U.S. patent application number 17/301547 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-22 for generating voltage pulse with controllable width.
This patent application is currently assigned to Silanna Asia Pte Ltd. The applicant listed for this patent is Silanna Asia Pte Ltd. Invention is credited to Joseph H. Colles, Stuart B. Molin, Steven E. Rosenbaum.
Application Number | 20210226614 17/301547 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005497264 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210226614 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Colles; Joseph H. ; et
al. |
July 22, 2021 |
Generating Voltage Pulse with Controllable Width
Abstract
A width of a voltage pulse signal is directly proportional to a
difference between first and second resistances in a pulse
generator. The voltage pulse signal is generated with a ramp
signal, two reference voltages, and two comparators. The first
reference voltage is generated with the first resistance and a
first current, and the second reference voltage is generated with
the second resistance and a second current. The first comparator
produces a first comparator output in response to the first
reference voltage and the ramp signal, and the second comparator
produces a second comparator output in response to the second
reference voltage and the ramp signal. A logic circuitry generates
the voltage pulse signal in response to the two comparator
outputs.
Inventors: |
Colles; Joseph H.; (Bonsall,
CA) ; Rosenbaum; Steven E.; (San Diego, CA) ;
Molin; Stuart B.; (Carlsbad, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Silanna Asia Pte Ltd |
Singapore |
|
SG |
|
|
Assignee: |
Silanna Asia Pte Ltd
Singapore
SG
|
Family ID: |
1000005497264 |
Appl. No.: |
17/301547 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16375053 |
Apr 4, 2019 |
11005455 |
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17301547 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H03K 3/023 20130101;
H03K 3/017 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H03K 3/017 20060101
H03K003/017; H03K 3/023 20060101 H03K003/023 |
Claims
1. A pulse generator comprising: a first reference voltage
generator that generates a first reference voltage at a first
voltage level based on a first resistance value; a second reference
voltage generator that generates a second reference voltage at a
second voltage level based on a second resistance value that is
different from the first resistance value; a ramp generator that
produces a ramp signal; a first comparator that receives the first
reference voltage and the ramp signal and that produces a first
comparator output in response to the ramp signal crossing the first
voltage level to a first point between the first and second voltage
levels; a second comparator that receives the second reference
voltage and the ramp signal and that produces a second comparator
output in response to the ramp signal crossing the second voltage
level from a second point between the first and second voltage
levels; and logic circuitry connected to receive the first and
second comparator outputs and to generate a pulse signal in
response thereto, a first edge of the pulse signal being caused by
the first comparator output, a second edge of the pulse signal
being caused by the second comparator output, a width of the pulse
signal being directly proportional to a difference between the
first and second resistance values, and a duty cycle of the pulse
signal being substantially less than 50%.
2. The pulse generator of claim 1, wherein: the ramp signal is
linear within an operating range that includes the first and second
voltage levels.
3. The pulse generator of claim 1, further comprising: a
programmable resistance circuitry comprising first and second
resistors having the first and second resistance values,
respectively, wherein at least one of the first and second
resistors is a programmable resistor; and a programmable data
interface through which resistance data is received to set at least
one of the first and second resistance values by programming the at
least one of the first and second resistors.
4. The pulse generator of claim 3, wherein: the first reference
voltage generator comprises the first resistor and a first current
source; the first current source is connected to the first resistor
to generate the first reference voltage at the first voltage level
by providing a first current through the first resistor; the second
reference voltage generator comprises the second resistor and a
second current source; the second current source is connected to
the second resistor to generate the second reference voltage at the
second voltage level by providing a second current through the
second resistor; at least one of the first and second voltage
levels of at least one of the first and second reference voltages
is set by setting the at least one of the first and second
resistance values for the at least one of the first and second
resistors; and the width of the pulse signal is set by setting the
at least one of the first and second voltage levels.
5. The pulse generator of claim 4, wherein: at least one of the
first and second current sources is a programmable current source;
at least one of the first and second currents of the at least one
of the first and second current sources is set according to current
data received via the programmable data interface for the at least
one of the first and second current sources; and the at least one
of the first and second voltage levels is further set by setting
the at least one of the first and second currents.
6. The pulse generator of claim 5, wherein: the ramp generator
comprises a capacitor and a third current source; the third current
source is connected to the capacitor to generate the ramp signal as
a linear ramp signal within an operating range that includes the
first and second voltage levels by providing a third current to the
capacitor; the third current source is a programmable current
source; the third current is set according to the current data via
the programmable data interface also for the third current source;
a slope of the linear ramp signal is set by setting the third
current source; and the width of the pulse signal is further set by
setting the slope of the linear ramp signal.
7. The pulse generator of claim 1, wherein: the first reference
voltage generator comprises a first resistor and a first current
source; the first resistor has the first resistance value; the
first current source is connected to the first resistor to generate
the first reference voltage at the first voltage level by providing
a first current through the first resistor; the second reference
voltage generator comprises a second resistor and a second current
source; the second resistor has the second resistance value; and
the second current source is connected to the second resistor to
generate the second reference voltage at the second voltage level
by providing a second current through the second resistor.
8. The pulse generator of claim 7, wherein: at least one of the
first and second current sources is a programmable current source;
the pulse generator further comprises a programmable data interface
through which current data is received for programming the at least
one of the first and second current sources; at least one of the
first and second currents of the at least one of the first and
second current sources is set according to the current data by
programming the at least one of the first and second current
sources; at least one of the first and second voltage levels is set
by setting the at least one of the first and second currents; and
the width of the pulse signal is set by setting the at least one of
the first and second voltage levels.
9. The pulse generator of claim 7, further comprising: an
integrated circuit chip that includes the first and second current
sources, at least part of the ramp generator, the first and second
comparators, and the logic circuitry; wherein at least one of the
first and second resistors is external to the integrated circuit
chip and selectable to set the width of the pulse signal.
10. A method comprising: generating a first reference voltage at a
first voltage level by applying a first current to a first resistor
having a first resistance value; generating a second reference
voltage at a second voltage level by applying a second current to a
second resistor having a second resistance value that is different
from the first resistance value; generating a ramp signal;
generating a first comparator output based on the first reference
voltage and the ramp signal, wherein the ramp signal crosses the
first reference voltage to a first point between the first and
second voltage levels; generating a second comparator output based
on the second reference voltage and the ramp signal, wherein the
ramp signal crosses the second reference voltage from a second
point between the first and second voltage levels; and generating a
pulse signal in response to the first and second comparator
outputs, a first edge of the pulse signal being caused by the first
comparator output, a second edge of the pulse signal being caused
by the second comparator output, a width of the pulse signal being
directly proportional to a difference between the first and second
resistance values, and a duty cycle of the pulse signal being
substantially less than 50%.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein: the ramp signal is linear
within an operating range that includes the first and second
voltage levels.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein: at least one of the first and
second resistors is programmable to set at least one of the first
and second resistance values; and the method further comprises:
receiving resistance data through a programmable data interface;
setting the at least one of the first and second resistance values
by programming the at least one of the first and second resistors
according to the resistance data; and setting the width of the
pulse signal by the setting of the at least one of the first and
second resistance values.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: setting at least
one of the first and second reference voltages by the setting of
the at least one of the first and second resistance values; and
further setting the width of the pulse signal by the setting of the
at least one of the first and second reference voltages.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein: the first and second currents
are provided by first and second current sources, respectively; at
least one of the first and second current sources is programmable
to set at least one of the first and second currents; and the
method further comprises: receiving current data through the
programmable data interface; setting the at least one of the first
and second currents by programming the at least one of the first
and second current sources according to the current data; and
further setting the width of the pulse signal by the setting of the
at least one of the first and second currents.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein: the generating of the ramp
signal is performed by a third current source applying a third
current to a capacitor; the third current source is programmable to
set the third current; and the method further comprises: setting
the third current by programming the third current source also
according to the current data; and further setting the width of the
pulse signal by the setting of the third current.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein: the generating of the first
reference voltage further comprises providing the first current
from a first current source to the first resistor; the generating
of the second reference voltage further comprises providing the
second current from a second current source to the second resistor;
the generating of the ramp signal is performed by a ramp generator;
the generating of the first comparator output further comprises a
first comparator receiving the first reference voltage and the ramp
signal and producing the first comparator output in response
thereto; the generating of the second comparator output further
comprises a second comparator receiving the second reference
voltage and the ramp signal and producing the second comparator
output in response thereto; and the generating of the pulse signal
further comprises a logic circuitry receiving the first and second
comparator outputs and generating the pulse signal in response
thereto.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein: the first and second currents
are provided by first and second current sources, respectively; at
least one of the first and second current sources is programmable
to set at least one of the first and second currents; and the
method further comprises: receiving current data through a
programmable data interface; setting the at least one of the first
and second currents by programming the at least one of the first
and second current sources according to the current data; and
setting the width of the pulse signal by the setting of the at
least one of the first and second currents.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein: the first and second current
sources, at least part of the ramp generator, the first and second
comparators, and the logic circuitry are included in an integrated
circuit chip; and the first and second resistors are external to
the integrated circuit chip and selectable to set the width of the
pulse signal.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/375,053 filed on Apr. 4, 2019 and entitled
"Generating Voltage Pulse with Controllable Width", which is hereby
incorporated by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Pulse generator circuits are common in electronics for
generating voltage pulses for a variety of purposes. Many different
circuit topologies or designs can be used to achieve a desired
output for the pulse amplitude and/or width. Some pulse generator
designs use two comparators with inputs that result in triggering
the comparator outputs at different times, so that the outputs can
be used to control the voltage pulse signal. However, it is not
easy to accurately control the comparator inputs in order to
achieve high timing precision in the width of the resulting voltage
pulse signal, particularly for very short pulse widths, e.g., less
than 10 nanosecond durations.
[0003] Some two-comparator pulse generator designs use two ramp
signals (one for each comparator) and a single reference voltage
(provided to both comparators), so that the difference between the
two ramp signals relative to the reference voltage results in
triggering the comparators at different times. However, it can be
difficult to coordinate the timing of both ramp signals in order to
ensure that the generated voltage pulse has the desired width or
duration, particularly if the ramp signals are nonlinear.
Additionally, using the same circuit design in different
implementations (for generating voltage pulses of different widths)
often requires a complicated and/or time-consuming reanalysis or
redesign of the components that generate the ramp signals.
[0004] Some other two-comparator pulse generator designs use a
single ramp signal (provided to both comparators) and two different
reference voltages (one for each comparator), so that the
difference between the two reference voltages relative to the ramp
signal and its slope results in triggering the comparators at
different times. However, adjusting the slope of the ramp signal
provides for a rather limited range for the width of the generated
voltage pulse. Additionally, optimizing such circuitry for
different implementations often requires a complicated and/or
time-consuming reanalysis or redesign of the components that
generate the ramp signal and the reference voltages.
SUMMARY
[0005] In accordance with some embodiments, an improved pulse
generator that enables a relatively easy and high level of
adjustability or programmability for the pulse width includes first
and second reference voltage generators, a ramp generator, first
and second comparators, and a logic circuitry. The first reference
voltage generator generates a first reference voltage at a first
voltage level based on a first resistance value. The second
reference voltage generator generates a second reference voltage at
a second voltage level based on a second resistance value that is
different from the first resistance value. The ramp generator
producing a ramp signal. The first comparator receives the first
reference voltage and the ramp signal and produces a first
comparator output in response thereto. The second comparator
receives the second reference voltage and the ramp signal and
produces a second comparator output in response thereto. The logic
circuitry is connected to receive the first and second comparator
outputs and to generate a pulse signal in response thereto. A
rising edge of the pulse signal is caused by the first comparator
output. A falling edge of the pulse signal is caused by the second
comparator output. A width of the pulse signal is directly
proportional to a difference between the first and second
resistance values.
[0006] Additionally, in accordance with some embodiments, a method
includes generating a first reference voltage at a first voltage
level by applying a first current to a first resistor having a
first resistance value; generating a second reference voltage at a
second voltage level by applying a second current to a second
resistor having a second resistance value that is different from
the first resistance value; generating a ramp signal; generating a
first comparator output based on the first reference voltage and
the ramp signal; generating a second comparator output based on the
second reference voltage and the ramp signal; and generating a
pulse signal in response to the first and second comparator
outputs. A rising edge of the pulse signal is caused by the first
comparator output. A falling edge of the pulse signal is caused by
the second comparator output. A width of the pulse signal is
directly proportional to a difference between the first and second
resistance values.
[0007] In some of the above embodiments, the ramp signal is linear
within an operating range that includes the first and second
voltage levels. In some embodiments, the pulse generator also
includes a programmable resistance circuitry comprising first and
second resistors having the first and second resistance values,
respectively, wherein at least one of the first and second
resistors is a programmable resistor; and a programmable data
interface through which resistance data is received to set at least
one of the first and second resistance values by programming the at
least one of the first and second resistors. In some embodiments,
the first reference voltage generator comprises the first resistor
and a first current source; the first current source is connected
to the first resistor to generate the first reference voltage at
the first voltage level by providing a first current through the
first resistor; the second reference voltage generator comprises
the second resistor and a second current source; the second current
source is connected to the second resistor to generate the second
reference voltage at the second voltage level by providing a second
current through the second resistor; at least one of the first and
second voltage levels of at least one of the first and second
reference voltages is set by setting the at least one of the first
and second resistance values for the at least one of the first and
second resistors; and the width of the pulse signal is set by
setting the at least one of the first and second voltage levels. In
some embodiments, at least one of the first and second current
sources is a programmable current source; at least one of the first
and second currents of the at least one of the first and second
current sources is set according to current data received via the
programmable data interface for the at least one of the first and
second current sources; and the at least one of the first and
second voltage levels is further set by setting the at least one of
the first and second currents. In some embodiments, the ramp
generator comprises a capacitor and a third current source; the
third current source is connected to the capacitor to generate the
ramp signal as a linear ramp signal within an operating range that
includes the first and second voltage levels by providing a third
current to the capacitor; the third current source is a
programmable current source; the third current is set according to
the current data via the programmable data interface also for the
third current source; a slope of the linear ramp signal is set by
setting the third current source; and the width of the pulse signal
is further set by setting the slope of the linear ramp signal. In
some embodiments, the first reference voltage generator comprises a
first resistor and a first current source; the first resistor has
the first resistance value; the first current source is connected
to the first resistor to generate the first reference voltage at
the first voltage level by providing a first current through the
first resistor; the second reference voltage generator comprises a
second resistor and a second current source; the second resistor
has the second resistance value; and the second current source is
connected to the second resistor to generate the second reference
voltage at the second voltage level by providing a second current
through the second resistor. In some embodiments, at least one of
the first and second current sources is a programmable current
source; the pulse generator further comprises a programmable data
interface through which current data is received for programming
the at least one of the first and second current sources; at least
one of the first and second currents of the at least one of the
first and second current sources is set according to the current
data by programming the at least one of the first and second
current sources; at least one of the first and second voltage
levels is set by setting the at least one of the first and second
currents; and the width of the pulse signal is set by setting the
at least one of the first and second voltage levels. In some
embodiments, the pulse generator also includes an integrated
circuit chip that includes the first and second current sources, at
least part of the ramp generator, the first and second comparators,
and the logic circuitry; wherein at least one of the first and
second resistors is external to the integrated circuit chip and
selectable to set the width of the pulse signal.
[0008] In some embodiments, the method also includes receiving
resistance data through a programmable data interface; setting the
at least one of the first and second resistance values by
programming the at least one of the first and second resistors
according to the resistance data; and setting the width of the
pulse signal by the setting of the at least one of the first and
second resistance values. In some embodiments, the method also
includes setting at least one of the first and second reference
voltages by the setting of the at least one of the first and second
resistance values; and further setting the width of the pulse
signal by the setting of the at least one of the first and second
reference voltages. In some embodiments, the method also includes
receiving current data through the programmable data interface;
setting the at least one of the first and second currents by
programming the at least one of the first and second current
sources according to the current data; and further setting the
width of the pulse signal by the setting of the at least one of the
first and second currents. In some embodiments, the generating of
the ramp signal is performed by a third current source applying a
third current to a capacitor; the third current source is
programmable to set the third current; and the method also includes
setting the third current by programming the third current source
also according to the current data; and further setting the width
of the pulse signal by the setting of the third current. In some
embodiments, the generating of the first reference voltage further
comprises providing the first current from a first current source
to the first resistor; the generating of the second reference
voltage further comprises providing the second current from a
second current source to the second resistor; the generating of the
ramp signal is performed by a ramp generator; the generating of the
first comparator output further comprises a first comparator
receiving the first reference voltage and the ramp signal and
producing the first comparator output in response thereto; the
generating of the second comparator output further comprises a
second comparator receiving the second reference voltage and the
ramp signal and producing the second comparator output in response
thereto; and the generating of the pulse signal further comprises a
logic circuitry receiving the first and second comparator outputs
and generating the pulse signal in response thereto. In some
embodiments, the first and second currents are provided by first
and second current sources, respectively; at least one of the first
and second current sources is programmable to set at least one of
the first and second currents; and the method also includes
receiving current data through a programmable data interface;
setting the at least one of the first and second currents by
programming the at least one of the first and second current
sources according to the current data; and setting the width of the
pulse signal by the setting of the at least one of the first and
second currents. In some embodiments, the first and second current
sources, at least part of the ramp generator, the first and second
comparators, and the logic circuitry are included in an integrated
circuit chip; and the first and second resistors are external to
the integrated circuit chip and selectable to set the width of the
pulse signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an example
improved pulse generator, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of another example
improved pulse generator, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows example timing diagrams for operation of the
pulse generators shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of an example prior
art pulse generator.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows example timing diagrams for operation of the
example prior art pulse generator shown in FIG. 4.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic diagram of another example
prior art pulse generator.
[0015] FIG. 7 shows example timing diagrams for operation of the
example prior art pulse generator shown in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] An improved pulse generator 100 is shown in FIG. 1, in
accordance with some embodiments. Another improved pulse generator
200 is shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with some embodiments. The
pulse generators 100 and 200 generate voltage pulses (i.e., pulse
signals) 101 and 201, respectively. The widths (i.e., time
duration) of the voltage pulses 101 and 201 are directly
proportional (i.e., linearly related) to a difference between two
precisely controllable reference voltages. In some embodiments, the
reference voltages are linearly controlled by two resistance values
in conjunction with the levels of currents produced by current
sources. For the pulse generator 100, the resistance values are set
by two precision resistors 102 and 103 selected during the design
and/or manufacturing of the pulse generator 100. For the pulse
generator 200, the resistance values are set by a programmable
circuitry 204 that receives a programming input during design,
manufacturing and/or operation of the pulse generator 200. In some
embodiments, the programmable circuitry 204 sets one or more of the
current levels in addition to or instead of the resistance values.
Since the widths of the voltage pulses 101 and 201 are based on a
linear relationship to the difference between the reference
voltages, which are based on a linear relationship to the
difference between the resistance values and/or the current levels,
it is relatively easy to design, program, redesign, reprogram or
adjust the pulse generators 100 and 200 for different pulse widths
for different implementations thereof by simply selecting different
resistors 102 and 103 or providing a different programming input to
the programmable circuitry 204 for at least one of the resistance
values and/or at least one of the current levels. Additionally, it
can be difficult to generate very short duration and highly precise
voltage pulses, because it is difficult to precisely control the
reference voltages, but the present invention enables such precise
control. Consequently, the improved designs of the pulse generators
100 and 200 enable a high level of flexibility, adjustability
and/or programmability for the pulse widths for the voltage pulses
101 and 201 that is not readily available for conventional pulse
generator designs.
[0017] In some embodiments, the pulse generator 100 generally
includes the first and second resistors 102 and 103, a plurality of
(e.g., first, second and third) current sources 105, 106 and 107, a
ramp capacitor 108, a ramp switch 109, a ramp trigger source 110,
first and second "going-high" comparators 111 and 112, and logic
circuitry 113, among other components not shown for simplicity.
Additionally, the logic circuitry 113 includes NAND gates 114, 115,
116 and 117.
[0018] The first current source 105 and the first resistor 102
serve as a first reference voltage generator. The second current
source 106 and the second resistor 103 serve as a second reference
voltage generator. Thus, the first current source 105 (a precision
current source that produces a first current) is connected to the
first resistor 102 (having a first resistance value) as shown to
generate a first reference voltage Vref1 at a first voltage level
(based on the first current and the first resistance value) by
providing the first current through the first resistor 102.
Additionally, the second current source 106 (a precision current
source that produces a second current) is connected to the second
resistor 103 (having a second resistance value that is different
from the first resistance value) as shown to generate a second
reference voltage Vref2 at a second voltage level (based on the
second current and the second resistance value) by providing a
second current through the second resistor 103. The first reference
voltage Vref1 is provided as a first set point to the negative
("-") input of the first comparator 111, and the second reference
voltage Vref2 is provided as a second set point to the negative
("-") input of the second comparator 112.
[0019] The third current source 107, the ramp capacitor 108, the
ramp switch 109, and the ramp trigger source 110 serve as a ramp
generator for a voltage ramp signal Vramp. The ramp trigger source
110 (e.g., a square wave source) is connected to the ramp switch
109 to provide thereto a ramp trigger signal (e.g., a square wave)
that turns the ramp switch 109 off and on. When the ramp trigger
source 110 turns the ramp switch 109 off (i.e., the ramp switch 109
is opened), the third current source 107 charges up the ramp
capacitor 108, thereby causing the voltage ramp signal Vramp (at a
node between the third current source 107 and the ramp capacitor
108) to linearly ramp up. When ramping up, therefore, the voltage
ramp signal Vramp is relatively linear within a desired operating
range that includes at least the first voltage level of the first
reference voltage Vref1 and the second voltage level of the second
reference voltage Vref2. When the ramp trigger source 110 turns the
ramp switch 109 on (i.e., the ramp switch 109 is closed), the
output of the third current source 107 is shorted to ground (or
other appropriate lower voltage limit), so the ramp capacitor 108
is discharged, thereby causing the voltage ramp signal Vramp (i.e.,
the voltage across the ramp capacitor 108) to rapidly decrease to
ground or other appropriate lower voltage limit. In this manner,
the voltage ramp signal Vramp is generally a sawtooth waveform. The
voltage ramp signal Vramp is provided to the positive ("+") inputs
of the first and second comparators 111 and 112.
[0020] The first and second comparators 111 and 112 (e.g.,
"going-high" comparators) use the same linear voltage ramp signal
Vramp, but each comparator 111 and 112 is triggered at a different
set point or reference voltage (i.e., Vref1 and Vref2,
respectively), which is settable or determined by the resistance
values of the resistors 102 and 103. The logic circuitry 113 is
connected to receive the first and second comparator outputs Comp1
and Comp2 and to generate the voltage pulse 101 in response
thereto. The configuration of the NAND gates 114-117 of the logic
circuitry 113 ensures that, when the comparator output Comp1 of the
first comparator 111 goes high, the voltage pulse 101 goes high,
until the comparator output Comp2 of the second comparator 112 goes
high, at which time the voltage pulse 101 goes low.
[0021] In some embodiments, the current sources 105 and 106 are
designed to track or reference each other or are locked to each
other or are tied together with the same reference current, so that
the difference between the current levels of their produced
currents can be very precisely controlled; thereby ensuring that
the first and second reference voltages Vref1 and Vref2 can be
tightly controlled. In some embodiments, the current source 107 is
a highly precise current source and/or is referenced, tied or
locked to the current sources 105 and 106; thereby ensuring that
the voltage ramp signal Vramp is very highly linear within the
desired operating range and/or has a precisely controlled or known
slope. Each of these embodiments enables the first and second
reference voltages Vref1 and Vref2 to be tightly linearly
controlled at very precisely known voltage levels, so that the
points at which the voltage ramp signal Vramp crosses the first and
second reference voltages Vref1 and Vref2 (and, thus, the width of
the voltage pulse 101) is also tightly controlled for very precise,
narrow pulse widths.
[0022] Since the voltage ramp signal Vramp is relatively linear
within the desired operating range that includes at least the first
voltage level of the first reference voltage Vref1 and the second
voltage level of the second reference voltage Vref2, the width of
the voltage pulse 101 is directly proportional (i.e., linearly
related) to a difference between the resistance values of the
resistors 102 and 103. In other words, for a given slope of the
voltage ramp signal Vramp, changing (i.e., increasing or
decreasing) the difference between the resistance values of the
resistors 102 and 103 by a factor of X will also change the width
of the voltage pulse 101 by the factor of X due to a corresponding
change (by the factor of X) in the difference between the reference
voltages Vref1 and Vref2 or the set points for the comparators 111
and 112.
[0023] In some embodiments, the first and second current sources
105 and 106, at least part of the ramp generator (e.g., the third
current source 107, the ramp switch 109, the ramp trigger source
110, and optionally the ramp capacitor 108), the first and second
comparators 111 and 112, and the logic circuitry 113 (among other
appropriate components) are included in an integrated circuit (IC)
chip 118. In some embodiments, one of the resistors 102 and 103 is
also included in the IC chip 118. Different embodiments may include
different combinations of the components of the pulse generator 100
within the IC chip 118, as long as at least one (and in some cases
both) of the first and second resistors 102 and 103 is external to
the IC chip 118 and, thus, selectable for the purpose of setting
the width of the voltage pulse 101. (The resistor 103 is shown with
a dashed box around it as an indication that it is optional for one
of the resistors 102 and 103 to be included in the IC chip 118 and
for at least one, or both, of the resistors 102 and 103 to be
external to the IC chip 118.)
[0024] Therefore, since the width of the voltage pulse 101 is
directly proportional (i.e., linearly related) to a difference
between the resistance values of the resistors 102 and 103, the
pulse width can be set by a simple calculation based on the
resistance values followed by an easy appropriate selection of one
or both of the resistors 102 and 103, depending on whether one or
both of the resistors 102 and 103 is external to the IC chip 118.
In some embodiments, both of the resistors 102 and 103 are external
to the IC chip 118 and are, thus, selectable for setting the width
of the voltage pulse 101, so any appropriate resistance values for
both resistors 102 and 103 can be calculated based on the desired
resulting width of the voltage pulse 101. In some embodiments, one
of the resistors 102 and 103 is internal to the IC chip 118 and,
thus, not selectable for setting the width of the voltage pulse
101. In such embodiments, a known fixed resistance value for that
resistor (e.g., 103) in combination with the desired resulting
width of the voltage pulse 101 can be used to calculate the
resistance value for the other resistor, i.e., the external
resistor (e.g., 102). For example, in some embodiments, decreasing
or increasing the resistance value of the first resistor 102
relative to the resistance value of the second resistor 103 will
decrease or increase, respectively, the first voltage level of the
first reference voltage Vref1 and, thus, increase or decrease,
respectively, the width of the voltage pulse 101 in a linear
relationship to the difference in the resistance values.
Additionally, in some embodiments, decreasing or increasing the
resistance value of the second resistor 103 relative to the
resistance value of the first resistor 102 will decrease or
increase, respectively, the second voltage level of the second
reference voltage Vref2 and, thus, decrease or increase,
respectively, the width of the voltage pulse 101 in a linear
relationship to the difference in the resistance values. In other
words, at least one of the first and second voltage levels of at
least one of the first and second reference voltages Vref1 and
Vref2 is set by setting at least one of the first and second
resistance values for at least one of the first and second
resistors 102 and 103. Consequently, the width of the voltage pulse
101 is set by setting at least one of the first and second voltage
levels due to the setting of at least one of the first and second
resistance values. Therefore, given an available operating range of
the voltage ramp signal Vramp, the current levels provided by the
first and second current sources 105 and 106, and the desired width
of the voltage pulse 101, allowable resistance values can be
calculated for one or both of the resistors 102 and/or 103, and
then the resistors 102 and/or 103 can be selected for inclusion in
the design for a desired implementation of the pulse generator 100.
Additionally, for greater range in the pulse width, the calculation
can also include the capacitance value of the ramp capacitor 108
and the level of the current provided by the third current source
107 and, thus, the slope and available operating range of the
voltage ramp signal Vramp, i.e., for embodiments in which the ramp
capacitor 108 is also external to the IC chip 118 and is, thus,
selectable for a desired implementation of the pulse generator
100.
[0025] Therefore, in some embodiments, circuit designers can be
provided with a simple formula with which appropriate selections
for one or both of the resistance values and optionally for the
capacitance value can be calculated given a desired pulse width. In
other embodiments, a table can be easily created for a
representative set of widths for the voltage pulse 101 cross
correlated with the best predetermined recommended selection for
one or both of the resistance values and optionally for the
capacitance value, so the circuit designers can simply look up the
predetermined selections.
[0026] In some embodiments, the pulse generator 200 generally
includes the programmable circuitry 204, a ramp capacitor 208, a
ramp switch 209, a ramp trigger source 210, first and second
"going-high" comparators 211 and 212, logic circuitry 213, and a
programmable data interface 219, among other components not shown
for simplicity. The programmable circuitry 204 generally includes
first and second resistors 202 and 203, a plurality of (e.g.,
first, second and third) current sources 205, 206 and 207, a
resistance data register 220, and a current data register 221,
among other components not shown for simplicity. Additionally, the
logic circuitry 213 includes NAND gates 214, 215, 216 and 217.
[0027] The resistors 202 and 203 and the current sources 205, 206
and 207 are all shown as programmable variable components. Other
embodiments generally include different combinations of
programmable variable components and fixed components for the
resistors 202 and 203 and the current sources 205, 206 and 207. For
example, in some embodiments, at least one of the resistors 202 and
203 is a programmable variable resistor and/or at least one of the
current sources 205, 206 and 207 is a programmable variable current
source. When any of the resistors 202 and 203 or the current
sources 205, 206 and 207 is not programmable, then it has a fixed
known resistance value or produces a fixed known current,
respectively. (The resistors 202 and 203 are both shown with a
dashed arrow and a dashed control line as an indication that it is
optional for the resistors 202 and 203 to be programmable or not.)
When at least one of the resistors 202 and 203 is a programmable
variable resistor, they may be referred to together as programmable
resistance circuitry. When at least one of the current sources 205,
206 and 207 is a programmable variable current source, they may be
referred to together as programmable current source circuitry. (The
current sources 205, 206 and 207 are each shown with a dashed arrow
and a dashed control line as an indication that it is optional for
any of the current sources 205, 206 and 207 to be programmable or
not.) In some embodiments, neither of the resistors 202 and 203 is
programmable, but one or more of the current sources 205, 206 and
207 is programmable. In some embodiments, none of the current
sources 205, 206 and 207 is programmable, but one or more of the
resistors 202 and 203 is programmable.
[0028] In some embodiments, programming the resistors 202 and 203
is generally done by receiving or storing resistance data (data
bits or bytes) into the resistance data register 220. Thus, the
resistance data register 220 is connected to one or more of the
resistors 202 and 203 via control signal lines for the bits or
bytes of the data to control or set the resistance values thereof.
In some embodiments, one or more of the resistors 202 and 203 can
be set to known discrete resistance values corresponding to the
possible data values of the resistance data. (The resistance data
register 220 is shown with a dashed box as an indication that it is
optional to include the resistance data register 220, depending on
whether either of the resistors 202 and 203 is programmable or
not.) Any appropriate or desired level of coarse or fine tuning of
the resistance values and/or any appropriate or desired range of
the resistance values can be achieved depending on the bit or byte
size of the data values of the resistance data.
[0029] Similarly, in some embodiments, programming the current
sources 205, 206 and 207 is generally done by receiving or storing
current data (data bits or bytes) into the current data register
221. Thus, the current data register 221 is connected to one or
more of the current sources 205, 206 and 207 via control signal
lines for the bits or bytes of the data to control or set the
current produced thereby. In some embodiments, therefore, at least
one of the current sources 205, 206 and 207 can be set to produce
currents of known discrete current levels corresponding to the
possible data values of the current data. (The current data
register 221 is shown with a dashed box as an indication that it is
optional to include the current data register 221, depending on
whether any of the current sources 205, 206 and 207 is programmable
or not.) Any appropriate or desired level of coarse or fine tuning
of the current levels and/or any appropriate or desired range of
the current levels can be achieved depending on the bit or byte
size of the data values of the current data.
[0030] The resistance data and/or the current data is received into
the resistance data register 220 and/or the current data register
221, respectively, via the data interface 219. In some embodiments,
the data interface 219 is a programmable serial data interface,
e.g., according to the I2C serial protocol standard, the Serial
Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus standard, or other appropriate
programming interface. Data input lines 222, thus, communicatively
connect the data interface 219 to external components, e.g., a
microprocessor or IC chip I/O (input/output) pins, from or through
which the resistance data and/or the current data is received.
Additional data lines 223 communicatively connect the data
interface 219 to the resistance data register 220 and/or the
current data register 221 for storing the resistance data and/or
the current data, respectively, therein.
[0031] The first current source 205 and the first resistor 202
serve as a first reference voltage generator. The second current
source 206 and the second resistor 203 serve as a second reference
voltage generator. Thus, the first current source 205 (a precision
current source that produces a first current) is connected to the
first resistor 202 (having, or being programmed to, a first
resistance value) as shown to generate a first reference voltage
Vref1 at a first voltage level (based on the first current and the
first resistance value) by providing the first current through the
first resistor 202. Additionally, the second current source 206 (a
precision current source that produces a second current) is
connected to the second resistor 203 (having, or being programmed
to, a second resistance value) as shown to generate a second
reference voltage Vref2 at a second voltage level (based on the
second current and the second resistance value) by providing a
second current through the second resistor 203. The first reference
voltage Vref1 is provided as a first set point to the negative
("-") input of the first comparator 211, and the second reference
voltage Vref2 is provided as a second set point to the negative
("-") input of the second comparator 212. When any of the resistors
202 and 203 and/or the current sources 205 and 206 is programmable,
then at least one of the voltage levels of at least one of the
reference voltages Vref1 and Vref2 is set by setting at least one
of the resistance values for at least one of the resistors 202 and
203 and/or by setting at least one of the currents of the current
sources 205 and 206.
[0032] In some embodiments, the current sources 205 and 206 produce
currents with the same current levels, and the resistors 202 and
203 have different resistance value, so that the first and second
reference voltages Vref1 and Vref2 are different. In some
embodiments, the resistors 202 and 203 have the same resistance
value, and the current sources 205 and 206 produce currents with
different current levels, so that the first and second reference
voltages Vref1 and Vref2 are different.
[0033] The third current source 207, the ramp capacitor 208, the
ramp switch 209, and the ramp trigger source 210 serve as a ramp
generator for a voltage ramp signal Vramp. Thus, the third current
source 207 is connected to the ramp capacitor 208 to generate the
voltage ramp signal Vramp. The ramp trigger source 210 (e.g., a
square wave source) is connected to the ramp switch 209 to provide
thereto a ramp trigger signal (e.g., a square wave) that turns the
ramp switch 209 off and on. When the ramp trigger source 210 turns
the ramp switch 209 off (i.e., the ramp switch 209 is opened), the
third current source 207 charges up the ramp capacitor 208, thereby
causing the voltage ramp signal Vramp (at a node between the third
current source 207 and the ramp capacitor 208) to linearly ramp up.
When ramping up, therefore, the voltage ramp signal Vramp is
relatively linear within a desired operating range that includes at
least the first voltage level of the first reference voltage Vref1
and the second voltage level of the second reference voltage Vref2.
When the ramp trigger source 210 turns the ramp switch 209 on
(i.e., the ramp switch 209 is closed), the output of the third
current source 207 is shorted to ground (or other appropriate lower
voltage limit), so the ramp capacitor 208 is discharged, thereby
causing the voltage ramp signal Vramp (i.e., the voltage across the
ramp capacitor 208) to rapidly decrease to ground or other
appropriate lower voltage limit. In this manner, the voltage ramp
signal Vramp is generally a sawtooth waveform. The voltage ramp
signal Vramp is provided to the positive ("+") inputs of the first
and second comparators 211 and 212. For embodiments in which the
third current source 207 is programmable, the slope (and thus also
the operating range) of the voltage ramp signal Vramp can be set by
setting the level of the current for the third current source 207.
Consequently, the width of the voltage pulse 201 is further set by
setting the slope of the linear voltage ramp signal Vramp.
[0034] The first and second comparators 211 and 212 (e.g.,
"going-high" comparators) use the same linear voltage ramp signal
Vramp, but each comparator 211 and 212 is triggered at a different
set point or reference voltage (i.e., Vref1 and Vref2,
respectively), which is settable or determined by the resistance
values of the resistors 202 and 203. The logic circuitry 213 is
connected to receive the first and second comparator outputs Comp1
and Comp2 and to generate the voltage pulse 201 in response
thereto. The configuration of the NAND gates 214-217 of the logic
circuitry 213 ensures that, when the output Comp1 of the first
comparator 211 goes high, the voltage pulse 201 goes high, until
the output Comp2 of the second comparator 212 goes high, at which
time the voltage pulse 201 goes low.
[0035] Additionally, in some embodiments, the resistors 202 and 203
are designed to track or reference each other, so that the
difference between their resistance values can be very precisely
controlled; thereby ensuring that the first and second reference
voltages Vref1 and Vref2 can be tightly controlled. In some
embodiments, the current sources 205 and 206 are designed to track
or reference each other or are locked to each other or are tied
together with the same reference current, so that the difference
between the current levels of their produced currents can be very
precisely controlled; thereby ensuring that the first and second
reference voltages Vref1 and Vref2 can be tightly controlled. In
some embodiments, one or both of the first and second reference
voltages Vref1 and Vref2 is generated by a highly accurate DAC
(digital to analog converter). In some embodiments, the current
source 207 is a highly precise current source and/or is referenced,
tied or locked to the current sources 205 and 206; thereby ensuring
that the voltage ramp signal Vramp is very highly linear within the
desired operating range and/or has a precisely controlled or known
slope. Each of these embodiments enables the first and second
reference voltages Vref1 and Vref2 to be tightly linearly
controlled at very precisely known voltage levels, so that the
points at which the voltage ramp signal Vramp crosses the first and
second reference voltages Vref1 and Vref2 (and, thus, the width of
the voltage pulse 201) is also tightly controlled for very precise,
narrow pulse widths.
[0036] Since the voltage ramp signal Vramp is relatively linear
within the desired operating range that includes at least the first
voltage level of the first reference voltage Vref1 and the second
voltage level of the second reference voltage Vref2, the width of
the voltage pulse 201 is directly proportional (i.e., linearly
related) to a difference between the resistance values of the
resistors 202 and 203. In other words, for a given slope of the
voltage ramp signal Vramp, changing (i.e., increasing or
decreasing) the difference between the resistance values of the
resistors 202 and 203 by a factor of X will also change the width
of the voltage pulse 201 by the factor of X due to a corresponding
change (by the factor of X) in the difference between the reference
voltages Vref1 and Vref2 or the set points for the comparators 211
and 212.
[0037] In some embodiments, the components 202-217 and 219-223
(among other appropriate components) are included in an IC chip
218. By including the resistors 202 and 203 in the IC chip 218, at
least one of them can be controlled or programmed in combination
with the current sources 205 and 206 (which can also be
programmable in some embodiments) for the purpose of setting the
width of the voltage pulse 201.
[0038] Therefore, since the width of the voltage pulse 201 is
directly proportional (i.e., linearly related) to a difference
between the resistance values of the resistors 202 and 203, the
pulse width can be set by a simple calculation based on the
resistance values followed by an easy appropriate programming of
one or both of the resistors 202 and 203, depending on whether one
or both of the resistors 202 and 203 is programmable. In some
embodiments, both of the resistors 202 and 203 are programmable for
setting the width of the voltage pulse 201, so any appropriate
resistance values for both resistors 202 and 203 can be calculated
based on the desired resulting width of the voltage pulse 201. In
some embodiments, one of the resistors 202 and 203 simply has a
known fixed resistance value, which can be used in combination with
the desired resulting width of the voltage pulse 201 to calculate
the resistance value for the other resistor, i.e., the programmable
resistor. For example, in some embodiments, increasing or
decreasing (i.e., setting) the resistance value of the first
resistor 202 relative to the resistance value of the second
resistor 203 will increase or decrease, respectively, (i.e., set)
the first voltage level of the first reference voltage Vref1 and,
thus, the width of the voltage pulse 201 in a linear relationship
to the difference in the resistance values. Additionally, in some
embodiments, decreasing or increasing (i.e., setting) the
resistance value of the second resistor 203 relative to the
resistance value of the first resistor 202 will decrease or
increase, respectively, (i.e., set) the second voltage level of the
second reference voltage Vref2 and, thus, increase or decrease,
respectively, (i.e., set) the width of the voltage pulse 201 in a
linear relationship to the difference in the resistance values. In
other words, at least one of the first and second voltage levels of
at least one of the first and second reference voltages Vref1 and
Vref2 is set by setting at least one of the first and second
resistance values for at least one of the first and second
resistors 202 and 203. Consequently, the width of the voltage pulse
201 is set by setting at least one of the first and second voltage
levels due to the setting of at least one of the first and second
resistance values. Therefore, given an available operating range of
the voltage ramp signal Vramp, the current levels provided by the
first and second current sources 205 and 206 (whether or not
programmable), and the desired width of the voltage pulse 201,
allowable resistance values can be calculated for one or both of
the resistors 202 and/or 203, and then the resistors 202 and/or 203
can be programmed during the design, manufacturing or operation of
a desired implementation of the pulse generator 200. Additionally,
for greater range in the pulse width, the calculation can also
include the capacitance value of the ramp capacitor 208 and the
level of the current provided by the third current source 207 and,
thus, the slope and available operating range of the voltage ramp
signal Vramp, e.g., for embodiments in which the third current
source 207 is also programmable for a desired implementation of the
pulse generator 200.
[0039] Therefore, in some embodiments, circuit designers can be
provided with a simple formula with which appropriate selections
for one or both of the resistance values of the resistors 202 and
203 and optionally for one or more of the currents of the current
sources 205-207 can be calculated given a desired pulse width. In
other embodiments, a table can be easily created for a
representative set of widths for the voltage pulse 201 cross
correlated with the best predetermined recommended selection for
one or both of the resistance values and optionally for one or more
of the currents, so the circuit designers can simply look up the
predetermined selections.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows example timing diagrams illustrating the
operation of the pulse generators 100 and 200 shown in FIGS. 1 and
2, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 3 includes a Vramp
timing diagram 301 for the voltage ramp signal Vramp, a Vref1
timing diagram 302 for the first voltage level of the first
reference voltage Vref1, a Vref2 timing diagram 303 for the second
voltage level of the second reference voltage Vref2, a Comp1 timing
diagram 304 for the output Comp1 of the first comparator 211, a
Comp2 timing diagram 305 for the output Comp2 of the second
comparator 212, and a pulse timing diagram 306 for the voltage
pulse 101 or 201.
[0041] The Vramp timing diagram 301 and the Vref1 timing diagram
302 show that as the voltage ramp signal Vramp increases from a
baseline value (i.e., from when the ramp switch 109 or 209 opens),
the voltage ramp signal Vramp crosses above the set point or first
voltage level of the first reference voltage Vref1 at point 307.
Immediately afterward, the Comp1 timing diagram 304 shows that the
output Comp1 of the first comparator 111 or 211 goes high (rising
edge trigger point) from its baseline. Immediately after that, the
pulse timing diagram 306 shows that the voltage pulse 101 or 201
goes high (rising edge) from its baseline in response to the rising
edge of the output Comp1 of the first comparator 211. I.e., the
rising edge of the voltage pulse 101 or 201 is caused by the first
comparator output Comp1. Then the Vramp timing diagram 301 and the
Vref2 timing diagram 303 show that as the voltage ramp signal Vramp
continues to increase, the voltage ramp signal Vramp crosses above
the set point or second voltage level of the second reference
voltage Vref2 at point 308. Immediately afterward, the Comp2 timing
diagram 305 shows that the output Comp2 of the second comparator
112 or 212 goes high (rising edge trigger point) from its baseline.
Immediately after that, the pulse timing diagram 306 shows that the
voltage pulse 101 or 201 goes low (falling edge) back to its
baseline in response to the rising edge of the output Comp2 of the
second comparator 212. I.e., the falling edge of the voltage pulse
101 or 201 is caused by the second comparator output Comp2.
Sometime later, i.e., after the ramp switch 109 or 209 closes,
timing diagrams 301-305 show that the voltage ramp signal Vramp
quickly returns to its baseline, followed by the output Comp1 of
the first comparator 111 or 211 and then the output Comp2 of the
second comparator 112 or 212 going low (falling edges) back to
their baselines after the voltage ramp signal Vramp crosses back
below the second voltage level of the second reference voltage
Vref2 and then the first voltage level of the first reference
voltage Vref1. The duration 309 between the points 307 and 308 is,
thus, about the same as the width 310 of the voltage pulse 101 or
201, which in the illustrated example is approximately 5
nanoseconds.
[0042] It is apparent from the timing diagrams 301-306 that if the
first voltage level of the first reference voltage Vref1 were to be
decreased or increased, then the trigger point for the output Comp1
of the first comparator 211 would occur earlier (or later,
respectively) and the rising edge of the voltage pulse 101 or 201
would likewise occur earlier (or later, respectively) resulting in
a wider (or narrower, respectively) pulse width. Additionally, it
is also apparent from the timing diagrams 301-306 that if the
second voltage level of the second reference voltage Vref2 were to
be decreased or increased, then the trigger point for the output
Comp2 of the second comparator 212 would occur earlier (or later,
respectively) and the falling edge of the voltage pulse 101 or 201
would likewise occur earlier (or later, respectively) resulting in
a narrower (or wider, respectively) pulse width. Furthermore, it is
apparent from the pulse timing diagram 306 that the voltage pulse
101 or 201 is distinguished from a simple square wave waveform,
since the voltage pulse 101 or 201 is of relatively short duration
with a relatively small duty cycle; whereas, a simple square wave
is generally symmetrical with about a 50% duty cycle. In the
present invention, the short duration of the voltage pulse 101 or
201 is precisely controlled by the relationship between the first
and second reference voltages Vref1 and Vref2 and the voltage ramp
signal Vramp, which further results in an advantageous linear
relationship of the pulse width to the difference between the
resistance values of the resistors 102/202 and 103/203.
[0043] Some advantages or improvements in the pulse generators 100
and 200 are more readily apparent by a comparison with example
conventional pulse generator circuits. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a
first conventional pulse generator 400; and FIGS. 6 and 7
illustrate a second conventional pulse generator 600.
[0044] The conventional pulse generator 400 (FIG. 4) includes a
trigger source 401, a resistor 402, a capacitor 403, a first
comparator 404, a second comparator 405, and an AND gate 406. The
comparators 404 and 405 are both tied to the same reference voltage
Vref. However, the second comparator 405 has a delayed trigger
point relative to that of the first comparator 404. The outputs of
the comparators 404 and 405 are combined using the AND gate 406 to
produce a voltage pulse P during a period of overlap of these
outputs. The delay of the trigger point for the second comparator
405 is done with an RC circuit of the resistor 402 and the
capacitor 403 (i.e., an RC low-pass filter) connected to the
trigger source 401 and the first and second comparators 404 and 405
as shown, such that first and second ramp voltages VR1 (undelayed)
and VR2 (delayed) are provided to the first and second comparators
404 and 405, respectively. In this configuration, a trigger signal
from the trigger source 401 is converted into different exponential
(nonlinear) changes in voltage for the first and second ramp
voltages VR1 and VR2, which cross the reference voltage Vref at
crossing points 501 and 502, respectively, which determine the
width 503 of the voltage pulse P, as shown by timing diagrams in
FIG. 5. The crossing points 501 and 502, and thus the width 503 of
the voltage pulse P, can be changed by changing the resistor 402,
the capacitor 403, or both. However, the nonlinear nature of the
ramp voltages VR1 and VR2 makes it difficult to accurately predict
the times of crossing points 501 and 502 and, thus, difficult to
ensure accurate, reliable and repeatable control over the width 503
of the voltage pulse P. Thus, the width 503 of the voltage pulse P
is a complicated function of the resistance of the resistor 402 and
the capacitance of the capacitor 403. The present invention, on the
other hand, enables the width 310 of the voltage pulse 101 or 201
(FIGS. 1-3) to be directly proportional to the difference between
two resistances for the resistors 102/202 and 103/203. The present
invention also enables quick and easy replacement of the resistors
102 and 103 or reprogramming of the resistors 202 and 203.
[0045] The conventional pulse generator 600 (FIG. 6) includes a
trigger source 601, a switch 602, a capacitor 603, a current source
604, a pulse width selector 605, a first comparator 606, a second
comparator 607, and an AND gate 608. The comparators 606 and 607
receive the same ramp voltage VR, but are tied to different
reference voltages V1 and V2, respectively. The ramp voltage VR is
generated by the current source 604 and the capacitor 603 under the
control of the switch 602 and the trigger source 601. The ramp
voltage VR is ramped up by the current source 604 providing a
current to the capacitor 603 when the switch 602 is opened by a
trigger signal from the trigger source 601; and the ramp voltage VR
is quickly reset by the shorting of the capacitor 603 when the
switch 602 is closed by the trigger signal. The first reference
voltage V1 is lower than the second reference voltage V2; thus, the
trigger point for the first comparator 606 is before the trigger
point for the second comparator 607. The outputs of the comparators
606 and 607 are combined using the AND gate 608 to produce a
voltage pulse P during a period of overlap of these outputs. The
timing of the trigger points is changed by changing the slope of
the ramp voltage VR, which is changed by changing the current
provided by the current source 604. The pulse width selector 605
provides a control signal to the current source 604 to set the
current provided thereby. This operation is illustrated by timing
diagrams in FIG. 7. In a first example, the pulse width selector
605 causes the current source 604 to provide a first current to the
capacitor 603, so the first example ramp voltage VR1 exhibits a
first slope, resulting in crossing the reference voltages V1 and V2
at widely spaced points 701 and 702, respectively, for a first
width of the first example voltage pulse P1. In a second example,
the pulse width selector 605 causes the current source 604 to
provide a second current (larger than the first current) to the
capacitor 603, so the second example ramp voltage VR2 exhibits a
second slope (greater than the first slope), resulting in crossing
the reference voltages V1 and V2 at more closely spaced points 703
and 704, respectively, for a second width (narrower than the first
width) of the second example voltage pulse P2. However, controlling
the slope of the ramp voltage VR to control the width of the
voltage pulse P can be difficult to do accurately and suffers from
a practical limit on how high the slope can be and, thus, how
narrow the voltage pulse P can be. The present invention, on the
other hand, enables the width 310 of the voltage pulse 101 or 201
(FIGS. 1-3) to be a simple function directly proportional to the
difference between two resistances for the resistors 102/202 and
103/203. The present invention also enables quick and easy
replacement of the resistors 102 and 103 or reprogramming of the
resistors 202 and 203, as well as an option to change the slope of
the voltage ramp signal Vramp, to set the width 310 of the voltage
pulse 101 or 201.
[0046] Reference has been made in detail to embodiments of the
disclosed invention, one or more examples of which have been
illustrated in the accompanying figures. Each example has been
provided by way of explanation of the present technology, not as a
limitation of the present technology. In fact, while the
specification has been described in detail with respect to specific
embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated that those
skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the
foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of,
and equivalents to these embodiments. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present subject matter covers all such
modifications and variations within the scope of the appended
claims and their equivalents. These and other modifications and
variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of
ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the
present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the
appended claims. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example
only, and is not intended to limit the invention. 1 What is claimed
is:
* * * * *