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At least 1,675 records · Page 93
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Event Recorder Scans 2,048 Channels

Up to 16 input signals feed each of up to 128 input circuit cards. Single input circuit card contains optical isolators with input-diode lamping, RC filters, Schmitt-trigger input buffers, and 16-to-1 multiplexer. Input circuit cards feed logic, memory, and input/output circuits, which are standard, off-the-shelf devices. Instrument records sequence and time of events and could be useful in monitoring operation of manufacturing machinery and furnishing information useful in diagnosis of machinery malfunctions.

Slusser, K. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Biomedical technology transfer. Applications of NASA science and technology

Ongoing projects described address: (1) intracranial pressure monitoring; (2) versatile portable speech prosthesis; (3) cardiovascular magnetic measurements; (4) improved EMG biotelemetry for pediatrics; (5) ultrasonic kidney stone disintegration; (6) pediatric roentgen densitometry; (7) X-ray spatial frequency multiplexing; (8) mechanical impedance determination of bone strength; (9) visual-to-tactile mobility aid for the blind; (10) Purkinje image eyetracker and stabilized photocoalqulator; (11) neurological applications of NASA-SRI eyetracker; (12) ICU synthesized speech alarm; (13) NANOPHOR: microelectrophoresis instrument; (14) WRISTCOM: tactile communication system for the deaf-blind; (15) medical applications of NASA liquid-circulating garments; and (16) hip prosthesis with biotelemetry. Potential transfer projects include a person-portable versatile speech prosthesis, a critical care transport sytem, a clinical information system for cardiology, a programmable biofeedback orthosis for scoliosis a pediatric long-bone reconstruction, and spinal immobilization apparatus.

Harrison, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Infrared fiber optic focal plane dispersers

Far infrared transmissive fiber optics as a component in the design of integrated far infrared focal plane array utilization is discussed. A tightly packed bundle of fibers is placed at the focal plane, where an array of infrared detectors would normally reside, and then fanned out in two or three dimensions to individual detectors. Subsequently, the detectors are multiplexed by cryogenic electronics for relay of the data. A second possible application is frequency up-conversion (v sub 1 + v sub 2 = v sub 3), which takes advantage of the nonlinear optical index of refraction of certain infrared transmissive materials in fiber form. Again, a fiber bundle is utilized as above, but now a laser of frequency v sub 1 is mixed with the incoming radiation of frequency v sub 1 within the nonlinear fiber material. The sum, v sub 2 is then detected by near infrared or visible detectors which are more sensitive than those available at v sub 2. Due to the geometrical size limitations of detectors such as photomultipliers, the focal plane dispersal technique is advantageous for imaging up-conversion.

Goebel, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1982

State-of-the-art cockpit design for the HH-65A helicopters

In the design of a HH-65A helicopter cockpit, advanced integrated electronics systems technology was employed to achieve several important goals for this multimission aircraft. They were: (1) integrated systems operation with consistent and simplified cockpit procedures; (2) mission-task-related cockpit displays and controls, and (3) reduced pilot instrument scan effort with excellent outside visibility. The integrated avionics system was implemented to depend heavily upon distributed but complementary processing, multiplex digital bus technology, and multifunction CRT controls and displays. This avionics system was completely flight tested and will soon enter operational service with the Coast Guard.

Castleberry, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Thematic mapper performance

The thematic mapper primarily and its difference from MSS is reviewed. The TM has 30 meter resolution and the MSS has 80 meter resolution. This provides on agriculture an ability to accurately classify 10 acre fields with the TM versus 70 acre fields with the MSS data. There are six reflected light bands in the thematic mapper. Two bands are a new spectral region out in the IR, the shortwave IR region, as opposed to MSS's four reflected light bands. Four thematic mapper reflected light bands in the visible portion of the spectrum are designated to enhance the classification capability. The TM has better signal-to-noise ratio performance and radiometric sensitivity. The scan efficiency is increased through the use of bidirectional scanning, which gives a scan efficiency of 85% versus 45% with the multispectral scanner and more detectors per band. Greater encoding resolution is obtained in the multiplexer, 8 bit resolution versus 6 bits for MSS.

Engle, J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

System data communication structures for active-control transport aircraft, volume 1

Candidate data communication techniques are identified, including dedicated links, local buses, broadcast buses, multiplex buses, and mesh networks. The design methodology for mesh networks is then discussed, including network topology and node architecture. Several concepts of power distribution are reviewed, including current limiting and mesh networks for power. The technology issues of packaging, transmission media, and lightning are addressed, and, finally, the analysis tools developed to aid in the communication design process are described. There are special tools to analyze the reliability and connectivity of networks and more general reliability analysis tools for all types of systems.

Hopkins, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

System data communication structures for active-control transport aircraft, volume 2

The application of communication structures to advanced transport aircraft are addressed. First, a set of avionic functional requirements is established, and a baseline set of avionics equipment is defined that will meet the requirements. Three alternative configurations for this equipment are then identified that represent the evolution toward more dispersed systems. Candidate communication structures are proposed for each system configuration, and these are compared using trade off analyses; these analyses emphasize reliability but also address complexity. Multiplex buses are recognized as the likely near term choice with mesh networks being desirable for advanced, highly dispersed systems.

Hopkins, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Data acquisition system for NASA LaRC impact dynamics research facility

A data system is designed to permit the simultaneous recording of 90 data channels on one 28 track magnetic tape recorder using a constant bandwidth FM multiplexing technique. Dynamic signals from transducers located in the test aircraft are amplified and fed to voltage controlled oscillators where they are converted to discrete FM signals. The signals from each group of five VCO's are fed to a mixer/distribution amplifier where they are combined into one composite signal and recorded, using direct recording techniques, on one magnetic tape recorder track. Millivolt signals from the recorders reproduce heads are amplified to one volt and then electronically switched to an FM demultiplexing system where appropriate frequency discrimination and signal filtering recover the original analog information.

Mccormick, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Hyperthermia heating apparatus

Electromagnetic energy is delivered to a localized area of a patient's body in a hyperthermic treatment so that it provides a uniform distribution of electromagnetic flux lines within the localized area of the patient's body and produces a uniform and localized heating gradient. An electrode array includes a number of electrodes which are arranged in pair, with the electrodes in each pair being spaced a particular distance apart. The array is driven by a balanced line system which is electromagnetically coupled to each pair of electrodes and which is shielded by a ground coaxial shield which itself is ground to the body of the patient. Each electrode is embedded in a Teflon stand-off in order to move the region of strong field, from the body, produced by rapidly changing potentials. The two pairs of electrodes forming a cross-like geometry are used with the balanced line systems. The electrical power is either multiplexed among the electrodes or the second pair is driven by a potential which is sinusoidal and which is 90% out of phase with the first balanced line system which is also sinusoidal.

Gammell, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The Retarding Ion Mass Spectrometer on Dynamics Explorer-A

The thermal component of the magnetospheric plasma plays a key role in magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling processes, acting as a strong influence on ionospheric structure at low altitudes and as a source and modifier of the hotter plasma population at high altitudes. The Retarding Ion Mass Spectrometer (RIMS) instrument on Dynamics Explorer-A is designed to measure this important thermal plasma component. Using a combination of retarding potential analysis and magnetic ion mass spectrometer techniques, the RIMS instrument will measure the bulk plasma parameters of ion density (0.1 to 1,000,000 ions/cu cm), temperature (0-45 eV), and bulk flow (greater than 0.5 km/sec) in the inner plasmasphere and ionosphere, and the specific ion pitch angle and energy spectral characteristics in the outer plasmasphere and plasma trough for a mass range of 1-32 amu. The energy and mass spectral step sequences, as well as the multiplexing of the resultant data, can be tailored to accomplish a variety of thermal ion measurements throughout the inner magnetosphere.

Chappell, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

ESTL RF communication simulators for orbiter payloads and GPS satellites

The simulator contains a transponder compatible with the NASA Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network, a transponder compatible with the DOD Space Ground Link System, and associated command detector units and telemetry multiplexer/modulators. It is pointed out that during selected ESTL tests, the actual payload transponder will be configured with the Payload Communications Simulator (PCS) telemetry multiplexer and modulators to form a complete payload communication system. A block diagram of the PCS is included.

Schmidt, O. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Telemetry Computer System at Wallops Flight Center

This paper describes the Telemetry Computer System in operation at NASA's Wallops Flight Center for real-time or off-line processing, storage, and display of telemetry data from rockets and aircraft. The system accepts one or two PCM data streams and one FM multiplex, converting each type of data into computer format and merging time-of-day information. A data compressor merges the active streams, and removes redundant data if desired. Dual minicomputers process data for display, while storing information on computer tape for further processing. Real-time displays are located at the station, at the rocket launch control center, and in the aircraft control tower. The system is set up and run by standard telemetry software under control of engineers and technicians. Expansion capability is built into the system to take care of possible future requirements.

Bell, H.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Extreme ultraviolet imaging spectrometer for thermospheric emissions

One of the instruments that has been developed to fly on the Space Shuttle is the Imaging Spectrometric Observatory, an array of five imaging spectrometers to cover the 300-12,000-A wavelength range. In this paper the spectrometer designed to operate in the extreme ultraviolet is described. The instrument is intended for studies of the thermosphere and magnetosphere and support of various plasma experiments to be performed from the Shuttle. The design is modular so that various components such as gratings and detectors can be changed and optimized for a range of specific studies following the first survey mission. The detector is an intensified 2-D CCD which permits simultaneous spectral and spatial imaging. The spectral multiplexing gives the spectrometer a considerable speed advantage. The instrument has a small field of view and is thus capable of obtaining much needed scale height information on the atmospheric EUV emissions. Operating from the Shuttle, global and temporal coverage will be obtained, and the EUV data will be enhanced by the simultaneously acquired UV, visible, and near-IR observations.

Torr, M. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Response control for fatigue testing of non-linear systems

A signal conditioner which ensures that peak and low values during vibration testing are not lost during nonlinear or asymmetric vibration testing on small structures is described. The trapped signals may be for acceleration, velocity, or displacement. The test signal is sent through an analog circuit to a multiplexer, which resets to zero each time a zero-line is crossed by another incoming signal. Peak positive and negative amplitude and frequency are retained and nonsymmetric responses are thus detected, rather than averaged out.

Gowdey, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Space platform accommodations

The results of studies performed at NASA of five space platform design reference missions (DRM) are presented. The DRM's were planned in an effort to eliminate problems, rather than to enhance optimization. A diagram of each payload is included, and the space platform concept is presented with the most important features being a continuous total power supply of 12.5 kW to the payloads at 30 and/or 120 Vdc regulated, a high-rate multiplexer with a total output of 48 Mbps, and and a thermal control system capable of dissipating the platform power output at payload fluid temperatures of 0 C to 3 C. Payload interface requirements were analyzed and appropriate integration hardware was added. Payload viewing characteristics are considered, and resource use is discussed. It is concluded that, in payload applications, efficient use of STS transportation and the platform must be considered.

Bailey, W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

High density bit transition requirements versus the effects on BCH error correcting code

The design to achieve the required bit transition density for the Space Shuttle high rate multiplexes (HRM) data stream of the Space Laboratory Vehicle is reviewed. It contained a recommended circuit approach, specified the pseudo random (PN) sequence to be used and detailed the properties of the sequence. Calculations showing the probability of failing to meet the required transition density were included. A computer simulation of the data stream and PN cover sequence was provided. All worst case situations were simulated and the bit transition density exceeded that required. The Preliminary Design Review and the critical Design Review are documented. The Cover Sequence Generator (CSG) Encoder/Decoder design was constructed and demonstrated. The demonstrations were successful. All HRM and HRDM units incorporate the CSG encoder or CSG decoder as appropriate.

Ingels, F. M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Advanced flight control system study

The architecture, requirements, and system elements of an ultrareliable, advanced flight control system are described. The basic criteria are functional reliability of 10 to the minus 10 power/hour of flight and only 6 month scheduled maintenance. A distributed system architecture is described, including a multiplexed communication system, reliable bus controller, the use of skewed sensor arrays, and actuator interfaces. Test bed and flight evaluation program are proposed.

Mcgough, J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Entropy, instrument scan and pilot workload

Correlation and information theory which analyze the relationships between mental loading and visual scanpath of aircraft pilots are described. The relationship between skill, performance, mental workload, and visual scanning behavior are investigated. The experimental method required pilots to maintain a general aviation flight simulator on a straight and level, constant sensitivity, Instrument Landing System (ILS) course with a low level of turbulence. An additional periodic verbal task whose difficulty increased with frequency was used to increment the subject's mental workload. The subject's looppoint on the instrument panel during each ten minute run was computed via a TV oculometer and stored. Several pilots ranging in skill from novices to test pilots took part in the experiment. Analysis of the periodicity of the subject's instrument scan was accomplished by means of correlation techniques. For skilled pilots, the autocorrelation of instrument/dwell times sequences showed the same periodicity as the verbal task. The ability to multiplex simultaneous tasks increases with skill. Thus autocorrelation provides a way of evaluating the operator's skill level.

Tole, J. R.↗