US3673492A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Voltage controlled hybrid attenuator
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1971-07-27
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Granted: 1972-06-27
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Expires: 1991-07-27
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure relates to attenuators and, particularly, to controllable, constant-impedance attenuators. More particularly, this disclosure describes a voltage or current-controlled absorptive attenuator, using a four terminal hybrid circuit, wherein the amount of power passed from the input terminal to the output terminal can be varied from zero to maximum by controlling the amount of power diverted to the other two, quadrature terminals of the hybrid network.
Inventors
- 👤 Russell A Gilson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 23:32
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03H; H03H7/00; H03H7/24; H03H7/25; H03H7/253; H03H7/255; H01; H01P; H01P1/00; H01P1/22; H01P1/227
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
224 words
A voltage-controlled hybrid attenuator comprising: a hybrid network of a given characteristic impedance having an input terminal, an output terminal, a first quadrature terminal, and a second quadrature terminal; a source of input signals of said given characteristic impedance connected to said input terminal; an output load of said given characteristic impedance connected to said output terminal; a first terminating impedance connected to said first quadrature terminal; a second terminating impedance connected to said second quadrature terminal; a first capacitor and a first, voltage-variable impedance connected in series across said first terminating impedance; a second capacitor and a second, voltage-variable impedance connected in series across said second terminating impedance; a source of control voltage; a first inductive choke connected between said source of control voltage and the junction of said first capacitor and said first voltage-variable impedance; a second inductive choke connected between said source of control voltage and the junction of said second capacitor and said second voltage-variable impedance; the overall impedance across each of said terminating impedances being the value of said given characteristic impedance, when said voltage-variable impedances are at a maximum value and approaching zero as the voltage from said source of control voltage decreases said voltage-variable impedances to a minimum value, whereby said transmission gain, between said input and said output terminals, varies from a minimum to a maximum.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
224 words
A voltage-controlled hybrid attenuator comprising: a hybrid network of a given characteristic impedance having an input terminal, an output terminal, a first quadrature terminal, and a second quadrature terminal; a source of input signals of said given characteristic impedance connected to said input terminal; an output load of said given characteristic impedance connected to said output terminal; a first terminating impedance connected to said first quadrature terminal; a second terminating impedance connected to said second quadrature terminal; a first capacitor and a first, voltage-variable impedance connected in series across said first terminating impedance; a second capacitor and a second, voltage-variable impedance connected in series across said second terminating impedance; a source of control voltage; a first inductive choke connected between said source of control voltage and the junction of said first capacitor and said first voltage-variable impedance; a second inductive choke connected between said source of control voltage and the junction of said second capacitor and said second voltage-variable impedance; the overall impedance across each of said terminating impedances being the value of said given characteristic impedance, when said voltage-variable impedances are at a maximum value and approaching zero as the voltage from said source of control voltage decreases said voltage-variable impedances to a minimum value, whereby said transmission gain, between said input and said output terminals, varies from a minimum to a maximum.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A voltage-controlled hybrid attenuator as in claim 1 wherein said voltage-variable impedances are voltage-variable resistance diodes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A voltage-controlled hybrid attenuator as in claim 1 wherein said given characteristic impedance is 50 ohms.
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) | 1975-06-27 | 1975-12-27 | 1976-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-27 | 1979-12-27 | 1980-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-27 | 1983-12-27 | 1984-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |