Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “electronic filters”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 847 records · Page 47

POLARIS-II - An acousto-optic imaging spectropolarimeter for ground-based astronomy

A compact, acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) imaging spectropolarimeter for ground based astronomy from 400-1100 nm has been constructed at NASA/GSFC. The key components of this instrument are a TeO2 non-collinear AOTF, CCD camera, and an all-reflective optical relay assembly which uses a single elliptical mirror to produce side-by-side orthogonally polarized spectral images. The instrument was used at the Lowell Observatory 42-inch telescope for 'first light' planetary imaging and measurements of photometric standard stars. Narrow-band images of Saturn near 700 nm appear to show polarization effects which result from multiple scattering by aerosols. The instrument has recently been upgraded in order to integrate the RF drive electronics and eliminate contamination by scattered light. Design of the instrument and some initial results are presented.

Glenar, D. A.↗

Distributed Accelerometer IMU-2: An Interim Development Report

This report details the development of DAIMU-2, a MEMS accelerometer-based Gyro-Free Inertial Measurement Unit (GF-IMU). Previously, a GF-IMU called the Distributed Accelerometer IMU (DAIMU) was developed at LLNL using traditional analog accelerometers. This project leverages the experience gained from DAIMU and recent advances in sensor and embedded systems technology to develop DAIMU-2. The report introduces the theory and mathematics of a GF-IMU, followed by the design of an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) and simulation results. Finally, the DAIMU-2 prototypes developed to date are presented. After approximately one year of development work, the project was suspended, to be resumed in the future. Because of this, some efforts were partially completed, and this report attempts to indicate areas where further work is needed. MATLAB files, drawings, and other design documents have been archived for future project resumption.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Identification of integrated airframe-propulsion effects on an F-15 aircraft for application to drag minimization

The application of an adaptive real-time measurement-based performance optimization technique is being explored for a future flight research program. The key technical challenge of the approach is parameter identification, which uses a perturbation-search technique to identify changes in performance caused by forced oscillations of the controls. The controls on the NASA F-15 highly integrated digital electronic control (HIDEC) aircraft were perturbed using inlet cowl rotation steps at various subsonic and supersonic flight conditions to determine the effect on aircraft performance. The feasibility of the perturbation-search technique for identifying integrated airframe-propulsion system performance effects was successfully shown through flight experiments and postflight data analysis. Aircraft response and control data were analyzed postflight to identify gradients and to determine the minimum drag point. Changes in longitudinal acceleration as small as 0.004 g were measured, and absolute resolution was estimated to be 0.002 g or approximately 50 lbf of drag. Two techniques for identifying performance gradients were compared: a least-squares estimation algorithm and a modified maximum likelihood estimator algorithm. A complementary filter algorithm was used with the least squares estimator.

Schkolnik, Gerald S.↗

Identification of integrated airframe: Propulsion effects on an F-15 aircraft for application to drag minimization

The application of an adaptive real-time measurement-based performance optimization technique is being explored for a future flight research program. The key technical challenge of the approach is parameter identification, which uses a perturbation-search technique to identify changes in performance caused by forced oscillations of the controls. The controls on the NASA F-15 highly integrated digital electronic control (HIDEC) aircraft were perturbed using inlet cowl rotation steps at various subsonic and supersonic flight conditions to determine the effect on aircraft performance. The feasibility of the perturbation-search technique for identifying integrated airframe-propulsion system performance effects was successfully shown through flight experiments and postflight data analysis. Aircraft response and control data were analyzed postflight to identify gradients and to determine the minimum drag point. Changes in longitudinal acceleration as small as 0.004 g were measured, and absolute resolution was estimated to be 0.002 g or approximately 50 lbf of drag. Two techniques for identifying performance gradients were compared: a least-squares estimation algorithm and a modified maximum likelihood estimator algorithm. A complementary filter algorithm was used with the least squares estimator.

Schkolnik, Gerard S.↗

Intelligent Systems for Self-Healing Electronics

For long duration missions it is imperative to be able to monitor and record critical information. The data acquisition systems used must therefore be fault tolerant. This usually meant having redundant copies of critical channels. Since each channel usually consists of various components, the parts count, cost, weight and complexity of the system could be very high. The Advanced Data Acquisition System (ADAS) has been developed as a proof of concept. The purpose was to demonstrate an architecture where individual spare parts can replace defective ones to repair a channel. By so doing entire channels do not need replication. This reduces the need of total redundancy and reduces the parts count. This has the added feature that in addition to spare parts, good components of a failed channel can be used as spares in another channel. In addition to reducing parts count and cost, this configuration, with an intelligent decision maker, can improve the reliability of the overall system. Another unique feature of ADAS is that it uses reconfigurable analog filters. These components can be programmed, by the smart system to meet the specific needs of the part they are to replace. This way one part can serve as spare for many different components. The hardware was built and now serves as a platform for developing intelligent algorithms. Another related project was a wireless data acquisition system. I was invited to participate in the meetings and issue suggestions. A brief description of this system will also be included.

Latino, Carl D.↗

Toward accurate measurement of electromagnetic field by retrieving and refining the center position of non-uniform diffraction disks in Lorentz 4D-STEM

Recent advancement in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) allows the use of 4D-STEM, a technique that captures an electron diffraction pattern at each scan point in STEM, to measure electrostatic and magnetic potential and field in materials. However, accurate measurement, separation of the magnetic and electric signals, and removal of artifacts remain challenging, especially in the presence of complex non-uniform diffraction contrast within the disks. In this work, based on dynamic simulations of 4D-STEM patterns built upon superstructures consisting of millions of atoms to account for different sample thickness and edge geometries, we show how the shape and intensity distribution of the central disk are affected by multiple scattering. We propose a robust refinement procedure through iteration of the spin-sensitive peak position of the disk-center in the circular Hough transform filtered images from experimental Lorentz 4D-STEM dataset after minimizing the possible artifacts, such as those due to the change of thickness, dynamic scattering, and scanning process. We verify that caution must be taken as in practice the rigid-disk-shift model used to reconstruct induction maps can easily break down due to disk-protrusion when there exists a nonconstant phase gradient or thickness within the width of the probe. Through quantitative analysis and comparing experiment with calculation the effect of the non-spin-related intensity distribution inside the disk as well as that causes the disk shift due to the intensity-protrusion can be removed, and high-quality magnetic field mapping is possible.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Electronic Photography at the NASA Langley Research Center

An electronic photography facility has been established in the Imaging & Photographic Technology Section, Visual Imaging Branch, at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). The purpose of this facility is to provide the LaRC community with access to digital imaging technology. In particular, capabilities have been established for image scanning, direct image capture, optimized image processing for storage, image enhancement, and optimized device dependent image processing for output. Unique approaches include: evaluation and extraction of the entire film information content through scanning; standardization of image file tone reproduction characteristics for optimal bit utilization and viewing; education of digital imaging personnel on the effects of sampling and quantization to minimize image processing related information loss; investigation of the use of small kernel optimal filters for image restoration; characterization of a large array of output devices and development of image processing protocols for standardized output. Currently, the laboratory has a large collection of digital image files which contain essentially all the information present on the original films. These files are stored at 8-bits per color, but the initial image processing was done at higher bit depths and/or resolutions so that the full 8-bits are used in the stored files. The tone reproduction of these files has also been optimized so the available levels are distributed according to visual perceptibility. Look up tables are available which modify these files for standardized output on various devices, although color reproduction has been allowed to float to some extent to allow for full utilization of output device gamut.

Holm, Jack↗

High Density Packaging Technologies for RF Electronics in Small Spacecraft

This paper will describe a few high density packaging technologies which we are currently exploring for use in current and future small spacecraft applications. The three categories of technologies include organic multichip modules (MCMs), ceramic leadless surface mount technology (SMT) and 3D printed waveguide structures. There are many other packaging technologies that currently exist but these three were selected in part due to their long heritage in various commercial, military and space applications along with each having a relatively clear path to flight. For each of these technologies, detailed examples will be included in which hardware has been fabricated and tested for use in RF electronics for spacecraft transponders. The organic MCM example will be described in most detail and it utilizes a packaging technology by the name of CoreEZ which is a trademark of i3 Electronics. This MCM has shrunk a portion of our electronics down to 1/8th of its previous area. The CoreEZ technology has been shown to be rad hard beyond a total ionizing dose (TID) of 300kRad and the MCM which was fabricated has gone through thermal cycling and shown to have no degradation in performance. The ceramic leadless package examples include packages from high reliability manufactures by the name of KCB solutions and Barry Industries. In the case of KCB solutions, we have multiple products that will be described including a hermetic ceramic carrier which houses three microwave monolithic integrated circuits (MMICs) along with small discrete components. Finally, we will discuss the results of our search for a 3D printing process that allows us to reduce the cost and volume of our waveguide filters and diplexers for low cost small satellite applications. We have fabricated a few prototypes using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and metal coated plastics. Each of these packaging technology discussions will have a brief overview of its current and future use.

Aquirre, Fernando↗

High Density Packaging Technologies for RF Electronics in Small Spacecraft

This paper will describe a few high density packaging technologies which we are currently exploring for use in current and future small spacecraft applications. The three categories of technologies include organic multichip modules (MCMs), ceramic leadless surface mount technology (SMT) and 3D printed waveguide structures. There are many other packaging technologies that currently exist but these three were selected in part due to their long heritage in various commercial, military and space applications along with each having a relatively clear path to flight. For each of these technologies, detailed examples will be included in which hardware has been fabricated and tested for use in RF electronics for spacecraft transponders. The organic MCM example will be described in most detail and it utilizes a packaging technology by the name of CoreEZ which is a trademark of i3 Electronics. This MCM has shrunk a portion of our electronics down to 1/8th of its previous area. The CoreEZ technology has been shown to be rad hard beyond a total ionizing dose (TID) of 300kRad and the MCM which was fabricated has gone through thermal cycling and shown to have no degradation in performance. The ceramic leadless package examples include packages from high reliability manufactures by the name of KCB solutions and Barry Industries. In the case of KCB solutions, we have multiple products that will be described including a hermetic ceramic carrier which houses three microwave monolithic integrated circuits (MMICs) along with small discrete components. Finally, we will discuss the results of our search for a 3D printing process that allows us to reduce the cost and volume of our waveguide filters and diplexers for low cost small satellite applications. We have fabricated a few prototypes using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and metal coated plastics. Each of these packaging technology discussions will have a brief overview of its current and future use.

Schatzel, Donald↗

Balmer emission measurements in JET-ILW hydrogen, deuterium, tritium and deuterium-tritium low-confinement mode plasmas

Measurements of Balmer-alpha (B-α) and Balmer-gamma (B-γ), where B = H, D, or T isotopes of hydrogen, emission across the low-field side (LFS) divertor in JET ITER-like Wall (ILW), low-confinement mode (L-mode) plasma indicate that the divertor plasma was more strongly detached in deuterium, tritium and deuterium–tritium than in hydrogen plasmas. These measurements are consistent with the lower degree of detachment in hydrogen versus tritium plasmas inferred from Langmuir probes (Groth et al., 2023). The ratio of B-γ to B-α is a suitable indicator of high density/low temperature conditions because B-α emission is dominated by electron impact excitation with a small electron–ion recombination component regardless of electron temperature and density (for conditions in tokamak plasmas) whilst for B-γ the recombination component increases and the excitation component decreases as the electron temperature decreases and the electron density increases. Within the uncertainty of the measurements, the electron density at the low-field side separatrix and the power crossing the separatrix are similar to permit these comparisons. The B-©/B-α ratio is well correlated with the onset of detachment as measured by Langmuir probes (McCracken et al., 1998; Groth et al., 2023). The ratios of B-γ and B-α varied between 0.005 and 0.035 for low-recycling, high-recycling and partially detached conditions, and were 60–70 % higher in partially detached hydrogen than in tritium plasmas. In contrast, the difference between deuterium, tritium and 40–60 % deuterium–tritium is within 10 % and thus within the uncertainties of the measurements. Profiles of the B-α and B-γ emission was measured with two filtered CCDs connected to the visible lost light leg of JET’s mirror link spectroscopy system (Meigs et al., 2010; Lomanowski et al., 2014). Spatially (radial) narrower B-α profiles were measured with increasing isotope mass, while similarly broadened B-γ profiles were measured.

Balmer↗

The 6300 A predawn enhancement - Excitation by photoelectrons from the magnetic conjugate point.

Incoherent scatter and tilting filter photometer data from Arecibo Observatory were combined to search for a contribution to the 6300 A predawn enhancement due to impact excitation by photoelectrons from the magnetic conjugate point. Prior to about 105 deg conjugate solar zenith angle, calculations of the 6300 A intensities due to dissociative recombination gave good agreement with the observed intensities. Then, with the arrival of conjugate photoelectrons (confirmed by plasma line enhancements), the observed intensities rose above the calculated, the difference increasing until a plateau was achieved at a conjugate solar zenith angle of about 95 deg. The difference or residual intensity is attributed to direct photoelectron impact excitation. Significant day-to-day variations in the onset angle and intensity have a strong negative correlation with ionospheric electron density.

Wickwar, V. B.↗

Resolution-enhanced Mapping Spectrometer

A familiar mapping spectrometer implementation utilizes two dimensional detector arrays with spectral dispersion along one direction and spatial along the other. Spectral images are formed by spatially scanning across the scene (i.e., push-broom scanning). For imaging grating and prism spectrometers, the slit is perpendicular to the spatial scan direction. For spectrometers utilizing linearly variable focal-plane-mounted filters the spatial scan direction is perpendicular to the direction of spectral variation. These spectrometers share the common limitation that the number of spectral resolution elements is given by the number of pixels along the spectral (or dispersive) direction. Resolution enhancement by first passing the light input to the spectrometer through a scanned etalon or Michelson is discussed. Thus, while a detector element is scanned through a spatial resolution element of the scene, it is also temporally sampled. The analysis for all the pixels in the dispersive direction is addressed. Several specific examples are discussed. The alternate use of a Michelson for the same enhancement purpose is also discussed. Suitable for weight constrained deep space missions, hardware systems were developed including actuators, sensor, and electronics such that low-resolution etalons with performance required for implementation would weigh less than one pound.

Kumer, J. B.↗

X-ray/EUV optics for astronomy and microscopy; Proceedings of the Meeting, San Diego, CA, Aug. 7-11, 1989

Topics included in these proceedings are on X-ray/EUV zone plates, filters, and windows; X-ray/EUV microscopes, telescopes, and monochromators; the design, characterization, and test of multilayer optics; the fabrication of X-ray/EUV multilayer optics; and the design, characterization, and test of grazing incidence X-ray optics. Other topics are on the fabrication of grazing incidence X-ray optics, X-ray/EUV space observatories and missions, the test and calibration of X-ray/EUV instruments, X-ray polarimetry, and X-ray/EUV spectroscopy and instruments. Papers are presented on 8-keV X-ray zone plates, a cylindrical X-ray multilayer monochromator, multilayer mirrors for 182 A, advanced flow polishing of exotic optical materials, and optical analysis of grazing incidence ring resonators for free-electron lasers. Attention is also given to X-ray mirrors for the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, the XUV wide-field camera for Rosat, an optical test and alignment method for the XMM mirror module, Bragg crystal polarimeters, and a liftoff process for multilayer phase gratings.

Hoover, Richard B.↗

NASA Tech Briefs, April 2012

Topics include: Computational Ghost Imaging for Remote Sensing; Digital Architecture for a Trace Gas Sensor Platform; Dispersed Fringe Sensing Analysis - DFSA; Indium Tin Oxide Resistor-Based Nitric Oxide Microsensors; Gas Composition Sensing Using Carbon Nanotube Arrays; Sensor for Boundary Shear Stress in Fluid Flow; Model-Based Method for Sensor Validation; Qualification of Engineering Camera for Long-Duration Deep Space Missions; Remotely Powered Reconfigurable Receiver for Extreme Environment Sensing Platforms; Bump Bonding Using Metal-Coated Carbon Nanotubes; In Situ Mosaic Brightness Correction; Simplex GPS and InSAR Inversion Software; Virtual Machine Language 2.1; Multi-Scale Three-Dimensional Variational Data Assimilation System for Coastal Ocean Prediction; Pandora Operation and Analysis Software; Fabrication of a Cryogenic Bias Filter for Ultrasensitive Focal Plane; Processing of Nanosensors Using a Sacrificial Template Approach; High-Temperature Shape Memory Polymers; Modular Flooring System; Non-Toxic, Low-Freezing, Drop-In Replacement Heat Transfer Fluids; Materials That Enhance Efficiency and Radiation Resistance of Solar Cells; Low-Cost, Rugged High-Vacuum System; Static Gas-Charging Plug; Floating Oil-Spill Containment Device; Stemless Ball Valve; Improving Balance Function Using Low Levels of Electrical Stimulation of the Balance Organs; Oxygen-Methane Thruster; Lunar Navigation Determination System - LaNDS; Launch Method for Kites in Low-Wind or No-Wind Conditions; Supercritical CO2 Cleaning System for Planetary Protection and Contamination Control Applications; Design and Performance of a Wideband Radio Telescope; Finite Element Models for Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication Process Autonomous Information Unit for Fine-Grain Data Access Control and Information Protection in a Net-Centric System; Vehicle Detection for RCTA/ANS (Autonomous Navigation System); Image Mapping and Visual Attention on the Sensory Ego-Sphere; HyDE Framework for Stochastic and Hybrid Model-Based Diagnosis; and IMAGESEER - IMAGEs for Education and Research.

Source record↗

Electronic demodulation of optically phase demodulated signals

Device, methods and systems for the electronic demodulation of optically phase demodulated signals are described. An example optical local oscillator generator configured to generate a radio frequency (RF) tone at a desired RF frequency includes a first input configured to receive a broadband optical pulse train, a second input coupled to a delay line interferometer to receive a first control voltage for controlling a delay value of the interferometer and to produce an output optical pulse train, a dispersive element, coupled to the delay line interferometer, to map the output optical pulse train to a time-domain modulated optical pulse train, an optical-to-electrical converter, coupled to the dispersive element, to convert the time-domain modulated optical pulse train to an analog electrical signal, and an RF filter, coupled to the optical-to-electrical converter, to filter the analog electrical signal to generate the RF tone at the desired RF frequency.

Perlmutter, David Simon↗

Electronic Power System Application of Diamond-Like Carbon Films

A prototype manufacturing technology for producing high volume efficiency and high energy density diamond-like carbon (DLC) capacitors has been developed. Unique dual ion-beam deposition and web-handling systems have been designed and constructed to deposit high quality DLC films simultaneously on both sides of capacitor grade aluminum foil and aluminum-coated polymer films. An optimized process, using inductively coupled RF ion sources, has been used to synthesize electrically robust DLC films. DLC films are amorphous and highly flexible, making them suitable for the production of wound capacitors. DLC capacitors are reliable and stable over a wide range of AC frequencies from 20 Hz to 1 MHz, and over a temperature range from .500 C to 3000 C. The compact DLC capacitors offer at least a 50% decrease in weight and volume and a greater than 50% increase in temperature handling capability over equal value capacitors built with existing technologies. The DLC capacitors will be suitable for high temperature, high voltage, pulsed power and filter applications.

Wu, Richard L. C.↗

Development of an autonomous video rendezvous and docking system, phase 2

The critical elements of an autonomous video rendezvous and docking system were built and used successfully in a physical laboratory simulation. The laboratory system demonstrated that a small, inexpensive electronic package and a flight computer of modest size can analyze television images to derive guidance information for spacecraft. In the ultimate application, the system would use a docking aid consisting of three flashing lights mounted on a passive target spacecraft. Television imagery of the docking aid would be processed aboard an active chase vehicle to derive relative positions and attitudes of the two spacecraft. The demonstration system used scale models of the target spacecraft with working docking aids. A television camera mounted on a 6 degree of freedom (DOF) simulator provided imagery of the target to simulate observations from the chase vehicle. A hardware video processor extracted statistics from the imagery, from which a computer quickly computed position and attitude. Computer software known as a Kalman filter derived velocity information from position measurements.

Tietz, J. C.↗

A Compositional Relevance Model for Adaptive Information Retrieval

There is a growing need for rapid and effective access to information in large electronic documentation systems. Access can be facilitated if information relevant in the current problem solving context can be automatically supplied to the user. This includes information relevant to particular user profiles, tasks being performed, and problems being solved. However most of this knowledge on contextual relevance is not found within the contents of documents, and current hypermedia tools do not provide any easy mechanism to let users add this knowledge to their documents. We propose a compositional relevance network to automatically acquire the context in which previous information was found relevant. The model records information on the relevance of references based on user feedback for specific queries and contexts. It also generalizes such information to derive relevant references for similar queries and contexts. This model lets users filter information by context of relevance, build personalized views of documents over time, and share their views with other users. It also applies to any type of multimedia information. Compared to other approaches, it is less costly and doesn't require any a priori statistical computation, nor an extended training period. It is currently being implemented into the Computer Integrated Documentation system which enables integration of various technical documents in a hypertext framework.

Mathe, Nathalie↗