Measuring a time period
US8368408B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG04F10/105
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A time period of an event is determined by charging a known value capacitor from a constant current source during the event. The resultant voltage on the capacitor is proportional to the event time period and may be calculated from the resultant voltage and known capacitance value. Capacitance is measured by charging a capacitor from a constant current source during a known time period. The resultant voltage on the capacitor is proportional to the capacitance thereof and may be calculated from the resultant voltage and known time period. A long time period event may be measured by charging a first capacitor at the start of the event and a second capacitor at the end of the event, while counting clock times therebetween. Delay of an event is done by charging voltages on first and second capacitors at beginning and end of event, while comparing voltages thereon with a reference voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.