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At least 1,297 records · Page 72
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NASA NTRS1982

A simplified solar cell array modelling program

As part of the energy conversion/self sufficiency efforts of DSN engineering, it was necessary to have a simplified computer model of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This article describes the analysis and simplifications employed in the development of a PV cell array computer model. The analysis of the incident solar radiation, steady state cell temperature and the current-voltage characteristics of a cell array are discussed. A sample cell array was modelled and the results are presented.

Hughes, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Pyroelectric detector arrays

A pryoelectric detector array and the method for making it are described. A series of holes formed through a silicon dioxide layer on the surface of a silicon substrate forms the mounting fixture for the pyroelectric detector array. A series of nontouching strips of indium are formed around the holes to make contact with the backside electrodes and form the output terminals for individual detectors. A pyroelectric detector strip with front and back electrodes, respectively, is mounted over the strip. Biasing resistors are formed on the surface of the silicon dioxide layer and connected to the strips. A metallized pad formed on the surface of the layer is connected to each of the biasing resistors and to the film to provide the ground for the pyroelectric detector array.

Fripp, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Adaptive arrays - A new approach to the steady-state analysis

A closed-form expression for the steady-state output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of an n-element adaptive array excited by one desired narrow-band signal and K - 1 narrow-band jammers is obtained. This is facilitated by representing each excitation by a complex n-dimensional vector - the excitation vector. It is shown that the important system parameters are functions of scalar products of pairs of these excitation vectors. In particular, the normalized output SNR of the array is shown to be the ratio of determinants whose elements involve these scaler products. Such determinants are also shown to be involved in the expressions for the optimal array weights.

Zohar, S.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Photovoltaic array reliability optimization

An overview of the photovoltaic array reliability problem is presented, and a high reliability/minimum cost approach to this problem is presented. Design areas covered are cell failure, interconnect fatigue, and electrical insulation breakdown, and three solution strategies are discussed. The first involves controlling component failures in the solar cell (cell cracking, cell interconnects) and at the module level (must be statistically treated). Second, a fault tolerant circuit is designed which reduces array degradation, improves module yield losses, and controls hot-spot heating. Third, cost optimum module replacement strategies are also effective in reducing array degradation. This can be achieved by minimizing the life-cycle energy cost of the photovoltaic system. The integration of these solutions is aimed at reducing the 0.01% failure rate.

Ross, R. G., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The structure of the antenna pattern of an adaptive array

The antenna pattern of a receiving adaptive array is investigated for the case of its operation in an environment of one desirable narrow-band signal and (K-1) narrow-band jammers. Results show that the adapted (voltage) antenna pattern of the array is a linear combination of k (or less) basis-patterns, each of which is a function of one source only. It is determined that these basis-patterns have a simple physical meaning in that the k-th basis-pattern is the pattern formed by the array when the transmission of source k is considered a desired signal and all other sources are turned off.

Zohar, S.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Progress in developing high performance solar blankets and arrays

The development of high efficiency, ultrathin silicon solar cells offers both opportunity and challenge. It is possible to consider 400 W/kg blanket designs by using this cell in conjuction with flexible substrates, ultrathin covers and welded interconnects. By designing array structure which is mechanically and dynamically compatible with very low mass blankets, solar arrays with a specific power approaching 200 W/kg are achievable. Further improvements in blanket performance (higher power and lower mass per unit area), which could come from the implementation of higher efficiency cells operating at lower temperatures (silicon or GaAs), and the use of encapsulants, would result in the development of 300 W/kg solar arrays.

Scott-Monck, J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Applications of telemetry arraying in the DSN

The individual large antennas at a DSN complex were used in arrayed configurations to improve the telemetry return from very distant spacecraft. The technique was applied to support critical spacecraft events when good telemetry is most important. An expanded array configuration, will be provided to support the 1986 Voyager encounter with Uranus. The development and use of arraying by the DSN for spacecraft mission support is reviewed. Application of the experience to the 1986 design is discussed.

Stevens, R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Antenna arraying performance for deep space telecommunications systems

Antenna arraying is a crucial Deep Space Network technique in maximizing the science return of planetary and comet encounters. The equations which describe the total figure of merit for a multiple system of arrayed antennas are developed. An example is given for three Canberra DSN antennas and the Parkes 64-m antenna to be arrayed for the Voyager 2 Uranus flyby.

Stelzried, C. T.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Study of solar array switching power management technology for space power system

This report documents work performed on the Solar Array Switching Power Management Study. Mission characteristics for three missions were defined to the depth necessary to determine their power management requirements. Solar array switching concepts which could satisfy the mission requirements were identified. The switching concepts were compared with a conventional buck regulator system for cost, weight and volume, reliability, efficiency and thermal control. Solar array switching provided significant advantages in all areas of comparison for the reviewed missions.

Cassinelli, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Pyroelectric detector arrays

A pyroelectric detector array and the method for using it are described. A series of holes formed through a silicon dioxide layer on the surface of a silicon substrate forms the mounting fixture for the pyroelectric detector array. A series of nontouching strips of indium are formed around the holes to make contact with the backside electrodes and form the output terminals for individual detectors. A pyroelectric detector strip with front and back electrodes, respectively, is mounted over the strips. Biasing resistors are formed on the surface of the silicon dioxide layer and connected to the strips. A metallized pad formed on the surface of layer is connected to each of the biasing resistors and to the film to provide the ground for the pyroelectric detector array.

Fripp, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Space telescope: Solar array primary deployment mechanism

The requirements, the design, and the test program which were carried out in producing the Space Telescope Solar Array (STSA) primary deployment mechanisms (PDM) are described. The PDM will be used to rotate the rolled solar array supporting boom from its launch position alongside the telescope housing, through 90 deg to its use position. After five years in space the array is to be rerolled and by use of the PDM swung back to its stowed position alongside the telescope housing for capture and return to Earth via the Space Shuttle.

Chandler, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Phased array-fed antenna configuration study

The scope of this contract entails a configuration study for a phased array fed transmit antenna operating in the frequency band of 17.7 to 20.2 GHz. This initial contract provides a basis for understanding the design limitations and advantages of advanced phased array and cluster feeds (both utilizing intergral MMIC modules) illuminating folded reflector optics (both near field and focused types). Design parametric analyses are performed utilizing as constraints the objective secondary performance requirements of the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (Table 1.0). The output of the study provides design information which serves as a data base for future active phased array fed antenna studies such as detailed designs required to support the development of a ground tested breadboard. In general, this study is significant because it provides the antenna community with an understanding of the basic principles which govern near field phased scanned feed effects on secondary reflector system performance. Although several articles have been written on analysis procedures and results for these systems, the authors of this report have observed phenomenon of near field antenna systems not previously documented. Because the physical justification for the exhibited performance is provided herein, the findings of this study add a new dimension to the available knowledge of the subject matter.

Crosswell, W. F.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Interagency Array Study Report

The interagency array study that was convened in early 1982 to determine which of the world's large radio reception facilities might be feasibly and beneficially enlisted to help support the Voyager encounters at Uranus (1986) and Neptune (1989), and also to examine the future for such similar events and options as might appear is discussed. A similar but more specific study of the Parkes Radio Telescope at Uranus Encounter was just then being completed with a strong positive recommendation, and formed the foundation of the broader study. The approach, driving considerations, and outcome of the interagency array study are discussed. The recommendations of the study team concentrated upon the Voyager Encounters are: specifically to develop Parkes for the Uranus Encounter, while pursuing related Advanced Systems development work with the Owens Valley Radio Observatory, and to seek support for the Neptune Encounter from Parkes, the Very Large Array near Socorro, Mexico, and the Japanese institute of Space and Astronautical Sciences 64 meter station.

Wayland, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Multi-anode microchannel arrays - New detectors for imaging and spectroscopy in space

Consideration is given to the construction and operation of multi-anode microchannel array detector systems having formats as large as 256 x 1024 pixels. Such arrays are being developed for imaging and spectroscopy at soft X-ray, ultraviolet and visible wavelengths from balloons, sounding rockets and space probes. Both discrete-anode and coincidence-anode arrays are described. Two types of photocathode structures are evaluated: an opaque photocathode deposited directly on the curved-channel MCP and an activated cathode deposited on a proximity-focused mesh. Future work will include sensitivity optimization in the different wavelength regions and the development of detector tubes with semitransparent proximity-focused photocathodes.

Timothy, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Array-fed reflector antenna design and applications

One phase of the spacecraft antenna research carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for deep space and near-earth communications is described. Array-fed reflector antenna designs have been elaborated for beam scanning, power amplification, and multiple beam applications. The antenna designs derive from similar optical concepts. Each antenna comprises a relatively small plane-wave array feeding a near-field dual-reflector system. The main reflector and the the subreflector are confocal paraboloids having identical focal length to diameter ratios. The array feed is positioned in such a way that the subreflector is in the near-field (collimated beam) region of the feed. The field distribution of the feed aperture is thereby recreated approximately in the main reflector aperture. The detailed design concepts of the antennas (beam-scanning, high-power, and mutliple-beam) are discussed, and the calculated and measured RF performances of the antennas are presented.

Woo, K.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Infrared array detectors

Arrays of detectors sensitive to infrared radiation will enable astronomical observations to be made with shorter observing times than with discrete detectors and with good relative spatial accuracy. Systems using such arrays are being developed for astronomy in several regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. An example of an infrared system is given here consisting of a 32x32 element bismuth doped silicon charge injection device array that has been used in an astronomical camera.

Arens, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Photon counting photodiode array detector for far ultraviolet (FUV) astronomy

A compact, stable, single-stage intensified photodiode array detector designed for photon-counting, far ultraviolet astronomy applications employs a saturable, 'C'-type MCP (Galileo S. MCP 25-25) to produce high gain pulses with a narrowly peaked pulse height distribution. The P-20 output phosphor exhibits a very short decay time, due to the high current density of the electron pulses. This intensifier is being coupled to a self-scanning linear photodiode array which has a fiber optic input window which allows direct, rigid mechanical coupling with minimal light loss. The array was scanned at a 250 KHz pixel rate. The detector exhibits more than adequate signal-to-noise ratio for pulse counting and event location. Previously announced in STAR as N82-19118

Hartig, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Near-infrared linear array spectrometer for space applications

A 128-element InSb linear detector array read out with a field effect transistor (FET) multiplexing scheme has been developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. State-of-the-art NEP, uniform response, on-detector charge integration, and very low focal plane heat load compared to that of discrete detector arrays allows this type of array to open new possibilities for spaceborne near-infrared imaging spectrometers. Large number of cooled detector elements are feasible with the new technology, making it practical to design sensitive spectrometers even for spinning spacecraft where simultaneous wavelength coverage is necessary to avoid confusion of spatial with spectral variations.

Apt, J.↗