Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a multiple range load cell capable of automatically switching measuring range and method for operating the multiple range load cell.

A gas meter control system is adapted for use in gas meters having a plurality of different sizes (e.g., ability to measure different flowrates and/or different gas volumes per billing cycle) and different functional capabilities. In an example, the gas meter control system is configured to recognize and identify a metrology unit, sensor(s), switch(es), valve(s), valve motor(s), and/or other device(s) within a gas meter. Having identified devices present within a gas-environment and an air-environment of the meter, the control system selects and executes appropriate software to operate the identified devices. Addition of an additional component to the meter (e.g., an earthquake sensor or a tamper sensor) results in identification of the added component and execution of appropriate control software. Accordingly, the gas meter control system replaces a number of control systems configured to operate a single specific meter and/or configuration.

A hybrid position sensor for determining the position of a hybrid target includes a main transducer for obtaining a first signal indicative for a position of the hybrid target within a first range and with a first resolution using a first or second technology; a support transducer for obtaining a second signal indicative for the position of the hybrid target within a second range and with a second resolution using the second technology if the main transducer is using the first technology and vice versa, wherein the first range is smaller than the second and the first resolution is higher than the second, and wherein the first technology is magnet based and the second technology is an inductive technology; a combiner for combining the obtained first signal and second signal to determine the position of the hybrid target.

A hybrid position sensor for determining the position of a hybrid target includes a main transducer for obtaining a first signal indicative for a position of the hybrid target within a first range and with a first resolution using a first or second technology; a support transducer for obtaining a second signal indicative for the position of the hybrid target within a second range and with a second resolution using the second technology if the main transducer is using the first technology and vice versa, wherein the first range is smaller than the second and the first resolution is higher than the second, and wherein the first technology is magnet based and the second technology is an inductive technology; a combiner for combining the obtained first signal and second signal to determine the position of the hybrid target.

Apparatuses are presented. The apparatus includes a sensor configured with an adjustable accuracy setting to measure a physical parameter and a controller configured to adjust the accuracy setting based on a threshold, and to adjust the threshold based on the physical parameter measured by the sensor. Another apparatus includes a sensor configured with a plurality of sensor accuracy settings to measure a physical parameter of a circuit in a plurality of operating regions. The plurality of operating regions is based on ranges of the physical parameter measured by the sensor. Each of the plurality of sensor accuracy settings corresponds to one of the plurality of operating regions. A controller is configured to adjust one of the ranges of the physical parameter for one of the plurality of operating regions, in response to a change of an operating condition of the circuit.

A detection circuit includes a charge amplifier, a calculation unit, and first and second paths. The charge amplifier converts the amount of electric charge generated by a sensor element into a voltage. The first path and the second path each connect the charge amplifier and the calculation unit. The amplification factor of the first path is higher than the amplification factor of the second path. When a voltage output from the first path is lower than a threshold voltage, the calculation unit detects a pressing force by using the output voltage. When the output voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold voltage, the calculation unit detects a pressing force by using a voltage output through the second path.

A detection circuit includes a charge amplifier, a calculation unit, and first and second paths. The charge amplifier converts the amount of electric charge generated by a sensor element into a voltage. The first path and the second path each connect the charge amplifier and the calculation unit. The amplification factor of the first path is higher than the amplification factor of the second path. When a voltage output from the first path is lower than a threshold voltage, the calculation unit detects a pressing force by using the output voltage. When the output voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold voltage, the calculation unit detects a pressing force by using a voltage output through the second path.

In an embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that comprises a plurality of resistors arranged as a reverse bridge and configured to convert an input voltage to a scaled output voltage. The scaled output voltage is scaled to a target format based at least in part on a range of the input voltage and a fixed value of the plurality of resistors. The input voltage is generated based at least in part on at least one signal generated by a sensor based at least in part on a measurement of a property of a measurement target. At least one of the plurality of resistors has a resistance value of R and at least another of the plurality of resistors has a resistance value of R plus or minus ΔR.

A signaling device which generates a selection signal via an analog selection device for choosing a signal range, and a range scale for displaying the signal range chosen by the analog selection device, wherein the range scale includes setting ranges and a transition range, where one setting range of the setting ranges is arranged in an alternating manner with the transition range along the range scale, and the analog selection device is arranged such that selection of a setting range or a transition range along the range scale is selected and the analog selection device defines an analog selection value, and the signaling device additionally detects the analog selection value aided by the selection signal and checks whether this value corresponds to a value allocated to a transition range, and if so, outputs a signal via a signaler.

A signaling device which generates a selection signal via an analog selection device for choosing a signal range, and a range scale for displaying the signal range chosen by the analog selection device, wherein the range scale includes setting ranges and a transition range, where one setting range of the setting ranges is arranged in an alternating manner with the transition range along the range scale, and the analog selection device is arranged such that selection of a setting range or a transition range along the range scale is selected and the analog selection device defines an analog selection value, and the signaling device additionally detects the analog selection value aided by the selection signal and checks whether this value corresponds to a value allocated to a transition range, and if so, outputs a signal via a signaler.