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Publication Number
US-11333630-B2
Publication Date
2022-05-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
A waveform generator configured to generate two waveforms of opposite polarity so as to provide a voltage gain across a load. The waveform generator has a primary side circuit comprising a first inductor. The waveform generator has a secondary side circuit comprising a second inductor, a first output region conductively coupled to the load, and a second output region conductively coupled to the load. The second inductor is inductively coupled to the first inductor. The first inductor is conductively coupled to the first output region so as to supply a first of the two waveforms to the load. The second inductor is conductively coupled to the second output region so as to supply a second of the two waveforms to the load. A system incorporating the waveform generator and a method of driving the waveform generator are also provided.
Core Innovation
A waveform generator is configured to generate two waveforms of opposite polarity so as to provide a voltage gain across a load. The waveform generator includes a primary side circuit having a first inductor and a secondary side circuit having a second inductor inductively coupled to the first inductor, and the secondary side circuit includes a first output region and a second output region conductively coupled to the load.
The first inductor is arranged to be conductively coupled to the first output region so as to supply a first of the two waveforms to the load, and the second inductor is arranged to be conductively coupled to the second output region so as to supply a second of the two waveforms to the load. The first output region comprises a first capacitor with a first terminal conductively coupled to a second terminal of the first inductor and a second terminal conductively coupled to a second terminal of the load.
The second output region comprises a second capacitor with a first terminal conductively coupled to a first terminal of the second inductor and a second terminal conductively coupled to a first terminal of the load. In an embodiment, the waveform generator is incorporated into a system for driving a load, including generating a drive signal and supplying an incremental DC voltage to the first inductor.
The documented use includes an ion filter device, including a Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometer (FAIMS) electrode coupling, where the system applies an electric field to electrodes using the generated opposite-polarity waveforms and uses compensation voltage in connection with the driving approach.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim defines a waveform generator architecture with two inductors inductively coupled and separate output regions feeding a load with two opposite-polarity waveforms. The independent claim includes capacitor-coupled output regions that establish respective conductive coupling paths to the load. Five inventive features are identified.
Two opposite-polarity waveforms with voltage gain across a load
The waveform generator is configured to generate two waveforms of opposite polarity so as to provide a voltage gain across a load.
Primary inductor inductively coupled to secondary inductor
A primary side circuit comprises a first inductor, and a secondary side circuit comprises a second inductor inductively coupled to the first inductor.
Separate inductive feed paths to first and second output regions
The secondary side circuit includes a first output region conductively coupled to the load and a second output region conductively coupled to the load, where the first inductor supplies a first of the two waveforms to the first output region and the second inductor supplies a second of the two waveforms to the second output region.
First capacitor coupling between first inductor and load terminals
The first output region comprises a first capacitor having a first terminal conductively coupled to a second terminal of the first inductor and a second terminal conductively coupled to a second terminal of the load.
Second capacitor coupling between second inductor and load terminals
The second output region comprises a second capacitor having a first terminal conductively coupled to a first terminal of the second inductor and a second terminal conductively coupled to a first terminal of the load.
Overall claim coverage centers on an inductively coupled first and second inductor arrangement that delivers two opposite-polarity waveforms to a load via separate output regions, with each output region capacitor-defined conductive coupling between respective inductor terminals and load terminals.
Stated Advantages
Better stability at high frequency/high voltage.
Reduced ringing/parasites and sharp transitions.
Simplified design without multiple secondary windings.
Suitability for battery/portable use.
Documented Applications
An ion filter device including a Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometer (FAIMS), using electrode coupling and application of an electric field with compensation voltage.
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