Embodiments include methods performed by an apparatus configured to generate output signals for transmission. Such methods include detecting a triggering condition related to a change in operational status of the apparatus and selecting one of a plurality of pre-shaping vectors based on the triggering condition and past operating conditions of the apparatus during a plurality of most recent time intervals. Each pre-shaping vector includes a plurality of values that compensate for effects of voltage variation of a power supply for the apparatus. Such methods include, during a plurality of time intervals after the triggering condition, applying the values of the selected pre-shaping vector to respective information-carrying signals, thereby generating pre-shaped information-carrying signals. Such methods include generating output signals for transmission during the plurality of subsequent time intervals, using the pre-shaped information-carrying signals. The output signals are generated by an active circuit powered by the power supply.

Embodiments include methods performed by an apparatus configured to generate output signals for transmission. Such methods include detecting a triggering condition related to a change in operational status of the apparatus and selecting one of a plurality of pre-shaping vectors based on the triggering condition and past operating conditions of the apparatus during a plurality of most recent time intervals. Each pre-shaping vector includes a plurality of values that compensate for effects of voltage variation of a power supply for the apparatus. Such methods include, during a plurality of time intervals after the triggering condition, applying the values of the selected pre-shaping vector to respective information-carrying signals, thereby generating pre-shaped information-carrying signals. Such methods include generating output signals for transmission during the plurality of subsequent time intervals, using the pre-shaped information-carrying signals. The output signals are generated by an active circuit powered by the power supply.

Systems, methods and apparatus for regulating ion energies in a plasma chamber and avoiding excessive and damaging charge buildup on the substrate surface and within capacitive structures being built on the surface. An exemplary method includes placing a substrate in a plasma chamber, forming a plasma in the plasma chamber, controllably switching power to the substrate so as to apply a periodic voltage function (or a modified periodic voltage function) to the substrate, and modulating, over multiple cycles of the periodic voltage function, the periodic voltage function responsive to a defined distribution of energies of ions at the surface of the substrate so as to effectuate the defined distribution of ion energies on a time-averaged basis, and to maintain surface charge buildup below a threshold.

Systems, methods and apparatus for regulating ion energies in a plasma chamber and avoiding excessive and damaging charge buildup on the substrate surface and within capacitive structures being built on the surface. An exemplary method includes placing a substrate in a plasma chamber, forming a plasma in the plasma chamber, controllably switching power to the substrate so as to apply a periodic voltage function (or a modified periodic voltage function) to the substrate, and modulating, over multiple cycles of the periodic voltage function, the periodic voltage function responsive to a defined distribution of energies of ions at the surface of the substrate so as to effectuate the defined distribution of ion energies on a time-averaged basis, and to maintain surface charge buildup below a threshold.

Embodiments include methods performed by an apparatus configured to generate output signals for transmission. Such methods include detecting a triggering condition related to a change in operational status of the apparatus and selecting one of a plurality of pre-shaping vectors based on the triggering condition and past operating conditions of the apparatus during a plurality of most recent time intervals. Each pre-shaping vector includes a plurality of values that compensate for effects of voltage variation of a power supply for the apparatus. Such methods include, during a plurality of time intervals after the triggering condition, applying the values of the selected pre-shaping vector to respective information-carrying signals, thereby generating pre-shaped information-carrying signals. Such methods include generating output signals for transmission during the plurality of subsequent time intervals, using the pre-shaped information-carrying signals. The output signals are generated by an active circuit powered by the power supply.

Embodiments include methods performed by an apparatus configured to generate output signals for transmission. Such methods include detecting a triggering condition related to a change in operational status of the apparatus and selecting one of a plurality of pre-shaping vectors based on the triggering condition and past operating conditions of the apparatus during a plurality of most recent time intervals. Each pre-shaping vector includes a plurality of values that compensate for effects of voltage variation of a power supply for the apparatus. Such methods include, during a plurality of time intervals after the triggering condition, applying the values of the selected pre-shaping vector to respective information-carrying signals, thereby generating pre-shaped information-carrying signals. Such methods include generating output signals for transmission during the plurality of subsequent time intervals, using the pre-shaped information-carrying signals. The output signals are generated by an active circuit powered by the power supply.

Thermionic generators are described herein that include a variety of features that allow the devices to efficiently and effectively convert large amounts of thermal energy directly to electrical energy, such as in the form of currents and/or voltages. For example, the thermionic generators can be used to generate an electron beam from a thermionic emission device, and focus or shape the electron beam in such a way that allows the energy of electrons in the electron beam to be captured and converted to electrical energy.

Thermionic generators are described herein that include a variety of features that allow the devices to efficiently and effectively convert large amounts of thermal energy directly to electrical energy, such as in the form of currents and/or voltages. For example, the thermionic generators can be used to generate an electron beam from a thermionic emission device, and focus or shape the electron beam in such a way that allows the energy of electrons in the electron beam to be captured and converted to electrical energy.