Preliminary investigation into the development of hardening devices using vacuum microelectronic technology

Recently there has been a resurgence of interest in the vacuum valve. Manufacturing capabilities in the area of semiconductor microelectronic devices have paved the way for the emergence of vacuum microelectronic (VME) technology. The possibility of these new devices becoming a robust, high-speed alternative to solid-state electronics has caught the interest of the system hardening community. The most fundamental question asked is whether or not these field emission devices can be incorporated into electronic systems as limiters--the most basic hardening device for in-band front-door hardening. This investigation shows that not only is it possible for these devices to be developed into an alternative to conventional semiconductor limiters, but there may also be marked operational advantages.