Optoelectronic Technique Eliminates Common-Mode Voltages

Abstract

Small signals transmitted between circuits at large differences of potential. Technique lends itself to accurate measurement of any electrical parameter and display of value. Accommodates broad range of measured values from millivolts to hundreds of volts and provides unlimited electrical isolation. Measured parameter converted to duration, proportional to value, of pulse of light. Transmitted along optical fiber to or from isolated circuit. Applications include operation of traveling-wave tubes or other electron-gun devices including filaments at cathode potential and measurement of current from, or control of series stacked power supplies. Used for optimization and testing of depressed-collector/microwave-tube combinations.