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:
Jun. 19, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 29, 1998
Robert C. Mason, Raleigh, NC (US);
Rodney B. Washington, Raleigh, NC (US);
Square D Company, Palatine, IL (US);
Abstract
A sensor system is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor for sensing an input between a first, minimum sensor input value and a second, maximum sensor input value. The sensor generates a sensor output signal relative to the sensor input value. The sensor is subject to offset and gain errors. The system further includes a microprocessor having first and second output signals and a signal conditioner coupled between the sensor and the microprocessor. The signal conditioner generates a first signal conditioner signal when the sensor input value equals the minimum sensor input value and generates a maximum signal conditioner signal when the sensor input value equals the maximum sensor input value. The signal conditioner includes circuitry for minimizing the sensor offset error and circuitry for minimizing the sensor gain error. The offset minimizing circuitry includes circuitry responsive to the first microprocessor signal for generating a signal substantially equal to zero when the sensor input value is at the minimum sensor value. The gain error minimizing circuit includes circuitry responsive to the second microprocessor signal for generating a signal substantially equal to the maximum signal conditioner value when the sensor input is at the maximum sensor value.