Amplitude-space converter, more particularly for dynamic display systems on matrices

Claim 1

An amplitude-space converter unit comprising, in combination, at least one comparator having a first input to which is applied a voltage representing the magnitude of a variable, at least one second input receiving a stepwise varying voltage, and an output; a display matrix constituted by electroluminescent diodes arranged in lines having respective step values; said comparator output delivering a signal to a line of said matrix having the same step value as that for which the stepwise varying voltage on said second comparator input becomes at least equal to the magnitude-representing voltage on said first comparator input; a binary/decimal decoder having an output connected to said second comparator input; a decimal/binary encoder having outputs connected to inputs of said decoder, and having an end-of-scan output; a primary latchable storage having inputs connected to the outputs of said encoder and to the inputs of said decoder; a clock connected to the input of said encoder and delivering clock pulses thereto; a secondary latchable storage having inputs connected to corresponding outputs of said primary latchable storage; said primary latchable storage having a triggering input connected to said comparator output; said secondary latchable storage having a triggering input connEcted to said end-of-scan output of said encoder; a secondary binary/decimal decoder having inputs connected to corresponding outputs of said secondary latchable storage; and interface means interposed between said secondary decoder and said display matrix and having inputs connected to corresponding outputs of said secondary decoder and having outputs connected to corresponding lines of said display matrix.