US5734087A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Acceleration sensor
Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co Ltd
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Filing: 1996-10-02
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Granted: 1998-03-31
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Expires: 2016-10-02
Abstract
Abstract An acceleration sensor includes a piezoelectric ceramic element (1) for detecting acceleration, a signal processing circuit (2) for processing an output signal received from the piezoelectric ceramic element (1), and a self-diagnosing circuit (20) which is connected in series with the piezoelectric ceramic element (1). The self-diagnosing circuit (20) is provided with a PNP transistor having an emitter (E) which is connected to a source voltage V cc , a base which is supplied with an externally inputted timing pulse signal, and a collector for outputting a failure diagnosing signal which is synchronized with the timing pulse signal. Further, a self-diagnosing capacitor (25) is provided between the collector of the PNP transistor (23) and the piezoelectric ceramic element (1).
Inventors
- 👤 Muneharu Yamashita
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 06:41
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01P; G01P21/00; G01P15/00; G01P15/02; G01P15/08; G01P15/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
An acceleration sensor comprising: a piezoelectric ceramic element which is operable for detecting acceleration; a signal processing circuit for processing an output signal being received from said piezoelectric ceramic element and outputting the same to an external output terminal; and a self-diagnosing circuit being connected with said piezoelectric ceramic element, said self-diagnosing circuit comprising: a switching element having a first electrode being supplied with a source voltage, a second electrode for receiving an externally supplied timing pulse signal, and a third electrode for outputting a prescribed self-diagnosing signal in synchronization with said timing pulse signal being received from said second electrode, and a capacitor being provided between said third electrode of said switching element and said piezoelectric ceramic elements, said signal processing circuit being operable for detecting a failure in the ceramic element in response to said self-diagnosing signal being supplied to said piezoelectric ceramic element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
An acceleration sensor comprising: a piezoelectric ceramic element which is operable for detecting acceleration; a signal processing circuit for processing an output signal being received from said piezoelectric ceramic element and outputting the same to an external output terminal; and a self-diagnosing circuit being connected with said piezoelectric ceramic element, said self-diagnosing circuit comprising: a switching element having a first electrode being supplied with a source voltage, a second electrode for receiving an externally supplied timing pulse signal, and a third electrode for outputting a prescribed self-diagnosing signal in synchronization with said timing pulse signal being received from said second electrode, and a capacitor being provided between said third electrode of said switching element and said piezoelectric ceramic elements, said signal processing circuit being operable for detecting a failure in the ceramic element in response to said self-diagnosing signal being supplied to said piezoelectric ceramic element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
An acceleration sensor in accordance with claim 1, wherein said switching element is formed by a PNP transistor having said first, second and third electrodes being an emitter, a base and a collector respectively.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
An acceleration sensor in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein said self-diagnosing circuit is further provided with first and second resistive elements between said third electrode of said switching element and a reference potential source, said capacitor being provided between the node of said first and second resistive elements and said piezoelectric ceramic element.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-03-30 | 2001-09-29 | 2002-03-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-03-30 | 2005-09-29 | 2006-03-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-03-30 | 2009-09-29 | 2010-03-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |