Ramp generator
AssigneeBattelle Development Corporation
InventorDennis G. Rider
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus receiving step voltage inputs provides an output voltage that moves as a linear ramp from step to step. Each new input causes an amplifying circuit to connect a predetermined potential to an integrator, starting a new ramp. A comparator circuit receives voltages proportional respectively to the input and the ramp output, and when they become equal it stops the ramp. An inverter is automatically connected into the amplifying circuit when needed to change the polarity of the potential to the integrator, and thus to reverse the direction of the ramp. Manual and automatic adjusting and switching means control the operating sequences and parameters.
Claims36
Apparatus for receiving a succession of input voltages that may vary in discrete steps in amplitude and polarity with time and providing a substantially linear ramp output voltage responsive thereto, comprising
- means for receiving each input voltage and providing a potential responsive thereto,
- integrating means for receiving each potential, providing in response thereto an output voltage that changes approximately proportionally with time from its old value responsive to the preceding input voltage and potential to a new value that is responsive to the new input voltage and potential each time an input voltage is received that differs by more than a negligible amount from the preceding one, and then maintaining the output voltage substantially constant until the next such time, and
- difference amplifier means for receiving a first voltage porportional to the input voltage and a second voltage proportional to the output voltage and providing a comparison voltage responsive to any more than negligible difference between the first and second voltages, switching means responsive to the difference amplifier means for connecting the integrating means selectively, either
- (a), while such a difference exists, to the potential responsive to the input voltage, for beginning and then continuing its integrating, or
- (b), when such a difference does not exist, to the comparison voltage, for correcting the output voltage when necessary, to a value that is a predetermined proportion of the input voltage, and, when the output voltage is correct, maintaining it substantially constant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.