Engineering topics

Adams, B. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Adams, B. R..

3 records

NASA NTRS1986

Hardware/Software Expansion of Display Terminal and CPU

IBM PC coupling used to expand capabilities of expensive specialpurpose system. IBM PC was interfaced to Tektronix CP1151 computer through teletype port of Tektronix 4010-1 computer display terminal. Electronic interface built to provide isolation, level shifting, and signal inversion between IBM PC RS-232 port and 4010-1 terminal teletype port. Modifications to 4010-1 terminal made to increase teletype rate from 110 to 9,600 baud. Software for both computers developed to give control of DPO system to IBM PC and provide data/program file exchange between two computers. Coupling demonstrates utilization of low-cost microcomputer hardware and software to expand capabilities of expensive special-purpose computer systems.

Adams, B. R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Molecular-Beam Chopper and Four-Channel Amplifier

Molecular-beam chopper phase controller and timing interface is subsystem of four-stage, differentially pumped, modulated molecular-beam/mass spectrometer. Subsystem maintains accurate phase control and timing for repetitive signal averaging over several hours of operation. Chopper phase controller/ timing interface and four-channel programable time-multiplexed amplifier provide substantial improvements in attainable signal-to-noise ratio, detection limit, and accuracy of molecular-beam/mass-spectrometer system.

Adams, B. R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

A molecular beam/quadrupole mass spectrometer system with synchronized beam modulation and digital waveform analysis

A performance evaluation is conducted for a molecular beam/mass spectrometer (MB/MS) system, as applied to a 1-30 torr microwave-discharge flow reactor (MWFR) used in the formation of the methylperoxy radical and a study of its subsequent destruction in the presence or absence of NO(x). The modulated MB/MS system is four-staged and differentially pumped. The results obtained by the MWFR study is illustrative of overall system performance, including digital waveform analysis; significant improvements over previous designs are noted in attainable S/N ratio, detection limit, and accuracy.

Pellett, G. L.↗