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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 433 records · Page 24

Solar Power Satellite (SPS) solid-state antenna power combiner

A low loss power-combining microstrip antenna suitable for solid state solar power satellite (SPS) application was developed. A unique approach for performing both the combining and radiating function in a single cavity-type circuit was verified, representing substantial refinements over previous demonstration models in terms of detailed geometry to obtain good matching and adequate bandwidth at the design frequency. The combiner circuit was designed, built, and tested and the overall results support the view that the solid state power-combining antenna approach is a viable candidate for a solid state SPS antenna building block.

Source record↗

Noise equivalent circuit of a semiconductor laser diode

A small-signal model of a semiconductor laser is extended to include the effects of intrinsic noise by adding current and voltage noise sources. The current noise source represents the shot noise of carrier recombination, while the voltage noise source represents the random process of simulated emission. The usefulness of the noise equivalent circuit is demonstrated by calculating the modulation and noise characteristics of a current-driven diode as a function of bias current and frequency.

Harder, C.↗

RF model of the distribution system as a communication channel, phase 2. Volume 2: Task reports

Based on the established feasibility of predicting, via a model, the propagation of Power Line Frequency on radial type distribution feeders, verification studies comparing model predictions against measurements were undertaken using more complicated feeder circuits and situations. Detailed accounts of the major tasks are presented. These include: (1) verification of model; (2) extension, implementation, and verification of perturbation theory; (3) parameter sensitivity; (4) transformer modeling; and (5) compensation of power distribution systems for enhancement of power line carrier communication reliability.

Rustay, R. C.↗

Embedded ESD Protection Proof of Concept

The purpose of this project is to characterize and correlate Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) sensitivity levels of an Integrated Circuit (IC) package using Transmission Line Pulse (TLP) and Human Body Model (HBM) methods. This characterization will be used as a baseline ESD sensitivity level to demonstrate improvement to the ESD sensitivity of the IC package through the use of EPI-FLO(Trade Mark) Polymer Voltage Suppression (PVS) protection devices developed and manufactured by Electronic Polymers, Inc. (EPI).

Human Body Model (HBM) methods↗

Radiation Testing and Evaluation Issues for Modern Integrated Circuits

Abstract. Changes in modern integrated circuit (IC) technologies have modified the way we approach and conduct radiation tolerance and testing of electronics. These changes include scaling of geometries, new materials, new packaging technologies, and overall speed and device complexity challenges. In this short course section, we will identify and discuss these issues as they impact radiation testing, modeling, and effects mitigation of modern integrated circuits. The focus will be on CMOS-based technologies, however, other high performance technologies will be discussed where appropriate. The effects of concern will be: Single-Event Effects (SEE) and steady state total ionizing dose (TID) IC response. However, due to the growing use of opto-electronics in space systems issues concerning displacement damage testing will also be considered. This short course section is not intended to provide detailed "how-to-test" information, but simply provide a snapshot of current challenges and some of the approaches being considered.

LaBel, Kenneth A.↗

Traveling-Wave Tube Amplifier Model to Predict High-Order Modulation Intersymbol Interference

Demands for increased data rates in satellite communications necessitate higher order modulation schemes, larger system bandwidth, and minimum distortion of the modulated signal as it is passed through the traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA). One type of distortion that the TWTA contributes to is intersymbol interference (ISI), and this becomes particularly disruptive with wide-band, complex modulation schemes. It is suspected that in addition to the dispersion of the TWT, frequency dependent reflections due to mismatches within the TWT are a significant contributor to ISI. To experimentally investigate the effect of these mismatches within the physical TWT on ISI would be prohibitively expensive, as it would require manufacturing numerous amplifiers in addition to the acquisition of the required digital hardware. In an attempt to develop a more accurate model to correlate IS1 with the TWTA and the operational signal, a fully three-dimensional (3D), time-dependent, TWT interaction model has been developed using the electromagnetic particle-in-cell (PIC) code MAFIA (solution of Maxwell's equations by the Finite-Integration-Algorithm). The model includes a user defined slow-wave circuit with a spatially tapered region of loss to implement a sever, and spatially varied geometry (such as helical pitch) to implement a phase velocity taper. The model also includes user defined input/output coupling and an electron beam contained by solenoidal, electrostatic, or periodic permanent magnet (PPM) focusing allowing standard or novel TWTs to be investigated. This model comprehensively takes into account the effects of frequency dependent nonlinear distortions (MAM and AMPM); gain ripple due to frequency dependent reflections at the input/output coupling, severs, and mismatches from dynamic pitch variations; drive induced oscillations; harmonic generation; intermodulation products; and backward waves.

Kory, Carol L.↗

Experimental evidence for a new single-event upset (SEU) mode in a CMOS SRAM obtained from model verification

Modeling of SEU has been done in a CMOS static RAM containing 1-micron-channel-length transistors fabricated from a p-well epilayer process using both circuit-simulation and numerical-simulation techniques. The modeling results have been experimentally verified with the aid of heavy-ion beams obtained from a three-stage tandem van de Graaff accelerator. Experimental evidence for a novel SEU mode in an ON n-channel device is presented.

Zoutendyk, J. A.↗

Shunted Piezoelectric Vibration Damping Analysis Including Centrifugal Loading Effects

Excessive vibration of turbomachinery blades causes high cycle fatigue problems which require damping treatments to mitigate vibration levels. One method is the use of piezoelectric materials as passive or active dampers. Based on the technical challenges and requirements learned from previous turbomachinery rotor blades research, an effort has been made to investigate the effectiveness of a shunted piezoelectric for the turbomachinery rotor blades vibration control, specifically for a condition with centrifugal rotation. While ample research has been performed on the use of a piezoelectric material with electric circuits to attempt to control the structural vibration damping, very little study has been done regarding rotational effects. The present study attempts to fill this void. Specifically, the objectives of this study are: (a) to create and analyze finite element models for harmonic forced response vibration analysis coupled with shunted piezoelectric circuits for engine blade operational conditions, (b) to validate the experimental test approaches with numerical results and vice versa, and (c) to establish a numerical modeling capability for vibration control using shunted piezoelectric circuits under rotation. Study has focused on a resonant damping control using shunted piezoelectric patches on plate specimens. Tests and analyses were performed for both non-spinning and spinning conditions. The finite element (FE) shunted piezoelectric circuit damping simulations were performed using the ANSYS Multiphysics code for the resistive and inductive circuit piezoelectric simulations of both conditions. The FE results showed a good correlation with experimental test results. Tests and analyses of shunted piezoelectric damping control, demonstrating with plate specimens, show a great potential to reduce blade vibrations under centrifugal loading.

Min, James B.↗

An empirical model relating the auroral geomagnetic activity to the Interplanetary Magnetic Field

A damped linear oscillator (LRC circuit) predicts a significant amount of the AL index variations when it is driven by the IMF's B(South) component. The model parameters are determined from fitting the AL time series and show a small, apparently nonsystematic variation with the activity level. Following an isolated external disturbance the LRC model's response peaks at 15 min - 0.5 h and decays after 1-2 more hours. The time scales and the correlation between observed AL and the circuit output (60-80 percent) are in good agreement with earlier linear prediction filter results. The results support the modeling of the global magnetospheric behavior with dynamical systems of a few degrees of freedom.

Vassiliadis, D.↗

Application of RADSAFE to Model Single Event Upset Response of a 0.25 micron CMOS SRAM

The RADSAFE simulation framework is described and applied to model Single Event Upsets (SEU) in a 0.25 micron CMOS 4Mbit Static Random Access Memory (SRAM). For this circuit, the RADSAFE approach produces trends similar to those expected from classical models, but more closely represents the physical mechanisms responsible for SEU in the SRAM circuit.

Warren, Kevin M.↗

Magnetospheric Structures: Uranus and Neptune

Magnetospheric structures that might be encountered at Uranus and Neptune are described. Statistics indicate a sufficiently high probability to warrant consideration of their likely properties in advance of the Voyager encounters. Because the spin axis of Uranus lies nearly in the ecliptic and presently points approximately sunward, Voyager is likely to encounter the unique pole on configuration that has special theoretical significance. Corotation in the magnetospheres of Uranus and Neptune would probably exclude solar wind drive convection as an important driver of global magnetospheric dynamics, as it does at Jupiter and Saturn. The magnetospheres of Uranus and Neptune probably lack sufficient internal sources of plasma to produce significant levels of rotationally driven convection. The reported observation of auroral emission from Uranus has therefore motivated the development of an alternative model in which solar wind motion is coupled directly to the rotation of the ionosphere to establish a dynamo circuit which generates Birkeland currents and polar cap aurora. This model predicts the strength and configuration of the aurora as functions of the magnitude and polarity, respectively, of the planetary magnetic moment.

T W Hill↗

Total Dose Effects on Bipolar Integrated Circuits at Low Temperature

Total dose damage in bipolar integrated circuits is investigated at low temperature, along with the temperature dependence of the electrical parameters of internal transistors. Bandgap narrowing causes the gain of npn transistors to decrease far more at low temperature compared to pnp transistors, due to the large difference in emitter doping concentration. When irradiations are done at temperatures of -140 deg C, no damage occurs until devices are warmed to temperatures above -50 deg C. After warm-up, subsequent cooling shows that damage is then present at low temperature. This can be explained by the very strong temperature dependence of dispersive transport in the continuous-time-random-walk model for hole transport. For linear integrated circuits, low temperature operation is affected by the strong temperature dependence of npn transistors along with the higher sensitivity of lateral and substrate pnp transistors to radiation damage.

linear integrated circuits↗

Optimizing costs of VLSI circuits

Report analyzes costs of developing and producing low-production-volume, customized VLSI (very large-scale, integrated) circuits. Relationship is developed between IC cost and electronic system cost using IC cost models based on design/fabrication approach. Emphasis is on development of understanding between cost and volume for custom circuits to be used by NASA. Reliability is major cost component in models. Report is divided into five sections and includes four appendices with useful reference literature.

Cook, K. B., Jr.↗

Accurate Time-Dependent Traveling-Wave Tube Model Developed for Computational Bit-Error-Rate Testing

The phenomenal growth of the satellite communications industry has created a large demand for traveling-wave tubes (TWT's) operating with unprecedented specifications requiring the design and production of many novel devices in record time. To achieve this, the TWT industry heavily relies on computational modeling. However, the TWT industry's computational modeling capabilities need to be improved because there are often discrepancies between measured TWT data and that predicted by conventional two-dimensional helical TWT interaction codes. This limits the analysis and design of novel devices or TWT's with parameters differing from what is conventionally manufactured. In addition, the inaccuracy of current computational tools limits achievable TWT performance because optimized designs require highly accurate models. To address these concerns, a fully three-dimensional, time-dependent, helical TWT interaction model was developed using the electromagnetic particle-in-cell code MAFIA (Solution of MAxwell's equations by the Finite-Integration-Algorithm). The model includes a short section of helical slow-wave circuit with excitation fed by radiofrequency input/output couplers, and an electron beam contained by periodic permanent magnet focusing. A cutaway view of several turns of the three-dimensional helical slow-wave circuit with input/output couplers is shown. This has been shown to be more accurate than conventionally used two-dimensional models. The growth of the communications industry has also imposed a demand for increased data rates for the transmission of large volumes of data. To achieve increased data rates, complex modulation and multiple access techniques are employed requiring minimum distortion of the signal as it is passed through the TWT. Thus, intersymbol interference (ISI) becomes a major consideration, as well as suspected causes such as reflections within the TWT. To experimentally investigate effects of the physical TWT on ISI would be prohibitively expensive, as it would require manufacturing numerous amplifiers, in addition to acquiring the required digital hardware. As an alternative, the time-domain TWT interaction model developed here provides the capability to establish a computational test bench where ISI or bit error rate can be simulated as a function of TWT operating parameters and component geometries. Intermodulation products, harmonic generation, and backward waves can also be monitored with the model for similar correlations. The advancements in computational capabilities and corresponding potential improvements in TWT performance may prove to be the enabling technologies for realizing unprecedented data rates for near real time transmission of the increasingly larger volumes of data demanded by planned commercial and Government satellite communications applications. This work is in support of the Cross Enterprise Technology Development Program in Headquarters' Advanced Technology & Mission Studies Division and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Small Business Technology Transfer programs.

Kory, Carol L.↗

Scalability, Timing, and System Design Issues for Intrinsic Evolvable Hardware

In this paper we address several issues pertinent to intrinsic evolvable hardware (EHW). The first issue is scalability; namely, how the design space scales as the programming string for the programmable device gets longer. We develop a model for population size and the number of generations as a function of the programming string length, L, and show that the number of circuit evaluations is an O(L2) process. We compare our model to several successful intrinsic EHW experiments and discuss the many implications of our model. The second issue that we address is the timing of intrinsic EHW experiments. We show that the processing time is a small part of the overall time to derive or evolve a circuit and that major improvements in processor speed alone will have only a minimal impact on improving the scalability of intrinsic EHW. The third issue we consider is the system-level design of intrinsic EHW experiments. We review what other researchers have done to break the scalability barrier and contend that the type of reconfigurable platform and the evolutionary algorithm are tied together and impose limits on each other.

Hereford, James↗

Comparison of the measured and predicted response of the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment active cavity radiometer during solar observations

The Earth Radiation Budget Experiment consists of an array of radiometric instruments placed in earth orbit by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to monitor the longwave and visible components of the earth's radiation budget. Presented is a dynamic electrothermal model of the active cavity radiometer used to measure the earth's total radiative exitance. Radiative exchange is modeled using the Monte Carlo method and transient conduction is treated using the finite element method. Also included is the feedback circuit which controls electrical substitution heating of the cavity. The model is shown to accurately predict the dynamic response of the instrument during solar calibration.

Mahan, J. R.↗

Variable Time Base Integrator Circuit for Buffet Signal Measurements

A measurement circuit to obtain buffet data from wind tunnel models wherein a signal proportional to the average RMS value of buffet data is produced for subsequent recording. Feedback means are employed to suppress the D.C. portion of signals developed by the strain gages during dynamic testing. Automatic recording of gain settings of amplifiers employed in the circuit is also provided.

Batts, Colossie N.↗