A signal generator provides an output signal having a series of pulses and
a pulse repetition rate. The signal generator includes an energy storage
circuit and a switch control circuit. The energy storage circuit includes
a switch operated by the switch control circuit. After delivery of a
pulse of the output signal, the switch control circuit operates the
switch in a first mode to provide the pulse repetition rate of the output
signal. The switch control circuit also operates the switch in each of
the first mode and a second mode at a switching rate, wherein relatively
more energy from a battery is stored as a consequence of the second mode
than is stored as a consequence of the first mode. Energy from the
battery is stored for delivery in a pulse of the output signal. The
switching rate is compensated in accordance with a temperature of the
battery and a voltage of the battery. Compensation maintains the battery
voltage above a minimum value. Operation according to the value avoids
current draw from the battery at a rate that may lead to an under-voltage
condition of the battery. In one implementation, the power supply
provides a high voltage for charging a capacitor for each cycle of an
electric discharge weapon. Another value conveyed by the serial data
provides a maximum pulse delivery rate for such a weapon.