US5034601A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Stable indicator circuit for photoelectric switch using an integrated circuit with reduced interconnections
Assignee: Takenaka Electronic Industrial Co Ltd
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Filing: 1990-07-11
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Granted: 1991-07-23
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Expires: 2010-07-11
Abstract
Abstract A photoelectric switch is adapted for use as either a transmission type or a reflection type switch. To provide an integrated circuit for the photoelectric switch and to minimize input/output pins, multiple functions are assigned to each input/output pin. Such functions are provided via first to fourth integrated circuit input/output pins, i.e., the first pin serves functions in the supply of a detection output and a self-diagnosing output; the second pin supports a circuit for driving a projection type LED and a circuit for turning the LED off; the third pin supports a circuit for reversing a stable indication output and an operation indicating output; and the fourth pin supports a circuit for amplifying a received photo-signal and for controlling the mode of combination of photoelectric signals from a pair of photo-diodes. The photoelectric switch includes a support circuit external of the integrated circuit for supporting the various functions provided via the first to fourth pins and two additional pins used in providing operating power.
Inventors
- 👤 Toshifumi Fukuyama
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 16:57
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F39/00; H10F39/10; H10F39/103; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/08; H03K17/082; H03K17/0826; H03K17/18; H03K17/51; H03K17/78; H03K17/795; H10W; H10W90/00; H10W90/701; H10W90/751; H10W90/756
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
182 words
In a photoelectric switch including an integrated circuit arranged to cooperate with a support circuit via a limited number of input/output pins, a multi-function stable indicator circuit comprising: (A) an integrated circuit portion including: first means for receiving a stable indication signal representative of operation with detected photoelectric signals within reference levels; first semiconductor means, coupled to said first means, for coupling said stable indication signal to an input/output pin; and operation control means, coupled to said input/output pin, for providing a control signal responsive to a change in voltage externally applied to said input/output pin, said control signal being useful for controlling operation as between light transmission and light injection modes of operation; and (B) a support circuit portion including: illumination means, coupled to said input/output pin, for providing a visual indication of stable operation in response to said stable indication signal from said first semiconductor means; and switch means, coupled to said input/output pin, for causing a change in voltage externally applied to said pin to distinguish between light transmission and light reflection modes of operation of said photoelectric switch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
182 words
In a photoelectric switch including an integrated circuit arranged to cooperate with a support circuit via a limited number of input/output pins, a multi-function stable indicator circuit comprising: (A) an integrated circuit portion including: first means for receiving a stable indication signal representative of operation with detected photoelectric signals within reference levels; first semiconductor means, coupled to said first means, for coupling said stable indication signal to an input/output pin; and operation control means, coupled to said input/output pin, for providing a control signal responsive to a change in voltage externally applied to said input/output pin, said control signal being useful for controlling operation as between light transmission and light injection modes of operation; and (B) a support circuit portion including: illumination means, coupled to said input/output pin, for providing a visual indication of stable operation in response to said stable indication signal from said first semiconductor means; and switch means, coupled to said input/output pin, for causing a change in voltage externally applied to said pin to distinguish between light transmission and light reflection modes of operation of said photoelectric switch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A stable indicator circuit for a photoelectric switch as described in claim 1, wherein said switching means causes a change in voltage externally applied to said pin by shorting out a diode in series with said illumination means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A stable indicator circuit for a photoelectric switch as described in claim 1, wherein the integrated circuit portion further comprises a constant current supply to an integrated injection logic.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A stable indicator circuit for a photoelectric switch as described in claim 1, wherein said illumination means is a light emitting diode.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4614866A
Cited
US4940889A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-07-22 | 1995-01-21 | 1995-07-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-07-22 | 1999-01-21 | 1999-07-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-07-22 | 2003-01-21 | 2003-07-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |