Abstract: A system and method provides a fault-tolerant multi-channel pulsed plasma thruster system utilizing a control unit and an embedded real time application manipulating low-level timing events with programming, with clear examples of completely flexible control techniques of a scalable micropropulsion system having many pulsed plasma thruster channels, taking into account system aging behavior and specific mission utilization requirements that may change in the mission lifetime. The system and method also covers an architecture lending itself suitable for design of a dedicated FGPA or ASIC that would tightly integrate many channels of thruster components to build a robust, resilient and versatile micropropulsion subsystem for space applications, and indirectly for advanced multi-channel spacecraft instrumentation.

Abstract: A system and method provides a fault-tolerant multi-channel pulsed plasma thruster system utilizing a control unit and an embedded real time application manipulating low-level timing events with programming, with clear examples of completely flexible control techniques of a scalable micropropulsion system having many pulsed plasma thruster channels, taking into account system aging behavior and specific mission utilization requirements that may change in the mission lifetime. The system and method also covers an architecture lending itself suitable for design of a dedicated FGPA or ASIC that would tightly integrate many channels of thruster components to build a robust, resilient and versatile micropropulsion subsystem for space applications, and indirectly for advanced multi-channel spacecraft instrumentation.

Abstract: A system and method provides a fault-tolerant multi-channel pulsed plasma thruster system utilizing a control unit and an embedded real time application manipulating low-level timing events with programming, with clear examples of completely flexible control techniques of a scalable micropropulsion system having many pulsed plasma thruster channels, taking into account system aging behavior and specific mission utilization requirements that may change in the mission lifetime. The system and method also covers an architecture lending itself suitable for design of a dedicated FGPA or ASIC that would tightly integrate many channels of thruster components to build a robust, resilient and versatile micropropulsion subsystem for space applications, and indirectly for advanced multi-channel spacecraft instrumentation.

Abstract: A low-cost, distributed broadband multi-service communication network includes intelligent hybrid communication nodes which communicate with one another. The hybrid communication nodes have multi-media interfaces and processors that allow the node to receive a communication broadcast at one protocol interface, convert the broadcast to other communication protocols, and route it to those different communication protocol interfaces for transmission to other communication media. The smart hybrid communication nodes provides a distributed system that does not rely on a central intelligence, so that the network can be instantly deployed and expanded. In addition, a weatherproof container permits the nodes to be physically mounted adjacent to a communication antenna. This eliminates the need for a cable to connect a transmitter interface to the antenna (which can be several hundred feet away at the top of a tower). Even expensive cable results in substantial power and signal loss.