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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 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

Development and analysis of the Software Implemented Fault-Tolerance (SIFT) computer

SIFT (Software Implemented Fault Tolerance) is an experimental, fault-tolerant computer system designed to meet the extreme reliability requirements for safety-critical functions in advanced aircraft. Errors are masked by performing a majority voting operation over the results of identical computations, and faulty processors are removed from service by reassigning computations to the nonfaulty processors. This scheme has been implemented in a special architecture using a set of standard Bendix BDX930 processors, augmented by a special asynchronous-broadcast communication interface that provides direct, processor to processor communication among all processors. Fault isolation is accomplished in hardware; all other fault-tolerance functions, together with scheduling and synchronization are implemented exclusively by executive system software. The system reliability is predicted by a Markov model. Mathematical consistency of the system software with respect to the reliability model has been partially verified, using recently developed tools for machine-aided proof of program correctness.

Goldberg, J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Microprocessor based implementation of attitude and shape control of large space structures

The feasibility of off the shelf eight bit and 16 bit microprocessors to implement linear state variable feedback control laws and assessing the real time response to spacecraft dynamics is studied. The complexity of the dynamic model is described along with the appropriate software. An experimental setup of a beam, microprocessor system for implementing the control laws and the needed generalized software to implement any state variable feedback control system is included.

Reddy, A. S. S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

On Why It Is Impossible to Prove that the BDX90 Dispatcher Implements a Time-sharing System

The Software Implemented Fault Tolerance SIFT system, is written in PASCAL except for about a page of machine code. The SIFT system implements a small time sharing system in which PASCAL programs for separate application tasks are executed according to a schedule with real time constraints. The PASCAL language has no provision for handling the notion of an interrupt such as the B930 clock interrupt. The PASCAL language also lacks the notion of running a PASCAL subroutine for a given amount of time, suspending it, saving away the suspension, and later activating the suspension. Machine code was used to overcome these inadequacies of PASCAL. Code which handles clock interrupts and suspends processes is called a dispatcher. The time sharing/virtual machine idea is completely destroyed by the reconfiguration task. After termination of the reconfiguration task, the tasks run by the dispatcher have no relation to those run before reconfiguration. It is impossible to view the dispatcher as a time-sharing system implementing virtual BDX930s running concurrently when one process can wipe out the others.

Boyer, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1984

An Easy-to-implement Coding Scheme for Multifrequency PPM

In implementing multifrequency PPM, a naturally arising question is: Let P be a fixed number; among all integer valued processes X1, X2, X3, with E ( X(n+1)-X(n) squared) less than or = P, which has the largest entropy? Earlier work by McEliece and Rodemich answered this question, but there is no obvious way to use this process to implement a code for multifrequency PPM. The present article describes an easy-to-implement process X1, X2, with E ( X(n+1)-X(n) squared) less than or = P, whose entropy is nearly as great as that of the McEliece-Rodemich process.

Mceliece, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A dual-processor multi-frequency implementation of the FINDS algorithm

This report presents a parallel processing implementation of the FINDS (Fault Inferring Nonlinear Detection System) algorithm on a dual processor configured target flight computer. First, a filter initialization scheme is presented which allows the no-fail filter (NFF) states to be initialized using the first iteration of the flight data. A modified failure isolation strategy, compatible with the new failure detection strategy reported earlier, is discussed and the performance of the new FDI algorithm is analyzed using flight recorded data from the NASA ATOPS B-737 aircraft in a Microwave Landing System (MLS) environment. The results show that low level MLS, IMU, and IAS sensor failures are detected and isolated instantaneously, while accelerometer and rate gyro failures continue to take comparatively longer to detect and isolate. The parallel implementation is accomplished by partitioning the FINDS algorithm into two parts: one based on the translational dynamics and the other based on the rotational kinematics. Finally, a multi-rate implementation of the algorithm is presented yielding significantly low execution times with acceptable estimation and FDI performance.

Godiwala, Pankaj M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Optical implementation of an iterative algorithm for matrix inversion

The incorporation of a photorefractive gain element into a confocal Fabry-Perot processor, with a photorefractive BaTiO3 crystal in the feedback path providing the coherent image amplification, is discussed. The implementation of an iterative algorithm for matrix inversion is described, and its experimental implementation is demonstrated. It is shown that the BaTiO3 amplifier provides loss compensation and coherence restoration of the feedback signal, thereby increasing the effective number of iterations in the algorithm. Thus, the technique makes it possible to implement slowly converging (as well as rapidly converging) algorithms.

Rajbenbach, Henri↗
NASA NTRS1985

An additional study and implementation of tone calibrated technique of modulation

The Tone Calibrated Technique (TCT) was shown to be theoretically free from an error floor, and is only limited, in practice, by implementation constraints. The concept of the TCT transmission scheme along with a baseband implementation of a suitable demodulator is introduced. Two techniques for the generation of the TCT signal are considered: a Manchester source encoding scheme (MTCT) and a subcarrier based technique (STCT). The results are summarized for the TCT link computer simulation. The hardware implementation of the MTCT system is addressed and the digital signal processing design considerations involved in satisfying the modulator/demodulator requirements are outlined. The program findings are discussed and future direction are suggested based on conclusions made regarding the suitability of the TCT system for the transmission channel presently under consideration.

Rafferty, W.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The design and implementation of the Technical Facilities Controller (TFC) for the Goldstone deep space communications complex

The Technical Facilities Controller is a microprocessor-based energy management system that is to be implemented in the Deep Space Network facilities. This system is used in conjunction with facilities equipment at each of the complexes in the operation and maintenance of air-conditioning equipment, power generation equipment, power distribution equipment, and other primary facilities equipment. The implementation of the Technical Facilities Controller was completed at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex and is now operational. The installation completed at the Goldstone Complex is described and the utilization of the Technical Facilities Controller is evaluated. The findings will be used in the decision to implement a similar system at the overseas complexes at Canberra, Australia, and Madrid, Spain.

Killian, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Efficient implementation of essentially non-oscillatory shock capturing schemes, 2

Earlier work on the efficient implementation of ENO (essentially non-oscillatory) shock capturing schemes is continued. A new simplified expression is provided for the ENO construction procedure based again on numerical fluxes rather than cell averages. Also considered are two improvements which are labeled ENO-LLF (local Lax-Friedrichs) and ENO-Roe, which yield sharper shock transitions, improved overall efficiency, and lower computational cost than previous implementation of the ENO schemes. Two methods of sharpening contact discontinuities, i.e., the subcell resolution idea of Harten and the artificial compression idea of Yang, which those authors used originally in the cell-average framework, are supplied to the current ENO schemes using numerical fluxes and TVD Runge-Kutta time discretizations. The implementation for nonlinear systems and multi-dimensions is given. Finally, many numerical examples, including a compressible shock turbulence interaction flow calculation, are given.

Shu, Chi-Wang↗
NASA NTRS1986

Implementing distributed Ada for real-time applications

The discussion of applying a (distributed) High Order Language (HOL) to applications which require real-time performance invariably invokes the subject of excessive overhead. In a related paper, some of the basic language-specific issues involved in distributing a High Order Language, with special attention paid to the Ada language, are discussed. In a traditional implementation, several of these issues imply considerable, if not prohibitive overhead. An implementation strategy is introduced which promises to deal with these issues in a manner that will provide significant performance improvements. These improvements should in fact be sufficient to make use of distributed Ada feasible even in highly-constrained application domains. Additionally, the general approach should be applicable to nondistributed implementations as well.

Rogers, Patrick↗
NASA NTRS1989

A novel implementation of method of optimality criterion in synthesizing spacecraft structures with natural frequency constraints

In the design of spacecraft structures, fine tuning the structure to achieve minimum weight with natural frequency constraints is a time consuming process. Here, a novel implementation of the method of optimality criterion (OC) is developed. In this new implementation of OC, the free vibration analysis results are used to compute the eigenvalue sensitivity data required for the formulation. Specifically, the modal elemental strain and kinetic energies are used. Additionally, normalized design parameters are introduced as a second level linking that allows design variables of different values to be linked together. With the use of this novel formulation, synthesis of structures with natural frequency constraint can be carried out manually using modal analysis results. Design examples are presented to illustrate this novel implementation of the optimality criterion method.

Wang, Bo Ping↗
NASA NTRS1990

An adaptive holographic implementation of a neural network

A holographic implementation for neural networks is proposed and demonstrated as an alternative to the optical matrix-vector multiplier architecture. In comparison, the holographic architecture makes more efficient use of the system space-bandwidth product for certain types of neural networks. The principal network component is a thermoplastic hologram, used to provide both interconnection weights and beam direction. Given the updatable nature of this type of hologram, adaptivity or network learning is possible in the optical system. Two networks with fixed weights are experimentally implemented and verified, and for one of these examples the advantage of the holographic implementation with respect to the matrix-vector processor is demonstrated.

Downie, John D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Design and implementation of interface units for high speed fiber optics local area networks and broadband integrated services digital networks

The design and implementation of interface units for high speed Fiber Optic Local Area Networks and Broadband Integrated Services Digital Networks are discussed. During the last years, a number of network adapters that are designed to support high speed communications have emerged. This approach to the design of a high speed network interface unit was to implement package processing functions in hardware, using VLSI technology. The VLSI hardware implementation of a buffer management unit, which is required in such architectures, is described.

Tobagi, Fouad A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

An evaluation of the total quality management implementation strategy for the advanced solid rocket motor project at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center

An evaluation of the NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) strategy to implement Total Quality Management (TQM) in the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM) Project is presented. The evaluation of the implementation strategy reflected the Civil Service personnel perspective at the project level. The external and internal environments at MSFC were analyzed for their effects on the ASRM TQM strategy. Organizational forms, cultures, management systems, problem solving techniques, and training were assessed for their influence on the implementation strategy. The influence of ASRM's effort was assessed relative to its impact on mature projects as well as future projects at MSFC.

Schramm, Harry F.↗
NASA NTRS1990

An implementation of the look-ahead Lanczos algorithm for non-Hermitian matrices, part 1

The nonsymmetric Lanczos method can be used to compute eigenvalues of large sparse non-Hermitian matrices or to solve large sparse non-Hermitian linear systems. However, the original Lanczos algorithm is susceptible to possible breakdowns and potential instabilities. We present an implementation of a look-ahead version of the Lanczos algorithm which overcomes these problems by skipping over those steps in which a breakdown or near-breakdown would occur in the standard process. The proposed algorithm can handle look-ahead steps of any length and is not restricted to steps of length 2, as earlier implementations are. Also, our implementation has the feature that it requires roughly the same number of inner products as the standard Lanczos process without look-ahead.

Freund, Roland W.↗
NASA NTRS1990

An implementation of the look-ahead Lanczos algorithm for non-Hermitian matrices, part 2

It is shown how the look-ahead Lanczos process (combined with a quasi-minimal residual QMR) approach) can be used to develop a robust black box solver for large sparse non-Hermitian linear systems. Details of an implementation of the resulting QMR algorithm are presented. It is demonstrated that the QMR method is closely related to the biconjugate gradient (BCG) algorithm; however, unlike BCG, the QMR algorithm has smooth convergence curves and good numerical properties. We report numerical experiments with our implementation of the look-ahead Lanczos algorithm, both for eigenvalue problem and linear systems. Also, program listings of FORTRAN implementations of the look-ahead algorithm and the QMR method are included.

Freund, Roland W.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The design and implementation of a parallel unstructured Euler solver using software primitives

This paper is concerned with the implementation of a three-dimensional unstructured grid Euler-solver on massively parallel distributed-memory computer architectures. The goal is to minimize solution time by achieving high computational rates with a numerically efficient algorithm. An unstructured multigrid algorithm with an edge-based data structure has been adopted, and a number of optimizations have been devised and implemented in order to accelerate the parallel communication rates. The implementation is carried out by creating a set of software tools, which provide an interface between the parallelization issues and the sequential code, while providing a basis for future automatic run-time compilation support. Large practical unstructured grid problems are solved on the Intel iPSC/860 hypercube and Intel Touchstone Delta machine. The quantitative effect of the various optimizations are demonstrated, and we show that the combined effect of these optimizations leads to roughly a factor of three performance improvement. The overall solution efficiency is compared with that obtained on the CRAY-YMP vector supercomputer.

Das, R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Aeronautical satellite system test and implementation

This contribution reports on various aspects of the test and implementation of the new worldwide aeronautical satellite system. The system will be implemented in 1990 following several years of system design and equipment development. The full range of services and equipment will not be available immediately, but rather there will be a progressive phase-in over the first two years of service. Data services using low gain aircraft antennas are planned to be introduced first. Voice service, requiring high gain antennas is expected to begin on a full scale basis about May/June 1990. This contribution explains Inmarsat's approach to testing and authorization of equipment intended to make use of its satellites in this evolving situation. The approach is designed to permit progressive implementation of services while avoiding the need for large scale retrofitting of equipment which has already been introduced into service.

Smith, Keith↗