Transducer signal conditioning circuit

US4008398A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Benjamin B. Schramm · Eppenrod, DE
• Alan Paul · Eremerang, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 19, 1975
• Grant date: Feb 15, 1977
• Expiry date: Nov 19, 1995

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R27/02
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A circuit for continuously monitoring or determining the magnitude of a resistance, capacitance, inductance, voltage or current over a very large dynamic range by means of a signal-to-pulse-train converter, rather than by conventional linear amplification techniques. The circuit in part, comprises a resistance, current or voltage source, and a reactive element. The reactive element is discharged from the power source to operate a temperature insensitive trigger circuit that, in turn, actuates a semiconductor switch recharging the reactive element. The frequency or period of operation is a preselected function of the variable parameter to be determined, as of a transducer.