Abstract: Several designs of a stage for use in a FIFO pipeline are disclosed. Each stage includes a latch that is capable of latching a data element and capable of transitioning between a transparent state and an opaque state. The stages also include a control circuit capable of announcing the availability of the data element to the next stage as soon as the data element has propagated through the latch and without any latching or unlatching action of the latch prior to the announcement of the availability of the data element. In other words, if the latch of a stage is transparent and receives a signal Ri from the previous stage, the control circuit of the stage generates signal Ro after receiving signal Ri, thus enabling the next stage to latch the data element before the current stage has itself latched that data element.

Abstract: There is disclosed an arcjet starter for igniting and sustaining an electric arc in an arcjet thruster. The arcjet starter is capable of delivering a short duration, high voltage pulse for igniting the arc and then providing a continuous low voltage, high amperage current for sustaining the arc. The starter has two separate magnetics, one for initiating breakdown in the arcjet and another for sustaining breakdown during steady state operation.

Abstract: A catalytic gas generator for an electrothermal thruster comprises a catalyst chamber, a capillary propellant tube communicating to the chamber and a tubular thermal standoff connecting the tube to the chamber wherein the tube is connected at a location spaced from the tube inlet into the catalyst chamber.

Abstract: An electronic package having improved electrical properties in which a plastic Quad Flat Pack is provided with upper and lower metallic plates encased in the plastic body and overlapping at least a portion of the length of the encased portion of the leads whereby the self and mutual inductance of the package is reduced. A ceramic Quad Flat Pack is provided with metal plates attached to the mating surfaces of the ceramic cover component and the ceramic base component so that at least a portion of the enclosed portion of the leads which are electrically connected to the electronic component inside the components is overlapped on the top and bottom by the metallic plates.

Abstract: There is provided a leadframe having a plurality of coplanar electrically conductive leads. At least one metallic guard is bonded to the leads with a dielectric layer disposed between the metallic guard and the leads. The metallic guard has good adhesion to a polymer molding resin such that when the leadframe structure is encased in a molding resin, delamination is minimized. By restricting delamination, the ingress of water and water soluble contaminants to an integrated circuit device is inhibited.

Abstract: There is disclosed a power supply for igniting and sustaining an electric arc in an arcjet thruster. The power supply is capable of delivering a short duration, high voltage pulse for igniting the arc and then providing a continuous low voltage, high amperage current for sustaining the arc. A circuit in the power supply includes the combination of a low impedance inductor and a high impedance inductor. High voltage is blocked by the high impedance inductor for initiating the arc. As current begins to flow, the high impedance inductor magnetically saturates and the arc sustaining current flows through the low impedance inductor.