Highly sensitive capacitance comparison circuit
US6501282B1 · kind B1 · utility
46Cited by
25References
10Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/15
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A capacitance comparison circuit determines the relative value of two capacitors, such as may be sensor elements, by monitoring voltage changes caused by charge redistribution between the capacitors when they are series connected and then connected alternately in a first and second polarity across a voltage. The direction of change of voltage at the junction of the capacitors with respect to the switching of polarity of their connection precisely reveals which capacitor is larger. Disconnecting the voltage monitor during the switching reduces switching induced errors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.