TLN-865 Trigger Extractor & Window Comparator

Description

The TLN-865 Trigger Extractor & Window Comparator is an adaptation of a window comparator from Jung's Op-Amp Cookbook. This circuit can also function as a trigger extractor. A window comparator produces an output that is high if the input signal is greater than the lower threshold and less than the upper threshold. Otherwise the output is low. In other words:

If ( In > Lower_Threshold ) and ( In < Upper_Threshold )
  Out = High
else
  Out = Low

The TLN-865 uses a center point and both high and low offsets from the center point to define the Lower_Threshold and Upper_Threshold. These CENTER, HIGH, and LOW voltages can all be set manually using front panel controls, or via external control voltages. Reversing attenuators are used for the input signal as well as the center, low offset, and high offset signals.

When the MODE switch is set to COMP, the circuit operates as a window comparator with the output signal going from 0V to +13.5V whenever the input signal is within the upper and lower threshold. When the MODE switch is set to TRIG, the circuit operates as a trigger extractor that senses abrupt changes in the input signal. The threshold level can be set individually for both upwards and downwards changes using the HIGH and LOW controls. When the circuit senses an abrupt change in the input signal that exceeds these thresholds, it will output a brief pulse from 0V to +13.5V.

An inverted version of the output signal is also provided (from +13.5V to 0V).

• IN: reversing attenuator for input signal (normalled to +5V reference).
• CENTER: reversing attenuator for CENTER input (normalled to +5V reference), sets the center point for the window comparator.
• HIGH: reversing attenuator for HIGH input (normalled to +5V reference), sets the upper threshold offset from center for the window comparator.
• LOW: reversing attenuator for LOW input (normalled to +5V reference), sets the lower threshold offset from center for the window comparator.
• MODE: selects either trigger extractor or window comparator mode.
• LED: indicates if the output is high or low.

The TLN-865 makes a great companion to the TLN-864 Switching Comparator.

Note that the panel layout for this module (and the rest of my MUUB utility modules) uses the smaller type of knob found on Encore Electronic's UEG and Frequency Shifter. Most people will probably hate this, but I wanted to get the most functionality in the least amount of space while still maintaining some semblance to the MOTM standard. To this end, all of my MUUB utility modules use a new layout grid that allows up to 6 pots with 4 jacks, or 4 pots with 8 jacks, on a 1U wide module.

The TLN-865 Trigger Extractor & Window Comparator can be built using MUUB daughterboards.

After building this module I found some circuits that are similar in design and functionality: Ken Stone's Slope Detector and Mark Media's Trigger Differentiator.

Downloads

Schematics and User Guide will be available when I get the prototype built.

I hope to get MOTM-style front panels made in 2007 from Stooge Panels.

Pictures

Construction photos will be available when I get the prototype built.