Low-cost, protected capacitive sensing circuit for loading mode operation of capacitive sensors employing heater members

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America

PATENT NO 12132478
APP PUB NO 20240275383A1
SERIAL NO

18286283

Stats

ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

Loading Importance Indicators... loading....

Abstract

See full text

An impedance measurement circuit for determining a complex impedance of a capacitive sensor that is configured for employing at least one electric heater member as an electrode to be operated in loading mode. The measurement circuit includes: a signal generating unit for providing an electric measurement signal; a signal sensing circuit measuring current through the at least one electric heater member; an electric heater member connection circuit comprising a plurality of MOSFETs for selectively electrically connecting the electric heater member either to the signal sensing circuit for complex impedance measurement or to a DC electric power unit for heating purposes; and a control and evaluation unit that is configured for controlling a switching status of the plurality of MOSFETs according to a predefined sequence, and for determining a complex impedance from the determined currents with reference to a complex reference potential during predefined stages of the predefined sequence.

Loading the Abstract Image... loading....

First Claim

See full text

Family

Loading Family data... loading....

Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S AZONE INDUSTRIELLE 12 RUE PIERRE RICHARDOT ECHTERNACH L-6468

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Faber, Thomas Schweich, DE 24 191
Justinger, Tobias Hermeskeil, DE 4 4
Lamesch, Laurent Reichlange, LU 71 514
Lorang, Johnny Schieren, LU 2 0
Puetz, Michael Trier, DE 18 152
Wendt, Christoph Trier, DE 16 130

Cited Art Landscape

Load Citation

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cite Landscape

Load Citation

Maintenance Fees

Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee due date
3.5 Year Payment $1600.00 $800.00 $400.00 Apr 29, 2028
7.5 Year Payment $3600.00 $1800.00 $900.00 Apr 29, 2032
11.5 Year Payment $7400.00 $3700.00 $1850.00 Apr 29, 2036
Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee
Surcharge - 3.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge - 7.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge - 11.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable $700.00 $350.00 $175.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional $1,640.00 $820.00 $410.00