Strobe circuit utilizing optocoupler in DC-to-DC converter
US5121033A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02M3/1563
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A strobe alarm circuit utilizing an optocoupler in the DC-to-DC converter portion of the circuit for repetitively connecting and disconnecting an energy-storing inductor across a DC power source. The light-emitting diode portion of the optocoupler is connected in parallel with a resistor connected in series with the inductor for continuously monitoring the current flowing through the inductor; when the inductor current has attained a particular value at which the voltage drop across the resistor is sufficient to turn on the LED, the switch portion of the optocoupler is turned on and disconnects the inductor from across the source. After a short interval determined by the parameters of the optocoupler and associated circuitry, the cycle is repeated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.