US3646484A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Diode-switched rf attenuator
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1970-07-08
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Granted: 1972-02-29
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Expires: 1990-07-08
Abstract
Abstract Bypass and attenuation paths are provided through respectively switched diodes. The diodes in the bypass path are turned on in response to direct current of one polarity, and off in response to the opposite polarity, and conversely for the diodes in the attenuate path. Filters are provided to exclude direct current from the bypass and attenuation paths, and to exclude RF from the source of direct current. Equalizers and compensators associated with each path allow phase-shift and attenuation to be accurately adjusted.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald E Maxwell
- 👤 Roger W Mazzochi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 20:25
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/51; H03K17/74; H03G; H03G1/00; H03G1/0005; H03G1/0088; H03H; H03H7/00; H03H7/24; H03H7/25
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
251 words
An RF device switchable between attenuate and bypass conditions comprising: a bypass path including first and second series-connected oppositely poled diodes; an attenuate path including the series connection of resistance means and third and fourth oppositely poled diodes; wherein said resistance means comprises a pi-section including a first fixed and a variable resistor in series with said path, and further fixed resistors connected between the ends of said first fixed and said variable resistor and ground; means for providing either polarity of DC current connected to each of said diodes; first and second inputoutput terminals; said paths being connected in parallel between said terminals, wherein opposite poles of said first and third diodes are connected to said first terminal, and opposite poles of said second and fourth diodes are connected to said second terminal, and saId means for providing is connected to the poles of said diodes not connected to said terminals, fifth and sixth diodes connected between ground and the respective poles of said first and third diodes not connected to said terminals, whereby when said fifth diode is conducting current from said means for providing, said first diode is held nonconducting, and when said sixth diode is conducting current from said means for providing, said third diode is held nonconducting; wherein said first, second, and sixth diodes all conduct for one polarity of current from said means for providing, and said third, fourth, and fifth diodes all conduct for the opposite polarity of current from said means for providing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
251 words
An RF device switchable between attenuate and bypass conditions comprising: a bypass path including first and second series-connected oppositely poled diodes; an attenuate path including the series connection of resistance means and third and fourth oppositely poled diodes; wherein said resistance means comprises a pi-section including a first fixed and a variable resistor in series with said path, and further fixed resistors connected between the ends of said first fixed and said variable resistor and ground; means for providing either polarity of DC current connected to each of said diodes; first and second inputoutput terminals; said paths being connected in parallel between said terminals, wherein opposite poles of said first and third diodes are connected to said first terminal, and opposite poles of said second and fourth diodes are connected to said second terminal, and saId means for providing is connected to the poles of said diodes not connected to said terminals, fifth and sixth diodes connected between ground and the respective poles of said first and third diodes not connected to said terminals, whereby when said fifth diode is conducting current from said means for providing, said first diode is held nonconducting, and when said sixth diode is conducting current from said means for providing, said third diode is held nonconducting; wherein said first, second, and sixth diodes all conduct for one polarity of current from said means for providing, and said third, fourth, and fifth diodes all conduct for the opposite polarity of current from said means for providing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said paths includes DC blocking means therein and impedance adjusting means.
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) | 1975-02-28 | 1975-08-30 | 1976-02-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-28 | 1979-08-30 | 1980-02-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-28 | 1983-08-30 | 1984-02-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |