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Means for decoding a switch array

  • US 4,429,301 A
  • Filed: 10/26/1981
  • Issued: 01/31/1984
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/26/1981
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for decoding a switch array comprises:

  • a first linear conductor having a first plurality Nx of individual resistors in series thereon, each resistor having the same constant value R, said conductor having a first end and a second end,a like first plurality Nx of first parallel crossbar conductors connected to said first linear conductor, each said crossbar conductor being connected adjacent to one of said resistors toward said second end,a second linear conductor having a second plurality Ny of individual resistors in series thereon, each resistor having the same constant value R as those on said first linear conductor, said conductor having a first end and a second end,a like second plurality of second parallel crossbar conductors connected to said second linear conductor, each said crossbar conductor being connected adjacent to one of said resistors toward said second end,switchable connections between each of said first parallel crossbar conductors and each of said second parallel crossbar conductors, whereby, any of said first crossbar conductors is switchably connectable to any of said second crossbar conductors,a source of constant current I at said first end of said first linear conductor,ground means at said first end of said second linear conductor,means for indicating the potential E1 at the first end of said first linear conductor adjacent said current source toward said second end,means for indicating the potential E2 at the second end of said second linear conductor, whereby, upon closing a switchable connection, a constant current I will pass through a portion of said first linear conductor, through said switchable connection, and through a portion of said second linear conductor to ground, whereby the number Nx, Ny of resistors on said first and second linear conductors respectively through which current passes may be determined according to the formulas Nx =(E1 -E2)/IR and Ny =E2 /IR, whereby the location of said closed switchable connection may be determined.

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