Analog control of pulse rates

Claim 1

A pulse rate controller for receiving input pulses and generating output pulses with an output pulse rate limited by the amplitude of an analog control signal, said controller comprising: first input means for receiving input pulses; second input means for receiving an analog control signal; a voltage ramp generator for generating a voltage ramp signal; a voltage comparison circuit having a first input terminal connected to said second input means and a second input terminal connected to said voltage ramp generator and assuming a first comparison condition when the analog control signal is of a greater voltage than is the voltage ramp signal and a second comparison condition when the analog control signal is of a lesser voltage than is the voltage ramp signal; circuit means connected to said first input means, to said voltage ramp generator, and to said voltage comparison circuit; said circuit means, in response to said voltage comparison circuit assuming said second comparison condition, assuming a first state in which said circuit means disables and discharges said voltage ramp generator to prevent generation of a voltage ramp signal; said circuit means in response to an input pulse received at said first input means assuming a second state in which said circuit means enables said voltage ramp generator to generate a voltage ramp signal; and pulse generating means connected to said circuit means for generating an output pulse in response to said circuit means assuming said second state.