Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that provides a context-sensitive “community link,” which enables a system or application user to easily access a community forum related to a specific system or application feature. During operation, the system provides a user with access to the system or application feature. While providing such access, the system displays a community link to the user, wherein the community link is directed to a community forum associated with the system or application feature. When the user selects the community link, the system navigates the user to the community forum associated with the system or application feature, so that the user can exchange information with other users about the system or application feature.

Abstract: A solar array maximum power point tracking system for regulating the power output of a solar array associated with a spacecraft. An on-board computer measures the bus voltage and current from the solar array and generates a power calculation of the solar array power output. The on-board computer applies a first reference signal to a remote error amplifier representative of an incremental change in the solar array power. Additionally, the solar array bus voltage is applied to the remote error amplifier such that the remote error amplifier senses the solar array bus voltage and generates an output voltage indicative of the change of the solar array power. The output voltage of the error amplifier is applied to a power processor unit. The output voltage from the remote error amplifier and the bus voltage are applied to a power stage within the power processor unit. The power stage generates an output current that is applied to an arcjet thruster.

Abstract: A detector for detecting electrostatic discharge events in an electronic component, assembly or system and including a display element which produces an immediate indication on exposure to a change in voltage level, an electrostatic discharge sensor, and circuit means for connecting said sensor to said display element. In one embodiment, the detector and the board or other device to be monitored are mounted in a housing having a visual access window with the display element of the detector viewable through the access window and with the detector positioned at the electronic device being monitored.

Abstract: A detector for detecting electrostatic discharge events in an electronic component, assembly or system and including a display element which produces an immediate indication on exposure to a change in voltage level, an electrostatic discharge sensor, and circuit means for connecting said sensor to said display element. In one embodiment, the detector and the board or other device to be monitored are mounted in a housing having a visual access window with the display element of the detector viewable through the access window and with the detector positioned at the electronic device being monitored.

Abstract: A detector for detecting electrostatic discharge events in an electronic component, assembly or system and including a display element which produces an immediate indication on exposure to a change in voltage level, an electrostatic discharge sensor, and circuit means for connecting said sensor to said display element. In one embodiment, the detector and the board or other device to be monitored are mounted in a housing having a visual access window with the display element of the detector viewable through the access window and with the detector positioned at the electronic device being monitored.

Abstract: A static monitoring system for use with an electronic manufacturing work area, typically a conventional work bench having an electrical conducting strap for connecting the operator's wrist to earth ground, and including a circuit for indicating when there is an earth ground connection and circuitry for indicating when an electrostatically charged object, such as another human, approaches the work station. An antenna is positioned at the work station spaced from the working surface and from the operator, with the antenna connected as an input to an amplifier circuit which measures the change in electrostatic field strength and hence the approach of a charged object, with an indicator providing a visual or audible alarm or both. An oscillator provides an ac signal to each input of a differential amplifier, with one input connected to circuit ground through a capacitor and the other input connected to a wrist strap or the like on the operator.