US4307349A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Impatt amplifiers
Assignee: Post Office
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Filing: 1979-10-10
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Granted: 1981-12-22
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Expires: 1999-10-10
Abstract
Abstract A protection circuit for an Impatt amplifier includes a voltage comparator which is arranged to sense the terminal voltage of the or each Impatt diode. When the comparator senses that a diode terminal voltage has risen above a predetermined value a circuit is actuated which causes power to be disconnected from the amplifier. The present circuit does not require the use of expensive couplers.
Inventors
- 👤 William Thorpe
- 👤 Peter W. Huish
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 15:24
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03F; H03F3/00; H03F3/54; H03F1/00; H03F1/52
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
53 words
An Impatt amplifier including at least one modified READ profile Impatt diode; means affording connection of said amplifier to a source of power; and sensing means connected to sense the terminal voltage of said diode and operative when the terminal voltage exceeds a predetermined value for disconnecting said amplifier from the power source.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
53 words
An Impatt amplifier including at least one modified READ profile Impatt diode; means affording connection of said amplifier to a source of power; and sensing means connected to sense the terminal voltage of said diode and operative when the terminal voltage exceeds a predetermined value for disconnecting said amplifier from the power source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
An Impatt amplifier as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sensing means comprises a comparator having two inputs one of which is connected to the input diode terminal and the other of which is connected to a reference voltage source, and a transistor arranged to switch from a non-conductive to a conductive state when the comparator senses that the terminal voltage has risen above the predetermined value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
An Impatt amplifier as claimed in claim 2 wherein the means for disconnecting power comprises a relay the coil of which is connected in series with said transistor, the coil being energised when said transistor becomes conductive thereby causing contacts in a power line of the amplifier to be opened.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
An Impatt amplifier as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein said amplifier has a plurality of stages each with an Impatt diode and a comparator is provided for each stage, the output from each comparator being connected via an OR-gate to the switching transistor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3365675A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-12-21 | 1985-06-22 | 1985-12-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-12-21 | 1989-06-22 | 1989-12-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-12-21 | 1993-06-22 | 1993-12-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |