Description

Book Synopsis

Implosion is a focused study of the history and uses of high-reliability, solid-state electronics, military standards, and space systems that support our national security and defense. This book is unique in combining the interdependent evolution of and interrelationships among military standards, solid-state electronics, and very high-reliability space systems.

Starting with a brief description of the physics that enabled the development of the first transistor, Implosion covers the need for standardizing military electronics, which began during World War II and continues today. The book shows how these twin topics affected, and largely enabled, the highest reliability and most technologically capable robotic systems ever conceived.

This riveting history helps readers:

  • Realize the complex interdependence of solid-state electronics and practical implementations in the national security and defense space programs
  • Understand the evolut

    Trade Review
    "It has elements of all four, but its real value is in the amalgamation of these divergent elements into a meaningful whole." (Quest: The History of Spaceflight, 1 March 2013)

    Table of Contents

    List of Figures vii

    List of Tables ix

    Preface xi

    Acknowledgments xv

    Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Program Names xvii

    Part I Activation Energy (1931-1968)

    1. Washington . . . We Have a Problem . . . 3

    2. The Quantum Leap 6

    3. Preparation 21

    4. The Final Frontiers 29

    5. Minuteman Means Reliability 58

    6. Skinning Cats 68

    Part II Startup Transient (1969-1980)

    7. Changing the Sea State 87

    8. Space Parts: From A to S 93

    9. There's S, and Then There's S 122

    10. A Little Revolution Now and Then Is Good 140

    11. Quality on the Horizon 144

    Part III Switching Transient (1980–1989)

    12. Crossing the Operational Divide 153

    13. Stocking the Shelves 168

    14. Hammered 184

    15. Battlegrounds: Reorganization and Reform 187

    16. Implementing Change in a Changing World 207

    Part IV Shorting To Ground (1989-2002)

    17. Leap First, Look Later 231

    18. Hardly Standing PAT 248

    Part V Resetting the Circuit Breakers

    19. Brewing the Perfect Storm 277

    20. Summing the Parts 301

    Epilogue: Can One Ever Truly Go Home Again? 309

    Index 322

Implosion

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    A Paperback / softback by L. Parker Temple

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      Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc
      Publication Date: 25/01/2013
      ISBN13: 9781118462423, 978-1118462423
      ISBN10: 1118462424
      Also in:
      History of engineering and technology

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Implosion is a focused study of the history and uses of high-reliability, solid-state electronics, military standards, and space systems that support our national security and defense. This book is unique in combining the interdependent evolution of and interrelationships among military standards, solid-state electronics, and very high-reliability space systems.

      Starting with a brief description of the physics that enabled the development of the first transistor, Implosion covers the need for standardizing military electronics, which began during World War II and continues today. The book shows how these twin topics affected, and largely enabled, the highest reliability and most technologically capable robotic systems ever conceived.

      This riveting history helps readers:

      • Realize the complex interdependence of solid-state electronics and practical implementations in the national security and defense space programs
      • Understand the evolut

        Trade Review
        "It has elements of all four, but its real value is in the amalgamation of these divergent elements into a meaningful whole." (Quest: The History of Spaceflight, 1 March 2013)

        Table of Contents

        List of Figures vii

        List of Tables ix

        Preface xi

        Acknowledgments xv

        Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Program Names xvii

        Part I Activation Energy (1931-1968)

        1. Washington . . . We Have a Problem . . . 3

        2. The Quantum Leap 6

        3. Preparation 21

        4. The Final Frontiers 29

        5. Minuteman Means Reliability 58

        6. Skinning Cats 68

        Part II Startup Transient (1969-1980)

        7. Changing the Sea State 87

        8. Space Parts: From A to S 93

        9. There's S, and Then There's S 122

        10. A Little Revolution Now and Then Is Good 140

        11. Quality on the Horizon 144

        Part III Switching Transient (1980–1989)

        12. Crossing the Operational Divide 153

        13. Stocking the Shelves 168

        14. Hammered 184

        15. Battlegrounds: Reorganization and Reform 187

        16. Implementing Change in a Changing World 207

        Part IV Shorting To Ground (1989-2002)

        17. Leap First, Look Later 231

        18. Hardly Standing PAT 248

        Part V Resetting the Circuit Breakers

        19. Brewing the Perfect Storm 277

        20. Summing the Parts 301

        Epilogue: Can One Ever Truly Go Home Again? 309

        Index 322

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