Multi-purpose current driver system and method

A multi-channel current driver system comprising:

• a programmable controller responsive to a master clock input signal;
• a plurality of current driver subsystems that each generate a current signal that is applied to an associated external component;
• the programmable controller being configured to turn-on each of said current signals and to turn off each of said current signals in synchronization with said master clock input signal;
• a serial interface for interfacing said programmable controller to a first external subsystem generating a serial output;
• a parallel interface for interfacing said programmable controller to a second external subsystem generating a parallel output;
• and
• wherein said programmable controller further comprises an input signal loopback system for providing an output signal corresponding to an input signal, to thus verify receipt of said input signal to an external subsystem;
• a timer in communication with said programmable controller for setting a specific delay time interval corresponding to a specific current signal turn off point, from a plurality of available different time delay intervals that correspond to a plurality of different current signal turn off points;
• and
• said programmable controller interrupting a first current signal upon a detected expiration of said specific time delay interval and applying a second current signal.

A multi-channel current driver system comprising:

• a programmable controller responsive to said master input clock signal;
• a current driver subsystem for generating first and second different current signals that are applied to an external component;
• and
• the programmable controller being programmed to control said current driver subsystem to selectively cause said current driver subsystem to generate said first and second current signals;
• said programmable controller being configured to turn-on said current signal and to turn off said current signal in synchronization with said master clock signal;
• a serial interface for interfacing said programmable controller to a first external subsystem generating a serial output;
• and
• a parallel interface for interfacing said programmable controller to a second external subsystem generating a parallel output;
• and
• said programmable controller further comprising an input signal loopback system for providing an output signal corresponding to an input signal, to thus verify receipt of said input signal to an external subsystem;
• a timer in communication with said programmable controller for setting a specific delay time interval corresponding to a specific current signal turn off point, from a plurality of available different time delay intervals that correspond to a plurality of different current signal turn off points;
• and
• said programmable controller interrupting said first current signal upon a detected expiration of said specific time delay interval and applying said second current signal.

A method for applying a current signal to an external component, comprising:

• using a master clock to generate a system clock signal;
• applying said system clock signal to a programmable controller, and using said programmable controller to receive at least one of a serial and a parallel input signal;
• using the programmable controller to control a plurality of current driver subsystems that form a multi-channel current driver system, to cause each of the current driver subsystems to generate a current signal having a desired magnitude;
• using the programmable controller to synchronize a turn-on and a turn-off of said current signal to said system clock signal;
• using the programmable controller to implement an input signal loopback system for providing an output signal corresponding to an input signal, to thus verify receipt of said input signal to an external subsystem;
• using a timer in communication with said programmable controller for setting a specific delay time interval corresponding to a specific current signal turn off point, from a plurality of available different time delay intervals that correspond to a plurality of different current signal turn off points;
• and
• using the programmable controller to interrupt a first current signal upon a detected expiration of said specific time delay interval and applying a second current signal.