US4611176A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Precision linear ramp function generator
Assignee: United States Department of Energy
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Filing: 1984-08-01
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Granted: 1986-09-09
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Expires: 2004-08-01
Abstract
Abstract A ramp function generator is provided which produces a precise linear rampunction which is repeatable and highly stable. A derivative feedback loop is used to stabilize the output of an integrator in the forward loop and control the ramp rate. The ramp may be started from a selected baseline voltage level and the desired ramp rate is selected by applying an appropriate constant voltage to the input of the integrator.
Inventors
- 👤 W. Bruce Jatko
- 👤 David R. McNeilly
- 👤 Louis H. Thacker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:53
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K4/00; H03K4/06; H03K4/08; H03K4/90; H03K4/48; H03K4/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
351 words
A ramp function generator, comprising: a voltage integrator having an input and an output; a constant voltage generating means for selectably generating and applying either a positive or negative constant voltage to the input of said integrator corresponding to a desired positive or negative ramp function at the output of said integrator; a differentiator feedback circuit connected between the output and input of said integrator for generating and applying a feedback voltage in a negative feedback arrangement corresponding to the derivative of the output ramp rate of said integrator to alter the input voltage to said integrator in a manner to force a linear output at the selected ramp rate, said differentiator feedback circuit comprising an operational amplifier having an input and an output connected to the input of said integrator, a series capacitor connected between the output of said integrator and the input of said operational amplifier and a feedback resistor connected between the output and input of said operational amplifier; and a selector switch comprising first and second ganged switches, a variable setpoint voltage source, and first and second summing resistors each having one end connected to the input of said operational amplifier, said first switch connected between the output of said integrator and the other end of said first summing resistor and said second switch connected between said setpoint voltage source and the other end of said second summing resistor so that when said swtiches are switched to the closed position corresponding to a set position of said selector switch the output voltage of said integrator is summed with a selected setpoint voltage from said setpoint voltage source at the input of said operational amplifier to generate an error voltage signal at the output of said operational ampifier which alters the input voltage to said integrator sufficient to force the output voltage of said integrator to hold at a baseline voltage level corresponding to said setpoint voltage level and when said switches are switched to the open position corresponding to a ramp position of said selector switch said ramp function is generated beginning from said baseline voltage level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
351 words
A ramp function generator, comprising: a voltage integrator having an input and an output; a constant voltage generating means for selectably generating and applying either a positive or negative constant voltage to the input of said integrator corresponding to a desired positive or negative ramp function at the output of said integrator; a differentiator feedback circuit connected between the output and input of said integrator for generating and applying a feedback voltage in a negative feedback arrangement corresponding to the derivative of the output ramp rate of said integrator to alter the input voltage to said integrator in a manner to force a linear output at the selected ramp rate, said differentiator feedback circuit comprising an operational amplifier having an input and an output connected to the input of said integrator, a series capacitor connected between the output of said integrator and the input of said operational amplifier and a feedback resistor connected between the output and input of said operational amplifier; and a selector switch comprising first and second ganged switches, a variable setpoint voltage source, and first and second summing resistors each having one end connected to the input of said operational amplifier, said first switch connected between the output of said integrator and the other end of said first summing resistor and said second switch connected between said setpoint voltage source and the other end of said second summing resistor so that when said swtiches are switched to the closed position corresponding to a set position of said selector switch the output voltage of said integrator is summed with a selected setpoint voltage from said setpoint voltage source at the input of said operational amplifier to generate an error voltage signal at the output of said operational ampifier which alters the input voltage to said integrator sufficient to force the output voltage of said integrator to hold at a baseline voltage level corresponding to said setpoint voltage level and when said switches are switched to the open position corresponding to a ramp position of said selector switch said ramp function is generated beginning from said baseline voltage level.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-09-08 | 1990-03-10 | 1990-09-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-09-08 | 1994-03-10 | 1994-09-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-09-08 | 1998-03-10 | 1998-09-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |