Transformer-coupled photodiode circuit for lightning and other light pulse detection
US5448161A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 1992 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02G13/60
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An efficient optical radiation detector for lightning or other light signals such as pulses, bursts, flashes, and steady fluctuations. A silicon photodiode (or similar light-sensitive silicon device) is arranged to receive light signals (infrared, visible, ultraviolet, broadband, etc.) of interest. The photodiode is connected across the primary winding of a properly-designed transformer. The transformer-coupled photodiode circuit gives AC coupling, photodiode bias, voltage gain, and several other desirable detector characteristics. Light fluctuations on the photodiode produce variations of photocurrent in the transformer primary circuit which, in turn, induce current in the secondary winding and circuit of the transformer. The current induced in the secondary circuit of the transformer is used to do useful work (such as energize an audible alarm, increment a counter, latch a relay, etc.) or it is further amplified and processed, or combined with other signals to make an event detector such as a lightning sensor. The transformer-coupled photodiode circuit provides a general purpose light-change detector that is particularly useful as the optical sensor element of a lightning detecto…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.