Solid state analog altimeter switch
AssigneeUnited States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
InventorScott V. Hesh
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention disclosed herein includes various embodiments and components of a solid state analog altimeter switch useful for generating switching signals based on altitude determined from barometric pressure. Embodiments of the solid state analog altimeter switch disclosed herein are designed to be extremely accurate, small, robust and inexpensive to produce. Such solid state analog altimeter switches are particularly useful for generating switching events based on predetermined altitudes in sounding rockets.
Claims13
A solid state analog altimeter switch, comprising:
- a resistor network configured for delivering a plurality of preselected set voltages, each of the preselected set voltages corresponding to a preselected altitude above sea level;
- and
- a solid state altitude circuit in communication with the resistor network and configured to receive the plurality of preselected voltages, the solid state altitude circuit, comprising:
- a solid state pressure sensor configured for measuring an absolute barometric pressure and outputting an analog pressure voltage corresponding to a difference between the absolute barometric pressure and a reference vacuum pressure;
- a comparator in communication with the solid state pressure sensor for receiving the analog pressure voltage and comparing it to the plurality of set voltages, the comparator generating a trigger signal based on comparing the analog pressure voltage to the plurality of set voltages;
- and
- at least one high-power switch in communication with the comparator for receiving the trigger signal and driving the at least one high-power switch to an on state or an off state based on the trigger signal.
A method of triggering switching events at preselected altitudes, the method comprising:
- providing a solid state analog altimeter switch;
- sensing absolute barometric pressure;
- comparing the absolute barometric pressure to a reference vacuum pressure;
- determining a measured altitude corresponding to the difference between the absolute barometric pressure and the reference vacuum pressure;
- comparing the measured altitude to a plurality of preselected altitudes;
- and
- triggering one of the switching events upon the measured altitude equaling one of the preselected altitudes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.