Analog Devices,inc.

Jose Ibanez Climent

Alberto Marinas

Eduardo M Martinez

Colm Donovan

Christian Jimenez

Roberto Munoz

Pedro Lopez Canova

An apparatus and method for determining characterizing attributes of an actuator is provided. An actuator may be moved to a maximum capacitance position. At the maximum capacitance position, an initial measurement of the actuator capacitance is made. The actuator is moved a predetermined increment toward a first extreme position, and the actuator capacitance is again measured. If the capacitance changed by a threshold amount, the signal preceding the signal that caused the actuator to move is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the first extreme position. The actuator is again moved a predetermined increment toward a second extreme position. After each move, the capacitance is measured. If it is determined the capacitance did change by a threshold amount from the previously measured capacitance, the signal related to the previously measured capacitance is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the second extreme position.

Automatic characterization of an actuator based on capacitance measurement

A method and a circuit for increasing a resolution of a digitally controlled oscillator include controlling the oscillator so that an output signal of the oscillator varies between semi-periods having a first frequency and semi-periods having a second frequency. The method and circuit further include applying the output signal of the oscillator as an input to a divider to obtain a divided signal. A frequency of at least one semi-period of the divided signal is a function of both an oscillator semi-period having the first frequency and an oscillator semi-period having the second frequency.

Method and circuit for increasing the resolution of a digitally controlled oscillator

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Valencia, Spain

Jose Ibanez Climent