Pulse generator and systems and methods for using same
First Claim
1. A spectroscopy system comprising:
- discharge pulse circuitry configured to charge and discharge for generating electrical discharge pulses;
monitor circuitry configured to measure characteristics of pulse generator operation including characteristics quantifying the discharge pulses generated by the discharge pulse circuitry;
control circuitry configured to control charging and generation of the discharge pulses, to collect measurements from the monitor circuitry to produce pulse generator data representative of measured characteristics, and to report pulse generator data corresponding to individual discharge pulses on a pulse-by-pulse basis following initiation of the individual discharge pulses wherein the control circuitry is configured to adjust an operating parameter in response to the pulse generator data by increasing a pulse initiation control parameter in response to a calculated decrease in the probability of discharge pulse as represented by the pulse generator data;
electrodes coupled to the discharge pulse circuitry; and
a spectroscopy detector configured to measure and analyze spectroscopic emissions resulting from the electrical discharge pulses generated between the electrodes.
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Abstract
A pulse generator generates high voltage discharge pulses in a manner that may be controlled and monitored. Pulse generator operation may be monitored to measure characteristics associated with pulse generator operation and to produce pulse generator data representative of those characteristics. Pulse generator operation may be monitored by monitoring the discharge pulses produced by the pulse generator and/or the charging of energy storage elements within the pulse generator in preparation for a subsequent discharge pulse. The pulse generator data may be used, for example, to identify pulse generator wear or degradation, to identify problems with pulse generator operation, and/or to control pulse generator operation for improved performance. The pulse generator may also be configured and controlled to generate a high-voltage initiation pulse to initiate a subsequent discharge pulse while being contained within a relatively small form factor. The pulse generator may be used in spectroscopy systems or other systems using high voltage discharge pulses.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A spectroscopy system comprising:
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discharge pulse circuitry configured to charge and discharge for generating electrical discharge pulses; monitor circuitry configured to measure characteristics of pulse generator operation including characteristics quantifying the discharge pulses generated by the discharge pulse circuitry; control circuitry configured to control charging and generation of the discharge pulses, to collect measurements from the monitor circuitry to produce pulse generator data representative of measured characteristics, and to report pulse generator data corresponding to individual discharge pulses on a pulse-by-pulse basis following initiation of the individual discharge pulses wherein the control circuitry is configured to adjust an operating parameter in response to the pulse generator data by increasing a pulse initiation control parameter in response to a calculated decrease in the probability of discharge pulse as represented by the pulse generator data; electrodes coupled to the discharge pulse circuitry; and a spectroscopy detector configured to measure and analyze spectroscopic emissions resulting from the electrical discharge pulses generated between the electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification