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Device for generating a control signal dependent on a variable resistance value and apparatus comprising such device

  • US 5,736,884 A
  • Filed: 02/15/1996
  • Issued: 04/07/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/16/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A device for generating a control signal voltage (Uc) by producing a current through a variable resistor (8), the control signal voltage being dependent on the resistance value of the variable resistor (8);

  • said device comprising;

    a transformer (24) having a first winding (22) and a second winding (26);

    a rectifier diode (20) in series with the first winding (22);

    means for connecting the variable resistor (8) in series with the first winding (22) and the rectifier diode (20) so as to form a closed loop for current flow therein in one direction;

    a current generator (32) coupled to the second winding (26) to supply thereto a periodically interrupted current (I2), each interruption thereof inducing a voltage across the first winding (22) which renders said rectifier diode (20) conductive and produces a current flow in said loop through the first winding (22) and the variable resistor (8), said induced voltage having a peak value dependent on the resistance value of the variable resistor (8); and

    a peak detector (62) for detecting the peak value of the voltage produced across the first winding (22) upon each interruption of the current (I2) in the second winding (26), said detected peak value constituting the control signal voltage (Uc).

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