Interleaved Waveform Generator for High-Frequency Ion Mobility Driving

The patent implements periodic action by using a capacitor to store energy during a charging phase and then discharge it in controlled pulses during the ion mobility experiment. This periodic charge-discharge cycle allows the system to deliver high current for the duration of each ion mobility run without requiring the voltage source to continuously supply high current, thereby avoiding overheating and energy loss.

The patent resolves the voltage threshold limitation by transitioning from a single-capacitor system to a series arrangement of multiple capacitors. By stacking capacitors in series, the system achieves the required high voltage through dimensional expansion of the electrical circuit architecture, where each capacitor operates within its safe voltage rating while the collective series string achieves the necessary total voltage for ion mobility operation.

The patent implements self-service through automatic capacitor balancing circuitry that monitors and equalizes the voltage distribution across series-connected capacitors. This self-balancing mechanism continuously adjusts for variations in capacitance and leakage current among individual capacitors, eliminating the need for manual matching and allowing the use of standard commercial capacitor components with tolerances of 10% or more.

The patent applies preliminary action by using the battery to charge a capacitor bank before the ion mobility experiment begins. The battery operates at low current during this pre-charging phase, avoiding excessive voltage drop. Once the capacitor is charged to the required voltage, it takes over as the energy source for the actual ion mobility run, delivering the necessary high current without causing voltage drop, while the system remains portable due to the battery-powered architecture.