Abstract A Constant Velocity Vector Generator is disclosed for connecting X, Y coordinate points of a rectangular coordinate display system. A pair of absolute value amplifier circuits, a square-root-of-the-sum-of-the-squares circuit, a pair of dividers, and a pair of integrators are employed to convert simultaneous DELTA X and DELTA Y step voltages to ramp voltage pairs which are applied to appropriate X and Y deflection circuits of a graphic display device to produce straight-line traces whose velocities are constant for all vectors regardless of magnitude (line length) or direction (angle). Each vector may be drawn to any length or direction, immediately after which new data may be applied to the vector generator to initiate a new vector whose origin is the end point of the preceding vector. Such a system is particularly applicable to computer-drawn displays. The vector generating circuits are suitable for realization in a monolithic integrated circuit.
An integrating circuit, comprising: differential amplifier means including differentially connected first and second transistors and a pair of input elements coupled to the bases of said transistors respectively for converting a difference current to a difference voltage for application to said bases, said input elements having logarithmic conduction characteristics substantially corresponding to that of a semiconductor junction; operational amplifier means having - and + terminals and an output terminal, said - and + terminals connected to the collectors of said first and second transistors respectively; an input terminal for receiving step voltage signals, said input terminal coupled to said + input terminal of said operational amplifier; feedback means including a resistive element connected from said output terminal of said operational amplifier means to the - input terminal of said operational amplifier, said feedback means further including a capacitive element connected from said output terminal of said operational amplifier means to the base of said second transistor; and current source means connected to the emitters of said differentially connected first and second transistors.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
172 words
An integrating circuit, comprising: differential amplifier means including differentially connected first and second transistors and a pair of input elements coupled to the bases of said transistors respectively for converting a difference current to a difference voltage for application to said bases, said input elements having logarithmic conduction characteristics substantially corresponding to that of a semiconductor junction; operational amplifier means having - and + terminals and an output terminal, said - and + terminals connected to the collectors of said first and second transistors respectively; an input terminal for receiving step voltage signals, said input terminal coupled to said + input terminal of said operational amplifier; feedback means including a resistive element connected from said output terminal of said operational amplifier means to the - input terminal of said operational amplifier, said feedback means further including a capacitive element connected from said output terminal of said operational amplifier means to the base of said second transistor; and current source means connected to the emitters of said differentially connected first and second transistors.