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US4122391A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Frequency deviation measuring and adjusting system

Assignee: AG Communication Systems Corp
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Filing: 1977-09-19
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Granted: 1978-10-24
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Expires: 1997-09-19
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Abstract

Abstract A calibrated unipolar signal is used to deviate a frequency modulator by a predetermined amount Δf from a carrier f 2 . An automatic frequency control circuit operates to bring the carrier back on frequency and a meter connected in the control circuit will read this departure from normal. During the test for correct deviation, a frequency shifter compensates for the predetermined frequency deviation and the meter would so indicate, e.g., would not change reading from that of carrier alone, if the deviation caused by the calibrated unipolar signal is equal to that incorporated in the frequency shifter. If the reading does change, the modulation sensitivity of the frequency modulator is adjusted until the readings before test (using carrier only) are the same as those under test.

Inventors

  • 👤 Maurice C. Harp
  • 👤 Terry R. Seaver

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-25 17:11
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R23/00; G01R23/02; G01R23/12; H; H04; H04B; H04B14/00; H04B14/002; H04B14/006

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim 254 words
Apparatus for checking the frequency deviation Δf of a carrier frequency f c in a frequency modulation system comprising: frequency modulator means, including an adjustable modulation amplifier for adjusting the modulation sensitivity and a voltage controlled frequency modulated oscillator operating at the carrier frequency f c , said frequency modulator means having a modulation frequency input path, an oscillator frequency control input and having an output, whereby frequency deviation of the carrier f c is obtained at said output when a modulation frequency is applied to the modulation frequency input; means for applying to said modulation frequency input path a calibrated modulation frequency f s having an amplitude such that a predetermined peak frequency deviation Δf will be obtained at the output of said frequency modulator means if the modulation sensitivity is properly adjusted; means for changing the frequency of the frequency deviated signal said predetermined amount, but in the opposite direction so that the original diviation will be effectively cancelled if the modulation sensitivity is properly adjusted, said changing means having an input connected to the output of said frequency modulator means and having an output; means for automatically controlling the frequency of the voltage controlled oscillator by supplying from an output a control signal to the oscillator frequency control input of the frequency modulator means, said controlling means having an input connected to the output of said changing means; and measuring means having an input connected to the output of said automatic controlling means, for providing an indication of the frequency diviation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 254 words
Apparatus for checking the frequency deviation Δf of a carrier frequency f c in a frequency modulation system comprising: frequency modulator means, including an adjustable modulation amplifier for adjusting the modulation sensitivity and a voltage controlled frequency modulated oscillator operating at the carrier frequency f c , said frequency modulator means having a modulation frequency input path, an oscillator frequency control input and having an output, whereby frequency deviation of the carrier f c is obtained at said output when a modulation frequency is applied to the modulation frequency input; means for applying to said modulation frequency input path a calibrated modulation frequency f s having an amplitude such that a predetermined peak frequency deviation Δf will be obtained at the output of said frequency modulator means if the modulation sensitivity is properly adjusted; means for changing the frequency of the frequency deviated signal said predetermined amount, but in the opposite direction so that the original diviation will be effectively cancelled if the modulation sensitivity is properly adjusted, said changing means having an input connected to the output of said frequency modulator means and having an output; means for automatically controlling the frequency of the voltage controlled oscillator by supplying from an output a control signal to the oscillator frequency control input of the frequency modulator means, said controlling means having an input connected to the output of said changing means; and measuring means having an input connected to the output of said automatic controlling means, for providing an indication of the frequency diviation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 143 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for changing the frequency comprises: oscillator means having an output, said oscillator means generating a frequency equal to the frequency Δf of the predetermined peak frequency deviation; modulator means having as a first input the deviated signal output of said frequency modulator means, having as a second input the output of said oscillator means, said modulator means providing modulation frequencies which include a frequency f x near the carrier frequency f c at an output, said frequency f x will be equal to f c if the modulation sensitivity is properly adjusted; and means for selecting the frequency f x for automatic control of the voltage controlled oscillator, said selecting means having an input connected to the output of said modulator means and having an output connected to the input of said controlling means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 38 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for changing the frequency comprises: a programmable counter programmed for said carrier frequency f c ; and means for altering the counter program by said predetermined peak frequency deviation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 249 words
Apparatus for checking the frequency deviation of a carrier frequency f c of a frequency modulated signal comprising: frequency modulator means having a modulation frequency input, having a control input and having an output, whereby frequency deviation of the carrier f c is obtained when a modulation frequency is applied to the modulation frequency input; means for applying to said modulation frequency input a calibrated modulation frequency f s hving an amplitude such that a predetermined peak frequency deviation will be obtained if the modulation sensitivity of the frequency modulator means is properly adjusted; program gating means having an output; digital automatic frequency control means having an output connected to the control input of said frequency modulator, having an input connected to the output of said frequency modulator means, having a programmable counter connected to said input, having a programmed input connected to the output of said program gating means, whereby said programmable counter will provide an equivalent of the carrier frequency f c when said program gating means is in one binary state and a frequency different from f c by Δf when in the other said state the latter frequency being in a direction such as to correct for the effect of the peak frequency deviation Δf caused by the calibrated modulation frequency f s when the modulation sensitivity is correctly adjusted; and measuring means having an input connected to the output of said frequency control means, said measuring means providing an indication of the frequency deviation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 249 words
Apparatus for checking the frequency deviation of a carrier frequency f c of a frequency modulated signal comprising: frequency modulator means having a modulation frequency input, having a control input and having an output, whereby frequency deviation of the carrier f c is obtained when a modulation frequency is applied to the modulation frequency input; means for applying to said modulation frequency input a calibrated modulation frequency f s hving an amplitude such that a predetermined peak frequency deviation will be obtained if the modulation sensitivity of the frequency modulator means is properly adjusted; program gating means having an output; digital automatic frequency control means having an output connected to the control input of said frequency modulator, having an input connected to the output of said frequency modulator means, having a programmable counter connected to said input, having a programmed input connected to the output of said program gating means, whereby said programmable counter will provide an equivalent of the carrier frequency f c when said program gating means is in one binary state and a frequency different from f c by Δf when in the other said state the latter frequency being in a direction such as to correct for the effect of the peak frequency deviation Δf caused by the calibrated modulation frequency f s when the modulation sensitivity is correctly adjusted; and measuring means having an input connected to the output of said frequency control means, said measuring means providing an indication of the frequency deviation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 75 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said frequency modulator comprises: a modulation amplifier having a modulation frequency input, having an output, said modulation amplifier having controllable gain for adjustment of the modulation sensitivity of the frequency modulator; and a voltage controlled frequency modulation oscillator having one input connected to the output of said modulation amplifier having a control input connected to the output of said digital automatic frequency control means, and having an output.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 120 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 wherein said digital automatic frequency control means further comprises: a reference oscillator having an output; a reference counting means having an input connected to the output of said reference oscillator, said reference counting means providing a reference pulse repetition rate at an output; compare and integrate means having an output connected to the control input of said controlled voltage oscillator, having a first input connected to the output of said reference counting means, and having a second input connected to the output of said programmable counting means, said compare and integrate means providing a control signal for automatically controlling the frequency of said controlled oscillator, and for providing an input to said measuring means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 80 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein said means for applying comprises: a first gating means having a first input connected to the output of said reference counting means, having a second input connected to said programmed gating means, said gating means controlling the phase of the reference counting means appearing at its output; and amplitude adjustment means having an input connected to the output of said gating means, said adjustment providing a calibrated modulation frequency to an output path.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 96 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 wherein said program gating means comprises: a second gating means having one input connected to a reference voltage source, having a second input and having an output connected to an input of said programmable counter; switching means for disconnecting the input of the frequency modulator from the normal signal modulation frequency path and connecting the calibrated modulation frequency to the modulation frequency input of said frequency modulator; and means for connecting a second voltage reference source to said second input of said second gating means whereby the output changes state.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 527 words
Apparatus for adjusting the frequency deviation of a carrier frequency f c of a frequency modulated signal comprising: a frequency modulator having a modulation frequency input path, having a control input path and having an output path whereby frequency deviation of the carrier f c is obtained when a modulation frequency is applied to the modulation frequency input path, said frequency modulator including means for adjusting the modulation sensitivity; digital automatic frequency control means having an input path connected to the output path of said frequency modulator, having a first output path connected to the control input of said frequency modulator and providing a reference frequency at a second output, said digital automatic frequency control including a programmable counter which is programmed for normal operation with the carrier frequency f c and having a selected program input path, whereby for a binary input signal of one state on said input path normal operation is obtained and for a binary input signal of the other state the programmable counter is set to operate with an effective carrier which is different from f c by predetermined deviation frequency Δf; modulation frequency means having an input connected to the reference frequency output of said digital automatic frequency control means and having an output, said modulation frequency means providing at said output a calibrated unipolar signal having an amplitude such that a predetermined peak frequency deviation Δf will be obtained from said frequency modulator if the modulation sensitivity is properly adjusted; a first switching means having a first terminal connected to the modulation frequency input of said frequency modulator, having a second terminal connected to the through modulation path and having a third terminal connected to the output of said modulation frequency means, whereby said modulation frequency input is connected to the through modulation path when the first switching means is in one state and is connected to said output of the modulation frequency means when the first switching means is in an other state; program gating means having a first input connected to a first voltage source, having a second input and having an output path connected to the selected program input path of said programmable counter, whereby the binary signal on said output path shifts the counter by the equivalent of Δf when in one binary state; second switching means having one terminal thereof connected to a second reference voltage and having a second terminal thereof connected to the second input of said program gating means, whereby operation of said switching means from one state to the other state connects said second reference voltage to the second input and changes the state of the binary signal on the output path; and measuring means having a first input connected to the first output of said digital automatic frequency control, having a second input connected to said first voltage source, said measuring means providing a first indication when said switching means is in said other state, said measuring means providing a second indication when said first and second switching means are in said other state, said modulation sensitivity being adjusted so that the first and second indications are substantially the same.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 527 words
Apparatus for adjusting the frequency deviation of a carrier frequency f c of a frequency modulated signal comprising: a frequency modulator having a modulation frequency input path, having a control input path and having an output path whereby frequency deviation of the carrier f c is obtained when a modulation frequency is applied to the modulation frequency input path, said frequency modulator including means for adjusting the modulation sensitivity; digital automatic frequency control means having an input path connected to the output path of said frequency modulator, having a first output path connected to the control input of said frequency modulator and providing a reference frequency at a second output, said digital automatic frequency control including a programmable counter which is programmed for normal operation with the carrier frequency f c and having a selected program input path, whereby for a binary input signal of one state on said input path normal operation is obtained and for a binary input signal of the other state the programmable counter is set to operate with an effective carrier which is different from f c by predetermined deviation frequency Δf; modulation frequency means having an input connected to the reference frequency output of said digital automatic frequency control means and having an output, said modulation frequency means providing at said output a calibrated unipolar signal having an amplitude such that a predetermined peak frequency deviation Δf will be obtained from said frequency modulator if the modulation sensitivity is properly adjusted; a first switching means having a first terminal connected to the modulation frequency input of said frequency modulator, having a second terminal connected to the through modulation path and having a third terminal connected to the output of said modulation frequency means, whereby said modulation frequency input is connected to the through modulation path when the first switching means is in one state and is connected to said output of the modulation frequency means when the first switching means is in an other state; program gating means having a first input connected to a first voltage source, having a second input and having an output path connected to the selected program input path of said programmable counter, whereby the binary signal on said output path shifts the counter by the equivalent of Δf when in one binary state; second switching means having one terminal thereof connected to a second reference voltage and having a second terminal thereof connected to the second input of said program gating means, whereby operation of said switching means from one state to the other state connects said second reference voltage to the second input and changes the state of the binary signal on the output path; and measuring means having a first input connected to the first output of said digital automatic frequency control, having a second input connected to said first voltage source, said measuring means providing a first indication when said switching means is in said other state, said measuring means providing a second indication when said first and second switching means are in said other state, said modulation sensitivity being adjusted so that the first and second indications are substantially the same.
Claim 13
Independent Claim 104 words
A method of checking the modulation sensitivity of a frequency modulator consisting of the steps of: measuring the amplitude of the automatic frequency control signal during normal operation of the frequency modulator; switching from normal to a test mode to apply a calibrated modulation frequency to the modulation input of the modulator; shifting the frequency of the modulated carrier by a fixed amount and in a direction opposite to that effected by the calibrated modulation frequency; and again measuring the amplitude of the automatic frequency control signal during the test operation, whereby the difference between the normal amplitude and the test amplitude is determined.
Claim 14
Independent Claim 104 words
A method of checking the modulation sensitivity of a frequency modulator consisting of the steps of: measuring the amplitude of the automatic frequency control signal during normal operation of the frequency modulator; switching from normal to a test mode to apply a calibrated modulation frequency to the modulation input of the modulator; shifting the frequency of the modulated carrier by a fixed amount and in a direction opposite to that effected by the calibrated modulation frequency; and again measuring the amplitude of the automatic frequency control signal during the test operation, whereby the difference between the normal amplitude and the test amplitude is determined.
Claim 15
Independent Claim 117 words
A method of adjusting the frequency deviation of a frequency modulator consisting of the steps of: first, measuring the amplitude of the automatic frequency control signal during normal operation of the frequency modulator; second, switching from normal to the test mode to apply a calibrated modulation frequency to the modulation input of the modulator; third, shifting the frequency of the modulated carrier a fixed amount and in a direction opposite to that effected by the calibrated modulation frequency; fourth, measuring the amplitude of the automatic frequency control signal during the test operation; fifth, adjusting the modulation sensitivity; and repeating the first through fifth steps until the measurements during the first and fourth steps are substantially the same.
Claim 16
Independent Claim 117 words
A method of adjusting the frequency deviation of a frequency modulator consisting of the steps of: first, measuring the amplitude of the automatic frequency control signal during normal operation of the frequency modulator; second, switching from normal to the test mode to apply a calibrated modulation frequency to the modulation input of the modulator; third, shifting the frequency of the modulated carrier a fixed amount and in a direction opposite to that effected by the calibrated modulation frequency; fourth, measuring the amplitude of the automatic frequency control signal during the test operation; fifth, adjusting the modulation sensitivity; and repeating the first through fifth steps until the measurements during the first and fourth steps are substantially the same.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US3549997A Cited
US3893040A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1981-10-23 1982-04-24 1982-10-24 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1985-10-23 1986-04-24 1986-10-24 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1989-10-23 1990-04-24 1990-10-24 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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