公开(公告)号：US06646479B1

公开(公告)日：2003-11-11

申请号：US10287665

申请日：2002-11-04

申请人： Ian D. Crawford

发明人： Ian D. Crawford

IPC分类号： H03K5153

CPC分类号： H03K5/153 ,  H03K5/082

摘要： A non-delayed input signal is provided to a first comparator input and, a delayed input signal is applied to a second comparator input. An offset voltage is applied between the delayed and non-delayed signals at the comparator inputs. When an input pulse appears on the input signal, the non-delayed input signal will rise immediately and maintain itself more positive than the delayed input, keeping the comparator output inactive. As long as the input signal is rising, the comparator output is maintained low, or inactive. When the non-delayed signal reaches its peak and turns downward, the delayed input signal is still rising and crosses over the first pulse, creating a change of state at the comparator output to a high or active state. The signal edge resulting from this change of start represents initial detection of an input pulse. The time of occurrence of this detection edge is substantially independent of the pulse amplitude. To extend the dynamic range of the pulse discriminator, multiple channels, each implemented to handle a distinct range of signal levels, may be included, and combined at their outputs. To improve accuracy for very low-level signals, and to reduce the incidence of false alarms, a separate detection threshold can be used to gate the comparator.

摘要翻译： 未延迟的输入信号被提供给第一比较器输入，并且延迟的输入信号被施加到第二比较器输入。 在比较器输入端的延迟和非延迟信号之间施加偏移电压。 当输入信号出现输入脉冲时，非延迟输入信号将立即上升并保持自身比延迟输入更正，保持比较器输出不活动。 只要输入信号上升，比较器输出保持低电平或无效。 当非延迟信号达到其峰值并向下变化时，延迟的输入信号仍然上升并跨越第一脉冲，产生比较器输出处的状态改变为高或激活状态。 由该开始变化产生的信号沿表示输入脉冲的初始检测。 该检测边缘的出现时间基本上与脉冲振幅无关。 为了扩展脉冲鉴别器的动态范围，可以包括被实现以处理不同范围的信号电平的多个通道，并在其输出端组合。 为了提高极低电平信号的精度，并且为了减少误报警的发生率，可以使用单独的检测阈值门控比较器。

公开(公告)号：US4939476A

公开(公告)日：1990-07-03

申请号：US290567

申请日：1988-12-27

申请人： Ian D. Crawford

发明人： Ian D. Crawford

IPC分类号： H03F3/08

CPC分类号： H03F3/087

摘要： A preamplifier for a laser rangefinder receiver having two signal level modes comprises, in accordance with this invention, a light detector having a first load resistor, and a buffer having an input connected across the load resistor and an output to the receiver. A first diode is placed in series with a second diode, with the second diode being connected in parallel with a second load resistor. A positive feedback path is provided from the output to the junction of the first and second diodes, wherein the first and second diodes are nonconductive during a low signal level mode, and conductive during a high signal level mode.

摘要翻译： 具有两个信号电平模式的激光测距接收机的前置放大器包括：根据本发明，具有第一负载电阻器的光检测器和具有连接在负载电阻器两端的输入端和对接收器的输出的缓冲器。 第一二极管与第二二极管串联放置，第二二极管与第二负载电阻并联连接。 从第一和第二二极管的输出端到结点提供正反馈路径，其中第一和第二二极管在低信号电平模式期间不导通，并且在高信号电平模式期间导通。

公开(公告)号：US20120194798A1

公开(公告)日：2012-08-02

申请号：US13015689

申请日：2011-01-28

申请人： Ian D. Crawford ,  Noal T. Chandler

发明人： Ian D. Crawford ,  Noal T. Chandler

IPC分类号： G01C3/08

CPC分类号： G01S7/4873 ,  G01S7/497 ,  G01S17/105

摘要： A technique for providing range correction values in a laser rangefinder range processor uses return pulse width (rather than return pulse amplitude) for correcting amplitude (range walk) and speed of light problems. A plurality of range correction values may be generated in a test setup (by simulating return pulse delays) and stored in a lookup table based on return pulse width, nominal range (time of return), and other factors such as temperature and pressure. The technique is also capable of correcting other problems such as receiver delay. The technique allows for the use of a saturating preamplifier with the increased sensitivity that it offers, and is relatively simple to implement, as it may be embedded within a digital processor (DSP) or gate array that is normally present for a basic range counter implementation.

摘要翻译： 在激光测距范围处理器中提供范围校正值的技术使用返回脉冲宽度（而不是返回脉冲幅度）来校正振幅（行程）和光问题的速度。 可以在测试设置（通过模拟返回脉冲延迟）中产生多个范围校正值，并且基于返回脉冲宽度，标称范围（返回时间）以及诸如温度和压力的其它因素存储在查找表中。 该技术还能够纠正诸如接收机延迟的其他问题。 该技术允许使用具有提供的增加的灵敏度的饱和前置放大器，并且相对简单的实现，因为它可以嵌入在通常用于基本范围计数器实现的数字处理器（DSP）或门阵列内 。

公开(公告)号：US20100207543A1

公开(公告)日：2010-08-19

申请号：US12541915

申请日：2009-08-15

申请人： Ian D. Crawford ,  Jeffrey T. Richter ,  Steven L. Pickles ,  John A. Harwick

发明人： Ian D. Crawford ,  Jeffrey T. Richter ,  Steven L. Pickles ,  John A. Harwick

IPC分类号： H05B37/02

CPC分类号： H05B33/0815

摘要： A current-driven load such as LEDs or laser diodes is driven by a current driver having a two stages (or phases), the summed outputs of which have ripple which is forced to be out-of-phase with one another. In analog embodiments, an output (ripple or switching) of a master stage hysteresis controller is phase-shifted and scaled, and modulates the input of a slave stage hysteresis controller so that the slave stage pulls into a ripple-canceling phase. In a digital embodiment, a faster of the two phases is designated “master”, maximum and minimum thresholds are set, and the slave phase's on time is based on a previous cycle's slave phase ON time, the master stage OFF time and an offset. The slave controller preferentially “locks” to the anti-phase of the master stage (or phase) and the ripple current at the summed output substantially cancels.

摘要翻译： 诸如LED或激光二极管的电流驱动负载由具有两级（或相位）的电流驱动器驱动，其相加的输出具有被迫彼此异相的纹波。 在模拟实施例中，主级滞后控制器的输出（纹波或切换）被相移和缩放，并且调制从属级滞后控制器的输入，使得从级将拉入纹波消除阶段。 在数字实施例中，两相中较快的速度被指定为“主”，设定最大和最小阈值，并且从动相的导通时间基于先前的周期的从相接通时间，主阶段关断时间和偏移量。 从控制器优先“锁定”到主级（或相位）的反相位，并且相加输出处的纹波电流基本上消除。

公开(公告)号：US06697402B2

公开(公告)日：2004-02-24

申请号：US09908961

申请日：2001-07-19

申请人： Ian D. Crawford

发明人： Ian D. Crawford

IPC分类号： H01S300

CPC分类号： H01S5/042 ,  H01S5/0428 ,  H01S5/4018 ,  H01S5/4025

摘要： Fast rise time to high currents in a load such as a laser diode array is achieved by connecting an inductor between a power supply and an end of the diode array. A switching element, is connected between the other end of the diode array and ground. A shunt switch is connected across the diode array. When the shunt switch is opened, energy stored in the inductor is suddenly delivered to the diode array. A diode may be connected between the other end of the diode array and the input of the driver. A current monitor may be connected in series with the diode array. An overall system comprises the diode array driver(s) and at least a portion of the power supply-namely, an energy storage capacitor. A value for energy storage capacitor in the power supply may be selected to produce a maximally flat-top pulse shape. A source voltage provided by the power supply may be greater than, substantially equal to, or less than the voltage required by the diode. In use, closing the switching element and closing the shunt switch produces an initial current buildup in the inductor, and opening the shunt switch directs the current built up in the inductor into the diode array. Current flow through the diode array is terminated by subsequently closing the shunt switch. With the shunt switch closed, the switching element may be opened, which will cause the current in the inductor to recirculate within a loop comprising the closed shunt switch, the inductor and the diode connected across the series-connected diode array the coil. Periodically closing the switching element will refresh the recirculating current. Refreshing the current in the inductor for a burst, or very short lead time, may be done by turning on (closing) the switching element for a short time with the shunt switch closed, until the current sensed rises to the desired value.

摘要翻译： 通过在电源和二极管阵列的一端之间连接一个电感来实现快速上升到负载如激光二极管阵列中的高电流。 开关元件连接在二极管阵列的另一端和地之间。 分流开关连接在二极管阵列的两端。 当分路开关断开时，存储在电感器中的能量突然传递到二极管阵列。 二极管可以连接在二极管阵列的另一端和驱动器的输入端之间。 电流监视器可以与二极管阵列串联连接。 整个系统包括二极管阵列驱动器和电源的至少一部分，即储能电容器。 可以选择电源中的储能电容器的值来产生最大平顶脉冲形状。 由电源提供的源电压可以大于，基本上等于或小于二极管所需的电压。 在使用中，关闭开关元件并闭合分流开关会在电感器中产生初始电流积累，并且打开分流开关将将电感器中积聚的电流引导到二极管阵列中。 通过二极管阵列的电流通过随后关闭分流开关而终止。 在分流开关闭合的情况下，开关元件可能被打开，这将导致电感器中的电流在包括闭合分流开关，电感器和连接在串联二极管阵列线圈上的二极管的回路中循环。 定期关闭开关元件将刷新再循环电流。 可以通过在分流开关闭合的情况下打开（关闭）开关元件一段时间，直到感应电流上升到期望值，来完成刷新电感器中突发脉冲或非常短的提前期的电流。

公开(公告)号：US6087811A

公开(公告)日：2000-07-11

申请号：US208566

申请日：1998-12-09

申请人： Ian D. Crawford ,  Charles G. Smith ,  John P. Sullivan

发明人： Ian D. Crawford ,  Charles G. Smith ,  John P. Sullivan

IPC分类号： H05B41/34 ,  H05B41/392 ,  H02J7/16

CPC分类号： H05B41/3928 ,  H05B41/34 ,  Y02B20/202

摘要： A pulsed-output power supply having a high input power factor. The rate at which energy is transferred from a power supply unit (PSU) to an energy storage element such as a capacitor is monitored and adjusted such that the charging rate substantially matches the time interval between output pulses. In this manner, input power to the PSU is smoothed to a substantially constant level, thereby eliminating input power surges traditionally associated with pulsed-output power supplies and providing a high input power factor (PF). In an embodiment of the invention, energy transfer from the PSU to the capacitor is sensed by a current sensor. The period of current flow to the capacitor is compared to the historical or predicted period between capacitor discharge pulses. The rate of energy transfer from the power supply is automatically adjusted to make these two periods approximately equal. The energy required to charge the capacitor is spread over the time available to minimize the peak current draw from the power source, thus improving the measured power factor.

摘要翻译： 具有高输入功率因数的脉冲输出电源。 监测并调整能量从电源单元（PSU）传送到诸如电容器的能量存储元件的速率，使得充电速率基本上与输出脉冲之间的时间间隔相匹配。 以这种方式，将PSU的输入功率平滑到基本恒定的电平，从而消除传统上与脉冲输出电源相关联的输入功率浪涌并提供高输入功率因数（PF）。 在本发明的实施例中，由电流传感器感测从PSU到电容器的能量传递。 将电流流向电容器的周期与电容放电脉冲之间的历史或预测周期进行比较。 自动调节从电源传输的能量，使这两个周期大致相等。 对电容器充电所需的能量在可用的时间内扩展到最小化从电源引起的峰值电流，从而提高测量的功率因数。

公开(公告)号：US5350134A

公开(公告)日：1994-09-27

申请号：US374791

申请日：1973-07-03

申请人： Ian D. Crawford

发明人： Ian D. Crawford

IPC分类号： F41G7/22 ,  F41G7/26

CPC分类号： F41G7/226 ,  F41G7/2293

摘要： A target identification system includes a target marker for selecting, and directing radiation at, a target, a weapon delivery system, and means for establishing a two-way communication channel between the two by reflection from a selected target. The communication is by infra-red laser and coded information is sent between the target marker and the weapon delivery system to identify the selected target.

摘要翻译： 目标识别系统包括用于选择目标的武器传送系统的目标标记和用于指示射线的目标标记，以及用于通过从所选目标的反射建立二者之间的双向通信信道的装置。 通信是通过红外激光，并且在目标标记和武器传送系统之间发送编码信息以识别所选择的目标。

公开(公告)号：US5311353A

公开(公告)日：1994-05-10

申请号：US27276

申请日：1993-03-05

申请人： Ian D. Crawford

发明人： Ian D. Crawford

IPC分类号： H03F3/08 ,  H04B10/112 ,  H01J40/14

CPC分类号： H03F3/087 ,  H04B10/1121 ,  H03F2200/372

摘要： A wide-dynamic range optical receiver amplifier is provided by using two separate amplifiers. The first amplifier is a low-impedance input, low-noise, high-gain amplifier, preferably a transresistance amplifier. An input resistor is chosen for the amplifier such that its resistance value is much greater than the input impedance of the first amplifier, resulting in insignificant change in input impedance when the first amplifier's output becomes saturated. A light-induced signal source is connected to the input resistor such that signal current from the light-induced signal source flows through the input resistor into the first amplifier input. A second high-input-impedance amplifier (preferably an FET-input buffer amp) is connected to receive the light induced signal source, either directly or through a resistive divider network. The difference in gain between the two amplifiers serves to extend the dynamic range of the optical receiver amplifier without switching input or feedback components, and without discontinuous response as the first amplifier becomes saturated. Other embodiments are directed to a further diode induced breakpoint, and to a front-end for a spot tracking system.

摘要翻译： 通过使用两个单独的放大器提供宽动态范围的光接收放大器。 第一个放大器是低阻抗输入，低噪声，高增益放大器，最好是跨阻放大器。 为放大器选择输入电阻，使得其电阻值比第一放大器的输入阻抗大得多，导致当第一放大器的输出饱和时输入阻抗的变化不大。 光感应信号源连接到输入电阻器，使得来自光感应信号源的信号电流通过输入电阻器流入第一放大器输入端。 连接第二高输入阻抗放大器（优选为FET输入缓冲放大器），以直接地或通过电阻分压器网络接收光感应信号源。 两个放大器之间的增益差异用于扩展光接收机放大器的动态范围，而不需要切换输入或反馈分量，并且在第一放大器饱和时没有不连续的响应。 其他实施例涉及另外的二极管诱发的断点，并且涉及用于点跟踪系统的前端。

公开(公告)号：US20210098965A1

公开(公告)日：2021-04-01

申请号：US17037676

申请日：2020-09-30

申请人： Ian D. Crawford ,  Jeff Richter

发明人： Ian D. Crawford ,  Jeff Richter

IPC分类号： H01S5/042 ,  H05B45/385 ,  H02J7/34 ,  H02M1/32

摘要： A fly-back or boost stage transfers its stored energy to the energy storage capacitor of the fast driver discharge stage in a single event pulse. The charging voltage of a single flyback pulse on the capacitor is measured in real time and, if necessary, the charging current is diverted via a shunt active device or transistor, to ground, thus preventing the storage capacitor from overcharging with the risk of component damage. A series sense resistor is used to determine the presence and amount of the wasted shunt current in order that this current may be minimized by turning down the flyback energy, thus maximizing the overall efficiency.

公开(公告)号：US08619239B2

公开(公告)日：2013-12-31

申请号：US13015689

申请日：2011-01-28

申请人： Ian D. Crawford ,  Noal T. Chandler

发明人： Ian D. Crawford ,  Noal T. Chandler

IPC分类号： G01C3/08

CPC分类号： G01S7/4873 ,  G01S7/497 ,  G01S17/105

摘要： A technique for providing range correction values in a laser rangefinder range processor uses return pulse width (rather than return pulse amplitude) for correcting amplitude (range walk) and speed of light problems. A plurality of range correction values may be generated in a test setup (by simulating return pulse delays) and stored in a lookup table based on return pulse width, nominal range (time of return), and other factors such as temperature and pressure. The technique is also capable of correcting other problems such as receiver delay. The technique allows for the use of a saturating preamplifier with the increased sensitivity that it offers, and is relatively simple to implement, as it may be embedded within a digital processor (DSP) or gate array that is normally present for a basic range counter implementation.

摘要翻译： 在激光测距范围处理器中提供范围校正值的技术使用返回脉冲宽度（而不是返回脉冲幅度）来校正振幅（行程）和光问题的速度。 可以在测试设置（通过模拟返回脉冲延迟）中产生多个范围校正值，并且基于返回脉冲宽度，标称范围（返回时间）以及诸如温度和压力的其它因素存储在查找表中。 该技术还能够纠正诸如接收机延迟的其他问题。 该技术允许使用具有提供的增加的灵敏度的饱和前置放大器，并且相对简单的实现，因为它可以嵌入在通常用于基本范围计数器实现的数字处理器（DSP）或门阵列内 。