Fred N Chan

Title: The Innovative Mind of Fred N. Chan: Pioneering Spacecraft Technology

Introduction

Fred N. Chan, an accomplished inventor based in Atherton, CA, has made significant contributions to the field of aerospace engineering. With a total of 8 patents to his name, Chan continues to push the boundaries of technology, especially in spacecraft systems and control methods. His innovative work has paved the way for advancements that enhance the performance and reliability of spacecraft operations.

Latest Patents

Among his latest inventions, Fred N. Chan has developed a groundbreaking control system and method for spacecraft attitude control. This patent outlines position control methods designed for satellites and spacecraft, focusing on the seamless transition from thruster control to momentum wheel control in a three-axis stabilized spacecraft. The method introduces a unique threshold entry technique to automatically initiate this transition at the most favorable dynamics, thereby eliminating the use of nutation along with a deadbeat thruster sequence. This innovation significantly improves pointing performance and reduces transition time between control modes.

Another notable patent by Chan is the digital first order hold circuit. This invention presents a digitally controlled first order hold circuit and waveform synthesizer for managing the representation of a function over an approximation interval. The design effectively loads initial condition data into an up/down counter, which is incremented based on slope data while being controlled by direction dictated by up/down data. To minimize delays from data acquisition, the invention employs two frequency synthesizer circuits to enhance system efficiency and reduce demands placed on the central processing unit.

Career Highlights

Fred N. Chan has lent his expertise to several prestigious companies throughout his career, including Ford Aerospace & Communications Corporation and Space Systems/Loral, LLC. His innovative contributions at these organizations have solidified his standing as a leading inventor in aerospace technology.

Collaborations

In his professional journey, Chan has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Wallace E. Reimche and Frank C. Nilsen. These partnerships have allowed him to exchange ideas and drive technological advancements within the aerospace community.

Conclusion

Fred N. Chan exemplifies the spirit of innovation, with a focus on aerospace systems that enhance spacecraft functionality and efficiency. His patents represent a remarkable blend of creativity and technical expertise, contributing to significant advancements in the industry. As he continues to develop pioneering technologies, Chan's work will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of inventors and engineers in the field.