Abstract: An electromagnetic pulse detector in an integrated circuit includes one or more peak hold circuits coupled to one or more traces in the integrated circuit and configured to asynchronously detect voltage spike(s) on the one or more traces and store voltage value(s) corresponding to the voltage spike(s). One or more comparator circuits are coupled to the peak hold circuits to compare the voltage values corresponding to the voltage spikes to one or more threshold voltage values. Storage locations are coupled to the comparator circuits to store indications of the voltage spike(s) being greater than the threshold voltage value to thereby indicate detection of an electromagnetic pulse.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the dimming of a lighting element, or other electrical load, that uses a timer synchronized to the AC waveform is disclosed. The timer is set up to repeatedly count at a rate equal to twice the frequency of the AC waveform. An output from the timer logic is asserted when the timer value exceeds a predetermined value, stored in a compare register. This output is connected to the gate of a triac, which controls the passage of current from the AC power source to the electrical load. A capture register is used to determine the temporal relationship between the restart of the timer and the AC waveform. This system and method reduces the real time requirements of an associated processing unit, and improves consistency, thereby reducing flicker.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the dimming of a lighting element, or other electrical load, that uses a timer synchronized to the AC waveform is disclosed. The timer is set up to repeatedly count at a rate equal to twice the frequency of the AC waveform. An output from the timer logic is asserted when the timer value exceeds a predetermined value, stored in a compare register. This output is connected to the gate of a triac, which controls the passage of current from the AC power source to the electrical load. A capture register is used to determine the temporal relationship between the restart of the timer and the AC waveform. This system and method reduces the real time requirements of an associated processing unit, and improves consistency, thereby reducing flicker.

Abstract: Methods techniques have been developed for making dielectric measurements of materials in the near field of microwave antennas. These techniques overcome the limitations of previous devices as the size, shape, orientation, and location of a sample can have a substantial impact on dielectric measurements.

Abstract: A fixed geometry plasma and a method of generating such a plasma wherein a stream of charged particles follows a spiral path. Said spiralling plasma is containable in a magnetic field such that a toroid is formed.

Abstract: The invention is a system for providing propulsion, control, and stability to small airships (miniblimps) in free flight, especially lighter than air airships. Propulsion is provided by a single motor. Control is achieved by moving the propulsion motor up or down, or left or right. Stability is provided by a single fixed control surface.