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Results for “INTERCONNECTIONS”

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.

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At least 1,279 records · Page 71

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NASA NTRS1977

The 200 watts/kilogram solar array conceptual approach study. Phase 2: Assessment report for proof-of-concept experiments and Halley's comet concentrator array

The activities associated with the fabrication, handling, and testing of 2-mil solar cell modules on a flexible substrate are demonstrated. It is shown that 2-mil solar cells can be reliably handled, welded, and bonded to a Kapton substrate. Flexible Invar interconnects can be used to interconnect individual cells to form modules. These solar cell modules can be temperature cycled, wrapped around a 10-inch diameter drum, and vibrated to the shuttle environment with no significant damage. A bonding technique was developed to physically join adjacent modules that is stronger than the Kapton, itself. Ultraviolet radiation tests were performed on RTV - silicone as a cell cover material - with very encouraging results.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1976

On the occurrence of sympathetic flares

Random-coincidence formulas are applied to the data used in previous studies of alleged sympathetic flares to determine whether statistical evidence on the occurrence of such flares can be found for specific physically connected pairs of active regions. Only those active regions that are interconnected by magnetic loops in soft X-rays on Skylab photographs are considered to be physically connected. All pairs of flaring active regions (both interconnected and otherwise) observed on the sun during the Skylab flight are also evaluated. The only positive result is obtained with statistical confidence of 3.4 sigmas for pairs of active regions separated by no more than 30 deg. The occurrence of short time intervals between flares is shown to be increased for such active-region pairs, but the pattern of time intervals is found not to correspond with any propagation mode of a triggering agent in the solar atmosphere. It is suggested that some subphotospheric synchronization of activity in nearby plages and sunspot groups could increase the number of short time intervals between flares at different locations without any actual influence of one 'sympathetic' flare upon another, leading to the concept of 'sympathetic active regions' instead of 'sympathetic flares'.

Fritzova-Svestkova, L.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Decentrally stabilizable linear and bilinear large-scale systems

Two classes of large-scale systems are identified, which can always be stabilized by decentralized feedback control. For the class of systems composed of interconnected linear subsystems, we can choose local controllers for the subsystems to achieve stability of the overall system. The same linear feedback scheme can be used to stabilize a class of linear systems with bilinear interconnections. In this case, however, the scheme is used to establish a finite region of stability for the overall system. The stabilization algorithm is applied to the design of a control system for the Large-Space Telescope.

Siljak, D. D.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Signal-interleaving device

Interleaving devices combine and duplicate optical electronic and other energy-saving signals in signal processing applications necessary for recording heads in interconnecting logic elements in computers and in data transmission systems. Simple cubic interleaver is characterized by high energy transmission and potentiality for low cost fabrication, and is designed to be easily interconnected with other signal processing elements.

Fischer, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Microprocessor arrays for large scale computation

An important new direction in computer architecture centers around the achievement of very high computational power (capacity, speed and reliability) through the use of tens of thousands of microprocessors, micromemories, and switch modules, all interconnected into a large homogeneous network using one of certain advanced connection schemes. When surrounded and supported by conventional computers and memories, such a machine holds potential for out-performing both conventional and array-based computers of the mid-1980's by one to two orders of magnitude, at least for particular classes of applications amenable to high parallelism, such as aerodynamic simulation. The homogeneous feature of this machine concept also implies size extendability, fault tolerance, and improved flexibility to handle a variety of algorithms of interest. Current work is addressing the design of technologically efficient interconnection configurations and the development of new computation algorithms that are especially efficient for highly parallel computation.

Kautz, W. H.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Center punched solar cell module development effort

The results are given of an advanced module development program with the objective of providing a low cost solar cell mechanical interconnect design. The design approach, which avoids soldering or welding operations, lends itself to automated assembly techniques thus supporting the Low-Cost Silicon Solar Array Project goals. The first group of six modules contained aluminum contact cells and the second group of six modules contained silver-titanium-palladium contact cells. Extensive component and environmental testing at the module level showed that reliable cell mechanical interconnection can be achieved when utilizing the proper electrical contact materials and pressures. A discussion is given of the module design, manufacturing procedure, test program, significant problem areas and solutions, and conclusions and recommendations as formulated and conducted by XEOS.

Ross, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Open magnetic fields in active regions

Soft X-ray images and magnetograms of several active regions and coronal holes are examined which support the interpretation that some of the dark X-ray gaps seen between interconnecting loops and inner cores of active regions are foot points of open field lines inside the active regions. Characteristics of the investigated dark gaps are summarized. All the active regions with dark X-ray gaps at the proper place and with the correct polarity predicted by global potential extrapolation of photospheric magnetic fields are shown to be old active regions, indicating that field opening is accomplished only in a late phase of active-region development. It is noted that some of the observed dark gaps probably have nothing in common with open fields, but are either due to the decreased temperature in low-lying portions of interconnecting loops or are the roots of higher and less dense or cooler loops.

Svestka, Z.↗

NASA NTRS1978

The driving force for magnetospheric convection

Viscously driven magnetospheric models, as well as a model involving interconnection between the geomagnetic field and the magnetic field in the solar wind, have been proposed to describe the driving force for magnetospheric convection. Lack of a satisfactory theory for the interconnection in the latter model and, in the case of the viscous interaction models, inadequacies in predicting the quantity of the driving force, make these two classes of models less than successful. Accordingly, a mechanically driven magnetospheric model is proposed: solar wind plasma enters the magnetosphere around the neutral points, covers the inner surface of the magnetopause and subsequently expands, driving convection as it escapes from the open tail.

Johnson, F. S.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Phase Two of the Array Automated Assembly Task for the Low Cost Solar Array Project

Various top contact metal systems were studied. Only Ti Pd Cu approaches baseline (Ti Pd Ag) quality, but this system shows a lack of long term stability. Aluminum back surface field structures were fabricated and thicknesses of p superscript + material of up to 7.0 microns were achieved with open circuit voltages of 0.59V. A general purpose ultrasonic welder was purchased and tests using various metal foils are under way. During fabrication of the demonstration module, several cells became cracked. Due to redundancy of interconnections, the module was not open circuited but the efficiency was reduced to 8.8%. The broken cell was interconnected with a strap across the back and the efficiency was increased to 11.5%. A cost analysis was made and the results indicate a selling price of $0.56/watt peak (in 1986 with 1975 dollars).

Campbell, R. B.↗

NASA NTRS1979

NASCAP modelling of high-voltage power system interactions with space charged-particle environments

A simple space power system operating in geosynchronous orbit was analyzed. This system consisted of two solar array wings and a central body. Each solar array wing was considered to be divided into three regions operating at 2000 volts. The center body was considered to be an electrical ground with the array voltages both positive and negative relative to ground. The system was analyzed for both a normal environment and a moderate geomagnetic substorm environment. Initial results indicate a high probability of arcing at the interconnects on the negative operating voltage wing. The dielectric strength of the substrate may be exceeded giving rise to breakdown in the bulk of the material. The geomagnetic substorm did not seem to increase the electrical gradients at the interconnects on the negative operating voltage wing but did increase the gradients on the positive operating voltage wing which could result in increased coupling current losses.

Stevens, N. J.↗

NASA NTRS1979

High temperature - low mass solar blanket

Interconnect materials and designs for use with ultrathin silicon solar cells are discussed, as well as the results of an investigation of the applicability of parallel-gap resistance welding for interconnecting these cells. Data relating contact pull strength and cell electrical degradation to variations in welding parameters such as time, voltage and pressure are presented. Methods for bonding ultrathin cells to flexible substances and for bonding thin (75 micrometers) covers to these cells are described. Also, factors influencing fabrication yield and approaches for increasing yield are discussed. The results of vacuum thermal cycling and thermal soak tests on prototype ultrathin cell test coupons and one solar module blanket are presented.

Mesch, H. G.↗

NASA NTRS1978

On decentralized control of large-scale systems

A scheme is presented for decentralized control of large-scale linear systems which are composed of a number of interconnected subsystems. By ignoring the interconnections, local feedback controls are chosen to optimize each decoupled subsystem. Conditions are provided to establish compatibility of the individual local controllers and achieve stability of the overall system. Besides computational simplifications, the scheme is attractive because of its structural features and the fact that it produces a robust decentralized regulator for large dynamic systems, which can tolerate a wide range of nonlinearities and perturbations among the subsystems.

Siljak, D. D.↗

NASA NTRS1977

The use of hybrid integrated circuit techniques in biotelemetry applications

A review is presented of some features of hybrid integrated circuits that make their use advantageous in miniature biotelemetry applications. The various techniques for fabricating resistors, capacitors and interconnections by both thin film and thick film technology are discussed. The use of chip capacitors, resistors, and especially standard IC chips on substrates with fired-on interconnection patterns is emphasized. The review is designed primarily to acquaint biotelemetry users and designers with an overview of this fabrication technique so that they can better communicate their needs with an understanding of its limitations and advantages to facilities specializing in hybrid construction.

Fryer, T. B.↗

NASA NTRS1979

High temperature, low mass solar blanket development

This paper presents methods of incorporating ultrathin silicon solar cells into photovoltaic blankets for space applications. This type of cell has the highest power-to-mass ratio and best performance under space radiation of any silicon solar cell. Interconnect materials and designs, and the results of the investigation of the applicability of parallel-gap resistance welding for interconnecting ultrathin cells are discussed. Data relating contact pull strength and cell electrical degradation to welding parameters such as time, voltage, and pressure are presented. Methods for bonding ultrathin cells to flexible substrates and for bonding thin covers to these cells are described, and the results of vacuum thermal cycling and thermal soak tests on prototype ultrathin cell test coupons are included.

Mesch, H. G.↗

NASA NTRS1981

CADAT place-and-routine in two dimensions

CADAT place-and-route-in-two dimensions program (PR2D) is standard-cell automatic-layout program for generating large-scale-integrated/metal-oxidesemiconductor (LSI/MOS) arrays. PR2D translates logic designer's cell interconnection requirements into physically-defined MOS chip. PR2D reads input data, searches pin data file for data on each pattern type, generates placement of patterns, and interconnects patterns. As output, it generates artwork for layouts.

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NASA NTRS1980

Fiber-optic rotation sensor technology

A concept for an all-waveguide fiber-optic rotation sensor is discussed, and the results of preliminary tests of key elements are described. A single channel waveguide coupler design provides the functions of an optical switch, a 3-dB beam splitter, a phase retarder, and a signal modulator, all of which may be formed on the same chip and interconnected by channel single-mode waveguides. Preliminary test results for the waveguide coupler and for a rotation sensor without the coupler are presented. Signal processing, polarization control, and interconnection of the waveguide components are discussed.

Goss, W. C.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Automated Solar-Array Assembly

Large arrays are rapidly assembled from individual solar cells by automated production line developed for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Apparatus positions cells within array, attaches interconnection tabs, applies solder flux, and solders interconnections. Cells are placed in either straight or staggered configurations and may be connected either in series or in parallel. Are attached at rate of one every 5 seconds.

Soffa, A.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Automated solar module assembly line

The solar module assembly machine which Kulicke and Soffa delivered under this contract is a cell tabbing and stringing machine, and capable of handling a variety of cells and assembling strings up to 4 feet long which then can be placed into a module array up to 2 feet by 4 feet in a series of parallel arrangement, and in a straight or interdigitated array format. The machine cycle is 5 seconds per solar cell. This machine is primarily adapted to 3 inch diameter round cells with two tabs between cells. Pulsed heat is used as the bond technique for solar cell interconnects. The solar module assembly machine unloads solar cells from a cassette, automatically orients them, applies flux and solders interconnect ribbons onto the cells. It then inverts the tabbed cells, connects them into cell strings, and delivers them into a module array format using a track mounted vacuum lance, from which they are taken to test and cleaning benches prior to final encapsulation into finished solar modules. Throughout the machine the solar cell is handled very carefully, and any contact with the collector side of the cell is avoided or minimized.

Bycer, M.↗