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At least 181 records · Page 10

Optimization of MLS receivers for multipath environments

Optimal design studies of MLS angle-receivers and a theoretical design-study of MLS DME-receivers are reported. The angle-receiver results include an integration of the scan data processor and tracking filter components of the optimal receiver into a unified structure. An extensive simulation study comparing the performance of the optimal and threshold receivers in a wide variety of representative dynamical interference environments was made. The optimal receiver was generally superior. A simulation of the performance of the threshold and delay-and-compare receivers in various signal environments was performed. An analysis of combined errors due to lateral reflections from vertical structures with small differential path delays, specular ground reflections with neglible differential path delays, and thermal noise in the receivers is provided.

Mcalpine, G. A.↗

Technology advances in active and passive microwave sensing through 1985

The capabilities of passive and active microwave sensors are discussed. The Nimbus-G and Seasat-A scanning multichannel microwave spectrometer, the Seasat-A radar altimeter, scatterometer and synthetic aperture radar represent the first systematic attempt at exploring a wide variety of applications utilizing microwave sensing techniques and are indicators of the directions in which the pertinent technology is likely to evolve. The trend is toward high resolution multi-frequency imagers spanning wide frequency ranges and wide swaths requiring sophisticated receivers, real-time data processors and most importantly, complex antennas.

Barath, F. T.↗

The effect of changes in space shuttle parameters on the NASA/MSFC multilayer diffusion model predictions of surface HCl concentrations

A method for formulating these changes into the model input parameters using a preprocessor program run on a programed data processor was implemented. The results indicate that any changes in the input parameters are small enough to be negligible in comparison to meteorological inputs and the limitations of the model and that such changes will not substantially increase the number of meteorological cases for which the model will predict surface hydrogen chloride concentrations exceeding public safety levels.

Glasser, M. E.↗

Planetary radio astronomy receiver

The planetary radio astronomy (PRA) experiment on the Voyager spacecraft will measure the amplitude, spectrum, time variations, and polarization of radio emissions over a frequency range of 1.2 kHz to 40.5 MHz with the aid of the PRA receiver (PRAR) and two 10-m orthogonal monopoles. Sensitivity and dynamic range will allow observation of a wide range of Jovian emissions from near earth to encounter. This paper describes the system elements, including the preamp/attenuator/calibrator, the LF polarization discriminator, the four LF-IF amplifier stages, the HF polarization discriminator, the translation LO, the log-IF and detector, the frequency synthesizer, the data processor, control system, power supply, and antennas.

Lang, G. J.↗

Technology advances in active and passive microwave sensing through 1985

As a result of a growing awareness by the remote sensing community of the unique capabilities of passive and active microwave sensors, these instruments are expected to grow in the next decade in numbers, versatility and complexity. The Nimbus-G and Seasat-A Scanning Multichannel Microwave Spectrometer (SMMR), the Seasat-A radar altimeter, scatterometer and synthetic aperture radar represent the first systematic attempt at exploring a wide variety of applications utilizing microwave sensing techniques and are indicators of the directions in which the pertinent technology is likely to evolve. The trend is toward high resolution multi-frequency imagers spanning wide frequency ranges and wide swaths requiring sophisticated receivers, real-time data processors and most importantly, complex antennas.

Barath, F. T.↗

Limb Infrared Monitor of the Stratosphere /LIMS/ experiment

The Limb Infrared Monitor of the Stratosphere (LIMS) radiometer is a satellite-borne six-channel multispectral scanning radiometer using a two-stage methane and ammonia solid-cryogen cooler to cool the (Hg, Cd)Te focal plane to 65 K. The LIMS experiment employs thermal IR limb sounding to provide vertical-profile measurement of temperature and of concentrations of O3, NO3, and H2O in the stratosphere on a global scale. The goals of the experiment and the expected accuracies of the measurements are outlined, and the radiance measured by the radiometer is analyzed. A program of correlative measurements designed for verification and augmentation of the LIMS data is discussed. Detailed descriptions are given of the LIMS components and optics, the detector capsule assembly, the solid-cryogen cooler, the four operational modes of the LIMS system, and the data-processor electronics. It is noted that prelaunch acceptance testing thus far completed indicates that the LIMS specification design requirements have been met, and the experiment's performance goals can be achieved.

Drozewski, R. W.↗

High-Speed Laser Anemometer

New high-speed laser anemometer system rapidly and efficiently maps gas-flow velocities within rotating blade rows of turbomachinery. Small seed particles entrained in gas flow fluoresce when they pass through probe volume, which is the fringe pattern formed by intersecting laser beams. Transit time of particles is obtained by use of suitable optics, photomultiplier tube and electronic signal processor. Data are then sent to a minicomputer.

Powell, J. A.↗

Evaluation of temporal registration of Landsat scenes

The registration of Landsat images is important for multitemporal classification and for detecting change. Landsat data are now rectified to a ground coordinate system during preprocessing, hence scenes obtained over the same area are registered. The machine responsible for preprocessing the Landsat multispectral scanner data is the master data processor (MDP). This paper describes the rectification approach taken by the MDP, reviews the accuracy standards of the resultant product, and provides an assessment of the accuracy of the scene to scene registration of two Landsat images.

Nelson, R.↗

Implementation of the DAST ARW II control laws using an 8086 microprocessor and an 8087 floating-point coprocessor

A 5 MHZ single-board microprocessor system which incorporates an 8086 CPU and an 8087 Numeric Data Processor is used to implement the control laws for the NASA Drones for Aerodynamic and Structural Testing, Aeroelastic Research Wing II. The control laws program was executed in 7.02 msec, with initialization consuming 2.65 msec and the control law loop 4.38 msec. The software emulator execution times for these two tasks were 36.67 and 61.18, respectively, for a total of 97.68 msec. The space, weight and cost reductions achieved in the present, aircraft control application of this combination of a 16-bit microprocessor with an 80-bit floating point coprocessor may be obtainable in other real time control applications.

Kelly, G. L.↗

Short-Range Digital Optical Links

Concept based on multiple optoelectronic chips. Proposed network of semiconductor lasers used for communication and radar. Network includes small integrated transmitters, receivers, and data processors placed at strategic points on station and vehicles.

Dickinson, R. M.↗

Fuel Gage for Sloshing Tanks

New gage accurately measures fuel remaining in moving, or sloshing, tank. Measures tank air (or other gas) pressure and time required for pressure to change from one preselected level to another. Time measurement directly proportional to volume of air. Data processor computes relative volumes of air and fuel in tank.

Garner, H. D.↗

Experiment description

The Shuttle Imaging Radar-B (SIR-B) and its subsystems are described. The antenna and the radar sensor are subsystems carried over from SIR-A to SIR-B with some modifications. The optical recorder (OR) is unchanged from that used in SIR-A. Important new elements in SIR-B are antenna electronics that allow selectable look angles, a digital data handling subsystem (DDHS), increased bandwidth, a calibrator, and a digital data processor on the ground. A list of the SIR-B characteristics is given. Radio-frequency (RF) pulses at 1.28 GHz (L-band) are generated in the transmitter portion of the sensor and radiated by the antenna. The RF signals are reflected from the Earth, collected by the antenna, and sent to the receiver portion of the sensor where they are beaten down to baseband to form the offset video output. This output is then sent to either the CR, the DDHS, or both. An end to end system block diagram is given.

Source record↗

Filter induced errors in laser anemometer measurements using counter processors

Simulations of laser Doppler anemometer (LDA) systems have focused primarily on noise studies or biasing errors. Another possible source of error is the choice of filter types and filter cutoff frequencies. Before it is applied to the counter portion of the signal processor, a Doppler burst is filtered to remove the pedestal and to reduce noise in the frequency bands outside the region in which the signal occurs. Filtering, however, introduces errors into the measurement of the frequency of the input signal which leads to inaccurate results. Errors caused by signal filtering in an LDA counter-processor data acquisition system are evaluated and filters for a specific application which will reduce these errors are chosen.

Oberle, L. G.↗

A high-speed, large-capacity, 'jukebox' optical disk system

Two optical disk 'jukebox' mass storage systems which provide access to any data in a store of 10 to the 13th bits (1250G bytes) within six seconds have been developed. The optical disk jukebox system is divided into two units, including a hardware/software controller and a disk drive. The controller provides flexibility and adaptability, through a ROM-based microcode-driven data processor and a ROM-based software-driven control processor. The cartridge storage module contains 125 optical disks housed in protective cartridges. Attention is given to a conceptual view of the disk drive unit, the NASA optical disk system, the NASA database management system configuration, the NASA optical disk system interface, and an open systems interconnect reference model.

Ammon, G. J.↗

Wavelength division multiplexing

Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) represents an approach for expanding the communication capacity and for implementing special data techniques in a fiber optics system. This technology is implemented by adding optical sources of different wavelengths at optical transmitting locations. The present paper is concerned with some of the current efforts in WDM. WDM applications are related to long haul communications, local area data networks, spacecraft and aircraft data systems, fault tolerant computer networks, special sensor devices, high speed data processors, closed circuit and cable television, and submarine cable systems. Attention is given to the current state of wavelength division multiplexing applications, the availability and status of WDM components semiconductor lasers/transmitters, availability and status of fiber optic detectors/receivers, optical fibers/cables/connectors/taps/star couplers, wavelength multiplexers/demultiplexers, and future WDM for local area networks.

Hendricks, H. D.↗

Filter induced errors in laser anemometry using counter-processor

Simulations of laser Doppler anemometer (LDA) systems have focused primarily on noise studies or biasing errors. Another possible source of error is the choice of filter types and filter cutoff frequencies. Before it is applied to the counter portion of the signal processor, a Doppler burst is filtered to remove the pedestal and to reduce noise in the frequency bands outside the region in which the signal occurs. Filtering, however, introduces errors into the measurement of the frequency of the input signal which leads to inaccurate results. Errors caused by signal filtering in an LDA counter-processor data acquisition system are evaluated and filters for a specific application will reduce these errors are chosen.

Oberle, L. A.↗

Space station resistojet system requirements and interface definition study

Preliminary resistojet design requirements were established based on initial technical requirements imposed by the results of NASA and Rocketdyne studies. The requirements are directed toward long life, simplicity, flexibility, and commonality with other space station components. The resistojet assembly is comprised of eight resistojets, fluid components downstream of the waste fluid storage system, a power controller, structure, and shielding. It consists of two identical subassemblies, one of which is redundant. Each subassembly consists of four 500-W resistojets, series redundant latch values, a power controller, a water vaporizer, two pressure regulators, filters, check valves, disconnects, fluid tubing, and electrical cables. All components are packaged at the end of the stinger aft of the JEM and Columbus modules. Different flow and power control methods were studied. A constant inlet pressure and a two-power setting controller were tentatively selected based on simplicity and reasonably high specific impulse for the range of waste gas compositions that are anticipated. The constant pressure is supplied by pressure regulators. The two set point power control includes individual power supplies to each resistojet heater and water vaporizer. An embedded data processor, a multiplexer-demultiplexer, and a network interface unit that are standard space station components are included in the power controller. The total dry weight of the resistojet assembly is approximately 172 lb. The total cost for design, development, test, evaluation, qualification, and flight hardware is estimated to be $16 million.

Heckert, Bruce J.↗

Petri net model for analysis of concurrently processed complex algorithms

This paper presents a Petri-net model suitable for analyzing the concurrent processing of computationally complex algorithms. The decomposed operations are to be processed in a multiple processor, data driven architecture. Of particular interest is the application of the model to both the description of the data/control flow of a particular algorithm, and to the general specification of the data driven architecture. A candidate architecture is also presented.

Stoughton, John W.↗