Low power magnetostrictive sensor
First Claim
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1. A magnetostrictive transducer for generating an indication of a position along a gauge comprising:
- a delay line;
pulse generator means for generating interrogation pulses on said delay line, in response to trigger pulse;
magnet means proximate said delay line, for converting interrogation pulses into acoustic pulses in said delay line, at the location of said magnet means;
mode converter means coupled to said delay line for converting said acoustic pulses into corresponding mode converter signals;
a sampling clock for generating repetitive trigger pulses;
blanking time means coupled to said sampling clock means for generation a blanking time interval, said blanking time interval initiated by said trigger pulse and extending for a predetermined time, said blanking timer blocking said mode converter signals during said predetermined tim;
conversion window timer means responsively coupled to said blanking timer for defining a conversion window time period, whereby said conversion window time period begins at the expiration of said blanking time interval, and extends for a variable conversion time,said conversion window timer means responsively coupled to said mode converter means, whereby said conversion window time period ends with the reception of said mode conversion signal;
a conversion clock for generating conversion pulses;
a conversion counter for counting said conversion pulses during said conversion window time period;
whereby the digital number in said conversion counter indicates the position of said magnet means along said gauge.
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Abstract
A magnetostrictive linear position transducer generating a 4-20 ma output in response to the position of a position indicating magnet. System resolution is enhanced by averaging in the analogue domain, a digitally developed position location signal.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A magnetostrictive transducer for generating an indication of a position along a gauge comprising:
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a delay line; pulse generator means for generating interrogation pulses on said delay line, in response to trigger pulse; magnet means proximate said delay line, for converting interrogation pulses into acoustic pulses in said delay line, at the location of said magnet means; mode converter means coupled to said delay line for converting said acoustic pulses into corresponding mode converter signals; a sampling clock for generating repetitive trigger pulses; blanking time means coupled to said sampling clock means for generation a blanking time interval, said blanking time interval initiated by said trigger pulse and extending for a predetermined time, said blanking timer blocking said mode converter signals during said predetermined tim; conversion window timer means responsively coupled to said blanking timer for defining a conversion window time period, whereby said conversion window time period begins at the expiration of said blanking time interval, and extends for a variable conversion time, said conversion window timer means responsively coupled to said mode converter means, whereby said conversion window time period ends with the reception of said mode conversion signal; a conversion clock for generating conversion pulses; a conversion counter for counting said conversion pulses during said conversion window time period; whereby the digital number in said conversion counter indicates the position of said magnet means along said gauge. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification