Method and apparatus for magnetic voltage isolation

摘要

A method and apparatus for using a magnetic field generated by a thruster magnet to control electron current emitted by a cathode assembly. The magnetic field reduces leakage current drawn by an inactive anode by producing a magnetic field in proximity to the inactive anode. This magnetic field increases the impedance to the anode for electron current which is produced in the cathode assembly. This reduction in leakage current reduces the amount of electron current produced by the cathode assembly. This control system can be implemented by connecting all thruster anodes and cathodes in parallel to an anode power supply.