Logarithmic amplifier uses field effect transistors
Solid-state amplifier utilizes field effect transistors and planar junction diodes to provide a logarithmic response to a wide range of input signals.
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Solid-state amplifier utilizes field effect transistors and planar junction diodes to provide a logarithmic response to a wide range of input signals.
The feasibility of developing solid-state amplifiers at 4 and 10 GHz for application in spacecraft altimeters was studied. Bipolar-transistor, field-effect-transistor, and Impatt-diode amplifier designs based on 1980 solid-state technology are investigated. Several output power levels of the pulsed, low-duty-factor amplifiers are considered at each frequency. Proposed transistor and diode amplifier designs are illustrated in block diagrams. Projections of size, weight, and primary power requirements are given for each design.
This paper gives a review of the data-acquisition systems used in NASA's wind tunnels from the 1950's to the present as a basis for assessing the impact of minicomputers and microcomputers on data acquisition and processing. The operation and disadvantages of wind-tunnel data systems are summarized for the period before 1950, the early 1950's, the early and late 1960's, and the early 1970's. Some significant advances discussed include the use or development of solid-state components, minicomputer systems, large central computers, on-line data processing, autoranging DC amplifiers, MOS-FET multiplexers, MSI and LSI logic, computer-controlled programmable amplifiers, solid-state remote multiplexing, integrated circuits, and microprocessors. The distributed system currently in use with the 40-ft by 80-ft wind tunnel at Ames Research Center is described in detail. The expected employment of distributed systems and microprocessors in the next decade is noted.
An estimated 45 communications satellites will be in geostationary orbit in the 1980s. Based on past history, half of the subsystem failures will be due to design failures. Methods now used to achieve present availabilities are summarized in this paper. To increase the availability of a single satellite to 99.99%, new techniques are needed; several possibilities are suggested herein. New developments, including nickel-hydrogen batteries, magnetic bearings, and solid-state amplifiers, are possible solutions to long standing problem areas in communications satellites. Launching a satellite two or three years before the system is needed is one way to reduce design failures in subsequent satellites. Diversity of manufacture can be used to obtain the maximum advantage from redundant elements. Finally, unmanned module exchange at geostationary orbit has been shown to be technically feasible.
The objective of NASA's narrowband system activities is to identify, develop, and test the technology needed for future commercial satellite-aided mobile communications systems. Desired characteristics include low service cost, efficient spectrum utilization, and compatibility with terrestrial systems. Ongoing effort includes system concept definition and market analysis. A typical system would need a large spaceborne antenna with 50 to 100 beams, each 0.5 to 0.7 degree wide, onboard switching and processing, linear solid-state amplifiers, and low-cost user terminals. The paper describes current studies and discusses future NASA plans in this field.
Integrated S band microstrip parametric amplifier modules with self contained Gunn effect pump oscillator for space flight applications
As an alternative to the use of traveling wave tube amplifiers in spacecraft with long life mission requirements, a solid state S band amplifier was developed. A solid state amplifier with an output of 20 W at 2295 MHz, a dc/RF efficiency of 38%, and a gain of 27 dB was developed. The physical and electrical performance of the solid state amplifier are described.
Examination of the nature and operational constraints of conventional X-radiographic and neutron imaging methods, providing a foundation for a discussion of advanced radiographic imaging systems. Two types of solid-state image amplifiers designed to image X rays are described. Operational theory, panel construction, and performance characteristics are discussed. A closed-circuit television system for imaging neutrons is then described and the system design, operational theory, and performance characteristics are outlined. Emphasis is placed on a description of the advantages of these imaging systems over conventional methods.
A survey of IMPATT diodes and negative resistance amplifiers is presented. The first phase of the amplifier effort is discussed in which a single diode reflection amplifier delivering 0.5 watt at 15 GHz with 10-dB gain over a 1-GHz band was developed. The design of a dominant mode resonant combiner is described along with the characterization of the IMPATT diodes. Results are given on the complete amplifier and on the thermal and graceful failure characteristics of the unit.
Tests performed on an X-band 32-element active array are described. Antenna pattern characteristics of the array were tested in its standard operating mode as well as several degraded performance modes, including failures of 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 16, and 31 elements. Additionally, the array was characterized with the addition of a metallic shroud, and also characterized versus rf drive level and at a single off-axis electronic beamsteered position. Characterization was performed on several of the 3/4-watt, three-stage, X-band solid-state power amplifier modules. The characterization included swept amplitude response, amplitude and phase versus temperature from -20 to +60 C, and intermodulation distortion of selected modules. The array is described and conclusions and recommendations based upon the experience and results achieved are included.
Research, design, development, and fabrication of a two-stage, solid-state, microcircuit power amplifier operating in the 2.25 GHz region of the S-band are summarized. Output is typically 7.0 watts for an input of approximately 400 mw. Input stage is an MSC 3001 transistor; output stage is an MSC 3005 transistor. Input VSWR is 1.4:1.0, or less. Efficiency of 33.3 percent or more is achieved. Second and third harmonic suppression is 30 db. Operating power is 28 VDC. The entire unit has a length of 3.80 inches, a width of 2.08 inches, and a height of 1.00 inch.
A proposed solid-state K sub u-band power amplifier utilizing a circularly symmetric array of IMPATT diodes mounted in a single radial line power combiner is discussed and its performance predicted. The proposed amplifier configuration consists of a TM sub 030 mode radial line cavity containing 20 IMPATT diodes, with separate input and output ports provided by a ferrite circulator. Conventional IMPATT amplifier techniques preclude the achievement of gain, power output, efficiency, and IMP suppression specifications simultaneously; there fore, several novel techniques with the potential of reducing the intermodulation product level are discussed.
Performance results and design considerations are presented for an all solid-state Ku-band power amplifier which is feasible for use in PM communication systems for airborne or spacecraft transmitter applications. A six-stage GaAs FET preamplifier and a driver and balanced power amplifier utilizing GaAs IMPATT diodes operating in the injection locked oscillator mode are discussed. For high power and efficiency Schottky-Read IMPATT's with low-high-low doping profiles are employed. For improved reliability the IMPATT's incorporate a TiW barrier metallization to retard degradation of the IMPATT's. Results of accelerated life testing of the IMPATT devices are also presented.
Combination of temperature-compensated logarithmic amplifiers and p-i-n photodiodes operating in zero-bias mode provides lightweight radiometer for detecting spectral intensities encompassing more than three decades over a range of at least 300 to 800 nanometers at low power levels.
Circuit concepts for realization of highly reliable and efficient electronic subsystems and microminiaturization application - switching amplifier analysis
To record biopotentials with extreme dynamic ranges, biopotential inputs are capacitatively coupled to a miniature, low power, solid-state signal conditioner consisting of a two-stage differential preamplifier that has a low noise figure. The ouput of the preamplifier uses diodes to provide an overall gain which is nearly logarithmic.
A solid-state converter, used in a system of instrumentation for measuring aircraft noise and sonic boom, features a dual-gate FET mixer and an output stage designed for compatibility with a zero drive amplifier. With a half-inch condenser microphone the converter itself has an operating frequency range from dc-28 kHz (-3 dB), a dynamic range of 72 dB, and a noise floor of 50 dB in the band from 22.4 Hz to 22.4 kHz; the system requires no impedance matching networks and is insensitive to cable length up to at least 3000 ft.
Description of two different kinds of solid-state radiographic converter screens which have been developed. After briefly reviewing the working principles of the solid-state image converter - a sandwich type structure consisting of a photoconductive layer and an electroluminescent layer with a semiconductive layer and a black layer between them, two different kinds of radiographic converter screens are described - a radiographic amplifier screen that can be used as a substitute for the fluoroscopic screen, and a radiographic storage screen that can be used instead of radiographic films. The construction of both kinds of converters is fundamentally the same, the only difference being in the sensing photoconductive material. The radiographic amplifier screen has a moderately fast response, while the radiographic storage screen displays the image long after the irradiation is stopped.