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Sensor interface method and apparatus

  • US 5,488,307 A
  • Filed: 12/22/1993
  • Issued: 01/30/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Sensor interface apparatus that can be coupled to a cable for conducting signals to a sensor comprising:

  • a) an electrical connector having three conductive contacts for mating with either a two-wire or three-wire cable connected to a sensor;

    b) an interface circuit including a power conductor coupled to a first of the three conductive contacts of the connector;

    said interface circuit including;

    i) a current sensing circuit coupled to said first of the said three conductive contacts for sensing current flowing through said first contact to distinguish between a three-wire and two-wire cable connected to the sensor;

    ii) a sensor status monitoring circuit connected to another of said three contacts for monitoring a status of said sensor and iii) an output circuit for providing one output signal related to a type of sensor and a second output signal related to a status of the sensor as determined by the current sensing and status monitoring circuits.

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