The voltage comparator includes a first and a second voltage supply terminal, and a first and a second output node. A first current source is connected between the first supply terminal and the first output node. A first field effect transistor of one channel conductivity type is connected between the first output node and the second supply terminal. The gate of the first transistor is connected to the second output node. A second current source is connected between the first supply terminal and...

In many applications for checking electrical circuits, machinery, and power sources, in the home, in the workshop or laboratory, or in the field, it is desirable to quickly determine if a voltage is present. The voltage wand comprises a high input impedance C-MOS amplifier circuit attached to a conductive probe for detecting the presence of an AC, pulsed DC or DC voltage. The C-MOS amplifier circuit is connected to a light emitting diode which lights to indicate the presence of a voltage. To det...

A voltage regulator is described adapted for use controlling the output of an AC generator. A voltage control field-winding excitation control circuit supplies direct current to the generator field in response to a driver. The driver, in turn, is operated in response to a switching regulator. A frequency sensing means generates a voltage proportional to the frequency of the generator. This frequency sensitive voltage is combined with a reference voltage to drive an asynchronous switching regulat...

A motor driven generator has a generator control unit which incorporates a programmed microprocessor to control generator operation. A generator voltage regulator utilizes the microprocessor of the generator control unit to develop an error voltage which is added to the average phase voltage of the generator, controlling the generator field current. In the event of a phase failure the generator control unit senses an abnormally high phase voltage condition, disables the average phase voltage cir...

A reference voltage generator including a circuit for generating a reference voltage V.sub.REF having a non-linear voltage-temperature function, in which the improvement comprises an additional resistor being in circuit to make the function linear. By making the function linear, the equation defining V.sub.REF is easily differentiated to determine the change in voltage with temperature.

A voltage comparator includes a coupling capacitor which receives at one terminal thereof two signals applied in a complementary fashion, an inverting amplifier having an input coupled to the other terminal of the coupling capacitor and having an output, and switch means coupled between the input and output of the inverting amplifier so as to be in parallel with the inverting amplifier. The duration of an auto-zeroing interval during which the switch means is conductive is maintained constant re...

A multi-stage cascade voltage-multiplier device which includes electric condensers and diodes of the composite type comprising an assembly of elementary diodes. Each of the composite diodes is disposed between two conductive surfaces and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the surfaces at an adequate distance therefrom such that all of the elementary diodes are subjected to substantially the same instantaneous reverse voltage and undue breakdown of the diodes is prevented. In some embodim...

A voltage converter for boosting the voltage and/or inverting the polarity of a DC voltage source having positive and negative terminals includes at least one series circuit of a capacitor and a diode connected through the latter with one of the voltage source terminals while the other end of the series circuit is alternately connected with the positive and negative voltage source terminals through a respective switching circuit, and an output is derived from the connection point between the cap...

A voltage multiplier formed by a pair of end contacted layer capacitors. The layer capacitors may be arranged side by side or may be stacked one upon the other. In each case a series of slits are cut in the capacitor to divide the unit into a plurality of individual capacitors, each being integrally connected by an unslit web. The diodes which are part of the voltage multiplier are then arranged in substantially parallel relation to extend across the capacitor body to make electrical contact bet...

A device for providing a substantially constant D.C. potential output from a D.C. input which varies from higher than to lower than the output. The input line is connected through an inductive reactor and a rectifying diode to a storage capacitor. An intermittently conducting switching transistor closes a circuit from the input directly through the reactor. The switching transistor is controlled by two transistors connected in an oscillator circuit. The frequency and duty cycle of conduction thr...