Circuitry for detecting a capacitive load coupled between a first node and a second node, the circuitry comprising: drive circuitry for applying a first voltage to a first node over a first time period; processing circuitry configured to: measure a second voltage at the first node; and determine that the load is a capacitive load based on the second voltage.

Methods and systems are provided for measuring the capacitive state of an operator. The method includes placing an matrix array of pressure detection sensors in physical contact with the individual. The matrix array is integrated into the seat of the operator and continually measures the operator's presence and movement in the seat based on data received from the matrix array of pressure detection sensors. The breathing, movement and actigraphy patterns of the operator are measured and calculated based on the data received from the matrix array of pressure detection sensors. The breathing, movement and actigraphy patterns of the operator are continually analyzed to determine the capacitive state of the operator.

A capacitive sensor arrangement includes a sensing electrode having a capacitance (Cx) which depends on the presence of an object in a detection space; a measurement device connected to the sensing electrode and configured to detect the capacitance (Cx) of the sensing electrode; and a conducting structure, wherein the capacitance (Cx) of the sensing electrode depends on a potential of the conducting structure. In order to obtain a reliable capacitive measurement, the measurement device is connected to a power supply between a first potential (Vs) and a second potential (GND), the measurement device being connected to the second potential exclusively via the structure.

An asynchronous capacitance-to-digital converter (CDC) is described that allows for very low-power operation when during inactive periods (when no conductive object is in contact or proximity to the sensing electrodes). Asynchronous operation of the CDC provides for capacitance-to-digital conversion without the use of system resources and more power intensive circuit elements.

A capacitive intelligent workstation detection system, comprising a capacitance detection sensor (1), a capacitive sensing module (201), a microprocessor module (202), a remote management platform (3) and a mobile APP, the capacitance detection sensor (1) detecting a capacitance change when a human body approaches, and after being processed by the capacitive sensing module (201), the capacitance change being sent to the microprocessor module (202) to form workstation state data, the workstation state data being sent to the remote management platform (3), and the remote management platform (3) processing the workstation state data, so as to obtain user habit data. A user uses the mobile APP to obtain relevant data by means of the remote management platform (3), and sends debugging and control information to a workstation detection device (2). The system uses the capacitive sensing module (201), has a small volume, a good concealment, a beautiful appearance and a flexible design, does not require complex optical and microwave devices and has no mechanical device, is less vulnerable to aging and abrasion, and has a long service life and good consistency. The remote management platform (3) serves as a data management and control center, and the mobile APP provides man-machine bidirectional interaction, so as to implement office electric appliance linkage energy-saving management and personnel management.

A capacitive sensor includes a first conductive structure; a second conductive structure that is counter to the first conductive structure, wherein the second conductive structure is movable relative to the first conductive structure in response to an external force acting thereon, wherein the second conductive structure is capacitively coupled to the first conductive structure to form a first capacitor having a first capacitance that changes with a change in a distance between the first conductive structure and second conductive structure; a signal generator configured to apply a first electrical signal step at an input or at an output of the first capacitor to induce a first voltage transient response at the output of first capacitor; and a diagnostic circuit configured to detect a fault in the capacitive sensor by measuring a first time constant of the first voltage transient response and detecting the fault based on the first time constant.

An electric field measuring device measures an electric field corresponding to an inter-electrode voltage between two electrodes, based on a voltage signal that arises at an electric field antenna including the two electrodes because of the electric field. The electric field measuring device includes an amplifier, a reference capacitive element, a GPIO that generates a step wave, and a microcomputer that processes a voltage signal. The microcomputer inputs the step wave to the amplifier, using the GPIO, obtains a step response waveform, and obtains an amplitude compensation factor, based on the step response waveform. The microcomputer compensates the voltage signal, using the amplitude compensation factor.

A digital integrated circuit includes first areas of a substrate which incorporate digital functions and second areas of the substrate which are filler between first areas. A capacitance is provided by interdigitated metal-insulator-metal structures formed from a metallization level above the substrate. The structures of the capacitance are vertically aligned with one or more of the second areas.

A sensor device includes a first electrode and a first signal generation device configured to apply an electrical signal to the first electrode such that the first electrode emits a first electrical field. The sensor device further includes a second electrode located at a first distance from the first electrode and configured to pick up the first electrical field. A third electrode and a second signal generation device configured to apply an electrical signal to the third electrode such that the third electrode emits a second electrical field is included in the sensor device.

A method and an apparatus are presented which enable the identification of a capacitor fault in a given string of a capacitor bank, based on the computation of the string impedance by measuring the string AC current and voltages, where each string includes a plurality of capacitor elements connected in series. The method consists of measuring the string capacitive impedance and comparing this value with a previously measured capacitive impedance of the same string. If a difference between these two values is obtained, which exceeds a given threshold for a certain duration, a fault is recorded.