We describe a state-of-charge, or "residualcapacity" meter for lead-acid batteries that intelligently synthesizes coulometric and terminal-voltage methods in a new algorithm to provide reliable, continuous readout of remaining capacity. Novel electronic circuit design eliminates the need to install a shunt in the vehicle. The meter learns the characteristics of a battery to which it is attached, removing the need for setup, customisation, programming or calibration at time of installation or battery replacement. The meter can thus be installed by unqualified personnel. Initial measurements suggest the design to be robust and accurate.

Logic diagnosis analyzes scan test failures and produces a list of potential defect locations and types. This information is often used as a starting point for a detailed physical failure analysis (PFA) process that locates the actual physical defect. One important criterion that dictates whether PFA can be performed on a certain die is the physical area of the die over which the potential defect locations reported by diagnosis are spread. While logic diagnosis works with a logic-level abstraction of the design, in this paper we describe the use of additional design layout information during diagnosis to lead to better localization of defects and reduce the area over which potential defect locations are spread. This directly results in more die becoming suitable for PFA. We demonstrate the effectiveness of such “layout-aware” diagnosis for PFA using an industrial case study in which several die from two wafers were diagnosed and 61% and 78% more die became suitable for PFA using layout-aware diagnosis.

A novel stereo 3D LCD for passive interference filter glasses is presented. A demonstrator based on a standard 120Hz LCD was set up. Stereoscopic image separation was realized in a timesequential mode using a LED-based scanning backlight with two complementary spectra. A stereo brightness of 10 cd/m² and a channel separation of 30:1 were achieved.

In the following article, a new development from the Schaeffler Group Industrial will be presented in the ELGES maintenance-free plain bearing sector (brand name: ELGOGLIDE®). The bearings feature very smooth operation (low stick-slip) even in very unfavorable conditions. The friction coefficient is low and is only marginally dependent on the running velocity and the temperature. At the same time, the bearings feature a very high load carrying capacity and a long life. Application examples will be discussed and explained.