Multi-channel implicit ratio computer for sequential signals

Claim 1

In a multi-channel electrical signal ratioing circuit for a source delivering an electric analog signal pulse sequence constituting measured parameter signals A 1 , A 2 . . . A n and a plurality of reference signals R 1 , R 2 . . . R m , signal gating and timing means having signal identification means maintaining time coordination with said signal pulse sequence, and gate actuating means responsive to said signal identification means, actuating, for predetermined time durations, the respective gates corresponding to said parameter signals A 1 , A 2 . . . A n , and said reference signals R 1 , R 2 . . . R m , a first variable gain amplifier which imparts a gain G to said parameter and reference signals, a first gated integrator which, during a gated period R, wherein at least one of said reference signals R 1 , R 2 . . . R m is delivered, has a first input terminal receiving the sum of said signal pulse sequence of a given polarity from said amplifier and a substantially constant preselected DC reference voltage K of opposite polarity, and a second input terminal connected to common, a feedback connection between the output side of said gated integrator and said first amplifier to control the gain-determining means thereof, a signal withdrawal circuit connection delivering said output of said first amplifier to a first sampling circuit incorporating at least one gated sampler reserved to the readout of a preselected one of the ratios KA 1 /R, KA 2 /R, . . . KA n /R, where R is the time average of a selected set of reference signals admitted by the gated integrator during said gated period R, and additional individual ratioing channels, each incorporating its own variable gain amplifier, gated integrator feedback and sampling circuit, connected to the output of said first amplifier via said signal withdrawal circuit connection determining additional signal ratios with respect to other reference signal sets R selected from said plurality R 1 , R 2 . . . R m .