Method for controlling and synchronizing a welding power supply
US5149940A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 1988 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K9/067
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A microprocessor-controlled arc welding power supply is disclosed. An silicon controlled rectifier ("SCR") bank is used to generate a direct current arc welding current under program control. Positive sychronization is provided by the microprocessor using a phase locked loop and a polarity detector, so that the gating signals applied to the SCRs are correctly timed. Optimum tradeoffs between hardware and software are accomplished by using look up tables to store correction factors that can be quickly accessed during execution, and by using timers as smart interface chips to fire the SCRs at the same angle during each cycle until changed or updated by the microprocessor. The arc welding power supply is capable of operating in a constant current or constant voltage mode without rewiring the circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.