Abstract: The present invention relates to a Microwave Electrothermal Thruster(MET) adapted for in-space electrothermal propulsion comprising a tunable frequency Microwave Electrothermal Thruster propulsion module enabling primary propulsion and altitude control of a satellite/spacecraft wherein RF Semiconductors is introduced for the first time as microwave generator inside cavity body to increase its efficiency and respond time and to make the thruster capable of operating in two frequencies by mechanically tuning its cavity making such thruster compact and light weight. The free-floating plasma within the resonant cavity couples the incident electrical power directly to the tangentially injected propellant gas. The plasma forms by focusing the microwave energy into the first transverse magnetic mode and operates independent of the type of propellant gas used.

Abstract: An LED driving circuit includes a charging-discharging circuit and a constant-current unit. The charging-discharging circuit is coupled to an AC current source, and includes an impedance, a diode and an energy storing circuit. The energy storing circuit is coupled to the impedance, the diode, and an LED unit. The constant-current unit is coupled to the charging-discharging circuit in series, and is arranged to regulate current. During the positive half cycle of the AC current source, the constant-current unit charges the energy storing circuit via the impedance; and during the negative half cycle of the AC current source, the energy storing circuit provides the LED unit with a discharging current via the diode, making the driving current of the LED driving circuit remain stable even when the AC current changes from the positive half cycle to the negative half cycle, thus preventing the flicker effect.

Abstract: Control circuitry for inductive loads comprehending a DC power source (DC), electrical switches (A and R) and appropriate electrical conductors to direct current to an inductive load, as the control system includes a primary circuit and a secondary circuit which is partly concurrent with the primary electrical circuit. The primary electrical circuit includes a series of DC power sources (DC), an inductive load in the form of an electric motor (M) or transformer (T) and a capacitor (C), while the secondary electrical circuit includes the inductive loads and capacitor (C), since the two electrical switches (A and R) are so arranged that the power of a first operational phase is driven through the primary electric circuit by the voltage supplied by the DC power source (DC) while the current in another phase of operation runs through the secondary electric circuit by the voltage supplied by the capacitor (C).

Abstract: A variable frequency microwave pulse generator that includes a high voltage charger for charging with a high voltage, a high pressure gas tank for supplying insulation gas, and an electrode discharge unit. The electrode discharge unit includes a case, an accommodation section defined inside the case, and a pair of electrode sections disposed at one side and the other side of the accommodation section so as to face each other. The pair of electrode sections is spaced apart from each other to define a spark gap therebetween where the insulation gas supplied from the high pressure gas tank is loaded. An annular resonance recess is defined at the central portion of one electrode section of the pair of electrode sections, the depth of the resonance recess being variable in response to an adjustment knob disposed on the case being manipulated.

Abstract: An electromagnetic direct current (DC) power system includes a plurality of pulse forming networks (PFN) modules. Each pulse forming network (PFN) module includes a PFN circuit, a fault current limiting (FCL) circuit and a cooling system. The pulse PFN circuit is configured to generate a pulsed DC output power. The PFN circuit further includes at least one energy storage inductor with primary winding having a primary winding inductance that controls a primary impedance of the PFN circuit. The FCL circuit includes a secondary winding that electrically communicates with the primary winding. The FCL circuit is configured to receive fault energy existing in the PFN circuit during a fault event. The cooling system is configured to cool at least one of the primary winding and the secondary winding, and remove a portion of the fault energy.

Abstract: A pulse generation system for applying electric pulses across a load includes a first plurality of energy storage modules connected in series on a positive chain and configured to apply a positive potential to the load and a second plurality of energy storage modules connected in series on a negative chain and configured to apply a negative potential to the load. Each energy storage module of the positive chain and the negative chain includes a rectifier and a storage element, and at least one control element.

Abstract: An RF pulse signal generation switching circuit for controlling an output of a power FET for amplifying a high frequency signal to generate an RF pulse signal that is the high frequency signal pulse formed into a pulse-wave shape is provided. The circuit includes first and third n-type FETs of which gates are inputted with a control pulse that supplies a rise timing and a fall timing of a pulse, and a second n-type FET of which a gate is connected with a drain of the first FET. A source of the first FET and a source of the third FET are grounded, respectively. The drain of the first FET is applied with a first drive voltage via a resistor. A drain of the second FET is applied with a second drive voltage. A source of the second FET is connected with a drain of the third FET and the connection point therebetween is connected with the power FET. A capacitor is connected between the connection point and an end of the resistor from which the first drive voltage is applied.

Abstract: An antenna configuration for emitting high-energy microwave pulses has a first flat electrode and a second flat electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being able to be connected to a generator for producing an excitation pulse. The antenna configuration further has a multiplicity of radiation elements which connect the first electrode and the second electrode to one another, and semiconductor diodes which are provided in the region of the radiation elements and turn on as of a particular breakdown voltage and thus make it possible for the antenna to emit a pulsed overall pulse.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation amplifier (and concomitant amplification method) comprising a pulsed power source, a spherical or half-spherical cathode proximate the power source, an anode focusing assembly comprising a plurality of converger/spreader spheres, and a plurality of current conductors connecting the cathode and the anode focusing assembly.

Abstract: A radio frequency generator includes a power control module, a frequency control module and a pulse generating module. The power control module is configured to generate a power signal indicating power levels for target states of a power amplifier. The frequency control module is configured to generate a frequency signal indicating frequencies for the target states of the power amplifier. The pulse generating module is configured to (i) supply an output signal to the power amplifier, (ii) recall at least one of a latest power level or a latest frequency for one of the target states of the power amplifier, and (iii) adjust a current power level and a current frequency of the output signal from a first state to a second state based on the power signal, the frequency signal, and at least one of the latest power level and the latest frequency of the power amplifier.

Abstract: A method for controlling pulsed power that includes measuring a first pulse of power from a power amplifier to obtain data. The method also includes generating a first signal to adjust a second pulse of delivered power, the first signal correlated to the data to minimize a power difference between a power set point and a substantially stable portion of the second pulse. The method also includes generating a second signal to adjust the second pulse of delivered power, the second signal correlated to the data to minimize an amplitude difference between a peak of the second pulse and the substantially stable portion of the second pulse.

Abstract: III-N high voltage MOS capacitors and System on Chip (SoC) solutions integrating at least one III-N MOS capacitor capable of high breakdown voltages (BV) to implement high voltage and/or high power circuits. Breakdown voltages over 4V may be achieved avoiding any need to series couple capacitors in an RFIC and/or PMIC. In embodiments, depletion mode III-N capacitors including a GaN layer in which a two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) is formed at threshold voltages below 0V are monolithically integrated with group IV transistor architectures, such as planar and non-planar silicon CMOS transistor technologies. In embodiments, silicon substrates are etched to provide a (111) epitaxial growth surface over which a GaN layer and III-N barrier layer are formed. In embodiments, a high-K dielectric layer is deposited, and capacitor terminal contacts are made to the 2DEG and over the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method for controlling pulsed power that includes measuring a first pulse of power from a power amplifier to obtain data. The method also includes generating a first signal to adjust a second pulse of delivered power, the first signal correlated to the data to minimize a power difference between a power set point and a substantially stable portion of the second pulse. The method also includes generating a second signal to adjust the second pulse of delivered power, the second signal correlated to the data to minimize an amplitude difference between a peak of the second pulse and the substantially stable portion of the second pulse.

Abstract: A method and a configuration are provided for generating high-energy microwave pulses, in particular based on HPEM technology. The objects include, on the one hand. increasing the energy density of pulses and, on the other hand, also making the relevant appliances more compact. For that purpose, a large-area configuration of a multiplicity of, preferably non-linear, semiconductor components is used in the area of the antenna, for pulse shaping.

Abstract: An RF pulse signal generation switching circuit for controlling an output of a power FET for amplifying a high frequency signal to generate an RF pulse signal that is the high frequency signal pulse formed into a pulse-wave shape is provided. The circuit includes first and third n-type FETs of which gates are inputted with a control pulse that supplies a rise timing and a fall timing of a pulse, and a second n-type FET of which a gate is connected with a drain of the first FET. A source of the first FET and a source of the third FET are grounded, respectively. The drain of the first FET is applied with a first drive voltage via a resistor. A drain of the second FET is applied with a second drive voltage. A source of the second FET is connected with a drain of the third FET and the connection point therebetween is connected with the power FET. A capacitor is connected between the connection point and an end of the resistor from which the first drive voltage is applied.

Abstract: A method and a configuration are provided for generating high-energy microwave pulses, in particular based on HPEM technology. The objects include, on the one hand. increasing the energy density of pulses and, on the other hand, also making the relevant appliances more compact. For that purpose, a large-area configuration of a multiplicity of, preferably non-linear, semiconductor components is used in the area of the antenna, for pulse shaping.

Abstract: Pulses of signals in the terahertz region are generated using an apparatus made up of a mode-locked semiconductor laser diode with a short duty cycle that is optically coupled to a biased Auston switch. The output from the mode-locked semiconductor laser diode may first be supplied to a pulse compressor, and the resulting compressed pulses supplied to the Auston switch. Preferably, the mode-locking of the semiconductor laser diode is controllable, i.e., it is an active mode-locking semiconductor laser, so that the phase of the output optical signal from the laser is locked to the phase of an input control signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a system having an electromagnetic coupler probe to electromagnetically sample signals from a device under test or a link under test and a receiver, e.g., configured as an integrated circuit that is to receive the sampled electromagnetic signals from the probe and output digital signals corresponding thereto. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A device for generating high powered Radio Frequency (RF) or microwave signals comprising a fast rise-time video pulse generator, a modulator to modify the generated UWB pulses by gyromagnetic action to transfer a portion of the UWB pulse energy from lower frequencies to frequencies in the RF or microwave range thereby producing a resultant RF or microwave waveform that can be radiated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a current impulse generator that is fed by a high voltage source. The high voltage from the source creates an electric field which turns into a corona current by means of a corona current source. The corona current source charges a floating electrode with electrostatic energy which is rapidly discharged by means of a discharge switch into a spherical electrode producing a current impulse. The spherical electrode transmits the current impulse to an antenna which emits an electromagnetic wideband energy beam which actuates on electric triggers from a distance.

Abstract: A comb frequency generator that is tunable to vary the width of the pulses in the output signal and achieve a maximum power output at different harmonic frequencies. A wavefront compression device receives a sinusoidal input signal and provides wavefront compression to create a compressed signal having a series of periodic fast edges. A delay device receives the fast-edge compressed signal and delays the fast-edge signal to create a delayed fast-edge signal. A combining device receives the original fast-edge compressed signal and the delayed fast-edge compressed signal to generate an output signal including a series of pulses having a width determined by the delay of the delayed signal. In one embodiment, the delay device is a shorted transmission line stub having a length selectively set by a series of MEM devices. In another embodiment, the delay device is an NLTL variable time delay device that delays the fast-edge signal.

Abstract: An all-silicon nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) is integrated with a pulse-forming circuit in the form of a reverse-biased diode. Relatively short, e.g., 27 ps, optical signals can be generated from the all-silicon NLTL circuit by laser modulation of the electrical NTLT output in an electro-optical system.

Abstract: A nonlinear transmission-line waveform generator for generating a comb of frequencies and relatively short duration pulses, for example, in the range of picoseconds and tens of picoseconds, that are adapted to being utilized with ultra wideband radios in order to improve the bandwidth of such radios by an order of magnitude, for example, up to tens and even hundreds of GHz. In particular, the nonlinear transmission line waveform generator in accordance with the present invention consists of a microstrip or coplanar waveguide line. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the &Dgr;C/&Dgr;V characteristic of the nonlinear transmission line is matched to the frequency and amplitude of the input sinusoidal waveform.

Abstract: The principal reason that commercially available 10 gigabits per second electrical interconnect has not previously been available is that such interconnect structures possess too high a level of parasitic inductance, capacitance, resistance and conductance. These result in signal degradation as a result of attenuation, harmonic distortion and dispersion and so sufficiently error-free transmission of data has been virtually impossible for high data rates such as those around 5 gigabits per second and above. By providing compensation mechanisms, signal integrity is improved thus enabling reliable data transmission at data rates of 5 gigabits per second, 10 gigabits per second and above. Non-linear transmission lines are used to form these compensation mechanisms. The non-linear transmission line may take the form of a distributed diode, for example, formed from a layer of N-doped silicon covered on its top surface by a layer of platinum and on its bottom surface by a layer of silicon dioxide.

Abstract: A continuous or a long-pulsed microwave oscillated from a microwave oscillator 1 is propagated in a waveguided tube 2 in which a given gas is charged. Subsequently, by irradiating a laser having a given intensity from a laser source 4 to the points, A and B in the tube 2, the given gas is partially made plasma. Just then, the microwave can not travel beyond the plasma-part of the given gas and reflects thereat. Accordingly, the microwave is divided at the plasma-part and thereby, a short-pulsed microwave can be obtained.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a pulse signal generator comprising a plurality of magnetic elements arranged in an imaginable plane and capable of producing large Barkhausen jumps; a first unit for generating a magnetic field, which is changed by the object to be detected to cause said magnetic elements to produce said large Barkhausen jumps, said first unit consisting of a pair of magnet/yoke combinations provided on opposite sides of said imaginable plane such that their poles are oriented in opposite directions, forming a detecting area at an end thereof; a second unit for detecting said large Barkhausen jumps to produce corresponding pulse signals; and first and second adjusting yokes being movable on one of said magnet/yoke combinations along one of said magnetic elements and on the other of said magnet/yoke combinations along the other of said magnetic elements, respectively.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for producing a substantially constant pulsed magnetic field for repelling rodents includes an electromagnetic coil for generating a magnetic field in response to alternating current (AC) power applied to terminals of the coil and a gated triac connected in series electrical circuit with the coil for controlling application of AC electric power to the coil. A gating circuit develops a sequence of gating pulses for application to the triac with each of the gating pulses having a substantially constant voltage value extending for a time duration of a plurality of cycles of AC power for continuously exciting the coil with AC power during the extent of each gating pulse.

Abstract: A non-linear dispersive transmission line includes a plurality of substantially block-like shaped capacitor elements (4) arranged in sequence in at least two arrays. The even numbered elements (4b, 4d etc) extend side by side to form a first array and the odd numbered elements (4a, 4c) etc extend side by side to form the second array. Each element (4) in one array is connected via inductors (3) to two immediately adjacent elements in the other array. Facing surfaces (5) of each two immediately adjacent elements (4a, 4c) in each array form cross link capacitors.

Abstract: A device for generation of electric square pulses with a short rise time, comprises at least an energy-storing capacitor in the form of a coaxial cable with an insulated screen, wherein essentially the whole coaxial cable is wound up in an inner closed cylindrical container of metal, a direct-voltage source for charging this screen, and devices for short-circuiting the screen to zero potential during generation of pulses. These devices together with the inner cylindrical metal container are enclosed in an outer closed container of metal, and one end of the coaxial cable is intended for connection to a load and the other end of the coaxial cable terminates with a resistor which has the characteristic impedance of the cable. Between the inner cylindrical container and the outer container, a ferrite ring-core is placed around the devices for short-circuiting and both cable ends.

Abstract: According to the present invention, to drive a magnetron, a pulse voltage is applied to the gate electrode of a field effect transistor to make the field effect transistor conductive, so that a voltage stored in a storage condenser is discharged through the primary winding of a pulse transformer and the drain electrode-the source electrode of the field effect transistor. This discharge causes the voltage generated at the primary winding of the pulse transformer to be induced at the secondary winding of the pulse transformer. Thus, the magnetron connected to the secondary winding of the pulse transformer is driven.

Abstract: An impulse forming circuit is disclosed which produces a clean impulse from a nonlinear transmission line compressed step function without customary soliton ringing by means of a localized pulse shaping and differentiating network which shunts the nonlinear transmission line output to ground.

Abstract: A high-power RF switching device employs a semiconductor wafer positioned in the third port of a three-port RF device. A controllable source of directed energy, such as a suitable laser or electron beam, is aimed at the semiconductor material. When the source is turned on, the energy incident on the wafer induces an electron-hole plasma layer on the wafer, changing the wafer's dielectric constant, turning the third port into a termination for incident RF signals, and. causing all incident RF signals to be reflected from the surface of the wafer. The propagation constant of RF signals through port 3, therefore, can be changed by controlling the beam. By making the RF coupling to the third port as small as necessary, one can reduce the peak electric field on the unexcited silicon surface for any level of input power from port 1, thereby reducing risk of damaging the wafer by RF with high peak power.

Abstract: A differential nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) circuit has anti-parallel diode pairs along a balanced transmission line to generate well defined high-speed pulses with sharp positive and negative transitions from a time varying input signal. The input signal may carry an arbitrary DC bias voltage component that is suitable for digital logic circuits, such as current mode logic (CML) employing differential inputs.

Abstract: In order to sample high-frequency signals, it is necessary to have a needle pulse train and a needle pulse train which is inverted with respect thereto. By means of a switch (T) which is controlled by a clock signal (U), a positive operating voltage (U.sub.B+) is applied for a limited period of time to a first conductor (L.sub.1) and a negative operating voltage (U.sub.B-) is applied for a limited period of time to a second conductor (L.sub.2). The two conductors (L.sub.1, L.sub.2) are connected via a respective diode (D.sub.1, D.sub.2), which are biased differently, to a respective resistor (RV.sub.1, RV.sub.2), which is connected to ground, and to a respective capacitor (C.sub.1, C.sub.2). The respective capacitors connected to a respective further resistors (RL.sub.1, RL.sub.2), which is connected to ground, the needle pulse train being present at one resistor and the needle pulse train which is inverted with respect to the first being present at the other resistor.

Abstract: In a circuit arrangement for coupling a first signal into a second electric signal formed as an alternating signal, a device is provided for compensating for effects of the coupling on the signal pattern of the second signal, particularly on the "pulse tilt" of the second signal. In a preferred variant of the circuit arrangement, the coupling is inductive, whereby the compensation device comprises a capacitively functioning element. The circuit arrangement is particularly suited for coupling a direct-voltage signal into an alternating-signal bus.

Abstract: A current source gate drive circuit for simultaneous firing of a set of series or parallel thyristors is described. The circuit includes two current loops, each of which serves as a current transformer primary. Electrically insulating tubes enclose the current loops. Current transformer cores, around which are wound a certain number of secondary turns, surround the current loops, thus magnetically coupling the primary current of the current transformer to the secondary turns. Thyristor gate driver circuits are electrically coupled to the current transformer cores. Each of the thyristor gate driver circuits receives and rectifies ac current signals from the current loops and forms a current pulse train firing signal. Each thyristor gate driver circuit has a corresponding thyristor that is fired by the current pulse train firing signal. The thyristors operate at a high voltage, but are electrically isolated from the current loops by the insulating tubes.

Abstract: High-efficiency clock generator circuits having single or complementary outputs for driving capacitive loads. The clock generator has therein at least one pair of complementary FET switches, coupled between the output of the generator and power supply rails, and an inductor. The generator is operated at a frequency approximately equal the resonant frequency of the inductor combined with the capacitance of the load. Energy normally stored in the load and dissipated in the FETs as in conventional clock generators is instead stored in the inductor and returned to the loads for reuse.

Abstract: An adaptive threshold circuit for use with a magnetic type of sensor that has a pick-up coil. The pick-up coil has an alternating voltage induced therein when a slot or tooth formed in a wheel rotates past the sensor. The circuit produces a square wave pulse voltage during positive half-cycles of the voltage generated in the pick-up coil. The circuit includes a digital to analog converter the input of which is connected to a selectable pulse counter. The pulse counter has a decrement function that allows for the count to be varied so as to accommodate sudden wheel decelerations. According to one embodiment, the counter may down count to reduce the count number. In accordance with a second embodiment, the counter may shift out one bit to perform a divide-by-two operation on the count number.

Abstract: A remote tone burst pulser for an electromagnetic acoustic transducer utilizes a circuit having a direct current power source which is provided to a main capacitor. A high power, high speed insulated gate bipolar transistor or metal oxide-semiconductor controlled thyristor is operatively connected to the main capacitor and the coil of the transducer. A drive circuit is operatively connected to this device for transmitting a train of switch pulses which causes radio frequency alternating current to be provided to the transducer coil. A power transistor is operatively connected to the first transistor and is activated by a second drive circuit for causing a conducting state which allows for the power being applied to the transducer coil to be rapidly dissipated by a resistor and the internal resistance of the power transistor.

Abstract: A vertical ramp generator includes a voltage controllable charge current source and a switched discharge current source coupled across a ramp capacitor. A pair of comparators coupled to first and second reference potentials are supplied with the ramp capacitor voltage and drive a flip/flop, the output of which operates the discharge current source. A sync signal voltage is injected into the output of one of the comparators. Another comparator compares the ramp capacitor voltage with a third reference potential corresponding to the midpoint of the desired ramp voltage to control the switching of a pair of current sources that supply a square wave current to a correction capacitor which develops a DC correction voltage. The duty cycle of the square wave current is a function of the deviation of the ramp capacitor voltage from the third reference potential. The correction voltage controls the amount of current supplied by the charge current source.

Abstract: A modulator for producing repetitive short high voltage pulses is provided. The modulator includes a high voltage power supply, a plurality of pulse forming networks each capable of being charged to a potential equal to twice the voltage of the high voltage power supply, and a plurality of switches interconnecting the pulse forming networks. The switches have a first state connecting the pulse forming networks in parallel with the high voltage power supply to charge the pulse forming networks, and a second state connecting the pulse forming networks in series to discharge the pulse forming networks into a load. The pulse forming networks are charged by use of a resonant charging technique. The modulator further includes an input configured to receive a triggering pulse, the triggering pulse causing the switches to change from the first state to the second state.