Techniques for Rotating Frame Magnetic Resonance
This subproject exploits the endogenous contrast mediated via water molecules in the presence of slow motions of macromolecules associated with different biological tissues. Early detection of molecular changes that precede gross morphological changes in pathologies is critical for stopping the disease progression and/or reversing the course of the disease. Specifically, it focuses on the T1ρ relaxation time constant and its role in early detection of molecular changes in pathologies such as arthritis, intervertebral disc degenerative disease (DDD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cancer. The current project expands upon the developments and progress made in the previous funding period. While excellent progress has been made with this method and its applications, there are several limitations in exploiting the method to its fullest potential and hence there are challenging needs, which remain unmet.
Briefly, in the current implementation, the method is inherently inefficient because the T1ρ contrast is lost during the repeated excitation and relaxation, which occurs during multi-echo acquisitions. It also suffers from inefficient lipid suppression due to the inherent nature of the readout pulse sequence. Further, given the RF power deposition issues, we were unable to achieve or use B1 fields > 500 Hz in vivo. This corresponds to restricted motional range with time scales of ~ 2ms. This also limits the efficiency of T1ρ in cases where the internal interactions correspond to > 500Hz. Therefore, to probe the motions in μs to ms range it is important that we achieve an effective field >1kz, while maintaining high spatial resolution and keeping the RF power deposition under approved SAR guidelines even at ultra high fields.
To achieve these requirements, the current project proposes to develop a new method. Once developed and validated, this method, in addition to improving RF power and time efficiency of T1ρ MRI, it also opens up avenues for probing molecular motions over a large frequency range. It potentially enables studies at ultra high fields with built in lipid suppression and obtaining dispersion weighted contrast in different types of tissues. It may also play a role as optimal readout sequence for other applications such as fMRI and arterial spin labeling in ultra high fields.
Techniques for Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
The second subproject exploits high temporal and spatial resolution imaging strategies to study dynamics of exogenous contrast agent in different pathologies. With the advent of targeted biologic therapies in cancer treatment, a new challenge of imaging as a means of assessing therapeutic efficacy has arisen. Traditional means of assessing treatment response in solid tumors, the RECIST criteria, which are strictly based on lesion size, may not provide the most relevant endpoint. With its ability to image blood flow and vessel permeability, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) plays a critical role in diagnosis of tumors and in the assessment of its response to these targeted therapies. However, many challenges remain in the DCE-MRI techniques currently used in practice.
High temporal resolution is typically required to accurately determine tumor enhancement kinetics, while sufficient spatial resolution is needed for the detection of small lesions and assessment of lesion heterogeneity. However, there is a tradeoff between high temporal and high spatial resolutions, and it is difficult to acquire both sets of data in a single scan due to their disparate demands. The potential need for large volume or whole-organ imaging for the analysis of multiple metastatic lesions further increases the need for longer scan times. Additional problems arise in dynamic assessment of lesions in the chest or the abdomen. Respiratory motion hampers accurate assessment of the contrast kinetics, often reducing the number of analyzable data in clinical trials. Multiple breath-held scans have generated only limited success, and the method is vulnerable to inconsistent positions of suspended respiration. With existing technology, it is therefore extremely difficult to accurately assess perfusion of lung or liver tumors.
The primary objective of this subproject is to develop effective strategies for improved quantification of tumor vascular characteristics in 3D DCE-MR1. Building upon our ongoing work, we will develop refined methods to address the problem of physiologic motion with novel respiratory motion compensation strategies; investigate methods to enhance the temporal resolution of the dynamic image series, while maintaining high spatial resolution and large volume coverage; and ultimately improve the measurement accuracy of the tumor contrast kinetics. Better imaging of the tumor microenvironment by DCE-MRI may provide a more accurate assessment of the effect of new biologic agents than conventional techniques, thereby allowing clinicians to better direct patient treatment.


Field replaceable modular sensor cartridge for the G7 Lone Worker devices.
The ability to change your G7c or G7x Lone worker device into a lone worker with gas detector or gas detector alone is simple with Blackline Safety's field replaceable modular gas sensor cartridges. Available in single gas or multi gas options. The G7 provides three cartridge options to support gas detection, lone workers and evacuation management. The selection of gas sensors in each cartridge can be customized and configured for specific work environments.
Each cartridge features Blackline Safety’s exclusive green SureSafe® light — when the light is on, workers can be confident knowing that they are connected to the Blackline Safety Network and that their safety is being monitored.
Change out sensor cartridges in the field means more uptime
Blackline's Sensor Cartridges can be easily and quickly changed in the field with new, pre-calibrated replacements once sensors reach the end of their operating life. Device uptime is maximised and maintenance time is minimised, ultimately saving your businesses money.
The G7’s modular interface allows the device to be converted whilst on-site from a single to a quad-gas monitor in seconds. Combining the efficiency of a disposable gas detector with the innovation of a connected safety monitor — its modular design reduces the total number of devices needed, as one G7 can function as both a single and a quad-gas monitor, effectively reducing overall costs. When a sensor reaches the end of its serviceable life or gets damaged, the cartridge can be switched out int the field for a new one.
The standard cartridge is designed for lone worker safety monitoring. Suitable for applications where lone worker monitoring is the priority with no exposure to gas hazards. All sensor cartridges feature Blackline Safety's excluse green SureSafe® light, workers can be confident that when the light is on their safety is being monitored as they are connected to the Blackline Safety Network.
Single Gas Cartridge
The G7c or G7x with a single-gas cartridge operates as a gas detector and lone worker safety device, capable of monitoring your choice of one gas type. With a Single-gas cartridge, devices are customisable for specific working scenarios for when multi-gas coverage is not required.
Quad/Multi Gas Cartridge
Adding the Quad-gas cartridge the G7 device allows it to operate as a multi gas detector and lone worker safety device, delivering comprehensive gas detection coverage of up to four gases. Sensor combinations are customisable in order to tailor gas detection to complex, hazardous working environments.
The G7 devices with Single-gas or Quad-gas cartridges are compatible with a variety of gas sensors. Blackline Safety currently offers gas sensors to detect hydrogen sulfide (H2S), explosive gases (LEL), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxygen (O2).
Under development: Sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen resistant carbon monoxide (CO-H) and ammonia (NH3)


What is meant b…
15. FC-135 32.768KHZ: A New Frequency for Communication
What is FC-135 32.768KHZ?
- The FC-135 is a 32.768 kHz crystal unit that has been frequently used. Ideal for applications involving MCU sub-clocks and modules in both consumer and industrial equipment. Up to +105 C for applications requiring a more comprehensive temperature range. For use in clocks and other timekeeping devices, this makes it perfect.
- Along with crystal units, Epson is a prominent provider of kHz-band crystal units, providing a selection of oscillators with integrated oscillator circuit ICs and real-time clock modules with integrated real-time clock ICs.
- Any time tracking application can benefit from using the FC-135 32.768KHZ, a highly precise and reliable frequency control device. It’s perfect for usage in battery-powered gadgets thanks to its high performance and low power consumption.
- Due to its extreme accuracy and stability, the 768KHZoscillator is employed. As with GPS receivers and atomic clocks, it is employed when accurate time is necessary. Due to its extreme accuracy and stability, the 32.768KHZ oscillator is employed.
The features of the 32.768 kHz crystal oscillator
- Ultra-compact SMD tuning fork crystal resonator
- 20 ppm standard.
- 768 kHz standard.
- Excellent reliability performance, and maximum 260°C.Reflow soldering temperature.
- Basics of a Crystal Oscillator.
- Design considerations for PCBs.
- Testing Firmware for Crystal Robustness Test.
- Guide to Crystal Recommendations.
What Advantages Does FC-135 32.768KHZ Offer?
The advantages of this kHz range are as follows, as listed below:
- Microwaves, computers, and mobile phones are just a few examples of equipment with integrated time measurements that employ frequency control devices with a typical frequency of 32.768 kHz.
- This frequency stability is the consequence of precise temperature control, which is done at various temperatures during the production process. Because of the manufacturing “trimming,” this 32.768 kHz oscillator also forgives fluctuations in operating voltage. Between 1.5 V and 3.63 V, operational voltage variations do not affect frequency stability. The fact that such little current—only a few µA, is used is equally astounding.
- They are more user-friendly because of temperature adjustments and, depending on the kind, significantly more accurate than traditional tuning fork crystals.
Why do most microcontrollers use 32.768 (215) KHz as their real-time clock source instead of 16 or 20 kHz?
In the early days of digital electronics, binary counter chains were easy, inexpensive, and low-power to obtain. With this frequency range Hz input, a 15-step ripple counter (the easiest and least costly version) would provide 1.0000 Hz output. Then it might be used to drive a small motor and escapement for a geared analog clock that needs pulses every one second, modulo counters for the seconds and minutes, and modulo counters for hours, as well as modulo 12 or 24 counters for a digital display.
Thankfully, these Hz crystals are easy to use, reasonably priced, and reliable. Since high-frequency clocks impose a proportional power consumption to frequency, a watch or real-time battery-backed circuit would require 600 times more power than a 20 MHz crystal, and the battery would need to be 600 times more substantial to have the same lifespan. Since the real-time click functions even when the computer is off or asleep, low power consumption is favorable.
Why is 32768 Hz the ideal frequency?
Applications of FC-135 32.768KHZ:
The FC-135 32.768 kHz crystal oscillator has the following uses:
- Frequency generators.
- They are utilized in specific receiver types.
- They serve as crystal clocks in microprocessors.
- Colpitts’ use of the Armstrong Crystal Oscillator in aerospace and the military.
- Transmitters for TV and radio.
- Mobile consumer devices like smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, and dashboard gadgets like navigation systems typically use crystal oscillators. They are frequently used for sub-clock (sleep & timer) and time applications.
- Quartz watches, which feature a crystal oscillator that vibrates at 32,768 cycles per second, are the most accurate timepieces. For several reasons, your watch might not be as accurate as you believe. Quartz watches, which feature a crystal oscillator that vibrates at 32,768 cycles per second, are the most accurate timepieces.
Why is 32.768 kHz the ideal frequency?
- The best frequency is this Hz for several reasons. It is a lovely, even number that is easy to remember. First of all, 215 Hz is precisely equivalent to 32768 Hz. This exemplifies the usefulness of digital audio.
- 1 kHz, or 215 Hz, is the standard sample rate for digital audio equipment. By using this frequency, you can thus quickly create files that are compatible with various gadgets.
- Additionally, this Hz may be split up into multiples of 48 kHz and 96 kHz. This implies that audio files are being converted between different file formats.
- It appears that this frequency range is where our brains respond to music the greatest. However, this Hz range is where our brains are most receptive to music. One study found that exposure to music at this frequency increased brain activity in areas related to emotion and pleasure. The music was less demanding and more soothing to listen to than music at other frequencies.
- The Schumann Resonance, which has a remarkably specific frequency, is thought to be the planet’s pulse.
The beating heart of time is the FC-135 frequency control crystal (32.768 kHz). It is used to regulate a quartz oscillator’s frequency, which regulates the time base of a digital watch or clock. Other uses for the FC-135 32.768 KHz. Include situations where a precise, reliable time base is necessary. A frequency control tool called the FC-135 provides a steady, accurate output frequency. Additionally, excellent active components, electronic parts, and supplies are available on ChipSun. This 32.768KHZ may be bought for a reasonable price. Enjoy your shopping experience and have a look at our items. You get more while spending less on our website. Visit our website to choose the best product, and you can find high-quality product brands there. Order right away.


Makerere to make medical equipment
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations, Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye yesterday said Makerere University will start manufacturing some diagnostic tools and devices that are currently imported.
Daily Monitor March 28, 2019. Page8
Makerere, Medical equipment


Rockfabrik Effects Announces the Kuek
Kuek is digitally controlled analog tremolo/vibrato unit.
Besides modern features like tap tempo and multi waveforms, it has many more unique features like duty cycle and dynamic speed, which depends on your playing.
Detection circuit takes sample of input signal without make any differences of main audio signal to control dynamic features.
How your fingers will effect dynamic features is completely controllable with a bunch of potentiometers.
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Nozzle spray principle
A nozzle is a device that accelerates a fluid and increases its kinetic energy. It usually consists of a narrow passage and an expansion section. In narrow channels, the fluid is confined, so the speed increases; In the expansion phase, the fluid is expanded again, so the speed increases further. Nozzles can be used in many different applications, such as rocket engines, jet engines, water pipes, flamethrowers, etc.
Nozzles are divided into one fluid nozzle and two fluid nozzles
Schematic diagram of one fluid nozzle and two fluid nozzle
One - and two-fluid nozzles, also known as single - and two-fluid nozzles, are common nozzle types. A fluid nozzle usually consists of a channel through which the liquid passes to form a single jet. This nozzle is commonly used for spraying water mist, coating, cleaning and other applications. It is a liquid pressurized nozzle, only suitable for the pump group to pressurize the liquid to the required pressure, and then spray through the nozzle. Compared with the two-fluid nozzle, the liquid particle size produced by the one-fluid nozzle is coarser and cannot be adjusted.
The two-fluid nozzle consists of two channels, a gas channel and a liquid channel. As gas and liquid pass through the two channels, they mix inside the nozzle to form a smaller, uniform jet. Such nozzles are commonly used for spraying liquid medicine, coatings, fuels and other applications. Inside the two-fluid nozzle, the gas is fully mixed with the liquid, which can better control the size and uniformity of the spray. However, if a liquid containing chemicals is used for two-fluid spraying, it may oxidize with the air and accelerate the decay rate of the liquid, so it is necessary to judge and pay attention to the amount of liquid used according to experience.
The main difference between a one-fluid nozzle and a two-fluid nozzle is the internal structure. A fluid nozzle has only one flow path, while a two-fluid nozzle has two flow paths, one for gas and one for liquid. This difference affects the function and application of both. Because the two-fluid nozzle needs to consider the problem of air tightness and liquid sealing, the multi-part design is usually used, which also makes the cost of the two-fluid nozzle higher.


About AMP Lab Projects Downloads Publications People Links
Porter Hall B8
Lab: Porter Hall B6
[Research Interests] [Project]
Real-time Dynamic Image-Based Rendering (DIBR) has recently gained interest in the research community. Having multiple images from unique vantage points synchronized in time allows us to reconstruct scene geometry without a pirori knowledge. In this project, the cameras are mobile so that they can reconfigure themselves automatically according to the scene content in order to achieve optimal rendering quality.
Although target recognition has been an active research topic for decades, traditional recognition algorithms are all based on static images. As computing power has increased, we are now able to harness the power of tracking with multiple images and/or sensors in real-time. One challenge is to optimize coordination among nodes for successful hand-off of tracking responsibilities from camera to camera. Moreover, tracking will not only allow us to track objects, but may prove to be a useful tool for recognition. One such techinique for video-based recognition can be found here: [Project - Video Based Face Recognition]. Being able to successfully hand off tracking from one camera to another facilitates numerous real world applications. For example, existing cameras at traffic intersections could transform into a useful police tool for tracking stolen vehicles.
Geiger-Mode 3D LADAR offers numerous advantages over coherent detection and traditional 2D imagery. A Geiger-Mode sensor is capable of detecting the arrival of a single photon. Hence, the term "Geiger" because it literally counts photons. Given the ability to detect the arrival of a single photon, a laser and high-speed CMOS circuitry as a timing mechanism, it is possible to create a digital time-of-flight sensor. The laser transmits a temporally narrow pulse of light. The pulse is detected and the "stopwatch" is started. The photons will then propogate to and from the target. When a photon arrives back at the APD array, the CMOS circuitry clocks the time (equivalent to pressing "stop" on the stopwatch). The speed of light is typically constant, so we can calculate the distance the photon has traveled. Hence, we have a 3D position. Of course, this is a gross simplification of the electronics required by such a system. For more details and one interesting application, see High-resolution 3D imaging laser radar flight test experiments.
The Mobile Camera Array
Using a 6x8 array of webcams, the mobile camera array can render virtual, novel views in real time (5-10 fps). A unique advantage of this array is that each camera can move with two degrees of freedom. They can translate horizontally or pan to improve the rendering quality. This mobile camera array opens a wide area of novel research topics.
See the mobile camera array project page for more information!
As computers become more powerful, they facilitate the possibility of more sophisticated and more powerful tracking algorithms. The knowledge gap between the novice and the expert continues to widen. Even for experts, there can be a significant time cost to instantiate an algorithm - even if it is for comparison purposes only. Enter ICTrack. Our goal is two fold. For the novice, we create a flexible interface that the novice can use to manipulate advanced algorithms without having to know the sometimes pedantic details. For the expert, we provide a framework for developing new algorithms and testing them verus existing techniques.
See the ICTrack project page for more information!
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The fire at Buncefield: example of the contributions UAVs could have made…
At around 6:03 am on 11
December, 2005, a massive fuel:air explosion occurred in a huge liquid fuel
products storage depot, at Buncefield.
Flames and smoke rise from the Buncefield oil depot, near Hemel Hempstead,
England, on Monday. Firefighters attacked an inferno raging at the oil depot
north of London, extinguishing half of the tank fires with sprays of chemical
foam (photo: AP) Al-Ahram.
Aerial view of Buncefield Oil and Fuel Depot at Hemel Hempstead, with the
explosion and main destruction area marked in red. Aerial photo data courtesy of
COPYRIGHT © Getmapping plc.
UAVs could be used to generate very useful composite images of the incident,
high resolution visual imaging, using a 10 MPixel digital camera with digital
correction for lens distortion, showing the smoke and flames, as seen above
thermal imaging to
“see through” the smoke
and view the flames and create a colour coded map, showing all the temperatures
in the image to within 1ºC
Interferometric Synthetic Aperture RADAR (ISAR, see Appendix 5 for technical
“see through” both smoke and flames
and image the underlying terrain, including any bodies, vehicles, debris and the
level of the flammable liquids in the open, damaged, storage silos.
Additionally, Unmanned Aircraft could contribute by:
continuously monitoring the fire
continuously monitoring the effectiveness of the fire fighting activities
dropping canisters of very cold liquid nitrogen, to both cool the fire and
reduce its intensity, by starving the fire of oxygen
flying through the smoke plume, to gather samples for subsequent analysis
monitoring the extent of the spreading smoke plume
watching for any looting that might occur, or, unauthorised entry to the danger
generating detailed 3D aerial imagery, to gauge the extent of the damage.


A pixel detector consists of an array of radiation sensing elements which is connected to an electronic read-out unit. Many different ways of making this connection between these two different devices are currently being used or considered to be used in the next future. Bonding techniques such as flip chip technology can present real advantages because they allow very fine pitch and a high number of I/ Os. This paper presents a review of the different flip chip technologies available and their suitability for manufacturing pixel detectors. The particular problems concerning testing of pixel detectors and thermal issues related to them are pointed out.


Most of the low-power UPS systems available in the market do not have the facility to shut down the PC before they turn off automatically due to low battery. Some of them have the facility but they require software for the same.
Here we give an ‘add-on’ circuit for UPS that will hybernate the PC automatically before UPS turns off due to low battery voltage. It requires no enabling software.
The circuit consists of comparator IC 741 (IC1) followed by a short-duration positive pulse generator using a 14-stage ripple-carry binary counter/divider and oscillator IC2. Usually, the voltage at the non-inverting (positive) input terminal of IC1 is high compared to the inverting (negative) input, so the output of the comparator is high. This high output of IC1 is used to reset IC CD4060 (IC2), which is a 14-stage ripple counter.
As the UPS battery voltage goes below the preset value, the non-inverting terminal voltage of comparator IC1 at pin 3 reduces. In this circuit, as the battery voltage goes below 9.5V, the voltage at pin 3 of IC1 reduces below 3.3V and the output of the comparator at pin 6 goes low to light up LED1, indicating to the user that his computer is going to hybernate within a preset time (around 3 minutes).
The low voltage level at pin 12 of IC2 enables it to oscillate and the counter starts counting, resulting in a high output at its pin 1 after 3 minutes. This high output is used to fire SCR1, which energises relay RL1. The relay will de-energise only when the power supply for the circuit is switched off manually through S1.
The circuit is assembled on a small PCB and connected to the UPS battery terminals. The hybernation-activation voltage of the circuit is set above the cut-off voltage of the UPS. (If the cut-off volatge of the UPS is 9.5 volts, set the hybernation-activation voltage level as 10 volts.) The circuit is fixed inside the UPS cabinet. Switch S1 and LED1 are wired up to be on the front panel of the cabinet.


An important feature of hybrid semiconductor pixel detectors is the fact that detector and readout electronics are manufactured separately, allowing the use of industrial state-of-the-art CMOS processes to manufacture the readout electronics. As the feature size of these processes decreases, faster and more complex electronics can be designed and manufactured. Furthermore, most new CMOS processes are optimised for use with digital circuits, making the design of precise analog electronics a difficult task. Hence, the sooner the data is converted to the digital domain, the better the technology can be used. We have studied the possibility of adding energy sensitivity to the single photon counting capability of pixel detectors. To know not only the number of X-ray photons but also their energies (or wavelenghts), will increase the information content of the resulting image, given the same X-ray dose. In order to do this, a small and low power ADC is added to each pixel. We have studied different types of analog-to-digital converters that can be implemented inside the pixel electronics of a pixel detector.
|Number of pages||7|
|Journal||Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A : Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment|
|Publication status||Published - 2001|
- Analog-to-digital converters
- Pixel detectors
- Energy sensitivity


|7124725||Engine spark plug grounding structure, grounding wiring apparatus, and grounding wiring method|
A grounding member made of a spring steel includes a hexagonal top with a through hole, contact pieces extending from straight sides of the hexagonal top, and a grounding strip brazed to one of the contact pieces. The grounding member attaches to a spark plug with a...
|6720742||Light control device, method for driving same and pickup device using the light control device|
A light control device comprises a liquid crystal cell 12, and a pulse control unit 62 or 64 wherein when a transmittance of light transmitted from said liquid crystal element is changed from an actual light transmittance to an intended light tr...


● KAD-GYB emergency protection screen adopts industry standard size; it’s compact and firm; it has independent enclosed space, forming a good electromagnetic compatibility environment.
The KAD-GYB emergency protection screen can be flexibly configured according to the integrated automation bus voltage.
KAD-GYB emergency protection screen can set various data and limit values on site.
● High safety
An independent, safe and isolated power supply system is used to ensure that the the screen is put into use when integrated self-protection stops.
Two out of two redundant technical solutions is adopted to improve the reliability of data collection.
The application of time-delay technology for logical comparison and safety review greatly improves the accuracy and safety of the results and avoids mistake.
Signal pressure board is installed; you can manually cut off the signal output during maintenance, and cut off the signal output during misoperation.
Type test meets the following standards: GB 4943, GB/T 2423, GB/T 17626, GB/T 17799, GB/T 24338.
● Good flexibility
KAD-GYB emergency protection screen is preset with cabinet holes, which can be combined with other cabinets side by side to enhance seismic strength.
The cable can enter the KAD-GYB emergency protection screen from the bottom or the top.
● Intelligent monitoring
KAD-GYB emergency protection screen adopts real-time collection of earthquake, fire, traction substation primary circuit current, integrated bus voltage and other signals, and sends the collected data to the intelligent control and output module. Then the intelligent software of the intelligent control and output module makes comprehensive analysis and judgment on the basis of preset thresholds and parameters to determine the operating conditions of emergency protection.


Touted as costing up to 10 times less than existing RFID temperature-sensing modules, the IDS-SL13A smart active label chip reportedly makes it practical to automatically track, monitor, time-stamp, and record information about any goods in any supply chain or cold-chain transport. Enabling deployment of a wide range of data logging and tracking systems, the device can check on and record unseen changes such as extreme temperatures that can impact goods. The IDS-SL13A, a passive/semi-passive tag chip optimized for single-cell powered smart labels with sensor functionality, assigns a unique identity code to a labeled product. A 1.5V or 3V battery supports its real-time clock and EEPROM to allow on-chip data logging from the internal temperature sensor as well as external sensors. An analog sensor interface allows connection of an external sensor. The chip measures temperature with a 0.5°C accuracy and logs it against real time. It also includes a SPI port to connect to external circuitry for display. Working in passive mode with no battery and without the real-time clock function, the device suits applications where a reader initiates the logging and the data is stored in the reader using an ADC. The chip controls whether it takes data from internal or external sensors, or both. The IDS-SL13A is available now for sampling with production set for the third quarter. IDS MICROCHIP AG, Wollerau SZ, Switzerland. +41-43-844-6253.
Company: IDS MICROCHIP AG
Product URL: Click here for more information


Motion processing sensor-agnostic IP cores for mobile devices
February 23, 2012 // Jean-Pierre Joosting
Movea has announced its MotionCore product line: a family of motion processing IP cores designed for mobile devices. MotionCore architectures are optimized for motion sensing and data fusion applications and run implementations of Movea's proprietary SmartMotion® algorithms. For sensor-enabled mobile devices, MotionCore delivers increased performance with dramatically reduced power consumption at a significantly lower cost than software only solutions.
The combined market for MEMS accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers and pressure sensors in mobile devices has demonstrated dramatic growth in recent years and is predicted to exceed 4 billion units by 2015. By managing the complexities of sensors, motion processing and data fusion, MotionCore is uniquely positioned to further accelerate proliferation of sensors and data fusion applications, enabling sensor, processor and mobile platform vendors to offer a complete motion processing solution to smartphone and tablet OEMs.
MotionCore delivers Movea's SmartMotion technology at the semiconductor level to make MEMS sensors more intelligent and useful, providing the software, firmware and tools necessary to build advanced motion features the market is asking for.
MotionCore comes with a set of modules for applications in indoor/pedestrian navigation, activity monitoring, motion gaming, augmented reality, and gesture-based device/application control. MotionCore is sensor agnostic, allowing supply chain freedom. It is also scalable and flexible so it can be optimised to meet the price/performance requirements of the device with optional modules such as gesture recognition, inertial navigation or activity monitoring included as required.
Additionally MotionCore comes with a suite of reference stimuli and test patterns for system validation, and libraries of industry MEMS characterization parameters.
"MotionCore is the first family of dedicated motion processors available as licensable IP cores that can be integrated directly into sensors, applications processors, microprocessors, microcontrollers, and custom DSPs manufactured by semiconductor and MEMS vendors," explained Sam Guilaumé, CEO at Movea. "We believe that it is as significant an event as the introduction of the dedicated Graphics Processing Unit, or GPU".
MotionCore IP cores are available for licensing now from Movea.
BAE Systems develops 'smart skin' for aircraft
August 27, 2014
Defense and aerospace company BAE Systems plc is working on a project to give aircraft a "skin" of sensors to enable detection ...
Emberlight connects ordinary light bulbs to your smartphone
Cree targets mid-power LEDs with USD83m Lextar investment
Will 2D semiconductors threaten graphene's PV dominance?
IKEA GreenTech invests in energy-efficient LED technology developer
Searching through big data with the NSA
August 26, 2014
Deepening the NSA scandal, The Intercept detailed yesterday how the US National Security Agency is providing data to nearly ...
China Launching Its Own OS, Seriously?
JEDEC unveils standard for low power memory devices
Audi makes the leap to 48V supply
- How to Protect & Monetize Android Apps
- Building Blocks for the Internet of Things
- New Linear Regulators Solve Old Problems
- Testing GPS with a Simulator
InterviewCEO interview: Tronics' Langlois makes moves in MEMS
Pascal Langlois has been CEO at Tronics for nine months. He discusses plans for the company and directions for the complex and diverse MEMS technology sector.
Filter WizardCheck out the Filter Wizard Series of articles by Filter Guru Kendall Castor-Perry which provide invaluable practical Analog Design guidelines.
Linear video channel
READER OFFERRead more
This month, Altium Ltd is offering EETimes Europe's readers the chance to win one TASKING VX-Toolset for ARM Cortex-M Premium Edition, normally licensed for 2.395 Euros, for ultra-rapid prototyping and code development around ARM Cortex-M based microcontrollers.
The VX-toolset for ARM is the first TASKING compiler suite to receive the Software Platform technology, which is seamlessly...Read more
December 15, 2011 | Texas instruments | 222901974
Unique Ser/Des technology supports encrypted video and audio content with full duplex bi-directional control channel over a single wire interface.


Molecular sensors are devices that detect, record, and indicate a physical or chemical property, with potential capability for further processing and have a sensitivity and specificity at molecular scales. Key sensing components or the design of many molecular sensors are based on those found in living organisms; natural systems are the original form of molecular sensors. Modern sensor technology may not as sophisticated as those found in nature, but it is improving rapidly with the convergence of information technology, breakthroughs in physical design, and advanced manufacturing. Modern molecular sensors are essential parts of many emerging medical diagnostic devices playing significant roles in global health, reducing healthcare costs in developed countries, and in increasing the response of the world to pandemics or bioterrorism. Prominent areas of molecular sensor research are the detection of biomolecules for disease diagnosis, the detection of volatile components for air pollutant characterization, and the detection of chemical analytes for evaluation of physiological activity. First we describe the actual composition of molecular sensors. A sensor is composed of the three main elements: 1. detector (capture and recognition), 2. transducer (signal transduction), and 3. processor. Molecular sensors employ a variety of capture and recognition mechanisms. For biological molecules, we can use proteins (antibodies, receptors), nucleotides (DNA, RNA, aptamers), synthetic polymers that simulate a binding site, and phages. Through signal transductions, sensors convert the detection event into a measurable signal. Sensors convert a biological, chemical or physical quantity into a detectable signal, mostly an electrical signal. We categorize molecular sensors into three categories based on the transduction principle: electrical transduction, mechanical transduction, and optical transduction. Finally, we look at nature’s natural biosensors by examining the olfactory systems of animals and insects and discuss their applications as molecular sensors.


Radcal Corp Standalone meter for Multi-Sensor, Ion Chambers, Dose Diodes, mA sensors with Computer Connectivity, Waveforms, Companion Mode, Wi-Fi
Responding to the needs of the Food and Drug Administraion, Radcal, in 1975, introduced the first instrument providing comprehensive measures of dose and having the ability to interchange sensors without loss in accuracy. These systems were founded on Radcal's unparalleled Gold Standard Ion chambers.
Today, many of Radcal's initial products are still in active use around the world and the Gold Standard Ion Chamber continues to lead the industry. Radcal's "Made in the USA" products now incorporate the latest advances in solid-state sensing.


Medium-Voltage Potential Transformers (10~25 kV)
Widely used internationally in revenue and switchboard applications by engineering, construction, and power companies, CIC Potential Transformers (Voltage Transformers) are the result of over 40 years of manufacturing expertise, combined with technology transferred from Messwandler-Bau (MWB) of Germany.
The primary insulation material for CIC's potential transformers is the Araldite® epoxy resin, known for its reliability. The outdoor models make use of cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, similarly to ensure high-quality insulation.
CIC's potential transformers, including OEM/ODM products, are type-tested and routine-tested by CIC-owned, TAF-accredited Advanced Electricity Laboratory (TAF, or Taiwan Accreditation Foundation, is a member of ILAC and a signatory to the ILAC MRA).
Designed for 24kV 4-way switchgear, this MV potential transformer features a high-voltage elbow-type connector on the primary side and a built-in high-voltage fuse for protection. Exterior coated with a metal conductive mixture for shielding. Secondary side sealed and waterproof. Araldite® epoxy as insulation.
Our model EPF-20SH model potential transformer is widely used for both grounding and non-grounding conditions in larger power distribution and industrial enterprises. Not only has this model passed IEC standards for type tests and routine tests, but thermal testing to -45C. It's high reliability and outstanding security makes it a favorite model for distributors to sell in many global markets.
Our model EPF-20SE model potential transformer is widely used for both grounding and non-grounding conditions in larger power distribution and industrial enterprises. Not only has this model passed IEC standards for type tests and routine tests, but thermal testing to -45C. It's high reliability and outstanding security makes it a favorite model for distributors to sell in many global markets.
Our model EPF-20SI model potential transformer is a single-phase epoxy resin casting with fully enclosed construction. Designed to carry 50Hz or 60Hz frequency for 12-24KV equipment. The burden range of this model can extend to 1000VA, and it can be used to measure and monitor different voltage systems.
These outdoodr, pole-mounted potential transformers, designed for billing purposes, are made with a special blend of epoxy material which is able to withstand the sun's UV radiation. These potential transformers have been designed for difficult outdoor and environmental elements such as salt, moisture, ultraviolet radiation, strong winds and other factors. The VPF-15/24 Series Potential Transformers have been supplied to utility companies for many years, and they have earned an excellent reputation. These products provide a burden of 25VA and an accuracy level of Class 0.2s, 0.2 and 0.3. Suitable for voltage systems of 12KV to 24KV, these potential transformers have performed well in partial discharge tests, which signifies the longevity and durability of these products.
Our EPF-20SFL potential transformer is designed to be used with a GIS switchgear panel. From the top of the primary high voltage terminal to the bushing end - which are surrounded by black rubber, SF6 gas insulation is used, while other components are used without the need of the SF6 gas in normal surroundings. The new design simplifies the set up process of the GIS switchgear panel, as well as diminishing the SF6 gas usage, which in turn allows for the GIS panel size to be more compact. The sophisticated design is a tribute to our R&D department.


wireless power transmission-free project report
In the age of wireless communication and portable music players the demand for powering those devices wirelessly is ever prevalent. The advantages of portability and wireless communication are greatly hindered by the fact that the devices themselves must be plugged into the walls to charge. The next generation in portable devices is a device that receives power wirelessly. The first step in wireless power is providing power to a computer charging pad wirelessly. The market for this device would be businesses with large conference rooms. The device would allow users to plug their phones and computers into the conference room table without large power bricks and cords running everywhere. The pads can conveniently be placed under the table and inside the ceiling so there are no visible wires that could ruin the aesthetic feel of the room. The ease of installation and convenience of this device would make the marketability of this product quite large and if finished could be seen in thousands of conference rooms. If the efficiency of coupling could be increased slightly further, wireless power transmission could become a standard means for charging a mobile device.
The overall goal of this project is to design and successfully implement a wireless power transmission system to be used in a conference room. The system will work by using resonant coils to transmit power from an AC line in the ceiling to a pad on the table. The pad will output DC voltages in order to charge computers and cell phones. There are several benefits for the use of such a system:
• Elimination of cords on the ground that make tripping hazards.
• Allows no wire installation and mobility on table.
• A necessary step towards consumer wireless power.
The entire interface has the following features:
• Feedback control for driving frequency to maximize efficiency.
• DC power output for computers and cell phone charging that allows for elimination of large power bricks.
• Slight mobility offered for different table heights and positions.
The full bridge circuit is a generic circuit found on page 212 of . The switches were chosen based on max frequency, current carrying capabilities, and voltage blocking. The speed is important because our switching frequency is several MHz at high voltage and a reasonable amount of current. The gate drivers were chosen because they have the appropriate frequency requirements and are designed to drive MOSFETs, also they have an inverting and non-inverting signals. This means that it can drive all of the MOSFETs. At first, the gate drivers and MOSFETs chosen were not fast enough to be able to handle the high switching frequency needed to make our coils resonant. Professor Krein provided a solution in the form of the EL7222 gate drivers and IRF6875 MOSFETs. The speed was verified with datasheets  and  respectively.
2.3 PIC, DAC, and VCO
The PIC was chosen because it was readily available, has an analog input for feedback, and it can operate at a speed that is fast enough to control the frequency from . The PIC outputs a 10 bit logical signal that is converted to a voltage by a DAC. The DAC was chosen similar to the PIC in that it was readily available, has the ability to convert the digital pins to the analog voltage range needed. The initial DAC that chosen would not correctly output the analog voltages needed. After some searching and some help from Dan Block, a DAC was found that would output the voltage range needed . The C-code already generated for the PIC did not have to be changed with the operation of this new DAC. The output voltage of the DAC is an input to the VCO. The VCO was chosen because of its frequency range. The voltage bias pin was set such that the increase in frequency per increase in voltage is a maximum based on . The external capacitor was chosen such the maximum output frequency is more than twice as high as the expected resonance frequency.
2.4 Current Sensing
The Current Sensing circuit was found in the data sheet for the op-amp used . The Transistor part numbers were changed based on what was available in the parts shop. The fact that the circuit had to handle a common mode voltage of around 170 V made the circuit more complicated than normal current sense circuits. The zener diode and the p-type MOSFETs in the design allow the high side voltage to be as high as 500 V, while only making the voltage supply to the op-amp around 62 V and taking care of any common mode voltage problems by referencing to a voltage other than ground.


Take a sneak peek at the new NIST.gov and let us know what you think!
(Please note: some content may not be complete on the beta site.).
NIST Authors in Bold
|Author(s):||John G. Gillen; David S. Simons; P. Williams;|
|Title:||Molecular Ion Imaging and Dynamic Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Organic Compounds|
|Published:||January 01, 1990|
|Abstract:||An ion microscope equipped with a resistive anode encoder imaging system has been used to acquire molecular secondary ion images, with lateral resolutions on the order of 1 μm, from several quaternary ammonium salts an amino acid, and a polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon which were deposited onto copper transmition electron microscope grids. All images were generated by using the secondary ion signal of the parent molecular species|
|Pages:||pp. 2122 - 2130|
|Research Areas:||Nanotechnology, Chemistry|


Copper electrode Tube For EDM drilling EDM machining
Brass or copper electrode tubes have single and multi holes, selected with good electrolytic copper raw materials with less impurity, low loss, good verticality, smooth water flow and good chip removal without inner hole blocking.
TAGUTI EDM Copper Tube
1. Common Specifications of Copper Electrode Tube:a. Single Hole,
outside diameter: Ø0.15mm, Ø0.20mm, Ø0.25mm; Length: 200mm or 300mm;
outside diameter: Ø0.3 ~ Ø6.0mm (Each size interval 0.1mm); Length: 400mm or 500mm
outside diameter: Ø1.2 ~ Ø6.0mm (Each size interval 0.1mm); Length: 300mm or 400mm.
2. Application range:
Copper tube electrode is mainly used in small hole EDM drill for cemented carbide (KG5, W88%, CO12%) materials.
3. The function of copper tube electrode:
TAGUTI® EDM copper tube is widely used in the many fields such as auxiliary hole in WEDM, capillary hole of spinneret plates, group drilling holes of sieve plate, fluid filling hole of electrical plate, engine cooling holes, spray holes of oil nozzle and other filtration pores in papermaking, chemical fiber and food industries. Whether workpiece surface is curved or beveled, the required holes can be smoothly processed out with high speed. The ratio of depth to diameter of processed hole is more than 200 : 1.
4. Product Introduction:
According to materials, copper tube electrode can be divided into two types: brass tube and copper tube. Brass tube and copper tube are respectively crafted from high-quality brass and copper as the raw materials through strictly technical requirements and reasonable processing techniques.
According to hole type, copper tube electrode can be divided in to single hole electrode and multi hole electrode.
Single hole electrode tube electrode with higher cost performance remains the choice for majority of users.
Multi hole electrode tube electrode has the features of good verticality, fast slagging and effective discharge to increase the machining speed.
TAGUTI® electrode tubes benefit from excellent verticality, super surface finish, strong corrosion resistance, stable performance, blocking resistance and low consumption.
※Special size and length can be customized should you have the demand!


MGA Technologies Products
MGA Technologies has worked with its customers to develop ready-to-use products for various applications. Often derived from prototyping and development in MGA’s mechanical design office, with user requirements as the starting point for product development.
This sterile welder is a device integrated in FDA-approved processes for aseptic connections without dead zones.
The aseptic tube sealer is used to disconnect 2 process equipment in pharmaceutical and biotech application.
Cutting and bending equipment that is modular and specially designed for sensors preparation prior to welding.
It is a mobile workstation intended for the medical and pharmaceutical community, specially designed for the ergonomics of its user.


ams’ products are aimed at applications which require extreme precision, accuracy, dynamic range, sensitivity, and ultra-low power consumption. ams’ product range includes sensors, sensor interfaces, power management ICs and wireless ICs for customers in the consumer, industrial, medical, mobile communications and automotive markets.
With headquarters in Austria, ams employs over 1,800 people globally. Key research and development facilities are based in Graz, Plano, a center of excellence in optical sensors in Texas (USA), and in twelve other design centers worldwide.
Specialties: High performance analog IC design and manufacturing, Light Sensors, Position Sensors, Sensor Interfaces, Wireless ICs, Lighting Management, Power Management ICs.


Measurement of high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) tools is regularly carried out in the hydrocarbons sector to determine not only the characteristics and performance of fluids inside the well, but also to evaluate the mechanical condition of the pipes and the automation of production. The mechanical features of these tools are significantly influenced by the mechanical design of the structure, which eventually affects their performance and integrity. This paper describes the design process and the analysis of the structural integrity of a HPHT measuring tool for oil wells in its sensors section. The classical theories of mechanical design and specifications of the ASME boilers and pressure vessels code were used. The study is performed for several operation variables in a numerical model using a commercial code of finite element method to determinate the maximum principal stresses, total displacements and safety factor in the mechanical elements that form the device. The numerical results were compared with the experimental data source from the laboratory tests.
Structural Integrity and Mechanical Design of a Probe of High Pressure and High Temperature for Oil Wells Applying Finite Elements Tools
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Tamariz, ER, Castro, RM, Estrada, AJA, Amezcua, AC, Maldonado, DP, & Aguilar, AA. "Structural Integrity and Mechanical Design of a Probe of High Pressure and High Temperature for Oil Wells Applying Finite Elements Tools." Proceedings of the ASME 2014 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition. Volume 11: Systems, Design, and Complexity. Montreal, Quebec, Canada. November 14–20, 2014. V011T14A027. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2014-39930
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欲完成大規模建築體之掃描作業，除了應選擇適合之掃描設備外，於作業過程中，更應考量掃描測站數量之多寡，因測站數量會直接影響掃描作業之成本與效益。本研究將以三維雷射掃描儀作為掃描建築物之工具，採用三維共軛球型覘標作為相鄰測站間之共軛覘標，比較分析較佳掃描作業與一般掃描作業方式，對金門大學圓樓之掃描效益。依實驗結果顯示，倘若對大範圍之建築物體掃描，使用較佳掃描之作業方式，不但，點雲接合精度合乎建築掃描規範；而且，由於增加掃描儀與共軛覘標間之掃描距離，使得掃描時間及掃描測站數減少約25％～50％。 To scan the large scale architectures should not only choose the appropriate scanning tool, but also, consider the amount of laser scanner station in the process of scanning. The amount of laser scanner station would directly affect the cost and benefit of whole scanning process. The 3D laser scanner was selected as the scanning tool to the Round House of National Quemoy University, and 3D sphere marker used as the conjugated marker between neighborhood scanning stations. Two scanning approaches were proposed in this article, i.e. the most efficient way and the general way of scanning. According to the experiment result, while scanning the large scale architecture, the most efficient way can extend the scanning distance and take less time and stations, also achieve the same accuracy as the general way.


An intense laser pulse, focused in a gas cloud, instantly ionizes the latter. The laser thus propagates in an ionized gas, ie a plasma. During the propagation, the pulse expels electrons out of its path and creates an ion cavity in its wake. This cavity is associated with very high longitudinal electric fields that can be used to accelerate electrons. This is the principle of laser-plasma acceleration. In practice, the fields produced are three to four orders of magnitude greater than those obtained in conventional accelerators; hence only 20 cm are required to accelerate electrons up to ten GeV, whereas it would take about 500 m with a conventional accelerator.
A tool for studying quantum electrodynamics
The APOLLON laser is expected to accelerate electrons in an energy range from 1 to 20 GeV. Yet, obtaining the highest energies will require the development of new guiding techniques. A major advantage of laser-plasma accelerators is the inherent synchronization of the electron beam with the laser. By using the two beams of the Apollon laser, it will be possible to collide the particle beam with a second laser pulse. It is expected that the electric field in the particle frame is greater than the Schwinger limit (E> 1.3 1018 V/m), ie the electric field that separates electron-positron pairs created from the fluctuations of the vacuum. This will pave the way for the study of several phenomena of quantum electrodynamics.


Views: 1 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2018-04-20 Origin: Site
3) Application circuit between switch contacts
In the circuit, it is assumed that R1 is a varistor, which is connected between the two contacts of the power switch S1 to absorb the arc when the switch is disconnected and to prevent the switch contact from burning out by the arc.
4) Protect semiconductor device circuit
Varistors are used to protect semiconductor device circuits. In the circuit, it is assumed that R1 is a varistor, which is connected between the transistor VT1 collector and emitter to prevent the voltage between the VT1 collector and emitter from damaging the transistor.
This protection circuit can also be used in semiconductor devices such as thyristors, high-power transistors, etc. It is an effective protection circuit for semiconductor devices to limit the voltage level below the protected device.
Analysis on the selection and inspection method of compressor capacitor
The Principle of Pulse Capacitor and Research of High Energy Density Pulse Capacitor


Functional "fingerloop" DNA antisense motifs for nucleic acid targeting and detection technologies
The Need: The field of molecular biology and genetic engineering faces challenges in achieving precise and accurate detection and amplification of target nucleic acid sequences. Traditional hybridization technologies suffer from the issue of mismatched targets, leading to reduced specificity and reliability. Additionally, the potential of DNA tools for modulating gene expression and protein stability remains largely untapped. There is a pressing commercial need for new and improved methods that can enhance the detection and amplification of nucleic acids while providing greater control over gene expression and RNA stability.
The Technology: The technology presented in this disclosure involves the use of DNA fingerloop stem loop structures for detecting and amplifying nucleic acids. These structures demonstrate the ability to reduce base pairing with mismatched target nucleic acids, resulting in increased detection specificity. The method involves utilizing detection probes with DNA fingerloop stem loop structures that include an antisense region binding to the target nucleic acid sequence. The technology extends to amplification methods utilizing amplification primers with similar structures. Furthermore, this technology explores chimeric fingerloop DNAs for measuring and modulating protein expression levels and RNA stability, presenting a novel approach in this domain.
In conclusion, the cutting-edge technology of DNA fingerloop stem loop structures presents an innovative solution to address the limitations of traditional nucleic acid detection and amplification methods. Its wide range of applications and significant benefits make it a promising tool for advancing molecular biology research, diagnostics, and genetic engineering endeavors.


Growth Technology pH Probe Storage Solution
Preserve Precision, Enhance Longevity
For professionals in nurseries and agriculture, accurate pH measurement is non-negotiable. That's where the Growth Technology pH Probe Storage Solution steps in. This expertly crafted solution is designed to preserve the sensitivity and longevity of your pH probes.
The integrity of your pH probe is paramount. Our storage solution ensures that your equipment remains in peak condition, reducing the frequency of replacements and maintaining the precision needed for your sophisticated tasks.
- Extended Probe Life: Specially formulated to maximize the lifespan of your pH probes, ensuring reliable and accurate readings every time.
- Optimal Probe Performance: Maintains the hydration and functionality of the probe tip, which is crucial for consistent high-precision measurements.
- Easy to Use: Simply immerse the pH probe in the solution when not in use. It is ideal for both intermittent and long-term storage.
- After using your pH probe, rinse it with distilled water.
- Place the probe in a container with enough Growth Technology pH Probe Storage Solution to cover the sensor completely.
- Securely close the container to prevent evaporation and contamination.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.


The DPSS (Diode Pumped Solid State Lasers) and Laser Diode Modules developed and manufactured by Oxxius in the visible, ultraviolet and infrared wavelength ranges are the best choice for demanding applications.
The LCX range of DPSS lasers and the LBX range of diode modules provide exceptional optical performances in an ultra-compact design which can be easily integrated into various instrument designs.
Understanding our customers’ needs, we offer reduced power consumption, noise, size and cost while increasing power, ruggedness and reliability.
Oxxius lasers are integrated in instruments for the life-sciences, analytics and manufacturing markets. They are also an invaluable tool for academic or industrial research.
Meet us at LASER World of Photonics 2017
We will exhibiting at LASER World of Photonics exhibition in Munich, from June 26th to the (...)


534FTB In-Line Thermal Mass Flow Transmitter
Providing partial or complete “in-situ mirrored” calibrations, the Kurz Instruments inline flow meters are designed to provide outstanding “plug and play” accuracy on gas flow measurement in applications where the pipe is less than eight inches in diameter. Greater “out-of-the-box” accuracy is achieved by calibrating the instrument in a spool piece which becomes a part of the process line.
The 534FTB and 534FT series of inline flow meters provide the best “out-of-the-box” accuracy available. Completely immune to process plumbing variables, these units are designed for difficult piping applications, for skid systems, and for situations where accuracy is paramount. These models create stable flow profiles by coupling an expansion and compression function, forcing the flow to respond in the field exactly as it does in the calibration lab, thus insuring dependable accuracy every time.
Features and Benefits:
- The Series 534FTB uses Kurz MFTB Technology with the advantages of built-in inlet/outlet piping reducers/expanders and exceptional immunity to upstream/downstream flow disturbances caused by elbows, valves and line size changes.
- The Series 534FTB has 8 basic Models covering mass flow ranges to 2350 SCFM and in line sizes from 1/2 to 8″.


|Publication number||US7960979 B1|
|Application number||US 12/058,107|
|Publication date||Jun 14, 2011|
|Filing date||Mar 28, 2008|
|Priority date||Mar 28, 2008|
|Publication number||058107, 12058107, US 7960979 B1, US 7960979B1, US-B1-7960979, US7960979 B1, US7960979B1|
|Inventors||Henry Joe Lee|
|Original Assignee||Honda Motor Co., Ltd.|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (19), Classifications (6), Legal Events (4)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a universal resistance testing device to test electrical components for proper operation. More specifically, the present invention relates to a universal resistance testing device to measure and verify an external resistance of a variable resistance device.
2. Description of Related Art
Variable resistance devices exist in various styles and perform various functions in many applications throughout the automotive, power sports, motorcycle, and power equipment industries. For example, all terrain vehicles (ATV's) utilize variable resistance devices to provide vehicle information to the operator that may be visually displayed. Some examples of a variable resistance device may include a gas tank level sensor, a vehicle angle sensor, etc. It is important that the variable resistance devices operate properly so that proper information is relayed to the operator of the ATV.
In order to ensure proper operation of the variable resistance devices the quality of the devices need to be verified. Specifically, the resistance of the variable resistance device needs to be verified that it is the proper resistive value. Different variable resistance devices, however, have a different resistance. In other words, the resistance of the gas tank level sensor may have a different resistance than the vehicle angle sensor. Thus, a different testing device is required to test each of the different variable resistance devices. Therefore, what is required is a universal resistance testing device that can be incorporated into a control circuit to thereby test different variable resistance devices.
In accordance with one aspect, the present invention overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages by providing a universal resistance testing device to measure a resistance of a variable resistance device. The universal resistance testing device includes a bridge circuit having a first branch circuit and a second branch circuit, wherein the first branch circuit includes two removable resistors and the second branch circuit includes a single removable resistor and a means to electrically connect and disconnect an external resistance having a known resistive value. The device further includes a metering circuit having a meter to measure an output of the bridge circuit, a comparator circuit having a multiple removable resistors, and an output circuit having a transistor, wherein the output circuit receives an electric signal from the comparator circuit and outputs an electric signal to a signaling device thereby actuating the signaling device. A resistive value of the two removable resistors from the first branch circuit and a resistive value of the single removable resistor of the second branch circuit is determined based on the known resistive value of the external resistance such that a ratio of the two removable resistors from the first branch circuit is equal to a ratio of the single removable resistor and the known resistive value of the external resistance of the second branch circuit. In addition, one of the plurality of removable resistors of the comparator circuit is a voltage sensing resistor and the comparator circuit compares a voltage across the voltage sensing resistor to a reference voltage to verify the resistive value of the external resistance.
Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings that form a part of the specification.
Referring now to the drawings,
Referring now to
The Wheatstone bridge is a measuring device to measure an unknown resistance of a component by balancing the two branches 24, 26 of the bridge circuit 20. If the ratio of R22/R21 is equal to the ratio of Rx/R23 then the voltage drop across each branch 24, 26 is equal to the input voltage and no current will flow through the metering circuit 30 and the bridge circuit 20 is balanced. Thus, when the bridge circuit 20 is balanced then, R2/R1=Rx/R3. Rx can be calculated by solving for Rx (Rx=(R2/R1)R3). Similarly, if Rx is known the value of any one of R1-R3 can be calculated in the same manner. Thus, as will be explained further below, in order to verify the known value of the external resistance Rx, thereby verifying the quality of the variable resistance device, any one of R1-R3 can be replaced by a resistor of an appropriate value to balance the bridge.
The metering circuit 30 is comprised of an adjustable resistor R31, a diode D32, and a milliammeter M. The milliammeter M is connected to the terminals designated as +M and −M. The +M terminal is connected, via the adjustable resistor R31, to the first resistance branch 24 of the bridge circuit 20 between resistors R21 and R22. The −M terminal is connected to the second resistance branch 26 of the bridge circuit 20 between resistor R23 and the external resistance Rx. Thus, the milliammeter M measures the current created by any imbalance of the bridge circuit 20. In other words, as the external resistance Rx changes, the current through the milliammeter M will increase or decrease accordingly in response to the imbalances of the current through the first 24 and second 26 resistance branches. It should be noted that the meter M in the metering circuit 30 is not limited to a meter to measure current but can also be a meter to measure the voltage drop across one of the branches 24, 26. For purposes of simplicity, however, the present invention will be explained with reference to the milliammeter M.
The adjustable resistor R31 serves two functions. First, the adjustable resistor R31 serves as a current limiting device for the milliammeter M. In other words, the adjustable resistor R31 serves to limit the amount of current through the milliammeter M thereby protecting the milliammeter M. Second, the adjustable resistor R31 can be used as an adjustment means for the milliammeter M. Thus, the adjustable resistor R31 can be used to provide a maximum indication on the milliammeter M. The diode D32 protects the milliammeter M from a reverse current condition.
The comparator circuit 40 compares input voltages and includes multiple resistors R41, R42, R43, R44, and R45, an operational amplifier U46, and a capacitor C47. Resistors R41, R42, R44 and R45 have a known fixed value and resistor R43 is an adjustable resistor. The comparator circuit 40 is connected to the voltage source +Vs, −Vs, mentioned above (hereinafter referred to as Vs). The function of the comparator circuit 50 is to compare the input voltages at the non-inverting input Vin+ with the voltage at the inverting input Vin− of the operational amplifier U46, as will be subsequently described.
The comparator circuit 50 monitors the voltage drop across resistor R41, which is connected to the inverting input Vin− of the operational amplifier U46. Resistor R41 is commonly known as a voltage sensing resistor. The comparator circuit 40 compares this voltage with a reference voltage at the non-inverting input Vin+. The reference voltage non-inverting input Vin+ is generated by a voltage divider network formed by resistors R42 and R43. When the voltage at the inverting input Vin− drops below the reference voltage at the non-inverting input Vin+ the transistors of the operational amplifier U46 turn on thereby allowing an output current Iout to flow out of the operational amplifier U46. The output current Iout flows into the resistor network comprised of resistors R44 and R45, which in turn controls the flow of current into the output circuit 50, as will be described below. The function of the capacitor C47 is to suppress any transient noise that may adversely affect the operational amplifier U46.
Depending on the type of variable resistance device being tested, one or more of resistors R41, R42, and R43 may be replaced with a resistor of a different value in order to achieve the proper reference voltage at Vin+.
The output circuit 50 outputs a signal to one or more external electrical signaling devices and includes an NPN transistor Q51 and a diode D52. As mentioned above, the output current Iout of the operational amplifier U 46 flows into the resistor network comprised of resistors R44 and R45, which controls the base current of the transistor Q51. The output current Iout causes the transistor Q51 to go into saturation, thereby essentially turning on the transistor Q51. With the transistor Q51 in an on state, a low voltage is seen at the collector of the transistor Q51 and current flows from the collector to the emitter. The output of the output circuit 50 is connected to a control relay CR. Thus, when the transistor Q51 is in a saturated state the current from the emitter energizes a coil in the control relay CR, which in turn actuates one or more test signaling devices DS2, BZ1. The diode D52 protects the circuit from a reverse current condition.
Operation of the present invention will now be described. As mentioned above, different variable resistance devices have a different resistance. This resistance is known but in order to ensure quality of the device, the resistance needs to be verified. Thus, because the external resistance Rx is known, the values of R21-R23 are determined to thereby balance the bridge circuit 20, as explained above. Further, appropriate values for R41, R42, and R43 are chosen to obtain the proper reference voltage at Vin+. The resistors R21-23, R41, R42, and R43 are inserted into the PCB. The PCB is electrically connected to the control circuit 10, as shown in
If the external resistance Rx is of proper value, which means that the variable resistance device is not defective, then the bridge circuit 20 is balanced and no current (or minimal current) will flow through the branches 24, 26 of the bridge circuit 20. In turn, no or minimal current will flow through the voltage sensing resistor R41, which means that there will be no or a minimal voltage drop across resistor R41. Thus, the voltage at the inverting input Vin− will fall below the reference input voltage at the non-inverting input Vin+, thereby causing the output current Iout to flow out of the operational amplifier U46. The increase in the output current Iout will cause the transistor Q51 to go into saturation thereby causing current to flow from the collector to the emitter and thus, to the control relay CR, as explained above. The current energizes the control relay CR, which in turn actuates the test signaling device(s) DS2, BZ1, thereby indicating that the external resistance Rx is of proper value and thus, verifying the quality of the variable resistance device.
If the external resistance Rx is not of proper value, which means that the variable resistance device is defective, then the bridge circuit 20 is not balanced and current will flow through the branches 24, 26 of the bridge circuit 20, which is measured by the milliammeter M. In turn, current will flow through voltage sensing resistor R41 and the voltage drop across the voltage sensing resistor R41, which is the input voltage seen at the inverting input Vin−, will not fall below the input reference voltage at the non-inverting input Vin+. Subsequently, the output current Iout will be zero and the transistor Q51 will not go into saturation. Thus, no current will flow from the collector to the emitter of the transistor Q51 and to the control relay CR. Therefore, the test signaling device(s) DS2, BZ1 will not actuate, thereby indicating that the external resistance Rx is not of proper value and that the variable resistance device is defective.
One important feature of the present invention worth repeating is that one or more resistors in the universal resistance testing device 12 can be easily replaced with another resistor having a different resistive value. This flexibility allows the universal resistance testing device 12 to be incorporated into the same control circuit 10 to thereby verify the quality different variable resistance devices that have a different resistance.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, it is to be understood that these embodiments are provided by way of example only and that the invention is not to be construed as being limited but only by proper scope of the following claims.
|Cited Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US3536997 *||Oct 11, 1968||Oct 27, 1970||Hickok Electrical Instr Co The||Digital ohmmeter with modified wheatstone bridge|
|US3546436||Nov 8, 1967||Dec 8, 1970||Holzer Walter K||Electronic heat regulation|
|US3588690||Jul 16, 1969||Jun 28, 1971||Griffin Hugh Allen||Test circuit including bridge type oscillator means for monitoring equivalent series resistance of quartz crystals|
|US3646435 *||Jun 8, 1970||Feb 29, 1972||Rozenson Eliokim Zelikovich||Wheatstone-thomson combined electrical measuring bridge|
|US3946200||Feb 24, 1975||Mar 23, 1976||Gca Corporation||Proportional temperature controller|
|US3972237 *||May 28, 1974||Aug 3, 1976||American Medical Electronics Corporation||Electronic thermometer|
|US4467182||Sep 16, 1981||Aug 21, 1984||Nordson Corporation||Control circuit|
|US4503706 *||May 16, 1983||Mar 12, 1985||Kenneth J. Kolodjski||Constant temperature anemometer|
|US4639611||Jan 9, 1985||Jan 27, 1987||Nordson Corporation||Bridge circuit system|
|US4647919 *||Oct 25, 1985||Mar 3, 1987||Beckman Instruments, Inc.||Method and apparatus for monitoring liquid flow|
|US4845342||Jan 6, 1988||Jul 4, 1989||Therme, Inc.||Circuit for providing electrical energy to a heatable means|
|US4906820||Jun 3, 1988||Mar 6, 1990||Memmert Gmbh & Co. Kg||Temperature control method and circuit for controlling the temperature in a heatable compartment of an appliance|
|US4910689||Dec 17, 1987||Mar 20, 1990||Canon Kabushiki Kaisha||Resistivity value measuring circuit|
|US4996477 *||Oct 26, 1989||Feb 26, 1991||A.O. Smith Corporation||Apparatus and method for testing electrically controlled motor|
|US5583442 *||Feb 3, 1994||Dec 10, 1996||Harris Corporation||Differential voltage monitor using a bridge circuit with resistors on and off of an integrated circuit|
|US6433554 *||Dec 20, 1999||Aug 13, 2002||Texas Instruments Incorporated||Method and apparatus for in-range fault detection of condition responsive sensor|
|US6611135 *||Nov 13, 2001||Aug 26, 2003||Systems Material Handling Co.||Method and electronic circuit for tuning vibratory transducers|
|US6625555||Jul 11, 2001||Sep 23, 2003||Behavior Tech Computer Corporation||Variable resistance measuring loop having compensational function for environmental factors|
|US6763108 *||Nov 6, 2000||Jul 13, 2004||Communications Technology Corp.||Apparatus and method for line pair testing and fault diagnostics|
|U.S. Classification||324/706, 324/705|
|Cooperative Classification||G01R17/105, G01R35/00|
|May 20, 2008||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., JAPAN
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LEE, HENRY JOE;REEL/FRAME:020970/0309
Effective date: 20080424
|Jan 23, 2015||REMI||Maintenance fee reminder mailed|
|Jun 14, 2015||LAPS||Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees|
|Aug 4, 2015||FP||Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee|
Effective date: 20150614


Airborne Microwave Observatory of Subcanopy and Subsurface
Start Date: March 2012
Mission Project Home Page - http://airmoss.jpl.nasa.gov/
Program(s):Earth System Science Pathfinder
North American ecosystems are critical components of the global carbon cycle, exchanging large amounts of carbon dioxide and other gases with the atmosphere. Root-zone soil measurements can be used to better understand these carbon fluxes and their associated uncertainties on a continental scale. The goal of the Airborne Microwave Observatory of Subcanopy and Subsurface (AirMOSS) investigation is to provide high-resolution observations of root-zone soil moisture over regions representative of the major North American climatic habitats (biomes), quantify the impact of variations in soil moisture on the estimation of regional carbon fluxes, and extrapolate the reduced-uncertainty estimates of regional carbon fluxes to the continental scale of North America.
AirMOSS is using an airborne ultra-high frequency synthetic aperture radar that has the capability to penetrate through substantial vegetation canopies and soil to depths down to approximately 1.2 meters. For AirMOSS, NASA’s Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) is being flown on a Gulfstream-III aircraft. Extensive ground, tower, and aircraft in-situ measurements are validating root-zone soil measurements and carbon flux model estimates. The surveys will provide measurements at 100 meter spatial resolution and at sub-weekly, seasonal, and annual time scales.
Principal Investigator: Mahta Moghaddam
University of Southern California
Project Manager: Yunling Lou
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
Mission Manager: Jennifer Olson (LaRC)
Langley Research Center (LaRC), Hampton, VA


HUANGU electronic tech co.,ltd specialized on precision adapter design and produce , OEM project for auto repair tools connectors .
1 2 3 4
CEO office sales office production line production line
Huangu electronic tech co.,ltd provides different kind of electronic components,car repair tools ,diagnose cables etc .
Our products included socket adapter , programmers, IC chip sockets , test devices of electronics , also we can produce OEM adapters and PCB layouts according to customers requirement .
New Product Development
PCB/ Circuit design
SJ Machine tool protection co.,ltd specialize in machine tool proteciton machine cover /bellow manufacturing , we designed and manufactured folded bellow covers for laser machines,cutting machines ,lifter, waterjet machines etc .


FIELD OF THE INVENTION
- BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus which is used for transporting spherical particles such as solder balls used in ball grid array (BGA) and flip chip technologies and particularly to a spherical particle transport apparatus which is used for transporting solder balls to predetermined locations where an electronic component like an IC chip is surface mounted.
Nowadays, circuit boards on which electrical components such as IC chips are surface mounted are experiencing miniaturization, requiring electrical components to be made thinner and thinner in low profiles. The above mentioned BGA and flip chip technologies are known as electrical connection technologies to meet such demand and are applied to surface mount miniaturized electronic components. The electrical terminals which are provided on the lower face of each electronic component are supplied with solder balls at first. Then, each electronic component is placed at a predetermined location on a circuit board onto which these electronic components are surface mounted. With these solder balls of the electronic components being attached to the respective terminals which are provided as circuit patterns on the circuit board, the whole unit of this assembly is passed through a heating furnace to fuse the solder balls and to glue the respective terminals between the electronic components and the circuit board.
Now, the attachment of solder balls to each electronic component in BGA and flip chip connection is described more in detail. The attachment of all the solder balls to the terminals of each electronic component is completed in a single process by a pick-up machine which is designed for mass production. In this process, however, a failure may happen in which some solder balls fail to attach to the terminals of the electronic components. Thus, it is necessary to perform an inspection and some repair work (supplementary work).
A pick-up device 50 which is used for the above mentioned repair work is shown in FIG. 6. This pick-up device 50 comprises a pick-up head 51 and a capillary 52 which extends downward from the pick-up head 51. In addition, a suction port is provided at the lower end of the capillary 52. This suction port is so designed that it can picked up only a single solder ball, so the pick-up device 50 picks up and transports only one solder ball in a single process.
The picking up of the solder ball is carried out first by inserting the capillary 52 into a container in which a plurality of solder balls are placed. In this instance, the air is sucked from the suction port (i.e., a negative pressure is created at the suction port) to suck a solder ball into the suction port. This suction is intended for the picking up of only one solder ball. However, some other solder balls are likely to stick onto the periphery of the capillary 52 because of the static electricity present, as shown in the figure. To remove such unwanted extra balls, the pick-up head 51 incorporates a vibrator 55, which is activated by a power source 60. This vibrator 55 is activated to produce an ultrasound and thereby a vibration in the capillary 52 to drop off these extra solder balls.
This method for removing or dropping off unwanted solder balls by a vibration has been successful for solder balls which are formed with relatively large diameters (700 μm-1000 μm). However, nowadays, solder balls are being made smaller and smaller (e.g., 70 μm) to realize high density assembly, and the removing of such small solder balls by an ultrasonic vibration is becoming difficult.
- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Besides, this pick-up device 50, which incorporates the vibrator 55 in the pick-up head and requires the power source 60 for the generation of an ultrasound, is complex in design and expensive to produce.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a spherical particle transport apparatus which enables and ensures one by one transportation of solder balls even though the balls are very small (i.e., spherical particles).
It is another object of the present invention to provide a spherical particle transport apparatus which is capable of blowing off unwanted extra solder balls that stick to the periphery of a pick-up device when the pick-up device picks up a solder ball one by one.
In order to attain these objectives, the present invention provides a spherical particle transport apparatus which comprises a pick-up device and an air blower. The pick-up device has a suction port in the lower end face thereof, through which the pick-up device sucks the air to pick up and transport a solder ball one at a time, and these solder balls are used in BGA or flip chip technology for establishing electrical connection. The air blower blows air to the pick-up device to drop off extra solder balls which have stuck to the periphery of the pick-up device, while keeping the solder ball which is sucked in the suction port.
For example, the pick-up device comprises a capillary which is formed of a tubular member and which extends downward, and the pick-up device sucks the air through this capillary. An opening is provided at the lower end of the capillary, and this opening represents the above mentioned suction port. With this construction, the pick-up device is capable of picking up one solder ball singularly. In this case, the air blower blows air to the lower end of the capillary to drop off the extra solder balls which are sticking to the capillary while the solder ball which is sucked in the suction port is retained unaffected.
This design of the present invention is different from a method in which a vibration is applied to drop off unwanted solder balls. By the blowing of air, a relatively large direct external force is applied to each of the extra solder balls which are sticking to the pick-up device, and these solder balls are dropped off. In this instance, as the solder ball which is stuck in the suction port is being sucked and retained therein, there is no fear of dropping off of this solder ball. In other words, the strength of the air blown from the air blower is adjusted so as to blow off only the extra solder balls and to retain firmly the solder ball which is sucked in the suction port.
It is preferable that this apparatus be designed such that the retaining of the solder ball in the suction port is assisted by the blowing of air. In this case, the flow of the air is directed perpendicularly to the plane in which the suction port meets with the solder ball, so that the blowing of air pushes the solder ball into the suction port. With this design, the solder ball, which is sucked in the suction port, is firmly retained in the suction port, and there is no possibility of the solder ball being blown off by the air which is applied to drop off the unwanted extra solder balls.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the present invention and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a spherical particle transport apparatus which is constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a pick-up machine for mass production, which shows the mounting of solder balls to an IC chip;
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the IC chip with the solder balls;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a production line, in which IC chips attached with solder balls H by the pick-up machine are inspected and repaired if necessary;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an air blower and the lower end of an capillary, which shows the direction of the air flow;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a circuit board and a few IC chips which are connected in BGA; and
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 6 is a side view of a pick-up device of prior art which is used for repair work.
FIG. 2B shows an electronic component IC which is to be electrically connected in BGA, with the lower face of the electronic component IC being turned upward. A plurality of electrical terminals are provided on the lower face of the electronic component IC, and a number of solder balls H (about 200 to 1,000) are attached to these terminals. In this embodiment, each of the solder balls is formed of a solder in a spherical shape with a diameter of about 70 μm.
Now, the mounting of such solder balls H to an electronic component IC is described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the solder balls H are mounted by using a pick-up device 30, which comprises a pick-up head 31 having a plurality of suction ports 33 in the lower face 32 thereof. The pick-up device 30 sucks the air through these suction ports 33 and thereby picks all the solder balls H which are to be mounted onto the electronic component IC in a single process.
Then, the pick-up device 30 transports these solder balls H, which are stuck in the lower face 32 of the pick-up head 31, to the lower face of the electronic component IC, and the pick-up device 30 pushes the solder balls onto the electrical terminals of the electronic component IC and then stops the suction of the air. Because these terminals are coated with a sticky flux, these solder balls H stick to the respective terminals.
As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic components IC, which are provided with the solder balls H, are then moved by a conveyor to a location where the grid array of the solder balls attached on each electronic component IC is inspected by an image processor 41 whether there is any failure in the mounting of the solder balls. If there is no failure, then the electronic components IC are continuously conveyed. However, if there is a failure, i.e., a vacancy in the BGA, then, into this very vacancy (indicated with “X” in the figure), a supplementary solder ball H is provided by a repair pick-up 10.
As shown in FIG. 1, the repair pick-up 10 comprises a pick-up head 11 and a capillary 12, which extends vertically downward from the lower end of the pick-up head 11. The capillary 12 is formed of a tubular member whose lower portion is squeezed or tapered gradually downward, and the lower end of the capillary 12 is open to suck the air.
This repair pick-up 10 is fabricated such that only a single solder ball H sticks into the opening 13 (this opening is hereinafter referred to as “suction port”) which is provided at the lower end of the capillary 12 (see FIG. 4). The lower end of the capillary 12, which is the site of the suction, is horizontal to optimize the sticking of the solder ball H as shown in FIG. 4.
In the repair process, at first, while the repair pick-up 10 is sucking the air through the suction port 13, the capillary 12 is put into a container which is filled with solder balls H, to pick up a solder ball H. Then, the repair pick-up 10 with the solder ball H stuck in the suction port 13 is moved to a location where there is a vacancy in the array of solder balls on an electronic component IC, and the solder ball H which is brought by the repair pick-up 10 is placed into the vacancy. During the pick-up process, extra solder balls H may stick to the periphery of the capillary 12. To drop off such extra solder balls H from the capillary 12, the repair pick-up 10 after picking up a single solder ball H is blown with the air supplied from an air blower 20 (see FIG. 1) at a certain position while the repair pick-up 10 is transporting the solder ball H for the repair of the BGA.
This air blower 20 is provided at a certain location in the route of the repair pick-up 10, and it blows air upward to the capillary 12. By the blowing of air, a relatively large direct external force can be applied to extra solder balls H sticking to the periphery of the capillary 12. Such external force is not achievable by the vibration of the capillary 12, which is practiced in prior art. in the present invention, because of the blowing of air, even such small solder balls H as described in this embodiment can be dropped off smoothly from the periphery of the capillary 12. The blowing of air to the capillary 12 can be realized by placing and stopping the repair pick-up 10 directly above the air blower 20 even while the repair pick-up 10 is continuously moving.
As shown in FIG. 4, the repair pick-up 10 transports the solder ball H picked up in the suction port 13 to pass directly above the outlet 20 a of the air blower 20. When the suction port 13 of the capillary 12 facing downward is moved above the outlet 20 a, the air blower 20 blows the air vertically upward.
As mentioned previously, because the suction port 13 is provided horizontally, the solder ball H which is stuck in the suction port 13 is firmly retained therein, receiving an additional upward pressure when the air is blown upward. On the other hand, as the periphery of the capillary 12 is uniformly exposed to the blowing, the extra solder balls H sticking to the periphery are completely blown off.
After this blowing, an inspection is carried out by an image recognizing device (not shown in the figure, which is different from the above mentioned image processor 41) to determine whether a solder ball H is present in the suction port 13 and whether there is any extra solder ball H sticking to the capillary 12.
If the conditions that there is an solder ball H in the suction port 13 and that no extra solder ball H is sticking to the capillary 12 are ascertained from the detection made by the image recognizing device, then the repair pick-up 10 continues the transportation of the solder ball H to the location of the vacancy in the BGA. After reaching the location, the repair pick-up 10 places and pushes the solder ball onto the respective terminal of the electronic component IC. Then the suction of the air is stopped, and the mounting of the solder ball H into the vacancy is completed. On the other hand, if no solder ball H is detected in the suction port 13, then the above mentioned pick-up process is repeated from the beginning. Furthermore, if any extra solder ball H is detected to be still sticking after the blowing, then the blowing process is repeated.
After this repair work is complete, the lower face of the electronic component IC on which these solder balls H are mounted is turned downward. Then, this electronic component IC with the solder balls H is placed on a circuit board (not shown) at a location where respective circuit terminals are provided to receive the electronic component IC. After repeating and finishing the same process for all the electronic components IC, this circuit board with the electronic components IC is taken into a furnace (i.e., a heating path), and when the solder balls H melt, the respective electronic components IC are surface mounted on the circuit board.
Even though the above mentioned blowing is described for the repair pick-up 10, this air blowing can be also applied to the pick-up device 30, which is designed for mass production. In this case, the air is blown upward to the lower face 32 of the pick-up device 30 to drop off the extra solder balls H which are sticking to the pick-up head 31.
In addition to the above embodiment, in which the spherical particle transport apparatus of the present invention is described for use in BGA technology with solder balls, the spherical particle transport apparatus of the present invention can be also applied to a BGA technology which uses gold solder balls as spherical electrical terminals. Furthermore, the spherical particle transport apparatus of the present invention can be used for the transportation of solder balls not only in BGA connection but also in flip chip connection.
In the above embodiment, the repair pick-up 10 is used for the repairing. However, if a few electronic components are to be mounted on a circuit board in a variety of ways for a production of a relatively small number of circuit boards, for example, IC chips T each requiring a relatively small number (less than 20) of solder balls are to be mounted on a circuit board P in BGA connection as shown in FIG. 5, then the repair pick-up 10 can be used not only for the repairing work, but also for the original mounting. In this case, the mounting of solder balls H onto the electrical terminals of the electronic component IC is carried out in one solder ball by one solder ball transportation with a device which is similar to the repair pick-up 10 described in the above embodiment.
- RELATED APPLICATIONS
The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No.09-338353 filed on Dec. 9, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference.


Peristaltic pumps are currently used for the filling of food, medical, pharmaceutical and industrial products. In particular, they are used in bottling lines of flavorings, acids, bases and, in general, foaming liquids containing impurities in suspension. There are two types of peristaltic pumps normally used in this application: O.E.M. pumps integrated in a central control system and stand-alone independent pumps. The integration of O.E.M. pumps allows manufacturers of automated systems to fill with good repeatability, quickly, easy change of the worked product and maximum cleaning. The use of independent pumps enables users to fill, easily and with reduced costs, particular or dangerous liquids, increasing the safety and repeatability factors.


The CAV25128 is a 128-Kb Serial CMOS EEPROM device internally organized as 16Kx8 bits. This features a 64-byte page write buffer and supports the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) protocol. The device is enabled through a Chip Select () input. In addition, the required bus signals are clock input (SCK), data input (SI) and data output (SO) lines. Theinput may be used to pause any serial communication with the CAV25128 device. The device features software and hardware write protection, including partial as well as full array protection.On-Chip ECC (Error Correction Code) makes the device suitable for high reliability applications.
Automotive Temperature Grade 1 (-40°C to +125°C)
10 MHz SPI Compatible
2.5 V to 5.5 V Supply Voltage Range
SPI Modes (0,0) & (1,1)
64-byte Page Write Buffer
Additional Identification Page with Permanent Write Protection