Search NASASearch

Engineering topics

Stermer, R. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Stermer, R. L..

Efficient matrix partitioning for optical computing

Techniques for partitioning optical linear algebra problems to make them amenable to solution using optical processors programmed with simple algorithms are explored. Generalized methods for splitting a linear algebra matrix into a series of submatrices are reviewed, showing that simple forms can be pipelined smoothly and that parallel accumulation can be achieved by beam combining on detectors or by summing electronically. The techniques offer simplified bookkeeping, algorithmic independence, and high efficiency. The computational speed will depend on the number of multiplier-accumulators devoted to the task.

Caulfield, H. J.

Optical Information Processing for Aerospace Applications 2

Current research in optical processing, and determination of its role in future aerospace systems was reviewed. It is shown that optical processing offers significant potential for aircraft and spacecraft control, pattern recognition, and robotics. It is demonstrated that the development of optical devices and components can be implemented in practical aerospace configurations.

Stermer, R. L.

Systolic triple-matrix product calculations

In order to handle arbitrary-sized matrices with fixed-sized optical matrix processors, it is necessary to expand or contract the problem to fit the processor. This preprocessing is examined. It is applied to the type of triple-matrix product calculation needed for Kalman filtering. Emphasis will be placed on systolic-type processors.

Caulfield, H. J.

Optical data processing for aerospace applications

Optical data processing has a significant potential in future aerospace systems. In this paper, potential system applications are identified. One of the more important applications is the determination of errors of large antennas or reflector surfaces and the active control or compensation of the surface. Technological challenges to the application of optical data processing technology to aerospace systems are identified, and current NASA research efforts are discussed.

Stermer, R. L.

An 8 x 10 to the 5th bit bubble memory cell for spacecraft applications

A multiple chip magnetic bubble memory cell design developed for NASA embodies the low power, low weight, environmental tolerance and reliability necessary for successful operation in spacecraft launch and mission environments. Packaging of multiple chips in a common magnetic bias, drive coil assembly reduces weight and volume overhead per chip and also reduces the number of coil drive components required. This 8 x 10 to the 5th bit cell is conduction cooled and provides a metal and ceramic sealed hermetic chip environment.

Becker, F. J.

Bubble-domain detector

Bubble domain detector employs transformer coupling for data retrieval. Method makes multidetection practical by time multiplexing. Multiplexer matrices can be scaled in 4 by 4, 4 by 8, 4 by 16, or larger combinations without diode steering.

Stermer, R. L.

Packaging of a large capacity magnetic bubble domain spacecraft recorder

A Solid State Spacecraft Data Recorder (SSDR), based on bubble domain technology, having a storage capacity of 10 to the 8th power bits, was designed and is being tested. The recorder consists of two memory modules each having 32 cells, each cell containing sixteen 100 kilobit serial bubble memory chips. The memory modules are interconnected to a Drive and Control Unit (DCU) module containing four microprocessors, 500 integrated circuits, a RAM core memory and two PROM's. The two memory modules and DCU are housed in individual machined aluminum frames, are stacked in brick fashion and through bolted to a base plate assembly which also houses the power supply.

Becker, F. J.

Characteristics of epitaxial garnets grown by CVD using single metal alloy sources

Single metal alloys have been explored as the cation source in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of iron garnets. Growth of good quality single crystal garnet films containing as many as five different cations has been achieved over a wide range of deposition conditions. The relationship of film composition to alloy compositions and deposition conditions has been determined for several materials. By proper choice of the alloy composition and the deposition conditions, uncrazed deposits were grown on (111) gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG) substrates. Data on physical, magnetic and optical properties of representative films is presented and discussed.

Besser, P. J.

A magnetic bubble domain flight recorder

A feasibility model of an all-electronic bubble memory system has been constructed. It uses a small 60k bit bubble recorder consisting of 6 chips of 10k bits each mounted in three separate packages operating as a FIFO at a 150 KHz bubble data rate. In addition to serving as a direct tape recorder replacement, the bubble recorder can be programmed for random access to each individual chip for ranom block access operation or for self-checking or by-passing any malfunctioning memory chip. Read and write operations can be performed asynchronously from very low frequency up to basic recording field frequency. A large 50M bit prototype is planned.

Chen, T. T.