Circuit and method for regulating currents to multiple loads
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
InventorJames Peter O'Loughlin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The embodiments disclosed herein reduce numerous active regulators (e.g., to only one) used in previous circuits that require regulated current and still accomplish the current regulation provided to each load by means of an array of autotransformers, and if required, rectifiers, and filters. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, there is eliminated the numerous active regulators by replacing them with simple passive components and an active regulator.
Claims14
A constant current circuit for driving a plurality of loads comprising:
- a single current regulator;
- a first autotransformer coupled to the single current regulator, wherein the first autotransformer is divided into parts so that each of the parts has an inductance substantially equal to the respective inductances of the other parts;
- a second transformer for receiving a first current from the first autotransformer and a third transformer for receiving a second current from the first autotransformer, wherein the first and second currents are substantially equal;
- a first rectifier block for receiving a third current from the second transformer and a second rectifier block for receiving a fourth current from the second transformer, wherein the third and fourth currents being substantially equal;
- a first load electrically connected to the first rectifier and a second load electrically connected to the second rectifier;
- and
- wherein the first and second loads have a common center-tap ground.
A constant current circuit for driving a plurality of loads comprising:
- a single current regulator;
- a first transformer electrically coupled to the single current regulator;
- the first transformer being electrically coupled in series with a second transformer and a third transformer;
- and
- the second and third transformers having respective turn ratios which are substantially equal.
A constant current circuit for driving a plurality of loads comprising:
- a current regulator;
- a load current for each of the loads, respectively;
- an autotransformer coupled to the current regulator;
- and
- the autotransformer being divided into parts;
- wherein
- each of the parts has an inductance and the inductances are substantially equal, whereby
- the load currents are substantially equal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.