Method and apparatus for binary coding of sensor signals from optoelectronic sensor elements

US4403141A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Hans P. Graasl · Zorneding, DE
• Heiner Herbst · Haar, DE
• Frank Endlicher · Munich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 15, 1981
• Grant date: Sep 6, 1983
• Expiry date: Dec 15, 2001

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01C3/085
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus for binary coding of sensor signals received from a number of optoelectronic sensor elements employ an evaluator associated with each sensor element for generating binary output signals corresponding to the amount of charge generated by the associated sensor element. Selected pairs of evaluators are connected to an electronic switch, with one of the evaluator outputs serving to actuate the switch for the purpose of undertaking a charge quantity comparison between the associated sensors which are disposed a small distance from one another. Each evaluator includes a converter consisting of a switching transistor and a load element connected in series, and a barrier transistor connecting the output of the associated sensor element with the input of the converter, and a reset transistor for connecting the converter input with a constant voltage source.