title: A linearized DC lamp controller.
abstract: The design of a simple and inexpensive battery powered lamp controller for microscope lamps commonly used in patch clamp and other biophysical studies is described. The circuit linearizes the normally exponential voltage-intensity curve of standard 12-V lamps by using an operational amplifier to provide feedback to the drain of a power MOSFET. When the unit is turned off, a charging circuit recharges the battery at a constant potential until the battery voltage reaches a preset level. The charging voltage is then reduced to balance the self-discharge rate of the battery.
authors.affiliation: Peripheral Nerve Research Group, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-9151.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Galbraith
mesh_terms: D000669:Amplifiers, Electronic; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004581:Electronics; D004594:Electrophysiology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005246:Feedback