A magnetic-amplifier commutating and pulse-width encoding circuit

The desirability of replacing the mechanical commutators now used in many telemetering systems by special electric circuits is generally recognized.1 This desirability is enhanced in rocket, missile, and satellite applications by the demand for high reliability and long life in the face of stringent environmental conditions, e.g., high g forces. The present paper describes such a commutating circuit. This circuit offers several advantages: 1. Mechanical commutation is eliminated. 2. The amplitude variations of the signal sources are encoded as rectangular pulses of variable width but constant height. This feature is particularly advantageous when low signal-to-noise ratios are encountered in the communication link. 3. Considerable power gain is afforded. 4. Solid-state devices, i.e., square-loop cores, transistors, and rectifiers, are used exclusively, hence the circuit can be potted and made very rugged.