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At least 109 records · Page 6

A quasi-linear control theory analysis of timesharing skills

Performance with practice on two dual-task combinations, dual-axis tracking and two discrete information processing tasks, is examined in an effort to identify the presence and development of specific time sharing skills, such as parallel information processing or rapid intertask switching. The generality of time sharing skills also is investigated by examining transfer of these skills between the two qualitatively different task combinations.

Damos, D.

A robust low-rate coding scheme for packet video

Due to the rapidly evolving field of image processing and networking, video information promises to be an important part of telecommunication systems. Although up to now video transmission has been transported mainly over circuit-switched networks, it is likely that packet-switched networks will dominate the communication world in the near future. Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) techniques in broadband-ISDN can provide a flexible, independent and high performance environment for video communication. For this paper, the network simulator was used only as a channel in this simulation. Mixture blocking coding with progressive transmission (MBCPT) has been investigated for use over packet networks and has been found to provide high compression rate with good visual performance, robustness to packet loss, tractable integration with network mechanics and simplicity in parallel implementation.

Chen, Y. C.

Thermal Control Using Liquid-Metal Bridge Switches

A short term effort (3-months) was undertaken to demonstrate the feasibility of a novel method to locally control the heat transfer rate and demonstrate the potential to achieve a turndown ratio of approximately 10:1. The technology had to be demonstrated to be at a TRL of 2-3, with a plan to advance it to a TRL 5-6. Here, we show that the concept recently developed in our laboratory, namely the pinned-contact, double droplet switch made by overfilling a hole drilled in a suitable substrate can be implemented with a low-melting temperature metal. When toggled near a second substrate, a liquid bridge can be reversibly connected or disconnected, on demand. We have shown experimentally that liquid-metal bridge switches can be made from gallium with a suitable choice of substrate materials, activation strategies, and control techniques. Individual as well as arrays of gallium bridge switches were shown to be feasible and can be robustly controlled. The very short response time of the bridge connection and disconnection (on the order of 1 millisecond) provides for utility in a wide range of applications. The liquid bridge switches may be controlled actively or passively. We have shown through computations and analysis that liquid bridge switches provide locally large turndown ratios (on the order of 103:1), so a relatively sparse packing of them would be needed to obtain the desired turndown ratio of 10:1. For the laboratory demonstrations, pressure activation was utilized. Simple designs for a passive control strategy are presented which are highly attractive for several reasons, including i) large turndown ratio, ii) no solid-moving parts, and iii) stable operation. Finally, we note that passive systems do not require any electronics for their control. This along with the relatively small molecular weight of candidate materials for the system, makes for a robust design outside of Earth?s magnetic field, where spacecraft are subject to significant radiation bombardment.

Hirsa, Amir H.

Applying Analog Integrated Circuits for Hero Protection

One of the most efficient methods for protecting electro-explosive devices (EED's) from HERO and ESD is to shield the EED in a conducting shell (Faraday cage). Electrical energy is transferred to the bridge by means of a magnetic coupling which passes through a portion of the conducting shell that is made from a magnetically permeable but electrically conducting material. This technique was perfected by ML Aviation, a U.K. company, in the early 80's, and was called a Radio Frequency Attenuation Connector (RFAC). It is now in wide use in the U.K. Previously, the disadvantage of RFAC over more conventional methods was its relatively high cost, largely driven by a thick film hybrid circuit used to switch the primary of the transformer. Recently, through a licensing agreement, this technology has been transferred to the U.S. and significant cost reductions and performance improvements have been achieved by the introduction of analog integrated circuits. An integrated circuit performs the following functions: (1) Chops the DC input to a signal suitable for driving the primary of the transformer; (2) Verifies the input voltage is above a threshold; (3) Verifies the input voltage is valid for a pre set time before enabling the device; (4) Provides thermal protection of the circuit; and (5) Provides an external input for independent logic level enabling of the power transfer mechanism. This paper describes the new RFAC product and its applications.

Kenneth E Willis

A general unified approach to modelling switching dc-to-dc converters in discontinuous conduction mode

A method for modelling switching converters in the discontinuous conduction mode is developed, whose starting point is the unified state-space representation, and whose end result is a complete linear circuit model which correctly represents all essential features, namely, the input, output, and transfer properties (static dc as well as dynamic ac small signal). While the method is generally applicable to any switching converter operating in the discontinuous conduction mode, it is extensively illustrated for the three common power stages (buck, boost, and buck-boost). The results for these converters are then easily tabulated owing to the fixed equivalent circuit topology of their canonical circuit model.

Cuk, S.

Nondissipative optimum charge regulator

Optimum charge regulator provides constant level charge/discharge control of storage batteries. Basic power transfer and control is performed by solar panel coupled to battery through power switching circuit. Optimum controller senses battery current and modifies duty cycle of switching circuit to maximize current available to battery.

Rosen, R.

A general unified approach to modelling switching-converter power stages

A method for modeling switching-converter power stages is developed, whose starting point is the unified state-space representation of the switched networks and whose end result is either a complete state-space description or its equivalent small-signal low-frequency linear circuit model. A new canonical circuit model is proposed, whose fixed topology contains all the essential input-output and control properties of any dc-to-dc switching converter, regardless of its detailed configuration, and by which different converters can be characterized in the form of a table conveniently stored in a computer data bank to provide a useful tool for computer aided design and optimization. The new canonical circuit model predicts that, in general, switching action introduces both zeros and poles into the duty ratio to output transfer function in addition to those from the effective filter network.

Middlebrook, R. D.

Metal-Ferroelectric-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor NAND Gate Switching Time Analysis

Previous research investigated the modeling of a N Wga te constructed of Metal-Ferroelectric- Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MFSFETs) to obtain voltage transfer curves. The NAND gate was modeled using n-channel MFSFETs with positive polarization for the standard CMOS n-channel transistors and n-channel MFSFETs with negative polarization for the standard CMOS p-channel transistors. This paper investigates the MFSFET NAND gate switching time propagation delay, which is one of the other important parameters required to characterize the performance of a logic gate. Initially, the switching time of an inverter circuit was analyzed. The low-to-high and high-to-low propagation time delays were calculated. During the low-to-high transition, the negatively polarized transistor pulls up the output voltage, and during the high-to-low transition, the positively polarized transistor pulls down the output voltage. The MFSFETs were simulated by using a previously developed model which utilized a partitioned ferroelectric layer. Then the switching time of a 2-input NAND gate was analyzed similarly to the inverter gate. Extension of this technique to more complicated logic gates using MFSFETs will be studied.

Phillips, Thomas A.

Linearized transfer between inclined circular orbits using low-thrust blow down propulsion system

Noncoplanar transfers between neighboring circular orbits are presented for spacecraft using their own low-thrust blow down propulsion system. It is assumed that the out-of-plane angle between the decaying thrust vector and the current orbit plane remains constant for each extended burn. Switching conditions are derived for the cutoff and relight of the propulsion system in order to carry out a given transfer with inclination change. Furthermore the location where the thrust acceleration is initially applied with respect to the line of nodes of the two orbits is uniquely determined. Finally an analytic derivation of the linearized coplanar motion for stationkeeping and terminal rendezvous studies is also presented and a scheme for deriving the second order correction shown.

Kechichian, J. A.

Isolated transfer of analog signals

Technique transfers analog signal levels across high isolation boundary without circuit performance being affected by magnetizing reactance or leakage inductance. Transfers of analog information across isolated boundary are made by interrupting signal flow, with switch, in such a manner as to produce alternating signal which is applied to transformer.

Bezdek, T.

Amplitude steered array

A spin stabilized satellite has an electronically despun antenna array comprising a multiplicity of peripheral antenna elements. A high gain energy beam is established by connecting a suitable fraction or array of the elements in phase. The beam is steered or caused to scan by switching elements in sequence into one end of the array as elements at the other end of the array are switched out. The switching transients normally associated with such steering are avoided by an amplitude control system. Instead of abruptly switching from one element to the next, a fixed value of power is gradually transferred from the element at the trailing edge of the array to the element next to the leading edge.

Dietrich, F. J.

Satellite B-ISDN traffic analysis

The impact of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) traffic on the advanced satellite broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN) with onboard processing is reported. Simulation models were built to analyze the cell transfer performance through the statistical multiplexer at the earth station and the fast packet switch at the satellite. The effectiveness of ground ATM cell preprocessing was established, as well as the performance of several schemes for improving the down-link beam utilization when the space segment employs a fast packet switch.

Shyy, Dong-Jye

Modelling, analyses and design of switching converters

A state-space averaging method for modelling switching dc-to-dc converters for both continuous and discontinuous conduction mode is developed. In each case the starting point is the unified state-space representation, and the end result is a complete linear circuit model, for each conduction mode, which correctly represents all essential features, namely, the input, output, and transfer properties (static dc as well as dynamic ac small-signal). While the method is generally applicable to any switching converter, it is extensively illustrated for the three common power stages (buck, boost, and buck-boost). The results for these converters are then easily tabulated owing to the fixed equivalent circuit topology of their canonical circuit model. The insights that emerge from the general state-space modelling approach lead to the design of new converter topologies through the study of generic properties of the cascade connection of basic buck and boost converters.

Cuk, S. M.

Evaluation of Fairchild's Gate Drive Optocoupler, Type FOD3150, Under Wide Temperature Operation

An optocoupler is a semiconductor device that is used to transfer a signal between different parts of a circuit that need to be electrically isolated from one another - for example, where a high voltage is to be switched with a low voltage control signal. Optocouplers often can be used in place of relays. These optocouplers utilize an infrared LED (light emitting diode) and a photodetector such as a silicon controlled rectifier or photosensitive silicon diode for the transfer of the electronic signal between components of a circuit by means of a short optical transmission channel. For maximum coupling, the wave-length responses of the LED and the detector should be very similar. In switch-mode power supply applications, optocouplers offer advantages over transformers by virtue of simpler circuit design, reduced weight, and DC coupling capability. The effects of extreme temperature exposure and thermal cycling on the performance of a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) optocoupler, Fairchild FOD3150, were evaluated in this work. This 1.0 A output current, high noise immunity gate drive optocoupler utilizes an aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) LED, is capable of driving most 800V/20A IGBT/MOSFETs, and is suited for fast switching in motor control inverter applications and high performance power systems. Some of the specifications of the isolator chip are listed. The device was evaluated in terms of output response, output rise (t(sub r)) and fall times (t(sub f)), and propagation delays (using a 50% level between input and output during low to high (t(sub PLH)) and high to low (t(sub PLH)) transitions). The output supply current was also obtained. These parameters were recorded at various test temperatures between -190 C and +110 C.

Patterson, Richard

Design study of a high power rotary transformer

A design study was made on a rotary transformer for transferring electrical power across a rotating spacecraft interface. The analysis was performed for a 100 KW, 20 KHz unit having a ""pancake'' geometry. The rotary transformer had a radial (vertical) gap and consisted of 4-25 KW modules. It was assumed that the power conditioning comprised of a Schwarz resonant circuit with a 20 KHz switching frequency. The rotary transformer, mechanical and structural design, heat rejection system and drive mechanism which provide a complete power transfer device were examined. The rotary transformer losses, efficiency, weight and size were compared with an axial (axial symmetric) gap transformer having the same performance requirements and input characteristics which was designed as part of a previous program. The ""pancake'' geometry results in a heavier rotary transformer primarily because of inefficient use of the core material. It is shown that the radial gap rotary transformer is a feasible approach for the transfer of electrical power across a rotating interface and can be implemented using presently available technology.

Weinberger, S. M.

Manned geosynchronous mission requirements and system analysis study extension. Manned Orbital Transfer Vehicle (MOTV) capabilities handbook and user guide

The primary change in crew capsule definition is a smaller MOTV crew capsule, switching from a 3-man capsule to a 2-man capsule. A second change permitted crew accommodations for sleeping and privacy to be combined with the flight station. The current baseline DRM, ER1, requires 2 men for 3 to 4 days to repair a multi-disciplined GOE Platform and a modest amount of mission dedicated hardware. A 2-man MOTV crew capsule to be used as a design reference point for the OTV, and its interfaces between the STS and other associated equipment or facilities are described in detail. The functional capabilities of the 2-man capsule, as well as its application to a wide range of generic missions, is also presented. The MOTV turnaround is addressed and significant requirements for both space based and ground based scenarios are summarized.

Source record

Förster Resonance Energy Transfer and Enhanced Emission in Cs 4 PbBr 6 Nanocrystals Encapsulated in Silicon Nano-Sheets for Perovskite Light Emitting Diode Applications

Encapsulating Cs 4 PbBr 6 quantum dots in silicon nano-sheets not only stabilizes the halide perovskite, but also takes advantage of the nano-sheet for a compatible integration with the traditional silicon semiconductor. Here, we report the preparation of un-passivated Cs 4 PbBr 6 ellipsoidal nanocrystals and pseudo-spherical quantum dots in silicon nano-sheets and their enhanced photoluminescence (PL). For a sample with low concentrations of quantum dots in silicon nano-sheets, the emission from Cs 4 PbBr 6 pseudo-spherical quantum dots is quenched and is dominated with Pb 2+ ion/silicene emission, which is very stable during the whole measurement period. For a high concentration of Cs 4 PbBr 6 ellipsoidal nanocrystals in silicon nano-sheets, we have observed Förster resonance energy transfer with up to 87% efficiency through the oscillation of two PL peaks when UV excitation switches between on and off, using recorded video and PL lifetime measurements. In an area of a non-uniform sample containing both ellipsoidal nanocrystals and pseudo-spherical quantum dots, where Pb 2+ ion/silicene emissions, broadband emissions from quantum dots, and bandgap edge emissions (515 nm) appear, the 515 nm peak intensity increases five times over 30 min of UV excitation, probably due to a photon recycling effect. This irradiated sample has been stable for one year of ambient storage. Cs 4 PbBr 6 quantum dots encapsulated in silicon nano-sheets can lead to applications of halide perovskite light emitting diodes (PeLEDs) and integration with traditional semiconductor materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE

A minimum propellant solution to an orbit-to-orbit transfer using a low thrust propulsion system

The Space Exploration Initiative is considering the use of low thrust (nuclear electric, solar electric) and intermediate thrust (nuclear thermal) propulsion systems for transfer to Mars and back. Due to the duration of such a mission, a low thrust minimum-fuel solution is of interest; a savings of fuel can be substantial if the propulsion system is allowed to be turned off and back on. This switching of the propulsion system helps distinguish the minimal-fuel problem from the well-known minimum-time problem. Optimal orbit transfers are also of interest to the development of a guidance system for orbital maneuvering vehicles which will be needed, for example, to deliver cargoes to the Space Station Freedom. The problem of optimizing trajectories for an orbit-to-orbit transfer with minimum-fuel expenditure using a low thrust propulsion system is addressed.

Cobb, Shannon S.