Abstract: Beta and alpha-ray particles emitted by radio-isotopic by-products of nuclear fission, such as nickel 63, are used as a power source at the cathode of a microwave generating magnetron. Such particles include high speed, high energy electrons having a large EMF associated therewith. In the magnetron, a radial electrical vector, between the cathode and anode, interacts with an axial magnetic vector to produce a cloud of electrons that rotates about the magnetron axis. The speed, geometry and density of the rotating cloud may be modulated by an external RF input or grids within the interaction space of the magnetron. At the periphery of the interaction space is a polar array of anode cavities into which the rotating field induces an LC equivalent parameter that includes high energy microwaves that may be used as an input for the generation of AC or DC power.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a wireless device uses a test instrument in communication with the wireless device via an RF link. The test instrument may have a test procedure preloaded therein, which test procedure is transmitted via the RF link to the wireless device so that the test instrument can perform the test procedure on the wireless device, under the control of the wireless device. The test instrument may control the wireless device to the extent necessary to carry out the test procedure.

Abstract: In order to indicate that an event has occurred in conformity with a predetermined protocol, a step involved in implementation of the protocol is selected. An association is recorded with the selected step of a requirement for a trigger signal. The performance of steps comprising implementation of the protocol is monitored, and a condition related to performance of the selected step is detected. A trigger signal is generated, in addition to any signal generated as part of implementation of the protocol, to indicate occurrence of the detected condition. The detected condition may comprise, for example, active performance of a step to generate an output such as transmission of a message, or passive performance of a step to receive an input, or detection that a time interval has elapsed during which the step could be expected to have been performed.