US3840807A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for measuring a voltage with the aid of an analogue-digital converter
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1972-03-22
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Granted: 1974-10-08
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Expires: 1992-03-22
Abstract
Abstract The invention provides a method of measuring a voltage by means of an analogue-digital converter consisting of, preferably, a differential amplifier, an integrator and a comparator, in which method the voltage to be measured and subsequently a reference voltage are applied to the input of the converter, the integrator being maintained during the measuring process by means of an auxiliary voltage at a potential that in actual amount is greater than the voltage to be measured and preferably has the same sign as the reference voltage. The invention further provides voltage measuring apparatus for performance of the above method wherein the output of the comparator is connected with an input of the differential amplifier, which in turn is connected with one side of a storage device, preferably a capacitor. Between the storage device and the comparator output is a switch, and an auxiliary voltage source is provided which can be applied to another input of the differential amplifier, of which the voltage in actual amount is larger than the voltage to be measured and which preferably has the same polarity as the reference voltage.
Inventors
- 👤 G Zschimmer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 23:24
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03M; H03M1/00; H03M1/12; H03M1/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
220 words
An analogue to digital converter for converting and measuring an analogue input signal to a digital output signal comprising a source of reference and auxiliary voltages, said reference and auxiliary voltages having the same polarity, a differential amplifier having first and second input terminals and an output terminal, an integrator having an input and output terminal, said integrator input terminal being connected to said differential amplifier output terminal, a comparator for generating the digital output signal having input and output terminals, said comparator input terminal being connected to said integrator output terminal, storage means for storing a signal, said storage means being connected to said differential amplifier second input terminal, first switch means for operably connecting said auxiliary voltage to said differential amplifier first input terminal, second switch means for operably connecting the analogue input signal to said differential amplifier first input terminal, third switch means for operably connecting the reference voltage to said differential amplifier first input terminal, fourth switch means for operably connecting said comparator output terminal to said storage means, and readout means for generating a readout indicative of digital values of the input analog signal, whereby said first and fourth switch means are first to be operated, said second switch means is second to be operated and said third switch means is third to be operated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
220 words
An analogue to digital converter for converting and measuring an analogue input signal to a digital output signal comprising a source of reference and auxiliary voltages, said reference and auxiliary voltages having the same polarity, a differential amplifier having first and second input terminals and an output terminal, an integrator having an input and output terminal, said integrator input terminal being connected to said differential amplifier output terminal, a comparator for generating the digital output signal having input and output terminals, said comparator input terminal being connected to said integrator output terminal, storage means for storing a signal, said storage means being connected to said differential amplifier second input terminal, first switch means for operably connecting said auxiliary voltage to said differential amplifier first input terminal, second switch means for operably connecting the analogue input signal to said differential amplifier first input terminal, third switch means for operably connecting the reference voltage to said differential amplifier first input terminal, fourth switch means for operably connecting said comparator output terminal to said storage means, and readout means for generating a readout indicative of digital values of the input analog signal, whereby said first and fourth switch means are first to be operated, said second switch means is second to be operated and said third switch means is third to be operated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
An analogue to Digital converter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the auxiliary voltage is generated by connecting a voltage divider to said source of reference voltage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
An analogue to digital converter as claimed in claim 2 wherein the input signal is zero voltage and the resistance of said voltage divider is an unknown resistance, wherby the converter is employed to measure the unknown resistance.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
An analogue to digital converter as claimed in claim 1 including a counter connected to said comparator output terminal, said counter counting after the operation of said second switch means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
An analogue to digital converter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said source of reference and auxiliary voltages is obtained from the analogue input voltage, whereby a non-linear characteristic is obtained.
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) | 1977-10-07 | 1978-04-08 | 1978-10-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-07 | 1982-04-08 | 1982-10-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-07 | 1986-04-08 | 1986-10-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |