps the voltage up by a variable amount depending on the duty factor at which the post-regulator is driven. The converter overcomes the problems of noise glitches, poor regulation, and instability, even near unity input-to-output voltage conversion ratios.

A method and system for decision feedback equalization for digital transmission systems is provided. Low-power integrating decision feedback equalization with fast switched-capacitor paths are used, for suppressing intersymbol interference (ISI) due to past data symbols. The decision feedback equalization involves performing current-integrating decision feedback equalization at low-power employing a fast capacitively coupled feed-forward path at the output of a current-integrating buffer and inducing voltage changes by charge redistribution via coupled switching capacitors, and performing a voltage digital-to-analog conversation to determine a feedback coefficient as a coupling voltage. Then switches are reset to a pre-charge coupling voltage in the buffers to eliminate residual ISI caused by signal history, thereby achieving current integrating buffering with switched-capacitor feedback during the integration, and the capacitive switches are triggered by previous symbols.

A pointing device some or all of whose elements are made from capacitive sensors. Such elements may include a rotary motion detector which includes a rotating member and a plurality of fixed capacitive detecting members; a rolling ball with patterned conductive surface and a plurality of fixed capacitive detecting members; capacitive touch sensors or capacitive switches to serve as mouse buttons; and a scrolling wheel, knob, or touch surface built from capacitive sensors. The pointing device further includes a capacitance measuring circuit and processor to measure variations of capacitance on the various capacitive elements and to determine the movement of and other activations of the mouse.

An example capacitive switch apparatus comprises a capacitive switch sensor providing a capacitive switch signal, a capacitive reference sensor providing a capacitive reference signal, and an electronic circuit, receiving the switch and reference signals and detecting switch activation by comparing the switch signal level with a threshold level. The threshold level is adjusted as a function of the reference signal level. The reference signal is obtained, for example during periods of operator proximity to the reference sensor. For a finger-operated switch, the reference signal is obtained when a finger is proximate the reference sensor.

This invention is directed to a polymer thick film conductive composition that may be used in applications where thermoforming of the base substrate occurs, e.g., as in capacitive switches. Polycarbonate substrates are often used as the substrate and the polymer thick film conductive composition may be used without any barrier layer. Thermoformable electric circuits benefit from the presence of an encapsulant layer over the dried polymer thick film conductive composition. The electrical circuit is subsequently subjected to an injection molding process.

A DC / DC converter includes a pre-converter stage, which may include a charge pump, and a post-regulator stage, which may include a boost converter. The duty factor of the post-regulator stage is controlled by a feedback path that extends from the output terminal of the DC / DC converter to an input terminal in the post-regulator stage. The pre-converter steps the input DC voltage up or down by a positive or negative integral or fractional value, and the post-regulator steps the voltage up by a variable amount depending on the duty factor at which the post-regulator is driven. The converter overcomes the problems of noise glitches, poor regulation, and instability, even near unity input-to-output voltage conversion ratios.

A vehicular rearview assembly that has a rounded outer perimeter edge to satisfy safety standards and contains an EC element having a complex peripheral ring, a front surface that is fully observable from the front of the assembly, and a user interface with switches and sensors that activate and configure, in cooperation with electronic circuitry of the assembly, pre-defined function(s) or device(s) of the assembly in response to the user input applied to the user interface. A complex peripheral ring may include multiple bands the structures of which is adapted to provide for specified optical characteristics of light, reflected off of the ring. Electrical communications between the electronic circuitry, the mirror element, and the user interface utilize connectors configured to exert a low contact force, onto the mirror element, limited in part by the strength of adhesive affixing the EC element to an element of the housing of the assembly.

This invention is directed to a polymer thick film conductive composition. More specifically, the polymer thick film conductive composition may be used in applications where thermoforming of the base substrate occurs as in capacitive switches. Polycarbonate substrates are often used as the substrate and the polymer thick film conductive composition may be used without any barrier layer. Thermoformable electric circuits benefit from the presence of an encapsulant layer over the dried polymer thick film conductive composition.

A waterproof housing to contain and operate an electronic device with capacitive touch screen and electrically conductive outer case includes interfitting pieces configured to form a waterproof shell to removably receive and immobilize the electronic device. One or more electrical circuits extend within the shell between the outer case of the electronic device installed in the shell and one or more respective control regions of the screen. Manual actuators such as buttons are provided in openings through the shell to selectively manually complete each circuit from outside the housing.

This invention is directed to a polymer thick film conductive composition. More specifically, the polymer thick film conductive composition may be used in applications where thermoforming of the base substrate occurs as in capacitive switches. Polycarbonate substrates are often used as the substrate and the silver conductor composition may be used without any barrier layer.

A method of fabricating micro-electromechanical switches (MEMS) integrated with conventional semiconductor interconnect levels, using compatible processes and materials is described. The method is based upon fabricating a capacitive switch that is easily modified to produce various configurations for contact switching and any number of metal-dielectric-metal switches. The process starts with a copper damascene interconnect layer, made of metal conductors inlaid in a dielectric. All or portions of the copper interconnects are recessed to a degree sufficient to provide a capacitive air gap when the switch is in the closed state, as well as provide space for a protective layer of, e.g., Ta / TaN. The metal structures defined within the area specified for the switch act as actuator electrodes to pull down the movable beam and provide one or more paths for the switched signal to traverse. The advantage of an air gap is that air is not subject to charge storage or trapping that can cause reliability and voltage drift problems. Instead of recessing the electrodes to provide a gap, one may just add dielectric on or around the electrode. The next layer is another dielectric layer which is deposited to the desired thickness of the gap formed between the lower electrodes and the moveable beam that forms the switching device. Vias are fabricated through this dielectric to provide connections between the metal interconnect layer and the next metal layer which will also contain the switchable beam. The via layer is then patterned and etched to provide a cavity area which contains the lower activation electrodes as well as the signal paths. The cavity is then back-filled with a sacrificial release material. This release material is then planarized with the top of the dielectric, thereby providing a planar surface upon which the beam layer is constructed.

This invention is related to process for the production of a interior trim piece, comprising the steps of: —providing a film layer—applying conductive ink / paint to the back surface of the film layer to provide a circuit path and—attaching a substrate on the back surface of the film layer. This invention further relates to a interior trim piece comprising a film layer with a circuit path on its back surface, whereas the circuit path is made from conductive ink / paint.

The invention relates to a device for touch / proximity detection, especially a capacitive switch device, which is designed to set switching states by approaching the switch device or by touching the switch device, in order to perform, for example, switching actions on an instrument. The invention also relates to a switch device, especially a switch device on a capacitive basis, for a cooktop, for operating the cooktop.

A hearing aid includes at least one capacitive switch for controlling or communicating with the hearing aid by touch. The capacitive switch is an electrode on the inside of the housing coupled to a touch detector. Touching the outside of the hearing aid adjacent the electrode produces a switching operation. The hearing aid includes a programmed microprocessor coupled to the touch detector. The microprocessor is programmed to effect predetermined functions in response to particular touch patterns.

A capacitive switch of an electric / electronic device is provided. The capacitive switch includes a plurality of contacts which are disposed at a front of a control panel; a plurality of capacitive sensors which are disposed at a rear of the control panel, respectively face the contacts, and detect capacitance variations caused by static electricity that affects the contacts; and a plurality of void removal elements which are respectively disposed between the capacitive sensors and the contacts, remove a plurality of voids between the capacitive sensors and the contacts, and are formed of an elastic material so as to be able to compensate for various sized voids. Therefore, it is possible to easily remove various sized voids between the contacts and the capacitive sensors using the void removal elements, to prevent malfunction of the capacitive sensors due to the existence of voids, and to provide various shapes of control panels and various shapes of printed circuit boards.

The invention is a tunable RF MEMS switch developed with a BST dielectric at the contact interface. BST has a very high dielectric constant (>300) making it very appealing for RF MEMS capacitive switches. The tunable dielectric constant of BST provides a possibility of making linearly tunable MEMS capacitive switches. The capacitive tunable RF MEMS switch with a BST dielectric is disclosed showing its characterization and properties up to 40 GHz.

A push-to-talk switch can have a switch that does not produce an audible sound when actuated. For example, the push-to-talk switch can comprise a membrane switch or a capacitive switch that produces less than 0 dB(A) of wideband sound when actuated. The switch can be actuated by pushing a diaphragm. Sound damping material can be used to mitigate audibility of the switch. Because the push-to-talk switch is substantially silent, it can be used in applications such as covert operations and battle situations where the sound of actuating the switch could have life threatening consequences.

The invention belongs to the technical field of electronic science, and relates to an MEMS capacitive switch. The MEMS capacitive switch comprises a substrate with an insulation layer, a signal transmission line and ground electrodes on the two sides, a dielectric layer is arranged on the surface of the signal transmission line, three metal coverage areas are arranged on the surface of the dielectric layer, the two ground electrodes are respectively provided with a fixed anchor point, and the two fixed anchor points support a drive electrode structure. The drive electrode structure is of a two-wing type phase step structure, and comprises a first drive electrode in the middle, a second drive electrode and a third electrode, the second drive electrode and the third electrode are arranged on the two wings, the two sides of the first drive electrode are connected with the fixed anchor points through clamped beams, the second drive electrode and the third drive electrode are connected with the first drive electrode through cantilever beams, and the distance between the second drive electrode and the third drive electrode and the signal transmission line is larger than the distance between the first drive electrode and the signal transmission line. The areas of the three drive electrodes are increased in sequence. Three work frequency bands can be achieved, and the MEMS capacitive switch has the advantages of being low in insertion loss, high in isolation degree and low in drop-down voltage and can be applied to a radio-frequency or microwave communication system.

A development system and method are provided for testing proximity sensor interfaces, such as a capacitive switch assembly which may be employed in an automotive vehicle. The system includes software routines stored in memory for operating a proximity sensor interface having a plurality of sensors, and a data log including user outputs of the proximity sensors. The development system includes a replicator for replicating the proximity sensor interface based on the software routines and the data log and generating outputs of the proximity sensor interface to determine performance. The system further includes an analyzer for processing the test data for proper activation of the proximity sensor interface and generating an output indicative of the test results.

An article of manufacture having an in-molded capacitive switch and method of making the same are shown and described. In one disclosed method, a conductive ink sensing zone is printed on a film. The film is formed to a desired shape and put in an injection mold. A molten plastic material is introduced into the injection mold to form a rigid structure that retains the film.

The present invention provides a capacitive switch device comprising: a touch sensing unit (100) including a sensing electrode (110) and a transmission electrode (120), which are disposed on a substrate (2); and a touch control module (200) disposed on a substrate (2), and configured to confirm a manipulator's contact manipulation state based on a sensing signal from the touch sensing unit (100) and output a touch output signal, wherein the transmission electrode (120) outputs a transmission signal in response to a transmission control signal from the touch control module (200), and the sensing electrode (110) detects a signal in response to a sensing control signal from the touch control module (200) for application to the touch control module (200), and wherein the touch control module (200) activates the sensing electrode (110) and the transmission electrode (120) according to a preset mode, and a method for controlling the same.

This invention is directed to a polymer thick film conductive composition that may be used in applications where thermoforming of the base substrate occurs, e.g., as in capacitive switches. Polycarbonate substrates are often used as the substrate and the polymer thick film conductive composition may be used without any barrier layer. Thermoformable electric circuits benefit from the presence of an encapsulant layer over the dried polymer thick film conductive composition. The electrical circuit is subsequently subjected to an injection molding process.

A segmented capacitive liquid level sensor and a liquid level measuring method thereof, comprising a microprocessor, a sine wave generating circuit connected with the microprocessor, and a multiplex switch connected with the microprocessor and the sine wave generating circuit, A segmented capacitor connected to the multi-way switch, the segmented capacitor is composed of at least two mutually insulated capacitor arrangements, the multi-way switch is connected to each segment of the capacitor in the segmented capacitor respectively, and the microprocessor A leakage resistance detection circuit and a phase difference detection circuit are respectively connected between the multi-way switch and the multi-way switch; the microprocessor controls the multi-way switch to connect the input terminals of each segment capacitor in the segmented capacitor to the sine wave through a charging resistor The generating circuit is connected to the leakage resistance detection circuit and the phase difference detection circuit respectively at the output end. The invention adopts a leakage resistance detection circuit and a phase difference detection circuit to accurately measure the capacitance of each segment of the segmented capacitor, so that the liquid level measurement is more accurate, the reliability is high, and the anti-interference ability is strong.

The invention relates to a device for touch / proximity detection, especially a capacitive switch device, which is designed to set switching states by approaching the switch device or by touching the switch device, in order to perform, for example, switching actions on an instrument. The invention also relates to a switch device, especially a switch device on a capacitive basis, for a cooktop, for operating the cooktop.

A multi-action capacitive switch comprising a capacitive sensing area in a surface, a plunger comprising conductive material, and a structure of flexible conductive material. A change in capacitance caused by the presence of a user's finger travels from the capacitive sensing area, down the conductive material of the plunger, over the structure, and to a capacitive touch detector in contact with the structure. An actuation of the switch, for example by pressing, is detected by an actuation detector. In a handheld electronic device, a user may initiate a phone call using such a multi-action capacitive switch. The method includes displaying a list of phone numbers in response to detection of a user's finger on a predetermined key and calling one of the numbers when the user actuates the predetermined key.