Abstract: A laser diode protection circuit includes an input connected to receive the RF amplitude modulating signal. A second RF amplifier is connected to amplify the received RF amplitude modulating signal and to put out an amplified signal. A sensing element such as differential amplifier or Schmitt trigger is connected to put out a control signal when the amplified signal exceeds in amplitude a reference level. A switching element preferably includes a series PIN diode network having a PIN diode connected in parallel in reverse conduction order across the laser diode. The switching arrangement is responsive to the control signal and effectively swamps or diverts the forward conduction current away from the laser diode thereby causing it to become reverse biased.

Abstract: An interface circuit that couples the output of a differential AFC detector to a tuner and in so doing provides a single-ended control signal and a substantially constant reference signal. A bridging circuit combines the differential outputs to effect a substantially constant signal which is appropriately scaled by a referencing circuit so as to develop the reference voltage required. A dividing circuit coupled to one of the differential outputs develops an AFC control voltage having the range required to accommodate the tuner's AFC-responsive circuitry.

Abstract: A delay circuit for enhancing acquisition of a synthesizer PLL subsequent to change in the synthesizer's frequency of operation or a change in the source of tuning voltage applied to a voltage-controllable reference oscillator. A control circuit determines whether the reference oscillator operates in a crystal-controlled or in a voltage-controlled mode. The delay circuit includes a monostable having an output coupled to the control circuit and a trigger input coupled to both an ENTER CHANNEL indicator and a pulse generator. The monostable is triggered, thereby assuring temporary crystal-controlled operation of the reference oscillator, in response to an ENTER CHANNEL indicator or to an output from a pulse generator. The pulse generator is responsive to a change in the source of reference oscillator tuning control voltage from, for example, a manually variable fine tuning potentiometer to an AFC control circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a source of signals to a receiver having a ground return electrically coupled to the AC line and for providing immunity from interfering ambient signals. The apparatus includes a coaxial transmission line surrounded at both ends by feedthrough capacitor coupling the outer conductor of the transmission line to the ground return of the signal source. A toroidal ferrite member also surrounds the transmission line between the feedthrough capacitors thereby reducing the current flowing in the outer conductor and the resulting direct pickup of ambient signals.

Abstract: A circuit for applying a fine tuning voltage to an oscillator operating within distinct ranges of frequency. The fine tuning voltage is tailored so that a substantially equal fine tuning range, for example, .+-.1.5 MHz, is achieved with respect to each of the ranges of frequency. The circuit includes a potentiometer that is connected between two voltage sources. The values of the voltage sources are appropriately varied in response bandswitch information. In a television receiver the values are varied in response to a signal indicating operation on a Low Band VHF, a High Band VHF, or a UHF channel.

Abstract: In a synthesizer system having a reference oscillator selectively operable in either a voltage-controlled or an injection-locked mode, a circuit for effecting the appropriate mode of operation. The circuit includes an analog gate coupled between the output of a crystal oscillator and the input of the reference oscillator. The analog gate is driven by a logic element responsive to a plurality of signals indicative of specific operating conditions. In particular, the circuit assures that the reference oscillator is coupled to the crystal oscillator, that is, the reference oscillator operates in the injection locked mode, while the synthesizer PLL achieves acquisition.

Abstract: A method and circuit for detecting and removing chrominance signal components from the luminance channel of a television receiver is shown. The luminance channel is separated into distinct subchannels, one of which has a filter providing attenuation at the chrominance subcarrier frequency. A detection circuit operates to select the output of the filtered subchannel whenever a chrominance subcarrier signal appears in the luminance channel. The detection circuit is sensitive to the phase relationship between the chrominance signal and a portion of the luminance signal and is therefore substantially immune to signals other than chrominance subcarriers, including high frequency components of the luminance signal.

Abstract: A high-speed, solid-state, electronic circuit for alternately coupling two separate video signal paths to a third video signal path in response to high frequency square wave excitation, the circuit utilizing two dual-gate metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors having oppositely phased signals applied to respective switching gates for cancellation of switching transient signals.

Abstract: A video processing system for a television receiver is shown. The video processing system includes a gain controlled stage through which a video signal is coupled. The gain of the stage is controlled to provide contrast control of the video signal. The video signal is also applied to an aperture correction circuit which develops an aperture correction signal including a pre-shoot transient responses. The aperture correction signal is also coupled through the gain controlled stage so that it is amplified or attenuated by the same amount as the video signal. An automatic peaking control circuit receives the pre-shoot and over-shoot signals to generate an automatic control signal to control the gain of the aperture correction circuit. A tracking control circuit causes the automatic peaking control circuit to accurately track the setting of an adjustable control which controls the gain of the aperture correction circuit.