Signal converter

Abstract

A signal converter for converting a varying input voltage, such as an output signal from a detector, into an output voltage in absolute value, including an operational amplifier, a comparator and two groups of electronic switches. The comparator compares the varying input voltage to a predetermined reference voltage. The operational amplifier has negative and positive input terminals and generates an output voltage signal in proportion to the difference between the voltages applied to its two input terminals. When the input voltage is less than the reference voltage, one group of electronic switches turns on, so that the input voltage and the reference voltage are applied to the negative and the positive input terminals of the operational amplifier, respectively. When the input voltage is greater than the reference voltage, the other group of the electronic switches turns on, so that the input voltage and the reference voltage are applied to the positive and the negative input terminals of the operational amplifier, respectively.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.