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NASA NTRS1974

Pulse code modulated signal synchronizer

A bit synchronizer for a split phase PCM transmission is reported that includes three loop circuits which receive incoming phase coded PCM signals. In the first loop, called a Q-loop, a generated, phase coded, PCM signal is multiplied with the incoming signals, and the frequency and phase of the generated signal are nulled to that of the incoming subcarrier signal. In the second loop, called a B-loop, a circuit multiplies a generated signal with incoming signals to null the phase of the generated signal in a bit phase locked relationship to the incoming signal. In a third loop, called the I-loop, a phase coded PCM signal is multiplied with the incoming signals for decoding the bit information from the PCM signal. A counter means is used for timing of the generated signals and timing of sample intervals for each bit period.

Kobayashi, H. S.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Electronic filters, repeated signal charge conversion apparatus, hearing aids and methods

An electronic filter for filtering an electrical signal. Signal processing circuitry therein includes a logarithmic filter having a series of filter stages with inputs and outputs in cascade and respective circuits associated with the filter stages for storing electrical representations of filter parameters. The filter stages include circuits for respectively adding the electrical representations of the filter parameters to the electrical signal to be filtered thereby producing a set of filter sum signals. At least one of the filter stages includes circuitry for producing a filter signal in substantially logarithmic form at its output by combining a filter sum signal for that filter stage with a signal from an output of another filter stage. The signal processing circuitry produces an intermediate output signal, and a multiplexer connected to the signal processing circuit multiplexes the intermediate output signal with the electrical signal to be filtered so that the logarithmic filter operates as both a logarithmic prefilter and a logarithmic postfilter. Other electronic filters, signal conversion apparatus, electroacoustic systems, hearing aids and methods are also disclosed.

Morley, Jr., Robert E.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Electronic filters, signal conversion apparatus, hearing aids and methods

Morley, Jr., Robert E.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Coherent Detection of High-Rate Optical PPM Signals

A method of coherent detection of high-rate pulse-position modulation (PPM) on a received laser beam has been conceived as a means of reducing the deleterious effects of noise and atmospheric turbulence in free-space optical communication using focal-plane detector array technologies. In comparison with a receiver based on direct detection of the intensity modulation of a PPM signal, a receiver based on the present method of coherent detection performs well at much higher background levels. In principle, the coherent-detection receiver can exhibit quantum-limited performance despite atmospheric turbulence. The key components of such a receiver include standard receiver optics, a laser that serves as a local oscillator, a focal-plane array of photodetectors, and a signal-processing and data-acquisition assembly needed to sample the focal-plane fields and reconstruct the pulsed signal prior to detection. The received PPM-modulated laser beam and the local-oscillator beam are focused onto the photodetector array, where they are mixed in the detection process. The two lasers are of the same or nearly the same frequency. If the two lasers are of different frequencies, then the coherent detection process is characterized as heterodyne and, using traditional heterodyne-detection terminology, the difference between the two laser frequencies is denoted the intermediate frequency (IF). If the two laser beams are of the same frequency and remain aligned in phase, then the coherent detection process is characterized as homodyne (essentially, heterodyne detection at zero IF). As a result of the inherent squaring operation of each photodetector, the output current includes an IF component that contains the signal modulation. The amplitude of the IF component is proportional to the product of the local-oscillator signal amplitude and the PPM signal amplitude. Hence, by using a sufficiently strong local-oscillator signal, one can make the PPM-modulated IF signal strong enough to overcome thermal noise in the receiver circuits: this is what makes it possible to achieve near-quantum-limited detection in the presence of strong background. Following quantum-limited coherent detection, the outputs of the individual photodetectors are automatically aligned in phase by use of one or more adaptive array compensation algorithms [e.g., the least-mean-square (LMS) algorithm]. Then the outputs are combined and the resulting signal is processed to extract the high-rate information, as though the PPM signal were received by a single photodetector. In a continuing series of experiments to test this method (see Fig. 1), the local oscillator has a wavelength of 1,064 nm, and another laser is used as a signal transmitter at a slightly different wavelength to establish an IF of about 6 MHz. There are 16 photodetectors in a 4 4 focal-plane array; the detector outputs are digitized at a sampling rate of 25 MHz, and the signals in digital form are combined by use of the LMS algorithm. Convergence of the adaptive combining algorithm in the presence of simulated atmospheric turbulence for optical PPM signals has already been demonstrated in the laboratory; the combined output is shown in Fig. 2(a), and Fig. 2(b) shows the behavior of the phase of the combining weights as a function of time (or samples). We observe that the phase of the weights has a sawtooth shape due to the continuously changing phase in the down-converted output, which is not exactly at zero frequency. Detailed performance analysis of this coherent free-space optical communication system in the presence of simulated atmospheric turbulence is currently under way.

Vilnrotter, Victor↗

NASA NTRS2004

Advanced Signal Conditioners for Data-Acquisition Systems

Signal conditioners embodying advanced concepts in analog and digital electronic circuitry and software have been developed for use in data-acquisition systems that are required to be compact and lightweight, to utilize electric energy efficiently, and to operate with high reliability, high accuracy, and high power efficiency, without intervention by human technicians. These signal conditioners were originally intended for use aboard spacecraft. There are also numerous potential terrestrial uses - especially in the fields of aeronautics and medicine, wherein it is necessary to monitor critical functions. Going beyond the usual analog and digital signal-processing functions of prior signal conditioners, the new signal conditioner performs the following additional functions: It continuously diagnoses its own electronic circuitry, so that it can detect failures and repair itself (as described below) within seconds. It continuously calibrates itself on the basis of a highly accurate and stable voltage reference, so that it can continue to generate accurate measurement data, even under extreme environmental conditions. It repairs itself in the sense that it contains a micro-controller that reroutes signals among redundant components as needed to maintain the ability to perform accurate and stable measurements. It detects deterioration of components, predicts future failures, and/or detects imminent failures by means of a real-time analysis in which, among other things, data on its present state are continuously compared with locally stored historical data. It minimizes unnecessary consumption of electric energy. The design architecture divides the signal conditioner into three main sections: an analog signal section, a digital module, and a power-management section. The design of the analog signal section does not follow the traditional approach of ensuring reliability through total redundancy of hardware: Instead, following an approach called spare parts tool box, the reliability of each component is assessed in terms of such considerations as risks of damage, mean times between failures, and the effects of certain failures on the performance of the signal conditioner as a whole system. Then, fewer or more spares are assigned for each affected component, pursuant to the results of this analysis, in order to obtain the required degree of reliability of the signal conditioner as a whole system. The digital module comprises one or more processors and field-programmable gate arrays, the number of each depending on the results of the aforementioned analysis. The digital module provides redundant control, monitoring, and processing of several analog signals. It is designed to minimize unnecessary consumption of electric energy, including, when possible, going into a low-power "sleep" mode that is implemented in firmware. The digital module communicates with external equipment via a personal-computer serial port. The digital module monitors the "health" of the rest of the signal conditioner by processing defined measurements and/or trends. It automatically makes adjustments to respond to channel failures, compensate for effects of temperature, and maintain calibration.

Lucena, Angel↗

NASA NTRS2018

Independent Component Analysis for Preprocessing Optical Signals in Support of Multi-User Communication

In an effort to construct an optical transceiver for supporting multi-point communication, researchers developed large field-of-view FSO transceivers with wide apertures for facilitating rapid acquisition and optical signal tracking. The design is constructed from fiber-bundle(s) intelligently arranged to provide multiple optical pathways within a single transceiver, with each pathway limited to a particular optical directionality. Because designs with wide apertures are susceptible to receiving several optical signals simultaneously from multiple transmitters, accurately decoding individual signals and achieving true multi-user communication can be difficult. The work detailed in this paper investigated the use of blind source separation techniques, mainly independent component analysis (ICA), to estimate transmitted signals from their observed, combined mixtures sans information. Effects of signal power, format, data rate, wavelength, and turbulence severity on signal separation, as well as signal demodulation accuracy was also analyzed using experimental optical signals and corresponding mixtures. Signal generators, laser sources, turbulence emulator, beam profiler, photodiodes, and oscilloscopes comprised the experiment setup. Optical signals with varying power, format, and wavelength were generated and propagated through turbulence with varying degree severity, and finally received by the fiber-bundle-based optical transceiver. Results demonstrate that an ICA technique can accurately process the combined signals into corresponding individual components. The investigation further identified signal characteristics (e.g., power levels, format, data rate) and turbulence severity under which ICA is unable to accurately perform signal separations.

Optics↗

DOE OSTI2016

Alteration of canonical and non-canonical WNT-signaling by crystalline silica in human lung epithelial cells

Growth and development of the mature lung is a complex process orchestrated by a number of intricate developmental signaling pathways. Wingless-type MMTV-integration site (WNT) signaling plays critical roles in controlling branching morphogenesis cell differentiation, and formation of the conducting and respiratory airways. In addition, WNT pathways are often re-activated in mature lungs during repair and regeneration. WNT- signaling has been elucidated as a crucial contributor to the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as well as other hyper-proliferative lung diseases. Silicosis, a detrimental occupational lung disease caused by excessive inhalation of crystalline silica dust, is hallmarked by repeated cycles of damaging inflammation, epithelial hyperplasia, and formation of dense, hyalinized nodules of whorled collagen. However, mechanisms of epithelial cell hyperplasia and matrix deposition are not well understood, as most research efforts have focused on the pronounced inflammatory response. Microarray data from our previous studies has revealed a number of WNT-signaling and WNT-target genes altered by crystalline silica in human lung epithelial cells. In the present study, we utilize pathway analysis to designate connections between genes altered by silica in WNT-signaling networks. Furthermore, we confirm microarray findings by QRT-PCR and demonstrate both activation of canonical (β-catenin) and down-regulation of non-canonical (WNT5A) signaling in immortalized (BEAS-2B) and primary (PBEC) human bronchial epithelial cells. These findings suggest that WNT-signaling and cross-talk with other pathways (e.g. Notch), may contribute to proliferative, fibrogenic and inflammatory responses to silica in lung epithelial cells. - Highlights: • Pathway analysis reveals silica-induced WNT-signaling in lung epithelial cells. • Silica-induced canonical WNT-signaling is mediated by autocrine/paracrine signals. • Crystalline silica decreases non-canonical WNT5A signaling. • Microarray reveals WNT as a novel complex signaling network in silica-mediated injury.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2026

Automated Signal Timing Plan Reconstruction Using High-Resolution Event-Based Controller Data for Digital Twins

Transportation digital twins are essential tools for evaluating emerging technologies such as connected and automated vehicles, adaptive traffic signal control, and mobility optimization strategies. Realistic digital twins require accurate emulation of real-world signal controllers and detailed signal timing plans. However, signal timing plans are often unavailable or difficult to access, forcing researchers and modelers to rely on assumed fixed timings or halt their analysis. To overcome this challenge, we present a method that directly estimates signal timing plan parameters using high-resolution, event-based data from traffic signal controllers. The proposed method extracts key parameters, including cycle length, offset, phase sequence, coordinated phases, phase-specific minimum and maximum green durations, vehicle extensions, and splits under coordination. A rule-based deterministic signal timing reconstruction algorithm based on traffic signal operation rules, such as those outlined in the Signal Timing Manual, is developed and validated. We evaluate this method, which uses high-resolution controller event logs and verified signal timing plans, on 94 signalized intersections in Nashville, Tennessee, demonstrating their ability to generate accurate, simulation-ready signal timing plans for tools such as SUMO and Vissim.

Saroj, Abhilasha [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000191178063)↗

DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-J-253: Evaluation of 4DCT Images with Correlation of RPM Signals to Tumor Motion for Respiratory-Gated Radiotherapy

Purpose: The amplitudes of lung tumor target motion and RPM signals are different from each other. Also, RPM system does not have in-depth RPM signal analysis tool. We have developed an algorithm that analyzes RPM signals for its stability as well as correlativity to the tumor motion. Methods: We used a Philips Big Bore CT scanner with a Varian Real-Time Position Management™ (RPM) system attached. 4DCT images were reviewed and tumor motion amplitudes of full breathing in superior-inferior, anterior-posterior, and left-right directions were measured. RPM signals were analyzed with the algorithm developed with Matlab. Average signal period, amplitude and statistical stability of the full breathing pattern as well as the pattern around full expiration were calculated. RPM signal amplitudes were normalized to measured tumor motion amplitudes so that selected gating phases (30%–70% or 40%–60%) allow tumor motion under 5.0mm. Results: Twelve patient cases were analyzed in this study with GTV sizes ranged from 1.0cm to 3.0cm diameter. The periods and amplitudes of RPM signal ranged from 3.1seconds to 6.5seconds and from 0.2cm to 1.7cm, respectively. RPM signals were most stable at full expiration. The standard deviation of the RPM signal peaks at full expiration was <0.11cm, and that of gated amplitudes was <0.25cm. Tumor motion amplitudes were primary in superior-inferior direction and minor (<=0.2cm) in other directions on all analyzed cases, ranged from 0.2cm to 2.5cm. The amplitudes increases with the tumor located toward the diaphragm. The gated phases were selected so that the average gated tumor motion amplitude as well as that plus deviation became under 0.5cm in superior-inferior direction. Conclusion: We were able to determine the respiratory-gated phases in RPM signals employing measured tumor motion amplitudes as well as developed RPM signal analyzer through correlation process. The RPM signal amplitudes do not represent tumor motion because of its location.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2025

Signal sequences target enzymes and structural proteins to bacterial microcompartments and are critical for microcompartment formation

ABSTRACT Spatial organization of pathway enzymes has emerged as a promising tool to address several challenges in metabolic engineering, such as flux imbalances and off-target product formation. Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are a spatial organization strategy used natively by many bacteria to encapsulate metabolic pathways that produce toxic, volatile intermediates. Several recent studies have focused on engineering MCPs to encapsulate heterologous pathways of interest, but how this engineering affects MCP assembly and function is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of signal sequences, short domains that target proteins to the MCP core, in the assembly of 1,2-propanediol utilization (Pdu) MCPs. We characterized two novel Pdu signal sequences on the structural proteins PduM and PduB, which constitute the first report of metabolosome signal sequences on structural proteins rather than enzymes. We then explored the role of enzymatic and structural Pdu signal sequences on MCP assembly by deleting their encoding sequences from the genome alone and in combination. Deleting enzymatic signal sequences decreased the MCP formation, but this defect could be recovered in some cases by overexpressing genes encoding the knocked-out signal sequence fused to a heterologous protein. By contrast, deleting structural signal sequences caused similar defects to knocking out the genes encoding the full-length PduM and PduB proteins. Our results contribute to a growing understanding of how MCPs form and function in bacteria and provide strategies to mitigate assembly disruption when encapsulating heterologous pathways in MCPs. IMPORTANCE Spatially organizing biosynthetic pathway enzymes is a promising strategy to increase pathway throughput and yield. Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are proteinaceous organelles that many bacteria natively use as a spatial organization strategy to encapsulate niche metabolic pathways, providing significant metabolic benefits. Encapsulating heterologous pathways of interest in MCPs could confer these benefits to industrially relevant pathways. Here, we investigate the role of signal sequences, short domains that target proteins for encapsulation in MCPs, in the assembly of 1,2-propanediol utilization (Pdu) MCPs. We characterize two novel signal sequences on structural proteins, constituting the first Pdu signal sequences found on structural proteins rather than enzymes, and perform knockout studies to compare the impacts of enzymatic and structural signal sequences on MCP assembly. Our results demonstrate that enzymatic and structural signal sequences play critical but distinct roles in Pdu MCP assembly and provide design rules for engineering MCPs while minimizing disruption to MCP assembly.

Johnson, Elizabeth R. (ORCID:0000000179236881)↗

NASA NTRS1976

Phase modulating with odd and even finite power series of a modulating signal

Method and apparatus is presented for producing a phase-modulated waveform having a high degree of linearity between the modulating signal and the phase of the modulated carrier signal. Two signals representing finite odd and even power series transformations of the modulating signal are produced and multiplied with two quadrature components of the input carrier signal, respectively. One of the multiplied signals is subtracted from the other and the resulting signal is hard-limited to produce a phase-modulated output signal. The means for producing the two signals representing the odd and even power series of the modulating signal includes means for varying the coefficients of the two power series. By means of an existing computer program, the coefficients of the two power series are selected such that there is an extremely high degree of linearity between the modulating signal and the phase of the modulated carrier signal.

Hearn, C. P.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Pulse transducer with artifact signal attenuator

An artifact signal attenuator for a pulse rate sensor is described. The circuit for attenuating background noise signals is connected with a pulse rate transducer which has a light source and a detector for light reflected from blood vessels of a living body. The heart signal provided consists of a modulated dc signal voltage indicative of pulse rate. The artifact signal resulting from light reflected from the skin of the body comprises both a constant dc signal voltage and a modulated dc signal voltage. The amplitude of the artifact signal is greater and the frequency less than that of the heart signal. The signal attenuator circuit includes an operational amplifier for canceling the artifact signal from the output signal of the transducer and has the capability of meeting packaging requirements for wrist-watch-size packages.

Cash, W. H., Jr.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Continuous dithered waveform averaging for high-fidelity digitization of repetitive signals

Methods and devices for digitizing an analog repetitive signal using waveform averaging are described. An example method includes generating a time-varying dither signal, receiving the analog repetitive signal comprising multiple instances of a waveform, wherein each waveform has a waveform duration, wherein an average of the time-varying dither signal over multiple waveform durations is substantially zero, and wherein the time-varying dither signal varies over each waveform duration, generating a timing alignment, combining each waveform with the corresponding portion of the time-varying dither signal over each waveform duration to produce an analog output signal, converting the analog output signal to a digital output signal, and producing, based on the timing alignment, a digital averaged signal based on averaging the multiple instances of the waveform in the analog output signal, wherein the timing alignment is used to align the multiple instances of the waveform in the analog output signal.

Buckley, Brandon Walter↗

DOE OSTI2014

Instruction of hematopoietic lineage choice by cytokine signaling

Hematopoiesis is the cumulative consequence of finely tuned signaling pathways activated through extrinsic factors, such as local niche signals and systemic hematopoietic cytokines. Whether extrinsic factors actively instruct the lineage choice of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells or are only selectively allowing survival and proliferation of already intrinsically lineage-committed cells has been debated over decades. Recent results demonstrated that cytokines can instruct lineage choice. However, the precise function of individual cytokine-triggered signaling molecules in inducing cellular events like proliferation, lineage choice, and differentiation remains largely elusive. Signal transduction pathways activated by different cytokine receptors are highly overlapping, but support the production of distinct hematopoietic lineages. Cellular context, signaling dynamics, and the crosstalk of different signaling pathways determine the cellular response of a given extrinsic signal. New tools to manipulate and continuously quantify signaling events at the single cell level are therefore required to thoroughly interrogate how dynamic signaling networks yield a specific cellular response. - Highlights: • Recent studies provided definite proof for lineage-instructive action of cytokines. • Signaling pathways involved in hematopoietic lineage instruction remain elusive. • New tools are emerging to quantitatively study dynamic signaling networks over time.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2016

TH-CD-201-06: Experimental Characterization of Acoustic Signals Generated in Water Following Clinical Photon and Electron Beam Irradiation

Purpose: Previous work has demonstrated the detectability of acoustic waves induced following the irradiation of high density metals with radiotherapy linac photon beams. This work demonstrates the ability to experimentally detect such acoustic signals following both photon and electron irradiation in a more radiotherapy relevant material. The relationship between induced acoustic signal properties in water and the deposited dose distribution is explored, and the feasibility of exploiting such signals for radiotherapy dosimetry is demonstrated. Methods: Acoustic waves were experimentally induced in a water tank via the thermoacoustic effect following a single pulse of photon or electron irradiation produced by a clinical linac. An immersion ultrasound transducer was used to detect these acoustic waves in water and signals were read out on an oscilloscope. Results: Peaks and troughs in the detected acoustic signals were found to correspond to the location of gradients in the deposited dose distribution following both photon and electron irradiation. Signal amplitude was linearly related to the dose per pulse deposited by photon or electron beams at the depth of detection. Flattening filter free beams induced large acoustic signals, and signal amplitude decreased with depth after the depth of maximum dose. Varying the field size resulted in a temporal shift of the acoustic signal peaks and a change in the detected signal frequency. Conclusion: Acoustic waves can be detected in a water tank following irradiation by linac photon and electron beams with basic electronics, and have characteristics related to the deposited dose distribution. The physical location of dose gradients and the amount of dose deposited can be inferred from the location and magnitude of acoustic signal peaks. Thus, the detection of induced acoustic waves could be applied to photon and electron water tank and in vivo dosimetry. This work was supported in part by CIHR grants MOP-114910 and MOP-136774. S.H. acknowledges support by the NSERC CREATE Medical Physics Research Training Network grant 432290.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2014

Charge-signal multiplication mediated by urea wires inside Y-shaped carbon nanotubes

In previous studies, we reported molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showing that single-file water wires confined inside Y-shaped single-walled carbon nanotubes (Y-SWNTs) held strong and robust capability to convert and multiply charge signals [Y. S. Tu, P. Xiu, R. Z. Wan, J. Hu, R. H. Zhou, and H. P. Fang, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 106, 18120 (2009); Y. Tu, H. Lu, Y. Zhang, T. Huynh, and R. Zhou, J. Chem. Phys. 138, 015104 (2013)]. It is fascinating to see whether the signal multiplication can be realized by other kinds of polar molecules with larger dipole moments (which make the experimental realization easier). In this article, we use MD simulations to study the urea-mediated signal conversion and multiplication with Y-SWNTs. We observe that when a Y-SWNT with an external charge of magnitude 1.0 e (the model of a signal at the single-electron level) is solvated in 1 M urea solutions, urea can induce drying of the Y-SWNT and fill its interiors in single-file, forming Y-shaped urea wires. The external charge can effectively control the dipole orientation of the urea wire inside the main channel (i.e., the signal can be readily converted), and this signal can further be multiplied into 2 (or more) output signals by modulating dipole orientations of urea wires in bifurcated branch channels of the Y-SWNT. This remarkable signal transduction capability arises from the strong dipole-induced ordering of urea wires under extreme confinement. We also discuss the advantage of urea as compared with water in the signal multiplication, as well as the robustness and biological implications of our findings. This study provides the possibility for multiplying signals by using urea molecules (or other polar organic molecules) with Y-shaped nanochannels and might also help understand the mechanism behind signal conduction in both physical and biological systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

NASA NTRS1984

Method and apparatus for receiving and tracking phase modulated signals

An apparatus and technique are described for receiving and tracking analog or digital phase modulated signals from 0 deg to 360 deg phase shift. In order to track a signal with many phases, a detector discerns the phase modulation of the incoming signal and a phase shifter generates a negative phase shift opposite in angle to the detected phase angle. This produces a converted series sideband component barrier signal. The residual carrier signal and the converted series sideband component carrier are added together to produce a tracking carrier signal. The tracking carrier signal is multiplied with the output from a voltage controlled oscillator in the tracking loop to obtain an error signal which drives the voltage controlled oscillator and tracks the incoming signal frequency. The technique is less susceptible to carrier interference which may degrade tracking and tracking may be performed at lower signal to noise ratios and for lower input signal power levels.

Villarreal, S.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Brushless DC motor control system responsive to control signals generated by a computer or the like

A control system for a brushless DC motor responsive to digital control signals is disclosed. The motor includes a multiphase wound stator and a permanent magnet rotor. The motor is arranged so that each phase winding, when energized from a DC source, will drive the rotor through a predetermined angular position or step. A commutation signal generator responsive to the shaft position provides a commutation signal for each winding. A programmable control signal generator such as a computer or microprocessor produces individual digital control signals for each phase winding. The control signals and commutation signals associated with each winding are applied to an AND gate for that phase winding. Each gate controls a switch connected in series with the associated phase winding and the DC source so that each phase winding is energized only when the commutation signal and the control signal associated with that phase winding are present. The motor shaft may be advanced one step at a time to a desired position by applying a predetermined number of control signals in the proper sequence to the AND gates and the torque generated by the motor be regulated by applying a separate control signal and each AND gate which is pulse width modulated to control the total time that each switch connects its associated winding to the DC source during each commutation period.

Packard, D. T.↗