Low-power logic, as discussed in the few available references, is primarily concerned with computer-type applications in which high operating rate is the dominant prerequisite. Logic circuits for satellite and space-vehicle use are less demanding of speed but considerably more limited in power consumption. An analysis of the logic circuits suitable for the latter type of application and experimental results to verify the analysis are presented.

Simplified Design of Micropower and Battery Circuits provides a simplified, step-by-step approach to micropower and supply cell circuit design. No previous experience in design is required to use the techniques described, thus making the book well suited for the beginner, student, or experimenter as well as the design professional. Simplified Design of Micropower and Battery Circuits concentrates on the use of commercial micropower ICs by discussing selections of external components that modify the IC-package characteristics. The basic approach is to start design problems with approximations for trial-value components in experimental circuits, then to vary the component values until the desired results are produced. Although theory and mathematics are kept to a minimum, operation of all circuits is described in full. EDITOR'S CHOICE - Electronics (The Maplin Magazine), May 1996 John D. Lenk has been a technical author specializing in practical electronic design and troubleshooting guides for more than 40 years. An established writer of international best-sellers in the field of electronics, Mr. Lenk is the author of more than 80 books on electronics, which together have sold well over two million copies in nine languages. Uses commercially available micropower ICs No design experience required Minimal theory and mathematics; full circuit operation described

Micropower Electronics deals with the operation of modern electronic equipment at micropower levels and the problems associated with micropower electronics. Topics covered include the relations between minimum required power density and frequency response for semiconductor triode amplifiers; physical realization of digital logic circuits; micropower microelectronic subsystems; and metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect devices for micropower logic circuitry. This book is comprised of 10 chapters and begins with an analysis of fundamental relationships and basic requirements pertinent to the physical realization of minimum power in electronic devices and circuits. The following chapters focus on the implementation of the criteria of micropower electronics in one way or another for the design of specific devices and circuits. A microminiature digital integrator using micropower circuits is described, along with a multiple emitter transistor in low-power logic circuits. The static and dynamic performance of micropower transistor linear amplifiers is also discussed. This monograph will be a valuable resource for scientists and designers concerned with solid-state physics or solid circuits.

The report describes the design of six basic saturating logic circuits, including TRL, DCTL, DTL, and TTL, for operation at microampere current levels. The exact worst case design equations are derived and written for each circuit to include component tolerance, device variation with temperature, and immunity to external noise voltage. Mathematical expressions for power dissipation and average propagation delay time are derived from equivalent circuits under nominal operating conditions. With the aid of a digital computer, the range of valid worst case designs is determined. The evaluation of these designs for minimum power dissipation and minimum propagation delay time concludes that DCTL and TTL offer the best overall micropower performance. (Author).

Report I of this series characterizes micropower transistors for operation between 1 and 1000 microamperes of collector current. Significant effects of operation at these low currents are the increased junction leakage currents at maximum operating temperatures and the decreased current gain at minimum operating temperatures. For many transistors storage times are negligible at microampere currents; therefore, the switching speed of a micropower transistor is limited by device and circuit capacitance. These effects are described by a large signal dynamic micropower transistor model which has been adapted from the Ebers-Moll transistor representation. Switching time equations are derived from simplified forms of this model. Reports II and III apply this work to micropower logic circuit design and application. (Author).