Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Leung, P. L..
Synthesis of plasma from separate ion and electron emitters suppresses electromagnetic interference. Source employs separate emitters for electrons and ions. Plasma source used to simulate variety of astrophysical phenomena and space-plasma effects. For example, used in studies of propagation of electromagnetic waves in plasmas. Serves as interference-free charge neutralizer.
The Galileo spacecraft which will orbit Jupiter in 1988 will encounter a very harsh environment of energetic electrons. These electrons will have sufficient energy to penetrate the spacecraft shielding, consequently depositing charges in the dielectric insulating materials or ungrounded conductors. The resulting electric field could exceed the breakdown strength of the insulating materials, producing discharges. The transients produced from these Internal Electrostatic Discharges (IESD) could, depending on their relative location, be coupled to nearby cables and circuits. These transients could change the state of logic circuits or degrade or even damage spacecraft components, consequently disrupting the operation of subsystems and systems of the Galileo spacecraft during its expected mission life. An extensive testing program was initiated for the purpose of understanding the potential threats associated with these IESD events. Data obtained from these tests were used to define design guidelines.
This paper discusses the measurements of the electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated during discharges of Mylar samples. The two components of EMI, the conducted emission and the radiated emission, are characterized by the replacement current and the radiated RF spectrum respectively. The measured radiated RF spectra reveal important information on the source of the electromagnetic radiation. The possible sources are the replacement current pulse and the discharged generated plasma. The scaling of the amplitudes of the EMI, as a function of the area of the test sample, is also discussed.