Abstract: Analog test instrument architecture for performing functional testing of electronic circuit assemblies is disclosed. The analog test instrument includes a plurality of identical channels, each channel including circuitry for driving test stimuli and measuring responses at one node of a circuit assembly under test. The driver and measurement circuitry in each channel implement functions that traditionally have been implemented in a test system using discrete instruments. The analog test instrument further includes a master clock reference, which is used for synchronizing the operation of the driver and measurement circuits. Each channel further includes triggering circuitry for distributing trigger events within the channel and to the other channels; and, an input buffer, which is shared by the measurement circuits in the channel. The synchronized operation, distributed trigger events, and shared input buffers are used to improve the correlation of measurements made during functional testing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite material in which layers of reinforcing filaments are stitched across with filaments of a thermoplastic polymer and then interposed between sheets of the same thermoplastic polymer as that used to stitch across the reinforcing filaments. The resultant stack is then heated under pressure for sufficient time for the thermoplastic polymer to impregnate the reinforcing filaments whereupon the thus formed composite is cooled under compression in order to avoid any distortion thereof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite material which comprises filaments enclosed in a matrix of a high temperature resistant thermoplastic polymer. The method entails impregnating the filament with a first high temperature resistant thermoplastic polymer in an amount sufficient only to lightly bind the fibres together. The bound fibres are then interposed between sheets of a second thermoplastic polymer and the whole structure subjected to heat and pressure for a time sufficient to ensure impregnation of said second thermoplastic polymer into said filaments and diffusion of the first thermoplastic polymer into the second thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A method of treating carbon fibre in which the fibre is subjected to a surface removal step followed by a surface deactivation step. The surface deactivation step comprises either removing at least some of the functional groups on the surface of the fibre or rendering those functional groups incapable of forming a chemical bond with a resin matrix material. When such treated fibres are incorporated in a resin matrix, the resultant composite material is provided with enhanced strength properties when compared with similar composite materials containing untreated carbon fibres.

Abstract: A method of treating carbon fibre in which the fibre is subjected to a surface removal step followed by a surface deactivation step. The surface deactivation step comprises either removing at least some of the functional groups on the surface of the fibre or rendering those functional groups incapable of forming a chemical bond with a resin matrix material. When such treated fibres are incorporated in a resin matrix, the resultant composite material is provided with enhanced strength properties when compared with similar composite materials containing untreated carbon fibres.