Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

David L Allen

Patrick Yin Chan

Ashutosh Ravindra Joharapurkar

Natarajan Viswanathan

Dainuri Paul Rott

Edmon Quinto Dimla

Random sampling techniques include techniques for reducing or eliminating errors in the output of capacitive sensor arrays such as touch panels. The channels of the touch panel are periodically sampled to determine the presence of one or more touch events. Each channel is individually sampled in a round robin fashion, referred to as a sampling cycle. During each sampling cycle, all channels are sampled once. Multiple sampling cycles are performed such that each channel is sampled multiple times. Random sampling techniques are used to sample each of the channels. One random sampling technique randomizes a starting channel in each sampling cycle. Another random sampling technique randomizes the selection of all channels in each sampling cycle. Yet another random sampling technique randomizes the sampling cycle delay period between each sampling cycle. Still another random sampling technique randomizes the channel delay period between sampling each channel.

Use of random sampling technique to reduce finger-coupled noise

A touchscreen system for increasing the dynamic range of the system comprising a touchscreen coupled to an offset cancellation element and a capacitance measuring element. The offset cancellation element is configured to be dynamically changed in capacitance such that it offsets parasitic and sensor capacitances of the touchscreen sensors thereby leaving only touch event capacitance to be measured by the measuring element. The offset cancellation element is able to adjust to the initial unwanted capacitances of each sensor as well as dynamically adjust to changes in the unwanted capacitance due to the environment. In some embodiments, the offset cancellation element is a capacitance digital-to-analog converter that is controlled by a controller for offsetting the unwanted capacitance. As a result, the touchscreen system is able to utilize a small integrating capacitor thereby lowering cost and improving the dynamic range of the system.

Method and apparatus for improving dynamic range of a touchscreen controller

The present invention is related to a method and apparatus of securing and testing an IC or similar device, in which the connection of the IC is achieved through the use of a handler PCB and dual &ldquo;Outrigger&rdquo; PCBs connected to a test head via &ldquo;flex joints&rdquo;. More specifically, the present invention discloses a method and apparatus to flexibly dock a handler PCB containing a device under test to a test head through the use of dual Outrigger PCBs capable of flexible movement allowing alignment between high performance electrical connectors on the handler PCB and the Outrigger PCBs, eliminating stress due to misalignments and vibration transmission during testing.

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Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

David L Allen