Showing papers on "Decoupling capacitor published in 1975"

Capacitor discharge ignition testing apparatus employing visual spark gap indicator

Abstract: Capacitor discharge ignition analyzer includes a pulse source operable to generate electrical signals related to the input-output signals of various capacitor discharge ignition systems including battery driven and alternator driven systems. The analyzer includes an electronic circuit generating an output signal approximating that of the permanent magnet alternators for charging of alternator driven systems and a circuit to generate a trigger pulse. The output of the capacitor is connected to a spark gap unit having an outer enclosure with a small opening. This permits direct testing of the ignition system on the engine without any practical danger of generating explosions as a result of surrounding gas fumes.

Voltage amplitude multiplying circuits

Abstract: Circuits for generating pulsating potentials and voltage levels outside the range of, and/or of greater magnitude than, the operating potential applied to the circuits. Each circuit includes first and second transistors for applying a first voltage to one plate of a capacitor and a second voltage to the other plate of the capacitor, during one time interval. During a subsequent time interval, the first and second transistors are turned off and a third transistor applies the second potential to the one plate of the capacitor. The change in the potential at the one plate of the capacitor is coupled to the other plate of the capacitor at which is produced an output potential outside the range of the first and second voltages. The potential difference between the first voltage and the output potential is greater in amplitude than the potential difference between the first and second voltages. The circuit may also include means alternately applying the first voltage and then the output potential to an output point for generating pulsating signals of greater amplitude than the magnitude of the applied potential. The outputs of two or more circuits may be combined to produce direct current (d.c.) levels. Also included are circuits which operate from a pulsating source of operating potential.

Solid-state threshold detector

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a warning when the magnitude of a monitored parameter, such as vehicle fuel level, is within a critical range. A charge pump repeatedly charges a variable capacitor having a capacitance progressively changing with the magnitude of the monitored parameter and a reference capacitor having a capacitance equal to the capacitance of the variable capacitor when the magnitude of the monitored parameter is at the threshold of the critical range. After each charge, the two capacitors are discharged at a controlled rate with their voltage charge being monitored by threshold detectors, each of which provides an output when the voltage across the respective capacitor exceeds a specified level. The outputs of the threshold detectors are coupled to a logic circuit which compares the duration of the outputs of the threshold detectors and generates an output when the duration of the output from the level detector monitoring the reference capacitor varies from the time duration of the output from the level detector monitoring the reference capacitor in a sense representing a critical magnitude of the condition. An indicator is responsive to the output signal from the logic circuit for providing a warning of the critical magnitude of the condition.

High intensity discharge lamp starting circuit

Abstract: A starting circuit for high intensity discharge lamps supplied from an alternating current line through a ballast inductance, and in some cases a pulse transformer inductance, includes a surge voltage protector (SVP) or like voltage responsive, current switching gas breakdown device connected intermediate the end of the inductance, a capacitor connected to the lamp end of the inductance, the SVP and capacitor being connected in parallel with each other and in series with a resistance across the lamp so that upon breakdown of the device in each half AC cycle the capacitor discharges applying a voltage surge to the lamp stepped up through the inductance. The charge on the capacitor follows the ignition voltage required to start or reignite the lamp as the ignition voltage varies during the life of the lamp.

Protection circuit for battery powered electronic devices

Abstract: A rechargeable battery provides a source of operating potential for an electronic circuit load. An operator controlled on-off switch connects the battery to a relay, and through the normally open relay contacts, to the electronic circuit. The relay winding is returned to ground through a capacitor. When the switch is closed the relay is momentarily energized by the current which charges the capacitor. A transistor has its collector-emitter path in parallel with the capacitor and its base coupled to the movable tap on a voltage divider connected across the load. In the absence of a low voltage condition across the load, the transistor conducts maintaining relay closure for normal circuit operation.

Protective switch device for electrical distribution systems

Abstract: A protective device includes a circuit breaker with an operating means connected to a fault current sensing control circuit. A small line current and/or a small fault current sensing current transformer means is conductively connected through individual rectifiers and series sensing resistors as a current source to charge a common power supply capacitor. A voltage limiting means across the capacitor maintains the current source. A high impedance signal processing amplifier includes a sensing transistor connected to the sensing resistor which establishes a minimum trip level and driving coupling transistors connected to the capacitor and including voltage sensitive means to positively inhibit full amplifier turn-on before the power supply capacitor is charged to an operating voltage level. In a fault condition, the amplifier rapidly charges a hold-on capacitor which slowly discharges to activate a timing control transistor of a time delay circuit, the output of which triggers a rapid, stabilized switch to operate the circuit breaker. The timing circuit may be driven from the power supply capacitor or a separate timing source capacitor which rapidly charges to the peak value of the sensing resistor and slowly discharges to establish a relatively constant and high average current such that timing is not sensitive to current transformer saturation. Where both line and ground fault sensors are connected to the common amplifier, they share the same timing means and have the same delay curves with a significant reduction in circuit cost and complexity. A clamping network may be connected to the sensing resistor to also minimize transformer core saturation and establish a maximum timing current and allow heavy fault currents of short duration.

Arrangement for detecting relative angular movement of a steering wheel

Abstract: The steering movement of a motor vehicle is translated into an electrical signal which increases as the steering wheel rotates in one direction and decreases as the steering operation is reversed. This signal is applied to a minimum value detecting and storage circuit and a maximum value detecting and storage circuit, each including a storage capacitor, a switching diode for controlling the charge or discharge of the capacitor, and a bypass switching circuit connected across the diode. The diode of the minimum detector is connected such that it allows the capacitor to be discharged, while the diode of the maximum detector allows the capacitor to be charged. The bypass switching circuit of the minimum detector provides a charging path to the capacitor, while the bypass circuit of the maximum detector provides a discharging path to the capacitor. The voltages developed across the two capacitors are measured and compared with a reference voltage. A reset signal will be produced when the difference voltage exceeds the reference voltage. The reset signal is used to operate the two bypass switching circuits simultaneously to reset either of the stored values depending upon the instantaneous values of the electrical signal.

Capacitor memory cell

Abstract: A dynamic capacitive memory cell having a storage node formed at the common junction of a fixed access capacitor and two MOS voltage variable capacitors. Data represented in the form of stored charge is written into the storage node through the fixed access capacitor under control of one of the MOS voltage variable capacitors and read out of the memory cell by a sensing device connected between the other voltage variable capacitor and ground. In another memory cell, one of the MOS voltage variable capacitors is replaced by an MOS transistor for preventing excess charge accumulation at the storage node.

Aluminum-electrolytic capacitor having a low impedance and low inductance

Abstract: An aluminum-electrolytic capacitor having a low impedance and a low inductance for use in filter circuits and having wound anode and cathode foil layers separated by intermediate paper layers saturated wth operating electrolyte.

Electronic flash device with capacitor discharge cut-off before full discharge

Abstract: The time period necessary to charge a current-to-light convertible energy storing capacitor to a certain voltage is reduced as compared with prior art devices The energy storing capacitor is connected across a flash tube and switching element series-connected with each other The switching element is provided with a control circuit, responsive to the voltage of the storage capacitor decreasing to a level at which the flash tube is stopped from producing flash light, for producing a terminating signal by which the switching element is brought into the open or non conducting state With this arrangement, it is made possible to prevent complete discharge of the electric charge stored in the storage capacitor from occurring, thereby providing the advantage of saving a good fraction of the charging time period which would be otherwise necessary when the storage capacitor is completely discharged to zero voltage

Stabilized fuel injection system

Abstract: To prevent bucking of a fuel injection operated automotive engine, under transient dynamic conditions, due to resilient suspension thereof, a timing capacitor in the fuel injection system has an auxiliary capacitor connected in parallel thereto over a diode, the auxiliary capacitor having its own charge circuit, and the diode and charge circuit being so arranged that the diode becomes conductive when the voltage across the main capacitor exceeds the voltage across the auxiliary capacitor, thus delaying and flattening the charge rate to the main capacitor without, however, detracting from total charge being placed on both capacitors to prevent excessive changes in fuel valve injection timing under transient engine operating conditions.

Overload protection circuit for voltage regulator

Abstract: When the load current of a voltage regulator rises above a safe value for sustained operation, a limiting circuit is activated to prevent further rise. At the same time, a capacitor in a timing circuit is being charged so that if the overload condition continues beyond a predetermined amount, the capacitor voltage will trigger a latching circuit to shut off the regulator. The regulator is reset by merely turning off the supply long enough to allow the capacitor to discharge.

Constant energy strobe source

Abstract: In a strobe lamp system, a circuit for monitoring the amount of energy supplied to a capacitor storage bank from a power supply senses the magnitude of the current flowing to the capacitor storage bank and produces an integral function indicating the charge stored on the capacitor bank. This integral function and the voltage across the capacitor bank are monitored by a comparator. When a selected amount of energy has been stored, a switching circuit is activated by the comparator to disconnect the capacitor storage bank from the power supply.

Protective circuit arrangement for a high-voltage capacitor bank

Abstract: A protective circuit for a high-voltage capacitor bank in which the capacitor bank is subdivided into two equal parallel branches with a current measuring device connected in series with each branch and the outputs of the two current measuring devices connected to a differential protection relay.

First timing circuit controlled by a second timing circuit for generating long timing intervals

Abstract: A timing circuit utilizing first and second hysteresis comparators. The first comparator senses the voltage across a capacitor in a first charging circuit. Whenever this voltage exceeds the high comparator reference level, the comparator output is at a first voltage level, permitting charging of the capacitor. When the capacitor voltage drops below the low comparator reference level, the comparator output switches to a second level, discharging the capacitor at a rate much faster than the charging rate. The second comparator interacts with a second capacitor in similar fashion; however, the second capacitor is permitted to charge only during the discharge periods of the first.

Arrangement comprising a high voltage measuring capacitor

Abstract: In an apparatus comprising a high-voltage measuring capacitor and, in particular, comprising a high-voltage measuring capacitor formed by a high-voltage conductor of a fully insulated, metal-encapsulated high-voltage switch-gear installation and by a surface electrode associated with the former, an auxiliary capacitor is associated with and located adjacent to said high-voltage capacitor. The auxiliary capacitor is part of an evaluation device which generates a signal corresponding to capacitance changes of the auxiliary capacitor resulting from external influences. Following the evaluation device is an indicating device for signaling the occurrence of such capacitance changes and/or a control or regulating device for compensating for capacitance changes of the high-voltage measuring capacitor caused by the same external influences.

Sparking plug with integrated capacitor - has dielectric material and electrode elements arranged to form parallel capacitors

Abstract: The sparking plug with built in capacitor is intended for the supply of additional electric energy between the electrode point during starting to increase the conversion of energy by more efficient combustion of air fuel mixture. The element functioning as a capacitor is integrated into the module which, when assembled provides the necessary capacitance across the electrodes. The socket of the plug is designed so as to be the earthed electrode of the capacitor. The capacitance is increased by linking it with an electrode in the plug body. The central electrode which is part of the socket is linked to another electrode. The insulating material forms the dielectric, hence producing two capacitors in parallel. Preferably an external discharge path is provided.

Low KVA static AC motor drive

Abstract: A commutation circuit for an inverter has a capacitor which is charged prior to commutation of the inverter from an auxiliary dc power source instead of by the principal dc power supply for the inverter. Polarity of the voltage on the capacitor is reversed prior to start of commutation by a switch that connects a first inductor across the capacitor to establish a first capacitor current path through the first inductor. No portion of thee first capacitor current by which the capacitor achieves its reverse polarity flows through the inverter. After the polarity of voltage on the capacitor has been reversed the capacitor is connected by switching so as to apply reverse polarity voltage to the dc input busses of the inverter. Commutation current then flows through the inverter, but not through the first inductor. A separate inductor is provided for the commutation current, in series with the capacitor and the inverter. The circuit is particularly advantageous for apparatus in which the principal dc power supply provides an adjustable dc voltage, because the energy available from this circuit for commutation is not significantly diminished by adjustment of the principal dc power supply to low voltage levels because the auxiliary dc power supply becomes effective at the low levels.

Electrical lc resonant circuit

Abstract: An electrical LC resonant circuit, particularly useful for channel filters in carrier frequency technology, has a fixed-tuned coil and a capacitor tunable by the removal of layer surface portions. The capacitor is constructed as an essentially flat, self-healing layer capacitor having a relatively small number of layer surfaces and dielectric layers lying one upon the other.

Fail-safe energizing circuit for a functional device

Abstract: A fail-safe energizing circuit for effecting the operation of a functional device, such as a relay, includes a resistor and a capacitor connected between outputs of an AC signal source which supplies an AC signal for charging the capacitor, a normally disabled silicon controlled rectifier connected in shunt with the capacitor and an operate coil of the relay and operable when enabled to provide a discharge path for the capacitor permitting the capacitor to discharge over the relay coil to operate the relay, and a control circuit operable to provide an enabling signal derived from the AC signal for enabling the silicon controlled rectifier. The energizing circuit is described with reference to an application in an automatic fuel ignition system for controlling the operation of a relay which energizes a fuel valve of the system.

Capacitor discharge of latching relays and rotary filter

Abstract: Direct current circuitry for sequentially energizing two or more motors orther load devices, using capacitive discharge to latch in a relay for each load device. During one stage of operation a relatively small voltage is impressed on one lead of a capacitor whose other lead is grounded; a charge is thereby developed in the capacitor. Subsequently a relatively large voltage is impressed on the other lead of the capacitor to direct the charge into the coil of the relay, thereby effecting a relay latching action. The capacitor thereafter isolates the latching circuit from a de-latching circuit; the de-latching circuit is part of a latching circuit for a second relay used to energize a second load device. The invention is particularly useful in sequentially operating electric motors used in self-cleaning engine air cleaners.

Integrated circuit relaxation oscillator

Abstract: An integrated circuit relaxation oscillator includes a capacitor, a resistor forming a conductive path for charging the capacitor, a transistor for discharging the capacitor, and a control circuit responsive to the level of charge on the capacitor for controlling the conduction level of the transistor. The control circuit has a relatively high trip point while it is in one state and during the time that the capacitor is being charged, and a relatively low trip point while it is in a second state and during the time that the capacitor is being discharged. The control circuit is balanced, such that variations in process parameters and variations in the voltage level of the power supply do not appreciably affect the period of the oscillatory output signal.

D.c. potential multiplier

Abstract: A D.C. potential multiplier has a first capacitor which is time shared between two potential multiplying circuits. In the first multiplying circuit, gates connect the first capacitor for charging from a potential source. The gates then switch the capacitor into potential adding series with the source for charging a second capacitor toward the combined potential of the source and first capacitor. The gates next switch the first capacitor into the second multiplying circuit for charging the first capacitor from the second. The gates then switch the first and second capacitor into potential adding series for providing an output potential from the second potential multiplying circuit.

Capacitor discharge ignition system with frequency operated speed limiting control

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a capacitor discharge ignition system with speed-limiting capability, which system comprises a charge capacitor, a coil, a magnet rotatable relative to the coil for generating alternating potential in the coil, a rectifier connected between the coil and capacitor for rectifying the alternating potential to a potential of one polarity and for applying the potential of one polarity ot charge the capacitor, a first switch connected to the capacitor for discharging the capacitor to generate a spark in response to the application of a first trigger signal, a second switch connected to the capacitor for preventing charging of the capacitor in response to the application of a second trigger signal above a predetermined potential, and a signal generating circuit connected to the second switch and operative to generate the second trigger signal in response to rotation above a predetermined speed of the magnet, which second signal generating circuit includes a transformer connected to the coil.

Operation-delayed switching circuit

Abstract: A switching circuit designed to start operation after the lapse of a predetermined delay time from its connection to a power source. The switching circuit has a switch element which is rendered conductive when the terminal voltage of a capacitor of a time constant circuit connected to the power source for determining the delay time has reached a predetermined value. Thereafter the electric charge of said capacitor is quickly discharged through a low impedance discharge line including said switch element. Thus, when the switching circuit has once been brought into operation after the lapse of a predetermined delay time from its connection to the power source, the capacitor of the time constant circuit is substantially completely discharged in such a manner that the terminal voltage of this capacitor is restored to substantially the same value as that before the connection to the power source, thereby allowing the switching circuit to provide the constant delay time even if its reconnection to the power source is made immediately after its disconnection therefrom.

Electric timing circuitry with means to compensate for switch chatter

Abstract: Electric timing circuitry for a camera comprises a series connection of a resistor and capacitor with the junction point of the two being connected to the input of a switching circuit. A series circuit composed of a starting switch for initiating the timing cycle and a source switch for connecting the circuitry to a source of electric energy is connected in parallel with the capacitor. The single capacitor performs the dual role of functioning as a timing capacitor and compensating for switch chatter of the source switch.

Capacitive voltage reducer

Abstract: Two different voltage reducers are disclosed that are each operable in two different modes dependent upon the order of application of timing signals. Both embodiments include a plurality of capacitors that under equilibrium conditions are alternately operated between charging and discharging between states of lower and higher charges. In both embodiments, each capacitor is charged from either the voltage source for the first capacitor in the series or from a preceding capacitor, and each capacitor is subsequently discharged to supply power to the load and to charge any subsequent capacitor.

Smoker's lighter

Abstract: An electrically-ignited gas lighter with a capacitor discharge ignition circuit is provided with a blocking oscillator and an oscillation transformer to increase the level of the voltage from a single silver oxide battery of 1.5 volts to a higher level of at least 100 volts for charging the storage capacitor through a half-wave rectifier. A triggering circuit is provided to discharge the storage capacitor automatically and periodically through a silicon controlled rectifier at a predetermined voltage.

Spark sources with electronic switching tubes

Abstract: A spark source is disclosed having an analytical spark gap, a capacitor, a power supply for charging the capacitor, and an electronic switching tube connected in a series circuit between the capacitor and the spark gap. When the tube is rendered conductive by a triggering pulse or other signal, the capacitor is discharged through the spark gap and the switching tube, which carries the entire discharge current.

Pulse generator stabilized for change of ambient temperature and source voltage

Abstract: A pulse generator which can be applied to a horizontal deflection circuit and/or a vertical deflection circuit of a television set and of which almost all parts can be easily manufactured in a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip has been found. A capacitor in an integrator circuit is charged and discharged alternately. The voltage across said capacitor and a second voltage, which is controlled by said voltage across said capacitor, are compared with a predetermined voltage. According to the result of the comparison, the capacitor is charged or discharged and, thus, a pulse oscillation is provided.