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At least 1,531 records · Page 85
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Seismic analysis of the large 70-meter antenna. Part 2: General dynamic response and a seismic safety check

An extensive dynamic analysis for the new JPL 70-meter antenna structure is presented. Analytical procedures are based on the normal mode decomposition which include dumping and special forcing functions. The dynamic response can be obtained for any arbitrarily selected point on the structure. A new computer program for computing the time-dependent, resultant structural displacement, summing the effects of all participating modes, was developed also. Program compatibility with natural frequency analysis output was verified. The program was applied to the JPL 70-meter antenna structure and the dynamic response for several specially selected points was computed. Seismic analysis of structures, a special application of the general dynamic analysis, is based also on the normal modal decomposition. Strength specification of the antenna, with respect to the earthquake excitation, is done by using the common response spectra. The results indicated basically a safe design under an assumed 5% or more damping coefficient. However, for the antenna located at Goldstone, with more active seismic environment, this study strongly recommends and experimental program that determines the true damping coefficient for a more reliable safety check.

Kiedron, K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A laser plotting system for VLSI chip layouts

One of the most time consuming facets of custom Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) design is obtaining hardcopy plots of the mask geometries of cells and chips. The traditional method of generating these plots is to use a multicolor pen plotter. Pen plotters are inherently slow and the plotting speed increases linearly with the number of edges that must be plotted. A moderate custom chip design at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) now consists of more than 200,000 such edges and can take as much as eight hours to plot using a pen plotter. Software is described that was written at JPL to produce similar plots using a laser printer. It is shown that, for rather small layouts, the laser printer can provide nearly instantaneous turnaround. For moderate to large chip designs, the laser printer provides a factor of five or more improvement is speed over pen plotting.

Deutsch, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The 1.2 micron CMOS technology

A set of test structures was designed using the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) test chip assembler and was used to evaluate the first CMOS-bulk foundry runs with feature sizes of 1.2 microns. In addition to the problems associated with the physical scaling of the structures, this geometry provided an additional set of problems, since the design files had to be generated in such a way as to be capable of being processed through p-well, n-well, and twin-well processing lines. This requirement meant that the files containing the geometric design rules as well as the structure design files had to produce process-insensitive designs, a requirement that does not apply to the more mature 3.0-micron CMOS feature size technology. Because of the photolithographic steps required with this feature size, the maximum allowable chip size was 10 x 10 mm, and this chip was divided into 24 project areas, with each area being 1.6 x 1.6 mm in size. The JPL-designed structures occupied 13 out of the 21 allowable project sizes and provided the only test information obtained from these three preliminary runs. The structures were used to successfully evaluate three different manufacturing runs through two separate foundries.

Pina, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Test chip assembler and test program generator

One of the major problems in working at the geometry level for the generation of either test structure or functional circuit designs is the amount of labor involved in the design phase. To reduce the amount of labor involved in both the design and test of the structures used, JPL has developed a design and test program consisting of a Test Chip Assembler (TCA) and a Test Program Generator (TPG), which creates the geometrical description of the structures and generates the necessary test information using a high-level language. This system reduces the design time for a test chip by a factor of 30. To analyze the data obtained from wafer probing, a statistical package called STMJPL was developed. Some of the capabilities of the JPL software (STMJPL) are described.

Pina, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Total-dose radiation effects data for semiconductor devices. 1985 supplement. Volume 2, part A

Steady-state, total-dose radiation test data, are provided in graphic format for use by electronic designers and other personnel using semiconductor devices in a radiation environment. The data were generated by JPL for various NASA space programs. This volume provides data on integrated circuits. The data are presented in graphic, tabular, and/or narrative format, depending on the complexity of the integrated circuit. Most tests were done using the JPL or Boeing electron accelerator (Dynamitron) which provides a steady-state 2.5 MeV electron beam. However, some radiation exposures were made with a Cobalt-60 gamma ray source, the results of which should be regarded as only an approximate measure of the radiation damage that would be incurred by an equivalent electron dose.

Martin, K. E.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The Space Flight Operations Center development project

This paper presents an overview of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL) plan for developing a multi-mission facility called the Space Flight Operations Center (SFOC). The SFOC development is a five-year project with the objective of developing and adapting up-to-date computing, networking and data management technology to meet the future data processing and data management requirements for JPL's flight project mission operations. Presented are the project background, basic goals and objectives, design concept and project implementation approach.

Ebersole, M. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Computerized data acquisition and analysis for measuring thermal diffusivity

JPL has been leading a concentrated effort to develop improved thermoelectric materials for space applications. Thermoelectric generators are an attractive source of electrical energy for space power because of lack of moving parts and slow degradation of performance. Thermoelectric material is characterized by: Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity. To measure the high temperature thermal conductivity is experimentally very difficult. However, it can be calculated from the specific heat and thermal diffusivity which are easier to measure at high temperatures, especially using the flash method. Data acquisition and analysis for this experiment were automated at JPL using inexpensive microcomputer equipment. This approach is superior to tedious and less accurate manual analysis of data. It is also preferred to previously developed systems utilizing expensive minicomputers or mainframes.

Chmielewski, A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Seasonal variability of mesospheric water vapor

Ground-based spectral line measurements of the 22.2 GHz atmospheric water vapor line in emission were made at the JPL in order to obtain data in a dry climate, and to confirm similar measurements made at the Haystack Observatory. The results obtained from March 1984 to July 1984 and from December 1984 to May 1985, were based on data recorded by a HP9816 microcomputer. The instrument spectrometer was a 64 channel, 62.5 kHz resolution filter bank. Data indicates the existence of a seasonal variation in the abundance of water vapor in the upper mesosphere, with mixing ratios higher in summer than in spring. This is consistent with recent theoretical and observational results. In the area of semiannual oscillation, Haystack data are more consistent than those of JPL, indicating an annual cycle with abundances at maximum in summer and minimum in winter.

Schwartz, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Total-dose radiation effects data for semiconductor devices. 1985 Supplement. Volume 2, part B

Steady-state, total-dose radiation test data are provided in graphic format, for use by electronic designers and other personnel using semiconductor devices in a radiation environment. The data were generated by JPL for various NASA space programs. The document is in two volumes: Volume 1 provides data on diodes, bipolar transistors, field effect transistors, and miscellaneous semiconductor types, and Volume 2 (Parts A and B) provides data on integrated circuits. The data are presented in graphic, tabular, and/or narrative format, depending on the complexity of the integrated circuit. Most tests were done steady-state 2.5-MeV electron beam. However, some radiation exposures were made with a Cobalt-60 gamma ray source, the results of which should be regarded as only an approximate measure of the radiation damage that would be incurred by an equivalent electron dose. All data were generated in support of NASA space programs by the JPL Radiation Effects and Testing Group (514).

Martin, K. E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Spacecraft load, design and test philosophies

The development of spacecraft loads, design and test philosophies at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) during the past 25 years is presented. Examples from the JPL's Viking, Voyager and Galileo spacecraft are used to explain the changes in philosophy necessary to meet the program requirements with a reduction in cost and schedule. Approaches to validate mathematical models of large structures which can't be ground tested as an overall system because of size and/or adverse effects of terrestrial conditions such as gravity are presented.

Wada, B. K.↗
NASA NTRS1986

HEO multimission navigation concept

As part of the Network Consolidation Program, the 26-meter Tracking and Communication Subnet was transferred to JPL. Along with this transfer JPL assumed responsibility for tracking and navigation support for Earth orbiter missions normally tracked by the 26-meter sites. The High Earth Orbiter (HEO) Multimission Navigation Facility was formed as a component of the Deep Space Network (DSN) Tracking System for the purpose of supporting Earth orbiter missions and certain classes of deep space missions. This facility has been implemented on a dedicated VAX 11/780 minicomputer within the Network Operations Control Center (NOCC). The primary function of the system is to process radio metric data and estimate the orbit of a spacecraft in near-Earth or deep space environment. The system is capable of processing radio metric data in near-real time and providing the quick turnaround required for Earth orbiter operations. It is also capable of generating precision spacecraft ephemeris for use by the NOCC Support Subsystem and external agencies. This article discusses the implementation and functional operation of the Multimission Navigation Subsystem and describes the support that has been provided for an array of missions.

Ellis, J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Publications of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 1984

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) bibliography 39-26 describes and indexes by primary author the externally distributed technical reporting, released during calendar year 1984, that resulted from scientific and engineering work performed, or managed, by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Three classes of publications are included: (1) JPL Publications (82-, 83-, 84-series, etc.), in which the information is complete for a specific accomplishment; (2) articles from the quarterly Telecommunications and Data Acquisition (TDA) Program Report (42-series); and (3) articles published in the open literature.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1986

Vibroacoustic payload environment prediction system (VAPEPS): Data base management center remote access guide

A Vibroacoustic Data Base Management Center has been established at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The center utilizes the Vibroacoustic Payload Environment Prediction System (VAPEPS) software package to manage a data base of shuttle and expendable launch vehicle flight and ground test data. Remote terminal access over telephone lines to a dedicated VAPEPS computer system has been established to provide the payload community a convenient means of querying the global VAPEPS data base. This guide describes the functions of the JPL Data Base Management Center and contains instructions for utilizing the resources of the center.

Thomas, V. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Trends in parts susceptibility to single event upset from heavy ions

New test data from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), The Aerospace Corporation, Rockwell International (ANAHEIM) and IRT have been combined with published data of JPL and Aerospace to form a nearly comprehensive body of single event upset (SEU) test data for heavy ion irradiations. This data has been arranged to exhibit the SEU susceptibility of devices by function, technology and manufacturer. Clear trends emerge which should be useful in predicting future device performance.

Nichols, D. K.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Publications of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 1986

JPL Bibliography 39-28 describes and indexes by primary author the externally distributed technical reporting, released during calender year 1986, that resulted from scientific and engineering work performed, or managed, by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Three classes of publications are included: (1) JPL Publications in which the information is complete for a specific accomplishment, (2) Articles from the quarterly Telecommunications and Data Acquisition (TDA) Progress Report, and (3) Articles published in the open literature.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1988

VICAR/IBIS Software System

Collection of programs provides extensive capabilities for manipulation of imagery and geographical data. VICAR/IBIS software system is combination of JPL VICAR (Video Image Communications and Retrieval System) image-processing system and JPL IBIS (Image Based Information System) geographic-information-management system. Provides user with extensive general-purpose image-processing capabilities, also information-management system for accepting, converting, and operating on vector (graphical) and tabular data. System used to perform various image processing functions on any sort of digitized image data, including such remotely sensed data as those from Landsat multispectral scanner.

Stanfill, Daniel F., IV↗
NASA NTRS1987

A demonstration of high precision GPS orbit determination for geodetic applications

High precision orbit determination of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites is a key requirement for GPS-based precise geodetic measurements and precise low-earth orbiter tracking, currently under study at JPL. Different strategies for orbit determination have been explored at JPL with data from a 1985 GPS field experiment. The most successful strategy uses multi-day arcs for orbit determination and includes fine tuning of spacecraft solar pressure coefficients and station zenith tropospheric delays using the GPS data. Average rms orbit repeatability values for 5 of the GPS satellites are 1.0, 1.2, and 1.7 m in altitude, cross-track, and down-track componenets when two independent 5-day fits are compared. Orbit predictions up to 24 hours outside the multi-day arcs agree within 4 m of independent solutions obtained with well tracked satellites in the prediction interval. Baseline repeatability improves with multi-day as compared to single-day arc orbit solutions. When tropospheric delay fluctuations are modeled with process noise, significant additional improvement in baseline repeatability is achieved. For a 246-km baseline, with 6-day arc solutions for GPS orbits, baseline repeatability is 2 parts in 100 million (0.4-0.6 cm) for east, north, and length components and 8 parts in 100 million for the vertical component. For 1314 and 1509 km baselines with the same orbits, baseline repeatability is 2 parts in 100 million for the north components (2-3 cm) and 4 parts in 100 million or better for east, length, and vertical components.

Lichten, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Determination of the Venus flyby orbits of the Soviet Vega probes using VLBI techniques

In December 1984, the Soviet Union launched two identical Vega spacecraft with the dual objective of exploring Venus and continuing to rendezvous with the comet Halley. The two Vega spacecraft encountered Venus in mid-June 1985 and successfully deployed entry probes and wind-measuring balloons into the Venus atmosphere. An objective of the Venus Balloon experiment was to measure the Venus winds using differential VLBI from the balloon and the flyby bus. NASA's Deep Space 64 meter subnet was part of a world wide network organized to collect data from the Vega probes and balloons. A critical element of this experiment was an accurate determination of the Venus relative flyby orbits of the Vega spacecraft during the 46 hour balloon lifetime. Venus flyby solutions were independently determined by the Soviets using two-way range and Doppler from Soviet stations and by JPL using one-way Doppler and VLBI data collected from the DSN. The Vega flyby solutions determined by the Soviets using a sparse two-way tracking strategy with JPL solutions using the DSN VLBI data to complement the Soviet data and with solutions using only one-way data collected by the DSN were compared.

Ellis, J.↗