Patent ID: 6864833

Claim:
A time-base generator suitable for use in an echo ranging system, said time-base generator comprising: (a) a first pulse generator having an input for receiving an input signal and generating an output pulse train from said input signal; (b) a second pulse generator having an input for receiving a delayed signal and generating a delayed output pulse train, said delayed output pulse train having pulses with leading edges delayed from pulses in said output pulse train; (c) a delay stage coupled to the input of said second pulse generator, said delay stage having an input for receiving said input signal and an output coupled to the input of said second pulse generator for outputting said delayed signal, and said delay stage including a control input for varying the delay in said delayed signal in response to a delay control signal; (d) a control loop having an input port and output port, said output port being coupled to the outputs for said first and said second pulse generators, and said control loop having an output port coupled to the control input of said delay stage for outputting said delay control signal; and (e) a references voltage module having one or more components for setting reference voltage outputs, and said references voltage outputs providing a temperature independent effect for components in said first and said second pulse generators and in said delay stage and said control loop.