The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 29, 2024
Filed:
Apr. 08, 2022
Iee International Electronics & Engineering S.a., Echternach, LU;
Laurent Lamesch, Reichlange, LU;
Tobias Justinger, Hermeskeil, DE;
Michael Puetz, Trier, DE;
Thomas Faber, Schweich, DE;
Christoph Wendt, Trier, DE;
Johnny Lorang, Schieren, LU;
IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A., Echternach, LU;
Abstract
An impedance measurement circuit for determining a complex impedance of a capacitive sensor that is configured for employing at least one electric heater member as an electrode to be operated in loading mode. The measurement circuit includes: a signal generating unit for providing an electric measurement signal; a signal sensing circuit measuring current through the at least one electric heater member; an electric heater member connection circuit comprising a plurality of MOSFETs for selectively electrically connecting the electric heater member either to the signal sensing circuit for complex impedance measurement or to a DC electric power unit for heating purposes; and a control and evaluation unit that is configured for controlling a switching status of the plurality of MOSFETs according to a predefined sequence, and for determining a complex impedance from the determined currents with reference to a complex reference potential during predefined stages of the predefined sequence.