Abstract: A system, circuit and method are disclosed for operating an RLG off-mode-peak to avoid exciting undesirable transverse modes. An alternate PLC operating point can be used to bias the optical path length of the RLG to an appropriate side of an ideal integer number of wavelengths, and thus avoid exciting the undesirable transverse modes. Although this alternate PLC operating point is not perfect with respect to establishing an integer number of wavelengths, this operation provides acceptable performance of the RLG's (in particular, short length path RLG's), and acceptable margin can be established relative to variations in the PLC set points involved. For example, a PLC loop can be used to dither about this operating point as a discriminate to allow closed loop control of the path length. Also, a PSSD control architecture can be used to establish and maintain a requisite path length over relatively wide variations in operating temperature.

Abstract: A system for detecting radiation events in a ring laser gyro is provided. The system includes one or more photodetectors, that produce photocurrent signals to monitor the ring laser gyro. Further, the system includes one or more comparator circuits actuating at one or more thresholds. The one or more comparator circuits are responsive to the photodetectors to detect when a radiation event occurs based on the photocurrent signal. The system further includes a path length control circuit responsive to the one or more comparator circuits, that restores operating conditions for the ring laser gyro when a radiation event occurs.

Abstract: A duty cycle and period of clock stimulus signals of power conversion device are independently altered to handle in-rush current. In one embodiment, transient power supply turn on current observations coupled with changing of the duty cycle and period of clock stimulus (frequency) are used to select a duty cycle and frequency for the power conversion device. A programmable logic device is programmed with firmware in one embodiment to independently alter the duty cycle of the power conversion device. Optimization of the duty cycle and frequency occurs empirically at a higher level of assembly, allowing adjustments that account for both parasitic and process induced variations and system configuration adjustments. In further embodiments, in-rush current is measured during operation of the power conversion device, and the duty cycle and frequency are adjusted in real time in response to such measured current.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a device, wherein said method and device includes a plurality of thermoelectric coolers with independent temperature feedback control loops monitors and controls the temperature of a device. One thermoelectric cooler coupled to the package of the device maintains a desired temperature of the package by utilizing a first independent control loop. A second thermoelectric cooler coupled to the device maintains a desired temperature of the device by utilizing a second independent control loop. The operating temperature of the package of the device is maintained as the temperature of the environment varies.