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Method and apparatus for controlling a temperature-controlled probe

  • US 6,939,346 B2
  • Filed: 06/28/2002
  • Issued: 09/06/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/21/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of controlling a power output to a probe, the method comprising:

  • (a) providing in a memory at least one set of settings for said probe including at least one gain parameter and corresponding predetermined operating characteristics for said probe;

    (b) receiving a target probe temperature;

    (c) receiving a first probe setting corresponding to a desired set of operating characteristics for said probe;

    (d) selecting from said at least one set of probe settings a set of settings in response to said first probe setting;

    (e) generating an error signal e(t) from a comparison of a sensed temperature sensed by a probe temperature sensor and said target probe temperature;

    (f) providing a controller with a control function for generating an output power control signal Pout definable in part by;


    Pout=k4, when said error signal is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and definable in part by;


    Pout=Kp·

    P+Ki·

    I+Kd·

    D
    when said error signal is less than the threshold value;

    where k4 is a constant, Kp is a proportional gain factor associated with said control function, Ki is an integral gain factor associated with said control function, Kd is a derivative gain factor associated with said control function, and P, I, and D are proportion, integration, and derivation functions associated with said control function; and

    (g) using said error signal e(t) to dynamically control at least one of said Kp, Ki, and Kd to determine said Pout; and

    (h) controlling the power output to a probe thermal element responsive to said Pout.

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