Current Controlling Device for Field Emission Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric field emission devices face challenges in maintaining a constant current flow due to exponential increases with applied voltage and degradation of emitter characteristics over time, making it difficult to control field emission current without controlling voltage.
Innovation Solution
A current controlling device using multiple transistors connected in series, with control logic managing gate voltages to set an upper limit on field emission current, ensuring constant current flow even with emitter degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voltage is applied to control field emission current, then current can be controlled, but current increases exponentially and becomes difficult to control constantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current controlling device as an intermediary component between the power source and the field emission device. This mediator directly controls the current flowing through the cathode using transistors, decoupling the current control from the applied voltage control and enabling constant current operation despite voltage variations and emitter degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic continuously monitors the field emission current and adjusts the gate voltages of the transistors in real-time to maintain constant current. This feedback mechanism compensates for emitter degradation and voltage fluctuations, ensuring stable current operation.
2Reliability
If voltage is increased to maintain current with degraded emitter, then current can be maintained, but exponential increase in current occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The current controlling device acts as an intermediary that directly regulates current flow, preventing the exponential current increase that would otherwise occur when voltage is increased to compensate for emitter degradation. The transistors in the controlling device provide precise current limitation.
3Reliability
If multiple transistors are connected in series to directly control current, then constant current can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current controlling device is segmented into multiple transistors connected in series, with each transistor contributing to the overall current control. This segmentation allows for better current distribution and control across different voltage ranges, achieving constant current while managing complexity through modular structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively maintains a constant field emission current across varying conditions, including emitter degradation, by utilizing a series connection of transistors and control logic to manage gate voltages, ensuring stable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first current controlling transistor forming a current path in response to a first gate voltage
Implementation Method 2
a second current controlling transistor connected between the field emission device and the first current controlling transistor and forming a current path in response to a second gate voltage
Implementation Method 3
an electric field emission device which emits electrons in response to an applied voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a current controlling device for controlling an electric field emission current in connection with an electric field emission device which emits electrons in response to an applied voltage, the device including: a first current controlling transistor forming a current path in response to a first gate voltage; a second current controlling transistor connected between the field emission device and the first current controlling transistor and forming a current path in response to a second gate voltage; and a control logic controlling the first and second gate voltages, wherein the control logic controls a upper limit of the field emission current by using the first gate voltage.