Dual limit programmable linear signal limiter
First Claim
1. A current limiter comprising:
- a. a transistor having a base, a collector, and an emitter, the collector providing the output current, the base being coupled to a reference voltage source;
b. a series diode having an anode and a cathode, the anode being coupled to the emitter of said transistor to form a port for receiving a trickle current; and
c. a diode switching matrix coupled to the cathode of said series diode and coupled to the reference voltage source, said diode switching matrix having ports for receiving first and second reference currents, and an input current.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A current signal limiter provides precise minimum and maximum current limiting. Both maximum and minimum current limits are easily programmable. The signal limiter operates at maximum frequency response without inversion of the input signal. Current signal limiting is achieved by an NPN transistor biased in a common base configuration with the base coupled to a reference voltage source and the collector providing the output current, a series diode coupled to the emitter of the transistor for receiving a trickle current which prevents the transistor from turning off as well as setting a minimum current limit, and a diode matrix for receiving two reference currents and an input current. The diode matrix steers the input and reference currents to the transistor or to the reference voltage source, depending on the magnitude of the input and reference currents. The minimum and maximum current limits are programmable by adjusting the values of the reference currents and the trickle current.
11 Citations
3 Claims
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1. A current limiter comprising:
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a. a transistor having a base, a collector, and an emitter, the collector providing the output current, the base being coupled to a reference voltage source; b. a series diode having an anode and a cathode, the anode being coupled to the emitter of said transistor to form a port for receiving a trickle current; and c. a diode switching matrix coupled to the cathode of said series diode and coupled to the reference voltage source, said diode switching matrix having ports for receiving first and second reference currents, and an input current. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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Specification