Strobe circuit

Abstract

A visual alarm device includes a flash tube that provides a visual indication responsive to trigger a signal. A strobe circuit is coupled between the flash tube and a power source and causes a flash tube to emit light at a desired flash rate. The strobe circuit includes a storage circuit, an in-rush current limiting circuit control unit.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a visual signaling system and, more specifically, a strobe circuit for a visual signaling system.

Signaling systems have been utilized in various areas of commercial and residential buildings, as well as in outside areas, for the purpose of attracting the attention of a person to, for example, warn of a danger of a fire or to alert such persons to a telephone call, damong other purposes. Many of these visual signaling systems include one or more visual signaling devices that have a flash tube that contains a gas, e.g., Xenon, that is ionized at the direction of a control circuit that receives power from a power supply, typically located at a control panel. Visual signaling systems have generally included a number of visual signaling devices coupled in parallel to the power supply, which supplies power to the devices. The visual signaling devices typically include one or more storage capacitors for storing the energy used to flash the strobe. In such visual signaling systems, the current drawn by the visual signaling devices may exceed the capability of a power supply (e.g., a DC power supply), upon initial power-up, due in large part to the discharged state of the one or more filter and storage capacitors.

As such, a number of techniques have been implemented to limit an in-rush current to a particular visual signaling device. For example, one device implements a thermistor between filter and storage capacitors and a power supply. The thermistor functions to initially limit an in-rush current at power-up and, as it continues to heat, transitions to a lower resistance such that the resistance is substantially reduced between the power supply and the storage capacitor of the visual signaling device.

Another signaling device uses a bipolar pass transistor whose emitter and collector are in series between a power supply and a storage capacitor. The device includes a series resistor coupled between the emitter of the pass transistor and the power supply. A base of a bipolar shut-off transistor is coupled to the emitter of the pass transistor. A collector of the shut-off transistor is coupled to a base of the pass transistor and an emitter of the shut-off transistor is coupled to the power supply. When an in-rush current threshold value (set by the value of the series resistor) is exceeded, the shut-off transistor turns on thereby limiting the base current of the pass transistor, which limits the current flowing into the storage capacitor through the pass transistor.

Yet another device uses a field effect transistor (FET) whose source is coupled to a power supply and whose drain is coupled to a storage capacitor. A resistor, coupled across the source and drain of the FET, is utilized to limit in-rush current. A control circuit, coupled to a gate of the FET, turns the FET on to provide a low impedance path between the power supply and the storage circuit after an elapsed time interval. While the prior art signaling devices function, they have not, in general, charged the flash circuit in an efficient manner, maintained a controlled breakover voltage for the flash tube and provided selectable flash intensities.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide a visual alarm device including a strobe circuit that reduces in-rush current while efficiently charging a storage circuit, provides selectable flash intensities and maintains a controlled breakover voltage for a flash tube.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a visual alarm device that includes a flash tube and a strobe circuit. The flash tube provides a visual indication responsive to a trigger signal. The strobe circuit is coupled between the flash tube and a power source and causes the flash tube to emit light at a desired flash rate. In one embodiment, the strobe circuit includes a storage circuit, an in-rush current limiting circuit and a control unit. The in-rush current limiting circuit is coupled between the storage circuit and the power source and includes a first switching device with a control input. The control unit is coupled to the control input and periodically asserts a control signal on the control input, which causes the first switching device to provide power to the storage circuit. The control signal includes a plurality of fixed duration pulses provided during a first predetermined time period.

These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an electrical block diagram of an exemplary visual signaling system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of an exemplary visual signaling system, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3C are an electrical schematic of a strobe circuit including a flash tube, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4C are timing diagrams of various signals associated with the strobe circuit of FIGS. 3A-3C ; and

FIGS. 5A-5E are a flowchart of an exemplary routine that executes on the control unit of the strobe circuit of FIGS. 3 A- 3 C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a strobe circuit that efficiently charges an associated storage circuit, maintains a controlled breakover voltage for a flash tube, reduces in-rush current to the strobe circuit and provides selectable flash intensities. Preferably, the strobe circuit is coupled to a power supply (e.g., with an output in the range of sixteen to thirty-three volts) that resides at a fire panel. When a controller of the fire panel determines that an alarm condition exists, the control unit of the fire panel causes the power supply to be connected to the strobe circuit, thus providing power to the strobe circuit.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary visual signaling system 150 that includes a fire panel 152 that is coupled to one or more sensors (for example, an obscuration sensor, a scatter sensor and/or an ionization detector) 156 and includes a power supply 160 . Examples of preferred sensors are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/844,229, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. When a controller (not shown in FIG. 1 ) of the system 150 receives an alarm indication from the sensor 156 , the controller activates the power supply 160 providing power to a plurality of visual alarm devices 10 A, 100 B and 100 C, via power supply lines 154 A and 154 B. In a preferred embodiment, the controller of the panel 152 is capable of providing a synchronization signal with a duration of at least five milliseconds, on the power supply line 154 A, to the plurality of visual alarm devices, which are preferably constructed according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary alarm system 200 , according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2 , a fire panel 152 includes a power source (e.g., a DC power source) 160 that is controlled by a controller 158 responsive to an input signal from a sensor 156 . When the sensor 156 indicates an alarm condition, the controller 158 activates the power source 160 , which is connected to the strobe circuit via the power lines 154 A and 154 B (not shown in FIG. 2 ). The power line 154 A is coupled to an in-rush limiting circuit 202 , which includes a switch 203 , that provides power from the power source 160 to a breakover voltage limiting circuit 204 , which includes a switch 205 . The power from the power source 160 is provided through the switch 203 to various filter capacitors and a storage circuit 208 responsive to a control unit 214 . The storage circuit 208 provides energy to flash a flash tube of flash circuit 210 .

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a microcontroller U 2 of the control unit 214 provides a trigger signal on an output RB 1 . The microcontroller U 2 receives a breakover signal from a monitoring circuit 206 , which is coupled to the storage circuit 208 , on an input RA 0 . The monitoring circuit 206 provides an indication of a voltage level of the storage circuit 208 . The microcontroller also monitors the current through the switch 205 at an input RA 1 . The microcontroller U 2 , of the control unit 214 , controls the switch 205 through output RA 4 responsive to the breakover signal provided by the monitoring circuit 206 . A flash intensity selector 212 is coupled to an input AN 3 of the microcontroller U 2 and allows a user of the system to select a desired flash intensity. The microcontroller U 2 also monitors a synchronization signal (SYNC) at an input RB 4 to determine when power is provided from the power source 160 to the strobe circuit 200 . At an appropriate interval, which may correspond to the SYNC signal going to low level, the microcontroller U 2 provides an appropriate signal on an output RB 1 to trigger the flash tube of the flash circuit 210 .

Turning to FIGS. 3A-3C , in normal operation, a positive terminal of a power supply is coupled to a +V terminal of a strobe circuit 100 and a ground of the power supply is coupled to a common ground terminal (GND) of the circuit 100 . As is explained further below, the strobe circuit 100 includes a microcontroller U 2 that is powered by the power supplied from the power supply. When the power supply is brought on-line by the fire panel controller, current flows through diode D 12 , resistor R 27 (e.g., 10k ohm) and zener diode D 2 (e.g., 4.7 volts). The zener diode D 2 serves to protect an input RB 4 of the microcontroller U 2 and the resistor R 27 limits the current that flows through the zener diode D 2 . The diode D 12 blocks negative transients such that various components of the strobe circuit 100 are not damaged. The microcontroller U 2 monitors the input RB 4 to determine whether a synchronization (SYNC) pulse has been received and to determine when power is supplied to the strobe circuit 100 .

Operating power for the circuit 100 is also derived from the power supply through diode D 13 , which also protects the various components of the circuit 100 from negative going transients. A resistor R 11 (e.g., 470 ohm) is coupled to a cathode of the diode D 13 and provides power to an input of a voltage regulator U 3 , which provides regulated power to various components of the circuit 100 on an output. A capacitor C 13 (e.g., 47 μF) filters the input to the regulator U 3 and a zener diode D 9 protects the input of the regulator U 3 from excessive voltages.

The output of the regulator U 3 is filtered by a capacitor C 11 (e.g., 330 μF). A cathode of the diode D 13 is also coupled to a cathode of a zener diode D 6 and a first side of a resistor R 34 (e.g., 15k ohm). A second side of the resistor R 34 and an anode of the zener diode D 6 are coupled to a gate of a field effect transistor (FET) Q 10 . A source of the FET Q 10 is also coupled to the cathode of the diode D 13 and a drain of the FET Q 1 O is coupled to a first side of an inductor L 3 (e:g., 1 mH) and a cathode of a diode D 5 . A second side of the inductor L 3 is coupled to a first side of a capacitor C 14 (e.g., 100 μF) and a second side of the capacitor C 14 is coupled to the common ground along with the anode of diode D 5 .

Upon receiving power from the power supply and after going through an initialization routine and after each flash, the microcontroller U 2 applies a series of pulses on an output RB 2 , which is coupled to a gate of a FET Q 1 , via a resistor R 24 (e.g., 10 ohm). A resistor R 4 (e.g., 10k ohm) is coupled between the gate of FET Q 1 and the common ground and in combination with the resistor R 24 provides a resistive divider network between the output RB 2 and the gate of the FET Q 1 . A source of the FET Q 1 is coupled to the common ground and a drain of the FET Q 1 is coupled to the gate of the FET Q 1 via a resistor R 29 (e.g., 22k ohm), which serves to provide a turn on signal to the gate of the FET Q 1 when the FET Q 1 conducts.

At initial power-up and during a first predetermined time period TPCG (see FIG. 4 A), the microcontroller U 2 provides a series of pulses on the output RB 2 that have a period of TCYC, e.g., ninety-eight microseconds, and an on-time TON, e.g., three microseconds. During the period TPCG, e.g., five-hundred milliseconds, the microprocessor U 2 preferably provides a three microsecond pulse every ninety-five microseconds. During a second predetermined time period TPCG 2 , e.g., five-hundred milliseconds, the microcontroller U 2 provides a pulse with an initial pulse width of an on-time variable TON 2 , e.g., four microseconds, each cycle time period TCYC 2 , e.g., one-hundred microseconds, and increments the on-time variable TON 2 1.5 microseconds each 8.1 milliseconds. In this manner, at the end of the period TPCG 2 the duty cycle of the on-time variable TON 2 pulse is one-hundred percent. At the beginning of each flash charge cycle, the microcontroller U 2 provides a series of pulses with an on-time TPH (e.g., sixty-six microseconds) and an off-time TPL (e.g., fifty-five microseconds) for a period TPP, e.g., four milliseconds, to replenish charge lost from the storage circuit in order to reduce in-rush current at the beginning of a new storage circuit charge cycle.

As is shown in FIG. 4B , the microcontroller U 2 is programmed to provide a flash pulse on an output RB 1 , after initially charging capacitor C 14 through inductor L 3 and charging capacitors C 6 and C 7 ( FIG. 3C ) (both, for example, having values of 68 μF) through inductor L 2 , when 0.998 seconds have expired or the SYNC line (i.e., the input RB 4 ) is low for five milliseconds. In a preferred embodiment, the microcontroller U 2 is a PIC 16 C 62 X microcontroller that includes an internal comparator and a voltage reference module. After the initial power-up, the microcontroller U 2 controls the amount of charge that is provided to capacitors C 6 and C 7 by selectively turning a FET Q 12 off and on.

A sense resistor R 8 (e.g., 1.82 ohms) is coupled to a source of the FET Q 12 and a drain of the FET Q 12 is coupled to a second side of the inductor L 2 , whose first side is coupled to a first side of the capacitor C 14 When the FET Q 12 is conducting, current flows through the inductor L 2 , the FET Q 12 and the resistor R 8 The microcontroller U 2 monitors the voltage drop across the resistor R 8 at an input RA 1 , via a filter network that includes resistor R 19 (e.g., 4.7k ohm) and capacitor C 8 (e.g., 100 pF), to determine the current Isen flowing through the FET Q 12 When the microcontroller U 2 causes the FET Q 12 to stop conducting, the energy stored in the field of the inductor L 2 is provided through a diode D 7 to the capacitors C 6 and C 7 (i.e., the storage circuit).

An output RA 4 of the microcontroller U 2 is coupled to a base of a PNP transistor Q 6 , through a resistor R 21 (e.g., 10 ohm), and directly to a base of NPN transistor Q 9 . A collector of the transistor Q 6 is coupled to the common ground and an emitter of the transistor Q 6 is coupled to an emitter of the transistor Q 9 . The emitters of the transistors Q 6 and Q 9 are coupled to a gate of the FET Q 12 A collector of the transistor Q 9 is coupled to a second side of resistor R 12 (e.g., 8.2k ohm), via a resistor R 14 (e.g., 10 ohm). A resistor R 20 (e.g., 10k ohm) couples the base of the transistor Q 9 to the second side of the resistor R 12 . A zener diode D 4 is coupled between the second side of the resistor R 12 and the common ground. A capacitor C 5 is coupled across the zener diode D 4 . A resistor R 18 (e.g., 10k ohm) is coupled between the RA 4 output and a base of a PNP transistor Q 5 . A resistor R 30 (e.g., 47k ohm) is coupled between an emitter and the base of the transistor Q 5 . The emitter of transistor Q 5 is. coupled to VDD and a collector of transistor Q 5 is coupled to the RA 1 input. In one embodiment an internal voltage reference Vref of the microcontroller U 2 is initialized such that Vref is a certain percentage of VDD (e.g., 4.167 percent).

For illustrative purposes, assuming that VL is equal to eighteen volts and the zener diode D 4 has a zener voltage of 8.2 volts, the cycle is initiated by turning the FET Q 12 off. To turn the FET Q 12 off, the RA 4 output of the microcontroller U 2 is configured as an I/O and driven low. After a set time period, e.g., five microseconds, the input RA 4 is set to a high impedance and a breakover voltage timer is started. The value used by the breakover voltage monitor is determined by the breakover voltage Vbr as sensed by the microcontroller U 2 on input RA 0 . The RA 0 input of the microcontroller U 2 is coupled to a first side of resistor R 15 (e.g., 10k ohm). The first side of the resistor R 15 is also coupled to a second side of resistor R 7 (e.g., 909k ohm), whose first side is coupled to a cathode of diode D 7 , which is also coupled to the capacitors C 6 and C 7 . A capacitor C 1 (e.g., 0.01 μF) is coupled across the resistor R 15 and filters the signal provided to the RA 0 input of the microcontroller U 2 .

When the output RA 4 of the microcontroller U 2 is in a high impedance state, the transistors Q 6 and Q 9 cause the FET Q 12 to turn on. The signal at the current sense input RA 1 then settles to the voltage dropped across the resistor R 8 The initial current through the resistor R 8 creates a voltage less than Vref and an output of an internal comparator of the microcontroller U 2 goes high, at which point the mode of output RA 4 is changed from I/O to comparator output. As the current through resistor R 8 continues to increase, the voltage on the input RA 1 eventually exceeds Vref and causes the comparator output to change from a high to a low state. This causes the RA 4 input to change from high impedance to a low state.

When RA 4 is driven low, the transistor Q 5 turns on and latches the internal comparator in the low state. When Q 5 is on, the voltage on RA 1 goes to approximately VDD. In this manner, when the current (Isen) through the resistor R 8 causes the voltage across the resistor R 8 to exceed the threshold, set by Vref, the FET Q 12 is prematurely shut-off. The transistor Q 12 remains off and when the charge cycle timer expires, the cycle is ready to begin again. RA 4 is then changed from the comparator mode to the I/O mode and driven low to initiate a new cycle.

As previously discussed, upon initial power-up, the capacitors C 6 and C 7 are discharged so the reference Vref is set to the lowest possible setting to minimize the in-rush current. During each predetermined period, e.g., every ten cycles, Vref is increased to allow more current to charge the inductor L 2 . Vref is no longer incremented when a value appropriate for the desired candela rating of the strobe circuit 100 is reached. According to another embodiment of the present invention, resistors R 6 and R 32 provide a flash intensity selector signal to an input AN 3 of the microcontroller U 2 . Periodically, the microcontroller U 2 reads the voltage present at the input AN 3 to determine a desired flash intensity. For example, the selectable flash intensity may correspond to 15, 30, 75, 95 or 115 candela. It should be appreciated that a, greater or lesser number of selectable flash intensities can be readily achieved, according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3B , a first side of the resistor R 6 is coupled to an output of the regulator U 3 and a second side of the resistor R 6 is coupled to a first side of the potentiometer R 32 . A second side of the potentiometer R 32 is coupled to the common ground and a wiper of the potentiometer R 32 is coupled to the input AN 3 . In this manner, a user can adjust the potentiometer R 32 to achieve a desired candela as the microcontroller U 2 reads the level signal at the input AN 3 and sets an appropriate breakover voltage Vbr.

FIG. 4C shows a timing diagram that shows the relationship between the output RA 4 and the input RA 1 of the microcontroller U 2 . As previously discussed, the input RA 1 is coupled to the resistor R 8 through a filter network, which includes the resistor R 19 and the capacitor C 8 . When the output RA 4 is high, the FET Q 12 is conducting and when RA 4 is low, the FET Q 12 is turned off. When the FET Q 12 is not conducting, the energy stored in the field of the inductor L 2 is provided to the capacitors C 6 and C 7 to charge the capacitors C 6 and C 7 to a desired voltage (e.g., between 200 and 250 volts). Typical charge cycle timings are shown in FIG. 4 C. Charging begins at point A. Point B depicts a point in time when the TCGX timer (i.e., the charge cycle timer) has expired and the current sense (Isen) is less then Vref. Point C depicts a point in time when the charging has begun again as RA 4 transitions high. As shown at point D, the microcontroller U 2 determines that the sensed current (Isen) has exceeded Vref and, as such, RA 4 is prematurely driven low to reduce the amount of energy stored in the inductor L 2 . Point E is a point in time in which the TCGX timer once again expires. Point F depicts a point in time when RA 4 transitions high and charging begins again. As previously discussed, the value of Vref is adjusted to achieve a desired flash intensity. That is, a larger Vref corresponds to a higher flash intensity (a higher breakover voltage Vbr) and a smaller Vref corresponds to a lower flash intensity.

FIG. 4B provides an exemplary timing diagram depicting the relationship between a number of signals of the strobe circuit 100 . As previously mentioned, the circuit 100 is designed to respond to a synchronization pulse (SYNC) that is driven low for a time period TSYNC of, for example, five milliseconds. When the microcontroller U 2 detects the SYNC pulse has been low for at least five milliseconds, on the input RB 4 , the microcontroller U 2 initiates a routine, which causes a trigger signal (i.e., a FLASH signal) to be provided on an output RB 1 of the microcontroller U 2 . The output RB 1 is coupled to a gate of a silicon controlled rectifier SCRI, via a resistor R 10 (e.g., 470 ohms). A diode D 14 is coupled between the gate and ground to provide protection for the microcontroller U 2 . Upon detecting that the SYNC pulse is low for at least five milliseconds or 0.998 seconds has expired since the last flash, the microcontroller U 2 provides a flash signal with an on-time of TFP, e.g., six microseconds, which initiates ionization of the gas within the flash tube F 1 , thus, allowing the tube F 1 to emit light.

Subsequently, the microcontroller U 2 decouples the power supply from the strobe circuit 100 by applying a low level signal on output RB 2 , which causes the FET Q 10 to turn off. The low level signal is maintained on the RB 2 output for a time period of TPFD, e.g., two milliseconds. Upon expiration of the period TPFD, a series of pulses is applied to the gate of the transistor Q 1 , via the output RB 2 , which are followed by the microcontroller U 2 initiating a series of pulses on the output RA 4 , which provide a charging current to the storage circuit, including the capacitors C 6 and C 7 . The series of pulses have a width TCG that preferably range between sixty microseconds and one-hundred forty microseconds and may be adjusted in, for example, two microsecond steps to achieve a desired breakover voltage. Preferably, the series of pulses are divided into cycles TCPX, which range from six hundred microseconds to 1.4 milliseconds. If the timing steps are inadequate to maintain a desired breakover voltage, Isen can be changed by one reference step (or more, if desired) and then followed again by an adjustment in the timing steps. Isen is also monitored and in the event that Vref is not exceeded, the timing steps are adjusted to a point where Vref is achieved and the maximum charge available from the power source is delivered to the storage circuit.

As previously discussed, the wider the pulse RA 4 , the more energy the inductor L 2 provides, and upon turning off the FET Q 12 , the energy is provided to the capacitors C 6 and C 7 . The microcontroller U 2 evaluates the breakover voltage Vbr at the input RA 0 to insure a consistent breakover voltage Vbr to produce a consistent flash brightness. If the flash voltage is too high, the pulse width TCG is decreased by two microseconds. However, if the flash voltage is determined to be to low, TCG is increased by two microseconds. Adjusting the signal provided on the output RA 4 in this manner eliminates the need to classify power input types and the need to refer to a look-up table to compensate for a wide variety of power source conditions in real-time.

As previously discussed, the circuit 100 is designed such that the microcontroller U 2 controls initial current draw (in-rush current), through the output RB 2 . As previously mentioned, in-rush current is preferably controlled in two phases. During a first one-half second of operation, phase one, a three microsecond pulse is applied on RB 2 every ninety-eight microseconds. As RB 2 drives the FET Q 10 , through the FET Q 1 , the pulse slowly precharges capacitors C 14 , C 6 and C 7 . During the next one-half second of operation, phase two, the charge pulses are increased by 1.5 microseconds every 8.1 milliseconds until a one-hundred percent duty cycle is achieved. Pulsing the FET Q 10 in this fashion eliminates the need for a fixed resistance across the drain and source of the FET Q 10 to limit in-rush current. Additionally, the inductor L 3 provides an additional filter for unfiltered power sources, which effectively reduces RMS current draw.

As previously mentioned, the potentiometer R 32 allows the microcontroller U 2 to determine which selectable flash intensity is desired by a user. The microcontroller U 2 implements a routine which reads the voltage provided by the potentiometer R 32 , at the AN 3 input, and then utilizes a look-up table to determine which of, for example, five unique breakover voltages should be used to evaluate.the signal at the input RA 0 . Preferably, the flash intensity selector input is evaluated after each flash to provide fault tolerance. Providing selectable flash intensities in this manner is generally preferable to providing a switch, which selects different components, depending upon the flash intensity desired.

FIGS. 5A-5E show an exemplary flow chart diagram of a routine 300 executed by the microcontroller U 2 of the circuit 100 . Upon power-up, the microcontroller U 2 initiates the routine 300 at step 302 . Next, in step 304 , the microcontroller U 2 initializes its input/output (I/O) before transitioning to decision step 306 . In step 306 , the microcontroller U 2 determines whether the watchdog reset flag of the microcontroller U 2 is set. When the watchdog reset flag is not set, control transitions from step 306 to step 308 . It should be appreciated that the watchdog reset flag will not be set when the microcontroller U 2 shuts down during normal operation (e.g., upon power-up from a sleep mode). In step 308 , the microcontroller U 2 calls a buck regulation subroutine.

In step 309 (see FIG. 5 B), the microcontroller U 2 initiates the buck regulation subroutine, at which point control transfers to decision step 310 . In step 310 , the microcontroller U 2 determines whether 0.5 seconds have elapsed since initial power-up. If so, control transfers from step 310 to step 315 . Otherwise, control transfers from step 310 to step 312 . In step 312 , the microcontroller U 2 causes a three microsecond pulse to be provided on the RB 2 output. Next, in step 314 , the microcontroller U 2 waits ninety-five microseconds before transitioning back to step 310 . In this manner, the microcontroller U 2 provides a series of pulses on the RB 2 output with a width of three microseconds every ninety-eight microseconds until 0.5 seconds has elapsed since initial power-up.

As discussed above, the pulses on the RB 2 output are applied to the gate of the FET Q 1 , which turns on responsive to a pulse on its gate. When the FET Q 1 conducts a voltage is dropped across the resistor R 29 . The voltage across the resistor R 29 is applied to the gate of the FET QIO causing the FET Q 1 to turn on when the signal at the RB 2 output is high. When the FET Q 1 is not conducting, the resistor R 34 pulls the gate of the FET Q 1 to approximately the value of the voltage of the power supply.

In step 315 , the microcontroller U 2 initializes the on-time variable TON 2 and the cycle time period TCYC 2 , which are preferably four microseconds and one-hundred microseconds, respectively. Next, in step 316 , the microcontroller U 2 causes an output pulse to be provided on the RB 2 output that has a width of the on-time variable TON 2 . Then, in decision step 317 , the microcontroller U 2 determines whether the cycle time period TCYC 2 has elapsed. If so, control transfers from step 317 to decision step 318 . Otherwise, control loops on step 317 until the cycle time period TCYC 2 elapses. In step 318 , the microcontroller U 2 determines whether 8.1 milliseconds has elapsed. If not, control transfers from step 318 to step 316 . Otherwise, control transfers from step 318 to step 320 , where the microcontroller U 2 increments the on-time variable TON 2 .

Next, in decision step 322 , the microcontroller U 2 determines whether the on-time ariable TON 2 is greater than or equal to the cycle time period TCYC 2 . If so, a one-hundred percent duty cycle is indicated and control transfers to step 324 , where the subroutine returns to the calling routine at step 326 . Otherwise, control transfers from step 322 to step 316 . Thus, the microcontroller U 2 provides a plurality of fixed duration pulses during a first predetermined time period and a plurality of variable duration pulses whose width increases during a second predetermined time period. As discussed above initially applying power to the circuit 100 in this manner limits the in-rush current to the circuit 100 .

In step 326 , the microcontroller U 2 initializes the temperature check parameters (i.e., a temperature counter that tracks how long it takes for the watchdog timer to time-out) before transferring control to step 328 . In step 328 , the microcontroller U 2 clears a cold indicator if a temperature count is equal to a warm value count. This is performed because when the capacitors C 6 and C 7 and the flash tube F 1 of the circuit 100 are at temperature it is not necessary to increase the flash intensity to the next flash intensity level, as a correct flash intensity will be provided. Next, control transfers to step 330 where the temperature counter is incremented. In step 330 , control returns to step 328 and the routine 300 continues to loop from step 328 to step 330 until the watchdog timer times-out. After the watchdog timer times-out, the routine 300 is initiated again at step 302 , at which point control transfers to step 304 and then to step 306 . Because the watchdog timer timed-out, as it was looping from step 328 to step 330 , the watchdog reset flag is now set. As such, control transfers from step 306 to step 332 , where the microcontroller U 2 initializes its random access memory (RAM), at which point control transfers to step 333 . In step 333 , the microcontroller U 2 initializes a two millisecond power-off timer.

Then, in step 334 , the microcontroller U 2 reads the signal at the input AN 3 to determine the model specific parameters (i.e., which of a plurality of selectable flash intensities have been selected by a user through the setting of the potentiometer R 32 ). Next, in step 336 , the microcontroller U 2 determines if the cold indicator is set. If the cold indicator is set, the microcontroller U 2 utilizes a next brighter model parameter for a predetermined period. For example, if the signal provided by the potentiometer R 32 indicates that fifteen candela has been selected by a user, the system would implement thirty candela to achieve a desired brightness, during a preselected.number of flashes (e.g., sixty flashes), before transitioning to the lower value. Then, in step 338 , the routine 300 calls a do adjustment (DO ADJ) subroutine.

The do adjustment subroutine (see FIG. 5C ) determines whether the breakover voltage Vbr, as seen by the microcontroller U 2 at the input RA 0 has exceeded a desired set value. In step 339 , the subroutine is initiated, at which point control transfers to decision step 340 . In step 340 , the microcontroller U 2 determines whether the breakover voltage Vbr was above a threshold. If so, control transfers from step 340 to decision step 342 . Otherwise, control transfers from step 340 to decision step 352 . If the breakover voltage Vbr is above the threshold, then the capacitors C 6 and C 7 have stored too much energy. If the breakover voltage Vbr did not exceed the threshold, then the capacitors C 6 and C 7 stored insufficient energy.

In step 342 , the microcontroller U 2 determines whether the pulse index is at its maximum (i.e., the RA 4 pulse is at its minimum). If not, control transfers to step 350 where the pulse index is incremented in order to decrease the amount of energy stored by the capacitors C 6 and C 7 . If the pulse index is at its maximum, then no further adjustment can be achieved with the pulse width (i.e., a fine adjustment) and control transfers from step 342 to decision step 344 to determine if an adjustment to the charge current threshold Vref (i.e., a coarse adjustment) can be made. In step 344 , the microcontroller U 2 checks the threshold Vref to determine whether the threshold Vref is at its minimum. If the threshold Vref is at its minimum, no further coarse adjustment can be achieved and control transfers to step 363 , where the subroutine returns to the calling routine.

If the threshold Vref is not at it minimum in step 344 , control transfers to step 346 where the microcontroller U 2 adjusts the threshold Vref by decrementing it to a next lower value. Next, in step 348 , the microcontroller U 2 sets the pulse index (i.e., the fine adjustment) at its middle range value, at which point control transfers to step 363 where control returns to the calling routine. Table 1, set forth below, provides exemplary values (as a percentage of VDD) for Isen and Vbr for 15, 30, 75, 95 and 115 candelas, respectively.

	TABLE 1
	15 cd	30 cd	75 cd	95 cd	115 cd
	Isen	20.833	25.000	28.125	29.167	33.333
	Vbr	37.5	40.625	43.750	46.875	53.125

When the breakover voltage Vbr is not above a set threshold in step 340 , control transfers to step 352 . In step 352 , the microcontroller U 2 determines whether the charge a current Isen, i.e., the current through resistor R 8 , is tripping the internal comparator of the microcontroller U 2 . If so, control transfers to decision step 354 where the microcontroller U 2 determines whether the index is equal to zero (i.e., whether the pulse at the output RA 4 is at its maximum). If the index is not equal to zero in step 354 , control transfers to step 362 where the microcontroller U 2 decrements the pulse index (which increases the width of the pulse on the RA 4 output) to increase the energy provided to the capacitors C 6 and C 7 .

If the index is not equal to zero in step 354 , control transfers to decision step 356 where the microcontroller U 2 determines whether the threshold Vref is at its maximum. If the threshold Vref is at its maximum, control transfers from step 356 to step 342 . This indicates that the circuit 100 is incapable of providing an adequate amount of energy to the capacitor C 6 and C 7 to achieve a desired flash intensity. Otherwise, control transfers from step 356 to step 358 , where the microcontroller U 2 increments the charge threshold Vref. Next, in step 360 the pulse index is set to a middle value. From step 360 , control transfers to step 363 .

Exemrlary values for Vref, as a percentage of VDD, are set forth below in Tables 2A and 2B.

TABLE 2A
Level_0  0.000
Level_1  4.167
Level_2  8.333
Level_3  12.500
Level_4  16.667
Level_5  20.833
Level_6  25.000
Level_7  28.125
Level_8  29.167
Level_9  31.250
Level_10 33.333
Level_11 34.375
Level_12 37.500
Level_13 40.625

TABLE 2B
Level_14 41.667
Level_15 43.750
Level_16 45.833
Level_17 46.875
Level_18 50.000
Level_19 53.125
Level_20 54.167
Level_21 56.250
Level_22 58.333
Level_23 59.375
Level_24 62.500
Level_25 65.625
Level_26 68.750
Level_27 71.875

Upon returning from the do adjustment subroutine, control transfers to step 364 where the microcontroller U 2 fetches an appropriate pulse time from a table in memory, using the pulse index. Next, in step 366 , the microcontroller U 2 resets the 0.998 second timer using the pulse index. Then, in step 368 , the microcontroller U 2 resets the ramp index and in step 369 the microcontroller U 2 updates the threshold Vref. Next, in decision step 370 the microcontroller U 2 determines whether the two millisecond power-off timer has expired. In not, control loops on step 370 . When the two millisecond timer expires, control transfers from step 370 to step 371 where a duty cycle power subroutine (see FIG. 5D ) is called.

In step 420 the duty cycle subroutine is initiated and control transfers to step 422 where power is turned on when the microcontroller U 2 causes the RB 2 output to transition to a high level (see FIG. 4 B). Next, in step 424 the microcontroller waits for a period TPH, e.g., sixty-six microseconds before transitioning to step 426 where the microcontroller U 2 causes the RB 2 output to transition to a low level. In step 428 , after waiting for a period TPL, e.g., fifty-five microseconds, control transfers to decision step 430 . When four milliseconds has elapsed since initialization of the duty cycle subroutine, control transfers to step 432 where the subroutine returns to the calling routine at decision step 372 .

In decision step 372 , the microcontroller U 2 determines whether 0.998 seconds have elapsed or the SYNC line has been low for at least five milliseconds. If so, control transfers from step 372 to step 409 , where the microcontroller U 2 records the breakover voltage Vbr, before initiating a flash, by providing a control signal (i.e., a FLASH signal) at the output RB 1 , in step 410 . As previously discussed the output RB 1 is coupled to the gate of the silicon controlled rectifier SCR 1 , via the resistor R 10 .

Next, in decision step 412 , the microcontroller U 2 determines whether the SYNC line is low. If the SYNC line is not low in step 412 , control transfers to step 333 where the microcontroller U 2 initializes the two millisecond power-off timer. If the SYNC line is low in step 412 , control transfers to decision step 414 where the microcontroller U 2 determines if the SYNC line has transitioned high for two milliseconds. The microcontroller U 2 loops on step 414 until the SYNC line is high for two milliseconds at which point control transfers to step 334 . In step 372 , when the SYNC line has not been low for five milliseconds or 0.998 seconds has not elapsed since the last time the 0.998 second timer was reset, control transfers to step 374 where a charge storage circuit subroutine is implemented.

In step 376 (see FIG. 5 E), the charge storage circuit subroutine is initiated, at which point control transfers to decision step 378 . In step 378 , the microcontroller U 2 determines whether the pulse timer (i.e., the timer that determines the pulse width of a pulse provided on the RA 4 output of the microcontroller U 2 ) has expired. If not, control loops on step 378 .

When the pulse timer expires in step 378 , control transfers to step 380 . In step 380 , the microcontroller U 2 changes the RA 4 pin to an I/O. Then, in step 382 , the microcontroller U 2 forces the FET Q 12 off. Next, in step 384 , the microcontroller U 2 waits five microseconds before transitioning to step 386 where the microcontroller forces the FET Q 12 on, by applying a high impedance level on the RA 4 output. Then, in step 388 , the microcontroller U 2 initializes the pulse timer.

Next, in step 390 , the microcontroller waits six microseconds, to allow a settling time, for the voltage across resistor R 8 , before switching the mode of the RA 4 pin from I/O to comparator. Then, the microcontroller U 2 changes the mode of the RA 4 pin from an I/O to a comparator input. Next, in decision step 394 , the microcontroller U 2 determines whether the ramp index is equal to the model's current sense value. If the ramp index is equal to the model's current sense value, control transfers from step 394 to step 404 . Otherwise, control transfers from step 394 to decision step 396 . In decision step 396 , the microcontroller U 2 determines whether the increment ramp timer has expired (e.g., whether ten cycles has passed since the threshold Vref was last incremented). If not, control transfers from step 396 to step 404 . Otherwise, control transfers from step 396 to step 400 where the microcontroller U 2 increments the ramp index. Next, in step 402 , the microcontroller updates the current sense threshold Vref. Then, in step 406 , the microcontroller U 2 updates the 0.998 second timer before returning to the calling routine in step 408 .

Accordingly, a strobe circuit and routine have been described herein that efficiently charge an associated storage circuit, maintain a controlled breakover voltage for a flash tube, reduce in-rush current to the circuit and provide selectable flash intensities.

The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modification of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.

Claims

1. A visual alarm device, comprising:a flash tube for providing a visual indication responsive to a trigger signal; and a strobe circuit coupled between the flash tube and a power source, the strobe circuit causing the flash tube to emit light at a desired flash rate, the strobe circuit including: a storage circuit coupled to the flash tube; an in-rush current limiting circuit coupled between the storage circuit and the power source, the in-rush current limiting circuit including a first switching device with a control input; and a control unit coupled to the control input, the control unit periodically asserting a control signal on the control input, the first switching device providing energy to the storage circuit responsive to the control signal, wherein the control signal includes a plurality of fixed duration pulses during a first predetermined time period.

2. The visual alarm device of claim 1, wherein the control signal includes a plurality of variable duration pulses whose width increases during a second predetermined time period.

3. The visual alarm device of claim 1, wherein the control unit is a microcontroller.

4. A visual alarm device, comprising:a flash tube for providing a visual indication responsive to a trigger signal; and a strobe circuit coupled between the flash tube and a power source, the strobe circuit causing the flash tube to emit light at a desired flash rate, the strobe circuit including: a storage circuit coupled to the flash tube; a monitoring circuit coupled to the storage circuit, the monitoring circuit providing a breakover signal that provides an indication of a breakover voltage on the storage circuit; a breakover voltage limiting circuit coupled to the storage circuit and the power source, the breakover voltage limiting circuit including a first switching device with a control input; and a control unit coupled to the monitoring circuit, the control unit periodically asserting a control signal on the control input, wherein a pulse width of the control signal is varied responsive to the breakover signal and the first switching device provides energy to the storage circuit responsive to the control signal.

5. The visual alarm device of claim 4, wherein the trigger signal is produced by the control unit.

6. The visual alarm device of claim 4, further including:a flash intensity selector for providing a plurality of selectable flash intensities, wherein the flash intensity selector is coupled to the control unit, and wherein the magnitude of the breakover voltage is varied responsive to the flash intensity selector.

7. The visual alarm device of claim 6, wherein the flash intensity selector is a potentiometer and the plurality of selectable flash intensities correspond to 15, 30, 75, 95 and 115 candela.

8. The visual alarm device of claim 6, wherein the control unit evaluates an output provided by the flash intensity selector after each flash to determine which of the selectable flash intensities is selected.

9. The visual alarm device of claim 4, wherein the control unit is a microcontroller.

10. The visual alarm device of claim 4, wherein the control unit maintains the breakover voltage at a substantially consistent level such that an intensity of the light emitted by the flash tube is substantially repeated from one flash to a next flash.

11. An alarm system, comprising:a control panel including a controller coupled to a sensor; and a visual alarm device including: a flash tube for providing a visual indication responsive to a trigger signal; and a strobe circuit coupled between the flash tube and a power source, the strobe circuit causing the flash tube to emit light at a desired flash rate, the controller causing the power source to provide power to the strobe circuit responsive to the sensor, the strobe circuit including: a storage circuit coupled to the flash tube; an in-rush current limiting circuit coupled between the storage circuit and the power source, the in-rush current limiting circuit including a first switching device with a control input; and a control unit coupled to the control input, the control unit periodically asserting a control signal on the control input, the first switching device providing energy to the storage circuit responsive to the control signal, wherein the control signal includes a plurality of fixed duration pulses during a first predetermined time period.

12. The alarm system of claim 11, wherein the control signal includes a plurality of variable duration pulses whose width increases during a second predetermined time period.

13. The alarm system of claim 11, wherein the control unit is a microcontroller.

14. An alarm system, comprising:a control panel including a controller coupled to a sensor; and a visual alarm device, including: a flash tube for providing a visual indication responsive to a trigger signal; and a strobe circuit coupled between the flash tube and a power source, the strobe circuit causing the flash tube to emit light at a desired flash rate, the controller causing the power source to provide power to the strobe circuit responsive to the sensor, the strobe circuit including: a storage circuit coupled to the flash tube; a monitoring circuit coupled to the storage circuit, the monitoring circuit providing a breakover signal that provides an indication of a breakover voltage on the storage circuit; a breakover voltage limiting circuit coupled to the storage circuit and the power source, the breakover voltage limiting circuit including a first switching device with a control input; and a control unit coupled to the monitoring circuit, the control unit periodically asserting a control signal on the control input, wherein a pulse width of the control signal is varied responsive to the breakover signal and the first switching device provides energy to the storage circuit responsive to the control signal.

15. The alarm system of claim 14, further including:a flash intensity selector for providing a plurality of selectable flash intensities, wherein the flash intensity selector is coupled to the control unit, and wherein the magnitude of the breakover voltage is varied responsive to the flash intensity selector.

16. The alarm system of claim 15, wherein the flash intensity selector is a potentiometer and the plurality of selectable flash intensities correspond to 15, 30, 75, 95 and 115 candela.

17. The alarm system of claim 15, wherein the control unit evaluates an output provided by the flash intensity selector after each flash to determine which of the selectable flash intensities have been selected.

18. The alarm system of claim 14, wherein the control unit is a microcontroller.

19. The alarm system of claim 14, wherein an intensity of the light emitted by the flash tube is substantially repeated from one flash to a next flash.

20. The alarm system of claim 14, wherein the control unit maximizes the amount of energy delivered to the storage circuit while continuing to cause the flash tube to emit light at the desired flash rate when the control unit senses that the power source is incapable of providing an adequate amount of energy to achieve a desired intensity from the flash tube.

21. A visual alarm device, comprising:a flash tube for providing a visual indication responsive to a trigger signal; and a strobe circuit coupled between the flash tube and a power source, the strobe circuit causing the flash tube to emit light at a desired flash rate, the strobe circuit including: a storage circuit coupled to the flash tube; a monitoring circuit coupled to the storage circuit, the monitoring circuit providing a breakover signal that provides an indication of a breakover voltage on the storage circuit; breakover voltage limiting circuit coupled to the storage circuit and the power source, the breakover voltage limiting circuit including a first switching device with a control input; and a control unit coupled to the monitoring circuit, the control unit periodically asserting a control signal on the control input to provide energy to the storage circuit, wherein a pulse width of the control signal is varied responsive to the breakover signal, and wherein the control unit increases the energy provided to the storage circuit when the control unit determines that the strobe circuit is below a predetermined temperature.

22. A visual alarm device, comprising:a flash tube for providing a visual indication responsive to a trigger signal; and a strobe circuit coupled between the flash tube and a power source, the strobe circuit causing the flash tube to emit light at a desired flash rate, the strobe circuit including: a storage circuit coupled to the flash tube; a monitoring circuit coupled to the storage circuit, the monitoring circuit providing a breakover signal that provides an indication of a breakover voltage on the storage circuit; a breakover voltage limiting circuit coupled to the storage circuit and the power source, the breakover voltage limiting circuit including a first switching device with a control input; and a control unit coupled to the monitoring circuit, the control unit periodically asserting a control signal on the control input to provide energy to the storage circuit, wherein a pulse width of the control signal is varied responsive to the breakover signal and wherein the breakover voltage limiting circuit limits the energy provided to the storage circuit when a reference threshold is crossed.