Kevin A Robertson

Title: Kevin A. Robertson and His Contributions to Test Instrumentation.

Introduction

Kevin A. Robertson is an inventor associated with Vernonia, Oregon, and Tektronix, Inc. His work includes inventions for managing communications between current probes and instruments, as well as digitizing repetitive waveforms with analog oscilloscopes. He is credited with 2 patents.

Latest Patents

Robertson’s patent, “Communications Bus Management Circuit,” describes a circuit for a current probe system. It detects when the system is connected to an instrument and when a current probe is connected to the system’s amplifier. A controller and switching elements then manage communications between the instrument and amplifier, while a resistive connection to ground helps control the instrument’s data line when a probe is present.

His patent, “Analog Oscilloscope Digitizer,” presents a successive-approximation method for digitizing repetitive waveforms. The apparatus compares a digitizing level with the waveform at selected sample points and adjusts the level until it closely matches the waveform’s magnitude. The patent describes three sampling modes and also explains how waveform maxima and minima can be determined over selected intervals.

Career Highlights

The two inventions reflect Robertson’s work on measurement and test equipment. One addresses probe detection and communications-bus control, while the other focuses on capturing and analyzing repetitive signals with an analog oscilloscope. Both patents are associated with Tektronix, Inc.

Collaborations

Robertson’s listed coworkers include Henry G. Fox and Gordon W. Shank. Their inclusion provides context for the professional environment surrounding his work at Tektronix, Inc.

Conclusion

Kevin A. Robertson’s two patents address practical challenges in electronic test instrumentation, from current-probe communications to waveform digitization. Together, they illustrate his contributions to the design and operation of measurement equipment.