Current source modulator
US6943640B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F2203/7227
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A current source modulator (202; 302, 502) provides power to radar transmitters. The modulator comprises a power supply (210, 310, 510) providing, when enabled, a known current to a storage capacitor (145). A comparator circuit (220) provides a signal (V220) when voltage (VC) across the storage capacitor (145) falls a reference voltage, and an enable circuit (225) responds to the comparator signal (V220) and an ON command signal to enable the power supply (210, 310, 510). The modulator (202, 302, 502) further includes a network (220N) associated with the comparator circuit (220) to retain the value of the signal (provide hysteresis) when the voltage across the storage capacitor is above the reference voltage. The modulator (202, 302, 502) may include a second network (320N) associated with a second comparator circuit, operable to retain a second signal when capacitor (145) voltage VC is above a reference voltage. In this aspect, there is a rapid charge and a trickle charge that reduces any charging overshoot.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.