US3679992A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tunnel diode oscillator fm temperature sensor
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1971-06-01
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Granted: 1972-07-25
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Expires: 1991-06-01
Abstract
Abstract In a tunnel diode oscillator used as a temperature sensor including a second tunnel diode to shift the bias for the tunnel diode oscillator with temperature changes, an approximately linear relationship is obtained between temperature and output frequency. A further correction is provided by having temperature variations induce strains in the substrate material of the tunnel diode which will further modify the output frequency in accordance with temperature variations.
Inventors
- 👤 Alexander J Yerman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 23:47
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01K; G01K7/00; G01K7/01
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A linear temperature transducer comprising a source of first nd second value bias voltages, a tunnel diode oscillator comprising a first temperature sensitive tunnel diode energized by said first value bias voltage to operate at a maximum frequency for a selected temperature, and a temperature compensating circuit for said tunnel diode oscillator comprising a second temperature sensitive tunnel diode biased by said second value bias voltage so as to modify the first value bias voltage supplied to said first tunnel diode as a function of temperature and linearize the maximum frequencies of said tunnel diode oscillator over a range of temperatures, whereby the frequency of said oscillator is a measure of the temperature.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
A linear temperature transducer comprising a source of first nd second value bias voltages, a tunnel diode oscillator comprising a first temperature sensitive tunnel diode energized by said first value bias voltage to operate at a maximum frequency for a selected temperature, and a temperature compensating circuit for said tunnel diode oscillator comprising a second temperature sensitive tunnel diode biased by said second value bias voltage so as to modify the first value bias voltage supplied to said first tunnel diode as a function of temperature and linearize the maximum frequencies of said tunnel diode oscillator over a range of temperatures, whereby the frequency of said oscillator is a measure of the temperature.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A transducer as set forth in claim 1 wherein said tunnel diode oscillator includes an inductor connected in series with said first tunnel diode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A transducer as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first and second tunnel diodes are mounted on a common probe in physical proximity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
A transducer as set forth in claim 3 further including means for straining said tunnel diodes as a function of temperature to further modify the frequency of said tunnel diode oscillator and improve the linearity of the frequency-temperature characteristic of said transducer.
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) | 1975-07-25 | 1976-01-24 | 1976-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-25 | 1980-01-24 | 1980-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-25 | 1984-01-24 | 1984-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |