The accuracy of an impedance tuner may be improved and the size may be reduced by using linear actuators instead of rotary motors. The linear actuator may be integrated with position sensors to allow very small size, and implemented with a servo system for best accuracy and speed. Spring loaded arms holding the mismatch probes allow the tuner to operate in any orientation to further fit into small spaces. The small size reduces losses by allowing direct connection to wafer probes for on-wafer measurement systems.

The present teaching relates to a magnetic sensor comprising an input port to be connected to an external power supply, a magnetic field detecting circuit configured to generate a magnet detection signal, an output control circuit configured to control operation of the magnetic sensor in response to the magnet detection signal, and an output port. The magnetic field detecting circuit includes a magnetic sensing element configured to detect an external magnetic field and output a detection signal, a signal processing element configured to amplify the detection signal and removing interference from the detection signal to generate processed detection signal, and an analog-digital conversion element configured to convert the processed detection signal into a magnet detection signal, and the output control circuit is configured to control the magnetic sensor to operate in at least one of a first state and a second state responsive to at least the magnet detection signal.

A stroke sensor includes: a shaft that extends in an axial line direction; a detected body that is fixed to the shaft; a housing that extends along the shaft, that houses the shaft, and that supports the shaft slidably in the axial line direction; and a detection body that detects a movement amount of the detected body which moves in accordance with sliding of the shaft, wherein the shaft includes a plurality of shaft members that are connected to each other in the axial line direction and that are formed of metal, and a slide part that is in contact with an inner wall of the housing and that slides so as to regulate a movement of the shaft in a direction that is crossed with the axial line is provided on each of the plurality of shaft members.

A magnet-based angular displacement measuring system for detecting a rotational movement of a driveshaft. The magnet-based angular displacement measuring system includes the driveshaft which includes an axial first shaft end region. The axial first shaft end region includes a magnetically non-conductive material. An exciter unit is rotationally coupled to the axial first shaft end region of the driveshaft. A stationary sensor unit functionally cooperates with the exciter unit to detect a rotational movement of the driveshaft.

A magnet-based angular displacement measuring system for measuring a rotational movement of a driveshaft. The magnet-based angular displacement measuring system includes a drive shaft comprising a free end. The free end has a coaxial recess so as to form a hollow shaft section. An exciter unit is rotationally coupled to the free end of the drive shaft. A stationary sensor unit functionally cooperates with the exciter unit to measure the rotational movement of the drive shaft.

An improved fluid level sensor includes a radially magnetized magnet integrated into a float, and a Hall sensor adapted to monitor the magnet field emitted from the magnet. This arrangement provides a continuously variable signal across a range of travel, such that a controller receiving the signal can produce precise fluid level measurements and detect operational states of an associated device based on fluid behavior. In addition, the present fluid level sensor is suitable for use in harsh service environments, both because it is physically resilient to fouling, and because the controller is capable of detecting fouling by sensor behavior. In the context of a steam cooker, the present fluid level sensor can also sense low-water, overfill and fouling conditions, while remaining relatively insensitive to food residue, water scale buildup, corrosion and foaming.

A common method for providing user-input to an electronic system consists of tracking the position and motion of an object moved by the user and conveying this information to the electronic system. One embodiment of a positional tracking system for an object has an external and stationary magnetic-field emitter, a magnetic-field sensor which moves with the tracked object, and a microprocessor that compares magnetic-field intensity measurements taken by the sensor and compares it to magnetic-field characteristics defined for the external magnetic field emitter. A nonlinear equation solver, particle filter, or other method is used to determine the position of the sensor in the magnetic field. In this way the position of an object can be tracked using a single magnetic field emission source. This positional information can be combined with an inertial tracking system to mitigate drift errors.

A control knob assembly for a consumer appliance is provided. The control knob assembly provides a compact means for determining the angular position of the control knob and illuminating a plurality of indicators to communicate that angular position to a user of the appliance. More specifically, the control knob assembly includes an optical encoder disc that defines a plurality of teeth that are in operable communication with a plurality of optical sensors. The position of the sensors and the spacing of the plurality of teeth are configured to generate signals as the control knob is rotated that allow for the precise determination of the angular position of the control knob. Moreover, the optical encoder disc may fit inside a lighting assembly and may have a low profile, resulting in a compact control knob assembly that may easily fit within the area underneath the control knob and control panel.

A remote control device is provided that is configured for use in a load control system that includes one or more electrical loads. The remote control device includes a mounting structure and a control unit, and the control unit is configured to be attached to the mounting structure in a plurality of different orientations. The control unit includes a user interface, an orientation sensing circuit, and a communication circuit. The control unit is configured to determine an orientation of the control unit via the orientation sensing circuit. The control unit is also configured to translate a user input from the user interface into control data to control an electrical load of the load control system based on the orientation of the control unit and/or provide a visual indication of an amount of power delivered to the electrical load based on the orientation of the control unit.

A sensor device comprising: a lead frame; a first/second semiconductor die having a first/second sensor structure at a first/second sensor location, and a plurality of first/second bond pads electrically connected to the lead frame; the semiconductor dies having a square or rectangular shape with a geometric center; the sensor locations are offset from the geometrical centers; the second die is stacked on top of the first die, and is rotated by a non-zero angle and optionally also offset or shifted with respect to the first die, such that a perpendicular projection of the first and second sensor location coincide.