US3560727A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Function generator having a multi-channel amplifying system with each channel having an adjustable scope and break point
Assignee: Fischer and Porter Co
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Filing: 1969-04-28
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Granted: 1971-02-02
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Expires: 1989-04-28
Abstract
Abstract A function generator for producing an output signal which varies as a prescribed mathematical function of an input signal. The generator comprises a bank of like amplifying channels whose inputs are connected in shunt relation, the input signal being applied concurrently to all channels. Each channel includes adjustable gain control means to vary the amplification slope thereof, and means to adjust the breakpoint thereof to vary the input level at which the channel is conductive. The output of each channel is fed through a separate polarity-reversing switch to a common summing amplifier whose output signal is functionally related to the input signal in accordance with the combined slopes of the amplifying channels as determined by their respective polarities.
Inventors
- 👤 John E Schussler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 12:07
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06G; G06G7/00; G06G7/12; G06G7/26; G06G7/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
A function generator comprising: a. a plurality of like amplifying channels, each having gain control means to vary the amplification slope thereof and means including A variable bias source to adjust the breakpoint thereof, whereby the amplifying channel conducts only when the bias voltage is exceeded by an input signal; b. means to apply an input signal to all of said channels concurrently; c. a differential summing amplifier having positive and negative input terminals; and d. means coupling each channel to the input terminals of said amplifier through a polarity-reversing switch whereby the output of the amplifier is a signal which is functionally related to the input signal in accordance with the combined slopes of the channels as determined by their respective polarities.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
A function generator comprising: a. a plurality of like amplifying channels, each having gain control means to vary the amplification slope thereof and means including A variable bias source to adjust the breakpoint thereof, whereby the amplifying channel conducts only when the bias voltage is exceeded by an input signal; b. means to apply an input signal to all of said channels concurrently; c. a differential summing amplifier having positive and negative input terminals; and d. means coupling each channel to the input terminals of said amplifier through a polarity-reversing switch whereby the output of the amplifier is a signal which is functionally related to the input signal in accordance with the combined slopes of the channels as determined by their respective polarities.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A generator as set forth in claim 1, further including a voltage-to-current converter coupled to the output of said amplifier to produce an output current corresponding to the output voltage of the amplifier.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A generator as set forth in claim 2, further including a feedback network between said converter and the input of said amplifier to maintain a linear relationship between said output current and said output voltage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
A generator as set forth in claim 1, further including adjustable rebias means coupled to the input of said amplifier to provide a minimum output in the absence of an input to the amplifier from the channels.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A generator as set forth in claim 1, wherein said input signal is a voltage in the range of 1 to 5 volts.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A generator as set forth in claim 2, wherein said current is in the range of 4 to 20 ma.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-01 | 1974-08-03 | 1975-02-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-01 | 1978-08-03 | 1979-02-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-01 | 1982-08-03 | 1983-02-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |