Patent ID: 7280000

Claim:
A method of reducing power consumption within a signal generator generating an output pulse at a predetermined period, wherein said output pulse controls a signal generator power source, said method comprising: (a) adjusting a pulsewidth of the signal generator output pulse to increase the time interval within said predetermined period that said power source is in a disabled state, thereby reducing power consumption of said signal generator; wherein said signal generator includes a latch to produce a state of said output pulse and first and second capacitive devices, and step (a) further includes: (a.1) triggering said latch in response to said first capacitive device charging to a first reference level to produce and maintain said output pulse in a first state during said time interval, wherein said first state disables said power source; and (a.2) triggering said latch after said time interval to produce and maintain said output pulse in a second state, wherein said second state enables said power source and step (a.2) further includes: (a.2.1) transferring charge from said first capacitive device to said second capacitive device to charge said second capacitive device and triggering said latch in response to said second capacitive device charging to a second reference level.