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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 253 records · Page 14

Guaranteeing synchronous message deadlines with the timed token medium access control protocol

We study the problem of guaranteeing synchronous message deadlines in token ring networks where the timed token medium access control protocol is employed. Synchronous capacity, defined as the maximum time for which a node can transmit its synchronous messages every time it receives the token, is a key parameter in the control of synchronous message transmission. To ensure the transmission of synchronous messages before their deadlines, synchronous capacities must be properly allocated to individual nodes. We address the issue of appropriate allocation of the synchronous capacities. Several synchronous capacity allocation schemes are analyzed in terms of their ability to satisfy deadline constraints of synchronous messages. We show that an inappropriate allocation of the synchronous capacities could cause message deadlines to be missed even if the synchronous traffic is extremely low. We propose a scheme called the normalized proportional allocation scheme which can guarantee the synchronous message deadlines for synchronous traffic of up to 33 percent of available utilization. To date, no other synchronous capacity allocation scheme has been reported to achieve such substantial performance. Another major contribution of this paper is an extension to the previous work on the bounded token rotation time. We prove that the time elapsed between any consecutive visits to a particular node is bounded by upsilon TTRT, where TTRT is the target token rotation time set up at system initialization time. The previous result by Johnson and Sevcik is a special case where upsilon = 2. We use this result in the analysis of various synchronous allocation schemes. It can also be applied in other similar studies.

Agrawal, Gopal↗

Modulation and synchronization technique for MF-TDMA system

This report addresses modulation and synchronization techniques for a multi-frequency time division multiple access (MF-TDMA) system with onboard baseband processing. The types of synchronization techniques analyzed are asynchronous (conventional) TDMA, preambleless asynchronous TDMA, bit synchronous timing with a preamble, and preambleless bit synchronous timing. Among these alternatives, preambleless bit synchronous timing simplifies onboard multicarrier demultiplexer/demodulator designs (about 2:1 reduction in mass and power), requires smaller onboard buffers (10:1 to approximately 3:1 reduction in size), and provides better frame efficiency as well as lower onboard processing delay. Analysis and computer simulation illustrate that this technique can support a bit rate of up to 10 Mbit/s (or higher) with proper selection of design parameters. High bit rate transmission may require Doppler compensation and multiple phase error measurements. The recommended modulation technique for bit synchronous timing is coherent QPSK with differential encoding for the uplink and coherent QPSK for the downlink.

Faris, Faris↗

Full time-dependent SOLPS-ITER simulation of the SPARC tokamak: actuator design for particle and divertor condition control *

Abstract This paper presents the application of full time-dependent SOLPS-ITER simulations for actuator design in the SPARC tokamak. This study employs both the EIRENE module, a neutral solver, and the B2.5 plasma module in a time-dependent mode. This is in contrast to most SOLPS simulations, which focus on steady-state solutions, where the neutral distribution is evolved without any time limit or for a time step of 1 ⋅ 10 − 3 second, which is several orders of magnitude larger than the fluid plasma time step. The time-dependent EIRENE was tested with a fixed B2.5 background and compared with a simple conductance based model in a simplified pump chamber geometry. This comparison aimed to verify the reliability of the neutral relaxation timescale derived from the time-dependent EIRENE. Subsequently, a full time-dependent simulation was performed in a realistic geometry, with the Monte-Carlo neutral time step synchronized with the plasma fluid time step. The numerical setup of the code, including relative time steps and the size of the census data used to store Monte-Carlo particle information is considered. The full-time dependent simulations are then applied to inform the design of the SPARC louver structure, which affects divertor plasma parameters by regulating the neutral conductance from the divertor to the pump. The response of the plasma and neutral parameters was captured on a timescale that enables the design of the actuator to consider time-dependent control capability. It was found that changing the louver opacity has an equivalent effect as varying the gas throughput via puff actuation. Therefore, equivalent divertor plasma conditions can be obtained from both actuators, while the neutral pressure distribution in the pump and divertor differs for each actuator.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

A distributed microprocessor system for spacecraft control and data handling

The specific requirements for spacecraft computing systems are considered. These requirements are partly related to the constraints of limited resources of power, weight, and volume. Another important factor is the requirement of extremely high reliability. These reliability requirements have led to introduction of automated redundancy techniques on board the spacecraft. The various redundant computers check each other and provide recovery procedures when a computer is found to have failed. Past and future capabilities are considered along with distributed processing requirements. System considerations are discussed, taking into account suboptimum computer throughput, sensitivity to software modifications, hierarchic timing, I/O granularity, restricted communications, synchronous functions, hierarchic control, and concurrent error detection. A description is presented of the Unified Data System (UDS), which consists of a set of standard microcomputers connected by several buses. Attention is also given to synchronization and timing, the executive control structure, the programming language, and the executive program.

Rennels, D. A.↗

International time transfer and portable clock evaluation using GPS timing receivers: Preliminary results

The overall experiment was designed to test the positioning and navigation capabilities of the GPS timing receivers developed by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) for the NASA Goddard Laser Tracking Network (GITN). To perform this experiment, a reliable and redundant time scale was set up onboard the ship, and a back-up on shore. This situation provided the opportunity to perform simultaneously a timing experiment ideally divided into two parts, the main objectives of the experimentation being: (1) To test GPS timing receiver synchronization capabilities on a moving platform, and to perform an intercontinental synchronization via GPS between participating international timing laboratories in Europe and in the United States. (2) To evaluate the performance of cesium portable clocks in the field.

Wardrip, S. C.↗

The VLBI time delay function for synchronous orbits

The VLBI is a satellite tracking technique that to date was applied largely to the tracking of synchronous orbits. These orbits are favorable for VLBI in that the remote satellite range allows continuous viewing from widely separated stations. The primary observable, geometric time delay is the time difference for signal propagation between satellite and baseline terminals. Extraordinary accuracy in angular position data on the satellite can be obtained by observation from baselines of continental dimensions. In satellite tracking though the common objective is to derive orbital elements. A question arises as to how the baseline vector bears on the accuracy of determining the elements. Our approach to this question is to derive an analytic expression for the time delay function in terms of Kepler elements and station coordinates. The analysis, which is for simplicity based on elliptic motion, shows that the resolution for the inclination of the orbital plane depends on the magnitude of the baseline polar component and the resolution for in-plane elements depends on the magnitude of a projected equatorial baseline component.

Rosenbaum, B.↗

Time signal distribution in communication networks based on synchronous digital hierarchy

A new method that uses round-trip paths to accurately measure transmission delay for time synchronization is proposed. The performance of the method in Synchronous Digital Hierarchy networks is discussed. The feature of this method is that it separately measures the initial round trip path delay and the variations in round-trip path delay. The delay generated in SDH equipment is determined by measuring the initial round-trip path delay. In an experiment with actual SDH equipment, the error of initial delay measurement was suppressed to 30ns.

Imaoka, Atsushi↗

Anisotropic pitch angle distribution of 50 eV to 50 keV particles at synchronous altitude.

At times, the electron pitch angle distributions at synchronous orbit have been observed to be highly anisotropic. In the local morning region, distributions concentrated near 90 deg are often observed in particles of less than approximately 2000 V. This anisotropy decreases with increasing energy from 1 keV to the detector's limit at 50 keV. The time development of anisotropy is consistent with production by pitch angle scattering processes which are not effective on electrons with small velocities parallel to the magnetic field. Another type of distribution has been observed with the low-energy (below 1000 V) electrons concentrated parallel and antiparallel to the magnetic field. These distributions are only seen in the dusk sector, but this may be an orbital artifact.

Deforest, S. E.↗

Synchronization Of Parallel Discrete Event Simulations

Adaptive, parallel, discrete-event-simulation-synchronization algorithm, Breathing Time Buckets, developed in Synchronous Parallel Environment for Emulation and Discrete Event Simulation (SPEEDES) operating system. Algorithm allows parallel simulations to process events optimistically in fluctuating time cycles that naturally adapt while simulation in progress. Combines best of optimistic and conservative synchronization strategies while avoiding major disadvantages. Algorithm processes events optimistically in time cycles adapting while simulation in progress. Well suited for modeling communication networks, for large-scale war games, for simulated flights of aircraft, for simulations of computer equipment, for mathematical modeling, for interactive engineering simulations, and for depictions of flows of information.

Steinman, Jeffrey S.↗

International Space Station Future Correlation Analysis Improvements

Ongoing modal analyses and model correlation are performed on different configurations of the International Space Station (ISS). These analyses utilize on-orbit dynamic measurements collected using four main ISS instrumentation systems: External Wireless Instrumentation System (EWIS), Internal Wireless Instrumentation System (IWIS), Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS), and Structural Dynamic Measurement System (SDMS). Remote Sensor Units (RSUs) are network relay stations that acquire flight data from sensors. Measured data is stored in the Remote Sensor Unit (RSU) until it receives a command to download data via RF to the Network Control Unit (NCU). Since each RSU has its own clock, it is necessary to synchronize measurements before analysis. Imprecise synchronization impacts analysis results. A study was performed to evaluate three different synchronization techniques: (i) measurements visually aligned to analytical time-response data using model comparison, (ii) Frequency Domain Decomposition (FDD), and (iii) lag from cross-correlation to align measurements. This paper presents the results of this study.

time synchronization↗

A review of satellite time-transfer technology: Accomplishments and future applications

The research accomplishments by NASA in meeting the needs of the space program for precise time in satellite tracking are presented. As a major user of precise time signals for clock synchronization of NASA's worldwide satellite tracking networks, the agency provides much of the necessary impetus for the development of stable frequency sources and time synchronization technology. The precision time required for both satellite tracking and space science experiments has increased at a rate of about one order of magnitude per decade from 1 millisecond in the 1950's to 100 microseconds during the Apollo era in the 1960's to 10 microseconds in the 1970's. For the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System, satellite timing requirements will be extended to 1 microsecond and below. These requirements are needed for spacecraft autonomy and data packeting.

Cooper, R. S.↗

A Discussion of Time Management Concepts and Time Constraint Equations for Multi-Rate Federation Executions

The High Level Architecture (HLA) is a simulation interoperability standard developed by the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) and published as the international standard IEEE 1516-2010 by the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). HLA is a widely used standard for the development and execution of collaborative distributed simulations. HLA provides a number of Management Services to simulation developers: Federation, Declaration, Object, Ownership, Data Distribution, and Time. Of those services, Time Management Services is probably one of the least understood and least used. However, Time Management Services are critical to technical simulations like those created for space systems using the Space Reference Federation Object Model (SpaceFOM). Time Management can be used to insure data coherence and execution repeatability in distributed simulations. When combined with real time execution policies, Time Management is being used to support real time execution of mixed software and hardware in the loop integration, verification, and validation simulations for active space systems development. This paper starts by providing an overview of the HLA Time Management Services. This provides the background to discuss the challenges associated with Time Management and its use, starting with simple common rate frame scheduled simulations, then simple multi-rate simulations, and ending with complex mixed rate simulations. The authors then formulate the significant time constraint relationships between identified frame scheduling parameters. The intent of the paper is to provide a concise discussion of how to use Time Management in both simple cases and in more complex mixed frame rate federation executions.

Simulation Interoperability↗

A Discussion of Time Management Concepts and Time Constraint Equations for Multi-Rate Federation Executions

The High Level Architecture (HLA) is a simulation interoperability standard developed by the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) and published as the international standard IEEE 1516-2010 by the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). HLA is a widely used standard for the development and execution of collaborative distributed simulations. HLA provides a number of Management Services to simulation developers: Federation, Declaration, Object, Ownership, Data Distribution, and Time. Of those services, Time Management Services is probably one of the least understood and least used. However, Time Management Services are critical to technical simulations like those created for space systems using the Space Reference Federation Object Model (SpaceFOM). Time Management can be used to insure data coherence and execution repeatability in distributed simulations. When combined with real time execution policies, Time Management is being used to support real time execution of mixed software and hardware in the loop integration, verification, and validation simulations for active space systems development. This paper starts by providing an overview of the HLA Time Management Services. This provides the background to discuss the challenges associated with Time Management and its use, starting with simple common rate frame scheduled simulations, then simple multi-rate simulations, and ending with complex mixed rate simulations. The authors then formulate the significant time constraint relationships between identified frame scheduling parameters. The intent of the paper is to provide a concise discussion of how to use Time Management in both simple cases and in more complex mixed frame rate federation executions.

Simulation Interoperability↗

A review of satellite time transfer technology - Accomplishments and future applications

A brief review of the research accomplishments by NASA in meeting the needs of the space program for precise time in satellite tracking is presented. As a major user of precise time signals for clock synchronization of NASA's worldwide satellite tracking networks, the agency provided much of the necessary impetus for the development of stable frequency sources and time synchronization technology. The precision in time required for both satellite tracking and space science experiments has increased at a rate of about 1 order of magnitude per decade from 1 ms in the 1950's to 100 microsec during the Apollo era in the 1960's to 10 microsec in the 1970's. In the 1980's, when the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) comes into operation, satellite timing requirements will be extended to 1 microsec and below. These requirements are needed for spacecraft autonomy and data packeting which are now in active planning stages.

Cooper, R. S.↗

An extension to Schneider's general paradigm for fault-tolerant clock synchronization

In 1987, Schneider presented a general paradigm that provides a single proof of a number of fault tolerant clock synchronization algorithms. His proof was subsequently subjected to the rigor of mechanical verification by Shankar. However, both Schneider and Shankar assumed a condition Shankar refers to as a bounded delay. This condition states that the elapsed time between synchronization events (i.e., the time that the local process applies an adjustment to its logical clock) is bounded. This property is really a result of the algorithm and should not be assumed in a proof of correctness. This paper remedies this by providing a proof of this property in the context of the general paradigm proposed by Schneider. The argument given is a generalization of Welch and Lynch's proof of a related property for their algorithm.

Miner, Paul S.↗

Using GPS and VLBI technology to maintain 14 digit synchronization

To facilitate the navigation of spacecraft to the outer planets, Jupiter and beyond, the JPL-NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) has implemented three ensembles of atomic clocks at widely separated locations. These clocks must be maintained, synchronized, to with a few parts in 10 to the 13th power of each other and, the entire group must be maintained, to a lesser degree, in synchronism with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)NBS/USNO. Over the last 1 1/2 years the DSN has been using Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) and Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) technology to perform these critical Frequency and Time (F&T) synchronization tasks. A year of F&T synchronization data collected from the intercomparison of 3 sets of cesium and hydrogen maser driven clock ensembles through the use of GPS and VLBI techniques are covered. Also covered, are some of the problems met and limitations of these two techniques at their present level of technology.

Ward, S. C.↗