Compact step-programmable optimization of low-noise amplifier signal-to-noise

A new construction for miniature (or approximately centimeter-scale) remotely-controlled (or programmable) step-variable low-noise inductors which employs rotating pneumatic actuation is claimed. The new inductors are comprised of the following elements:

• two conductors each wound part way around a ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic toroid core;
• a rolling or sliding contactor which electrically connects the two coils and is free to rotate between them;
• a bi-directional rotating pawl-and-rack ratchet which limits the movement of the contactor at each actuation step;
• a bi-directional rotating pneumatic actuator which moves the contactor;
• a supporting frame;
• a protective package;
• one or more external pneumatic connections to the actuator;
• and external electrical connections to the variable inductance.

A new construction for miniature (or approximately centimeter-scale) remotely-controlled (or programmable) step-variable low-noise capacitors which employs linear pneumatic actuation is claimed. The new capacitors are comprised of the following elements:

• two parallel linear capacitor stacks;
• a rolling or sliding contactor which electrically connects the two stacks and is free to move between and parallel to them;
• a bi-directional linear pawl-and-rack ratchet which limits the movement of the contactor at each actuation step;
• a bi-directional linear pneumatic actuator which moves the contactor;
• a supporting frame;
• a protective package;
• one or more external pneumatic connections to the actuator;
• and external electrical connections to the variable capacitance.

A new construction for miniature (or approximately centimeter-scale) remotely-controlled (or programmable) step-variable low-noise capacitors which employs rotating pneumatic actuation is claimed. The new capacitors are comprised of the following elements:

• two curved capacitor stacks with separating insulators joined to form a torus or torus-like structure;
• a rolling or sliding contactor which electrically connects the two capacitor stacks and is free to rotate between them;
• a bi-directional rotating pawl-and-rack ratchet which limits the movement of the contactor at each actuation step;
• a bi-directional rotating pneumatic actuator which moves the contactor;
• a supporting frame;
• a protective package;
• one or more external pneumatic connections to the actuator;
• and external electrical connections to the variable capacitance.