Various techniques are provided to detect abnormal clock rates in devices such as imaging sensor devices (e.g., infrared and/or visible light imaging devices). In one example, a device may include a clock rate detection circuit that may be readily integrated as part of the device to provide effective detection of an abnormal clock rate. The device may include a ramp generator, a counter, and/or other components which may already be implemented as part of the device. The ramp generator may generate a ramp signal independent of a clock signal provided to the device, while the counter may increment or decrement a count value in response to the clock signal. The device may include a comparator adapted to select a current count value of the counter when the ramp signal reaches a reference signal. A processor of the device may be adapted to determine whether the clock signal is operating in an acceptable frequency range, based on the selected count value.

Various techniques are provided to detect abnormal clock rates in devices such as imaging sensor devices (e.g., infrared and/or visible light imaging devices). In one example, a device may include a clock rate detection circuit that may be readily integrated as part of the device to provide effective detection of an abnormal clock rate. The device may include a ramp generator, a counter, and/or other components which may already be implemented as part of the device. The ramp generator may generate a ramp signal independent of a clock signal provided to the device, while the counter may increment or decrement a count value in response to the clock signal. The device may include a comparator adapted to select a current count value of the counter when the ramp signal reaches a reference signal. A processor of the device may be adapted to determine whether the clock signal is operating in an acceptable frequency range, based on the selected count value.

Systems and methods for detecting anomalous integrated circuits (ICs) are provided. An electrical signature for each of multiple reference ICs are created using a resonator. Each IC may be associated with a different model or manufacturer. Later, when an IC that is suspected of being anomalous is received, its signature is generated and compared with a previously generated signature for an IC of the same make and manufacturer. When the signatures differ by more than a threshold amount, then the IC may be determined to be anomalous. In some embodiments, the generated signatures may be used to train a model that can determine whether an IC is anomalous based on its generated signature or can identify the make and manufacturer of an IC based on its generated signature.

A control device for a frequency generator of an ion thruster is described. The control device permits the detection of zero-crossings in a current and/or voltage characteristic during specific time intervals only, which detection is inhibited during other time intervals. Any incorrect switching performance of the control device associated with erroneously detected zero-crossings is prevented accordingly. A low-pass filter filters harmonics out of the detected current and/or voltage characteristics. A time-delay element offsets stray delays in the detection of zero-crossings. Additionally, plasma energy protective apparatuses are described, which attenuate the impact of any power flashover from a thruster unit to a power supply unit of an ion thruster.

A control device for a frequency generator of an ion thruster is described. The control device permits the detection of zero-crossings in a current and/or voltage characteristic during specific time intervals only, which detection is inhibited during other time intervals. Any incorrect switching performance of the control device associated with erroneously detected zero-crossings is prevented accordingly. A low-pass filter filters harmonics out of the detected current and/or voltage characteristics. A time-delay element offsets stray delays in the detection of zero-crossings. Additionally, plasma energy protective apparatuses are described, which attenuate the impact of any power flashover from a thruster unit to a power supply unit of an ion thruster.

Various embodiments relate to classifying comparators based on comparator offsets. A method may include applying, via a strobe, a first voltage to each of a first input and a second input of a comparator to generate a number of output signals from the comparator, wherein each output signal has one of a first polarity and a second polarity. The method may further include in response to each of the number of output signals being the first polarity, applying, via a strobe, an external offset voltage having the second polarity to the comparator to generate a second number of output signals. Further, the method may include in response to each of the second number of output signals being the same polarity, identifying the comparator as a reliable comparator.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for magnetic field sensors with self-test include a detection circuit to detect speed and direction of a target. One or more circuits to test accuracy of the detected speed and direction may be included. One or more circuits to test accuracy of an oscillator may also be included. One or more circuits to test the accuracy of an analog-to-digital converter may also be included. Additionally, one or more IDDQ and/or built-in-self test (BIST) circuits may be included.

The various embodiments presented herein relate to extraordinary electromagnetic transmission (EEMT) to enable multiple inefficient (un-matched) but coupled radiators and/or apertures to radiate and/or pass electromagnetic waves efficiently. EEMT can be utilized such that signal transmission from a plurality of antennas and/or apertures occurs at a transmission frequency different to transmission frequencies of the individual antennas and/or aperture elements. The plurality of antennas/apertures can comprise first antenna/aperture having a first radiating area and material(s) and second antenna/aperture having a second radiating area and material(s), whereby the first radiating/aperture area and second radiating/aperture area can be co-located in a periodic compound unit cell. Owing to mutual coupling between the respective antennas/apertures in their arrayed configuration, the transmission frequency of the array can be shifted from the transmission frequencies of the individual elements. EEMT can be utilized for an array of evanescent of inefficient radiators connected to a transmission line(s).

The present disclosure provides for a system and method for compensating an electronic oscillator for one or more environmental parameters. A method may comprise segmenting test data received from an output signal of the oscillator and generating at least one correction voltage to thereby compensate the oscillator for one or more environmental parameters. A system may comprise at least one multi-function segmented array compensation module configured to receive one or more output signals from an oscillator and generate one or more correction voltages to thereby compensate the oscillator for environmental parameters. The system may also comprise one or more sensors and a user EFC.

A motor system includes a motor including two Hall sensors configured to output binary values, and a controller configured to control the motor. The two Hall sensors are placed 120 or 60 electrical degrees apart. The controller is operable to monitor output signals of the two Hall sensors and to determine a third Hall sensor output binary value. The controller is operable to fulfill the commanded requirements to operate in a servo system, by controlling commutation of a drive current into the motor, and by keeping track of the motor rotor position based on the third generated signal and the outputs of the two Hall sensors.