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US3593180A
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System for controlling the operation of a variable signal device
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1969-11-26
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Granted: 1971-07-13
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Expires: 1989-11-26
Abstract
Abstract A system for controlling the operation of a variable signal generator is disclosed. The system includes an error generator which provides an output which varies as a function of the difference between the instantaneous output signal value of the variable signal generator and a reference signal value. A variable light source emits light of an intensity corresponding to the error signal level. An electrically isolated light dependent control signal generator including a photoresistive voltage divider is disposed in optical communication with the light source. The control signal generator provides signals to the control terminal of the variable signal generator to regulate its operation.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard Bauer Kolbly
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 16:42
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03L; H03L7/00; H03L7/06; H03L7/08; H03L7/085; H03L7/093
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
A system for controlling the operation of a variable signal generator comprising: error signal generator means for providing an error signal which varies as a function of the difference between the instantaneous signal value of said variable signal generator and a reference signal value; variable light generating means for providing light emissions which vary in intensity as a function of said error signal; a light dependent control signal generator disposed in optical communication with said light source for generating a control signal which varies as a function of the intensity of light impinging thereon; control means for applying said control signal to said variable signal generator to control the operation thereof; and AC coupling means connected in parallel with said light dependent control signal generator for coupling fast components of said error signal to said control means for application to said variable signal generator.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
144 words
A system for controlling the operation of a variable signal generator comprising: error signal generator means for providing an error signal which varies as a function of the difference between the instantaneous signal value of said variable signal generator and a reference signal value; variable light generating means for providing light emissions which vary in intensity as a function of said error signal; a light dependent control signal generator disposed in optical communication with said light source for generating a control signal which varies as a function of the intensity of light impinging thereon; control means for applying said control signal to said variable signal generator to control the operation thereof; and AC coupling means connected in parallel with said light dependent control signal generator for coupling fast components of said error signal to said control means for application to said variable signal generator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said AC component coupling means comprises a capacitor connected between said error signal generating means and said control signal generating means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said error signal generating means comprises: a reference signal generator for generating a reference signal; and signal comparison means for providing an error signal as a function of the difference between the variable signal generator output and said reference signal values.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 3 wherein said variable signal generator is a variable frequency oscillator and said reference signal generator is an oscillator generating a predetermined reference frequency and wherein said signal comparison means generates an error signal as a function of the difference between said variable frequency oscillator output and said reference frequency.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system of claim 3 wherein said variable light generating means comprises: a light source adapted to provide light emissions the intensity of which varies as a function of the current supplied thereto; and current regulating means for regulating the currEnt supplied to said light source as a function of said error signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
77 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said variable signal generator has a control terminal for controlling the operation thereof, said control signal generator comprising: a photoresistive voltage divider maintained at approximately the potential of said control terminal, said voltage divider including a photoresistive element, said voltage divider providing control signals as a function of the light intensity impinging upon said photoresistive element, said control signals serving to selectively increase or decrease the potential of said control terminal.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
149 words
A system for controlling the oscillating frequency of a voltage controlled oscillator, said system comprising: means for generating an error signal which varies as a function of the difference between the instantaneous output value of said oscillator and a reference output value; a light source adapted to provide light emissions the intensity of which varies as a function of the current supplied thereto; regulator means for varying the current supplied to said light source as a function of said error signal; a light dependent control signal generator disposed in optical communication with said light source for providing a control voltage which varies as a function of the intensity of light impinging thereon; means for applying said control voltage to the control electrode of said voltage controlled oscillator for controlling the oscillating frequency thereof; and coupling means for applying fast changing components of said error signal to said control electrode.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
149 words
A system for controlling the oscillating frequency of a voltage controlled oscillator, said system comprising: means for generating an error signal which varies as a function of the difference between the instantaneous output value of said oscillator and a reference output value; a light source adapted to provide light emissions the intensity of which varies as a function of the current supplied thereto; regulator means for varying the current supplied to said light source as a function of said error signal; a light dependent control signal generator disposed in optical communication with said light source for providing a control voltage which varies as a function of the intensity of light impinging thereon; means for applying said control voltage to the control electrode of said voltage controlled oscillator for controlling the oscillating frequency thereof; and coupling means for applying fast changing components of said error signal to said control electrode.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-12 | 1975-01-11 | 1975-07-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-12 | 1979-01-11 | 1979-07-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-12 | 1983-01-11 | 1983-07-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |