Sensor with improved gain-setting capability
AssigneeRockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
InventorGeorge Rollins
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Abstract
A method of calibrating a sensor such as a photodetector, and device capable of employing that method, are disclosed. The method includes shining light upon a photosensitive device of the photodetector, receiving a first signal from an operator, and increasing a gain of the photodetector. The method also includes discontinuing the shining of the light upon the photosensitive device after the gain has been increased, receiving a second signal from an operator, and decreasing the gain so that the gain is not excessive.
Claims20
A method of setting an operational characteristic of a sensor, the method comprising:
- exposing the sensor to a first sensory condition;
- receiving a first signal from at least one of an operator and a control device;
- adjusting a characteristic of the sensor in a first manner;
- exposing the sensor to a second sensory condition after the characteristic has been adjusted in the first manner;
- receiving a second signal from at least one of the operator and the control device;
- and
- adjusting the characteristic in a second manner in at least one circumstance.
A method of calibrating a photodetector, the method comprising:
- shining light upon a photosensitive device of the photodetector;
- receiving a first signal from an operator;
- adjusting a gain of the photodetector in a first direction;
- discontinuing the shining of the light upon the photosensitive device after the gain has been adjusted in the first direction;
- receiving a second signal from an operator;
- and
- adjusting the gain in a second direction so that the gain meets a desired condition.
A photodetector comprising:
- a photosensitive device;
- at least one input device by which its is possible for an operator to provide input signals to the photodetector;
- a variable-gain amplifier circuit coupled to the photosensitive device and capable of receiving signals from the photosensitive device indicative of an intensity of light received by the photosensitive device;
- and
- a control component coupled to the variable-gain amplifier circuit and the at least one input device, wherein the control component provides signals governing the gain of the variable-gain amplifier circuit,
- wherein the gain of the variable-gain amplifier circuit is set in response to two input signals provided at the at least one input device, wherein the gain is increased after one of the two input signals is provided and the gain is decreased after the other of the two input signals is provided.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.