Patent US3886351A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3886351A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical-to-electronic interface circuit
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1974-03-11
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Granted: 1975-05-27
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Expires: 1994-03-11
Abstract
Abstract An optical-to-electronic interface circuit is provided for converting digital signal information in the form of light energy into commensurate digital electronic signals. A photoresponsive means is positioned to receive light signals for developing commensurate electrical signals. A first differential amplifier is connected to receive the electrical output signals as a first input and also a known fixed reference as a second input for generating first and second output signals having a differential therebetween as a function of the differential between its received inputs. First and second unidirectional current paths connect the first and second output signals of the first differential amplifier as inputs to a second differential amplifier. A differential comparator receives the output signals developed by the second differential amplifier for generating a signal as a function of the difference between its received signals.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald N Williams
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 20:44
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L25/00; H04L25/02; H04L25/20; H04L25/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
An optical-to-electronic interface circuit comprising: a photo-responsive means positioned to receive light signals for developing electrical output signals as a function of said light signals; a first differential amplifier connected to receive said electrical output signals as a first input, and a known fixed reference as a second input for generating first and second output signals having a differential therebetween as a function of the differential between its received inputs; a second differential amplifier; first and second unidirectional current paths connecting said first and second output signals as inputs to said second differential amplifier; and a differential comparator connected to receive the output signals of siad second differential amplifier for generating a signal as a function of the difference between said output signals developed by second differential amplifier.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
An optical-to-electronic interface circuit comprising: a photo-responsive means positioned to receive light signals for developing electrical output signals as a function of said light signals; a first differential amplifier connected to receive said electrical output signals as a first input, and a known fixed reference as a second input for generating first and second output signals having a differential therebetween as a function of the differential between its received inputs; a second differential amplifier; first and second unidirectional current paths connecting said first and second output signals as inputs to said second differential amplifier; and a differential comparator connected to receive the output signals of siad second differential amplifier for generating a signal as a function of the difference between said output signals developed by second differential amplifier.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
An optical-to-electronic interface circuit as claimed in claim 1 wherein said First and second unidirectional current paths each comprises a plurality of series-connected, forward-biased diodes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
An optical-to-electronic interface circuit as claimed in claim 2 wherein said diodes are matched for substantially equivalent temperature coefficients and forward voltages.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
An optical-to-electronic interface circuit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the output signals of said differential comparator are connected to a signal shaping circuit and a digital logic gate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
An optical-to-electronic interface circuit as claimed in claim 1 and including a potentiometer connected between said first and second unidirectional current paths with its variable tap connected to ground potential for selectively adjusting the balance between said paths.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
An optical-to-electronic interface circuit as claimed in claim 1 wherein said differential comparator is included as part of a differential line receiver.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
An optical-to-electronic interface circuit as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second differential amplifiers are identical.
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) | 1978-05-26 | 1978-11-25 | 1979-05-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-26 | 1982-11-25 | 1983-05-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-26 | 1986-11-25 | 1987-05-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |