US 7,696,870 B2 · Sensor and transmission control circuit in adaptive interface package

Abstract

A programmable interface module includes a linear power regulator to control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis. The interface module is implemented in, for example, a sensor pack and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode, the linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of power which allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detecting an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extreme temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltage regulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator ramps up the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensor module can then provide a level indicative of a concentration or intensity of the environmental condition. If the level surpasses a predetermined threshold, the sensor pack can output an alert signal to security server.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A sensor pack with an interface designed to be configured for particular uses, comprising:

a sensor module for sensing an environmental condition and generating a signal indicating a level therefrom, the sensor module having associated configuration information related to its operation;
a programmable interface module coupled to the sensor module and configured to receive the level signal and output a threshold signal, the programmable interface comprising:
a configuration module to receive or update said configuration information, allowing adaptation to operation with the sensor module, wherein the configuration module is configured to store configuration information;
a processor, communicatively coupled to the interface module that executes one or more instructions responsive to one or more signals received from the sensor module;
and
a communication module, communicatively coupled to the interface module, for outputting an alert in response to said threshold signal indicating the level has met an alert threshold.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Sensor and transmission control circuit in adaptive interface package

Life of this patent

Sensor and transmission control circuit in adaptive interface package

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27