The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 16, 1990
Filed:
Oct. 18, 1989
Sergio Cova, Milan, IT;
Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Milan, IT;
Abstract
The quenching circuit comprises a signal comparator (CP) having a first input connected to the photodiode (SPAD) under control and a second input connected to a balancing impedance (C) equal to that of the photodiode. At the output of the comparator (CP) there is connected a signal generator (M), which generates a quenching signal (S) having a predetermined duration each time there is an imbalance between the two inputs of the comparator (CP). Circuital switching means (I1, I2, I3, I4) are provided, capable of holding the bias voltage of the photodiode normally high and of lowering it below the breakdown level following the generation and for the entire holding time of the quenching signal.