Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “multiplexing capability”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Second Generation Readout For Large Format Photon Counting Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors

We present the development of a second generation digital readout system for photon counting microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) arrays operating in the optical and near-infrared wavelength bands. Our system retains much of the core signal processing architecture from the first generation system but with a significantly higher bandwidth, enabling the readout of kilopixel MKID arrays. Each set of readout boards is capable of reading out 1024 MKID pixels multiplexed over 2 GHz of bandwidth; two such units can be placed in parallel to read out a full 2048 pixel microwave feedline over a 4 GHz–8 GHz band. As in the first generation readout, our system is capable of identifying, analyzing, and recording photon detection events in real time with a time resolution of order a few microseconds. Here, we describe the hardware and firmware, and present an analysis of the noise properties of the system. We also present a novel algorithm for efficiently suppressing IQ mixer sidebands to below −30 dBc.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Enhanced Laser-Induced Graphene Microfluidic Integrated Sensors (LIGMIS) for On-Site Biomedical and Environmental Monitoring

The convergence of microfluidic and electrochemical biosensor technologies offers significant potential for rapid, in-field diagnostics in biomedical and environmental applications. Traditional systems face challenges in cost, scalability, and operational complexity, especially in remote settings. Addressing these issues, laser-induced graphene microfluidic integrated sensors (LIGMIS) are presented as an innovative platform that integrates microfluidics and electrochemical sensors both comprised of laser-induced graphene. This study advances the LIGMIS concept by resolving issues of uneven fluid transport, increased hydrophobicity during storage, and sensor biofunctionalization challenges. Key innovations include Y-shaped reservoirs for consistent fluid flow, hydrophilic polyethyleneimine coatings to maintain wettability, and separable microfluidic and electrochemical components enabling isolated electrode nanoparticle metallization and biofunctionalization. Multiplexed electrochemical detection of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid and nitrate ions in environmental water samples yields detection limits of 707 nm and 10 -5.4 m with wide sensing ranges of 5–100 µm and 10 -5 –10 -1 m, respectively. Similarly, uric acid and calcium ions are detected in saliva, demonstrating detection limits of 217 nm and 10 -5.3 m with sensing ranges of 10–50 µm, and 10 -5 –10 -2.5 m, respectively. Overall, this biosensing demonstrates the capability of the LIGMIS platform for multiplexed detection in biologically complex solutions, with applications in environmental water quality monitoring and oral cancer screening.

environmental monitoring↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multiplexing core & sheath extrusion system development for additive manufacturing for inner-bead multi-material capability

Single-feed polymer extruders are widely used in large-format additive manufacturing (AM) systems; however, the increasing demand for multi-material functionality within a single part has driven significant innovation in this field. One approach involves robotic pick-and-place operations, while another explores mechanical switching of feed lines during extrusion. Although robotic pick-and-drop systems offer flexibility, they introduce longer layer times during material changes, which can negatively affect the structural integrity of the part. On the other hand, mechanical feed switching causes delays in material transitions, as the existing material must be flushed before the new material emerges from the nozzle. This poses particular challenges for smaller or more intricate parts. In this study we are developing a unique multiplexing extrusion system with core & sheath nozzle that combines two extruders via co-extrusion. This allows for a unique inside and outside inner-bead (i.e., within the same bead) multi-material capability. We believe that this technology will allow for combining neat and filled materials, ductile and stronger materials, and many other combinations to address the problems aforementioned above and disrupt the AM technology creating new opportunities and opening application areas.

Tekinalp, Halil [ORNL]↗
NASA NTRS1965

The Relay experiment plan

Wideband, narrowband, multiplex, and one-way noise loading capabilities of Relay I ground stations, and experiment plan for Relay program

RELAY I SATELLITE↗
DOE OSTI2021

TMTpro Complementary Ion Quantification Increases Plexing and Sensitivity for Accurate Multiplexed Proteomics at the MS2 Level

Multiplexed proteomics is a powerful tool to assay cell states in health and disease, but accurate quantification of relative protein changes is impaired by interference from co-isolated peptides. Most widely, this issue is alleviated by MS3-based quantification, reducing sensitivity and requiring specialized instrumentation. An alternative approach is quantification by complementary ions, which allows accurate and precise multiplexed quantification at the MS2 level and is compatible with the most widely distributed instruments. However, complementary ions of the popular TMT tag form inefficiently and plexing is limited to five channels. In this work, we evaluate and optimize complementary ion quantification for the recently released TMTPro tag, which increases plexing capacity to 8 channels (TMTProC). We find that the beneficial fragmentation properties increase quantification signal five-fold compared to TMT. This increased sensitivity results in ~50% more proteins quantified compared to TMTPro-MS3 and even slightly outperforms TMTPro-MS2. Furthermore, TMTProC quantification is more accurate than TMTPro-MS2 and even superior to TMTPro-MS3. To demonstrate the power of TMTProC, we analyzed a human and yeast interference sample and were able to quantify 13,290 proteins in 24 fractions. Thus, TMTProC advances multiplexed proteomics data quality and widens access to accurate multiplexed proteomics beyond laboratories with MS3-capable instrumentation.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Test and Validate Distributed Coaxial Cable Sensors for in situ Condition Monitoring of Coal-Fired Boiler Tubes

This project aims to test, validate, and advance the technology readiness level (from TRL5 to TRL7) of a novel low-cost distributed stainless-steel/ceramic coaxial cable sensing (SSC-CCS) technology for in situ monitoring of the boiler tube temperature in existing coal-fired power plants. The novel SSC-CCS sensing technology and associated condition-based monitoring (CBM) software to be demonstrated in this project will lead to an improved understanding of the boiler tube failure mechanisms and a prognostic system to improve the overall performance, reliability, and flexibility of the nation’s coal-fired power plant fleet. A boiler tube monitoring system with distributed coaxial cable temperature sensors and a sensor acquisition system was constructed. The high-temperature coaxial cable sensor with a length of 1.3m was made by using a quartz tube (1mm inner diameter (ID) and 6mm outer diameter (OD)) to concentrically separate a 304 stainless-steel (SS) rod (1mm OD) and SS tube (7.94mm OD and 6.16mm ID). The sensor acquisition system includes a vector network analyzer (VNA), a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier, multiple switches and a USB hub. The distributed stainless-steel quartz coaxial cable sensor (SSQ-CCS) had a linear response to temperature with a resolution uncertainty of σ = 0.77℃. To withstand the harsh conditions of 3,300 steam pressures and 800℃ high temperatures, the sensor was shielded by a protective tube made of the same material as the boiler tube. The protection tube had an OD of 1.5 inches and a thickness of 0.25 inches. In the laboratory tests, the sensor showed good sensitivity and fast response. The drift was bounded between +0.33% and -0.67% during a test at 600℃ for 350 hours, indicating good stability of the sensor. A field test was conducted where four sensors were welded on four superheat tubes (SH-Ts) at a coal-fired power station over 400 days. Conventional thermocouples were welded to the superheater tubes alongside the coaxial cable sensors for the purpose of comparison. Two sensors were capable of distributed sensing, with three multiplexed sensing sections. The other two sensors were single section. During the 400-day test period, the power plant experienced startups and shutdowns. At the steady state operations, the temperature of the boiler tube is about 600℃ (1112°F). The sensors recorded the entire coal-firing processes (start-up, steady state, and shut-down) and the glitch event. A GSM modem and a Watchdog were added to the system to ensure reliable data recording. The GSM modem sent daily messages to plant managers and Clemson team to inform the status of the sensor system. If the system was not normally working, the Watchdog would reboot the system automatically. The new coaxial cable based distributed sensing technology has been proven to be successful in both laboratory and field tests. A comprehensive four-stage multi-physics computational framework has been developed to assist the design, optimization, installation, and operation of SSQ-CCS. With the consideration of various operation conditions, we predict the distributions of flue gas temperatures within coal-fired boilers, the temperature correlation between the boiler tube and SSQ-CCS, and the safety of SSQ-CCS. A conditional-based monitoring system is implemented as well. The computational framework developed in this work can guide the future operation of coal-fired plants and other power plants for the safety prediction of boiler operations.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
NASA NTRS2017

Development and Testing of a Multi-Transducer System for Measuring Height of Condensed Water in Steam Pipes with Steady-State and Turbulent Flow Conditions

One of the critical requirements for ensuring the safety of a steam pipe is to monitor the condensed water level under operation. For this objective, the authors initially developed methods and obtained preliminary test results based on the use of ultrasonic pulse-echo transducers and enhanced signal-processing tool; however, the methodology needed further development in order to obtain measurements in turbulent dynamic flow conditions. To improve the reliability of measurements taken in turbulent flow conditions, an experimental system was developed using multiple transducers driven by a multiplexer, and a data acquisition module capable of operating in any flow conditions. The system consists of a simulation testbed, which allows testing the performance over a range of flow rates and water levels and to observe flow conditions and patterns, as well as measure actual water level, flow velocities, wave conditions, etc. In this paper, we present the development details that include description of the testbed for simulating the flow of condensed water, the multiple transducers arrangement, the signal processing method, and the test results of both steady state and turbulent flow.

Lih, Shyh-Shiuh↗
NASA NTRS2017

Performance of an X-Ray Microcalorimeter with a 240 Micron Absorber and a 50 Micron TES Bilayer

We have been developing superconducting transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters for a variety of potential astrophysics missions, including Athena. The X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) instrument on this mission requires close-packed pixels on a 0.25 mm pitch, and high quantum efficiency between 0.2 and 12 keV. The traditional approach within our group has been to use square TES bilayers on molybdenum and gold that are between 100 and 140 microns in size, deposited on silicon nitride membranes to provide a weak thermal conductance to a 50 mK heat bath temperature. It has been shown that normal metal stripes on top of the bilayer are needed to keep the unexplained noise at a level consistent with the expected based upon estimates for the non-equilibrium non-linear Johnson noise.In this work we describe a new approach in which we use a square TES bilayer that is 50 microns in size. While the weak link effect is much stronger in this size of TES, we have found that excellent spectral performance can be achieved without the need for any normal metal strips on top of the TES. A spectral performance of 1.58 eV at 6 KeV has been achieved, the best resolution seen in any of our devices with this pixel size. The absence of normal metal stripes has led to more uniform transition shapes, and more reliable excellent spectral performance. The smaller TES size has meant that that the thermal conductance to the heat bath, determined by the perimeter length of the TES and the membrane thickness, is lower than on previous devices, and thus has a lower count rate capability. This is an advantage for low count-rate applications where the slower speed enables easier multiplexing in the read-out, thus potential higher multiplexing factors. In order to recover the higher count rate capabilities, a potential path exits using thicker silicon nitride membranes to increase the thermal conductance to the heat bath.

Miniussi, Antoine R.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Computer Software Configuration Item-Specific Flight Software Image Transfer Script Generator

A K-shell UNIX script enables the International Space Station (ISS) Flight Control Team (FCT) operators in NASA s Mission Control Center (MCC) in Houston to transfer an entire or partial computer software configuration item (CSCI) from a flight software compact disk (CD) to the onboard Portable Computer System (PCS). The tool is designed to read the content stored on a flight software CD and generate individual CSCI transfer scripts that are capable of transferring the flight software content in a given subdirectory on the CD to the scratch directory on the PCS. The flight control team can then transfer the flight software from the PCS scratch directory to the Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) of an ISS Multiplexer/ Demultiplexer (MDM) via the Indirect File Transfer capability. The individual CSCI scripts and the CSCI Specific Flight Software Image Transfer Script Generator (CFITSG), when executed a second time, will remove all components from their original execution. The tool will identify errors in the transfer process and create logs of the transferred software for the purposes of configuration management.

Bolen, Kenny↗
NASA NTRS1988

On the VLSI design of a pipeline Reed-Solomon decoder using systolic arrays

A new very large scale integration (VLSI) design of a pipeline Reed-Solomon decoder is presented. The transform decoding technique used in a previous article is replaced by a time domain algorithm through a detailed comparison of their VLSI implementations. A new architecture that implements the time domain algorithm permits efficient pipeline processing with reduced circuitry. Erasure correction capability is also incorporated with little additional complexity. By using multiplexing technique, a new implementation of Euclid's algorithm maintains the throughput rate with less circuitry. Such improvements result in both enhanced capability and significant reduction in silicon area.

Shao, Howard M.↗
DOE OSTI2023

A High-Temperature Multipoint Hydrogen Sensor Using an Intrinsic Fabry–Perot Interferometer in Optical Fiber

This paper presents a multiplexable fiber optic chemical sensor with the capability of monitoring hydrogen gas concentration at high temperatures up to 750 °C. The Pd-nanoparticle infused TiO 2 films coated on intrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometer (IFPI) array were used as sensory films. Strains induced upon exposure to hydrogen with varied concentrations can be monitored by IFPI sensors. The fiber sensor shows a repetitive and reversible response when exposed to a low level (1–6%) of hydrogen gas. Uniform sensory behavior across all the sensing cavities is demonstrated and reported in this paper.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1995

Satellite Telemetry and Return Link (STARLink)

The High Altitude Missions Branch of NASA's Ames Research Center has been pursuing methods and communication architectures to decrease processing time and shorten the dissemination paths of the data from scientific experiments on board the high altitude ER-2 aircraft. The Satellite Telemetry and Return Link (STARLink) is an innovative approach for providing real-time data from existing experiments and allows for highly interactive future experiment systems on the ER-2. The concept involves placing an advanced wideband data link system on the ER-2 (and future NASA aircraft) for communicating to the NASA Tracking Data and Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) and its designated ground station. The emphasis is on providing full duplex real-time data between the ground station hub (and its remote nodes) and the on board experiments, allowing real-time processing and alteration to the experiments. This paper defines the concept, goals, multiplexing and data transmission system architecture, current capabilities, and future plans of the STARLink and its ability to provide a distributed interactive gateway node between the aircraft and various scientific centers worldwide.

Andrew Roberts↗
DOE OSTI2024

Characterization of Intrinsic Fiber Optic Temperature Sensors by In-core and Furnace Testing

Increased research and development in nuclear technology has raised the demand for novel sensors and instrumentation to meet data objectives, and survive in different conditions and environments, beyond conventional light water reactor (LWR) environments. Expediting the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies by developing, demonstrating, and qualifying advanced reactor fuel forms necessitates a deeper understanding of how irradiation affects fuels and materials' performance. To achieve a more comprehensive understanding of fuels and materials performance, researchers require more specialized experiments and measurements. The demand for innovative sensors to support nuclear fuel development arises from the complexity of materials' behavior under irradiation and the challenges of deploying instrumentation in Material Test Reactors (MTRs) for irradiation tests. Additionally, measurements of material properties require integrated measurement systems to characterize thermal properties, mechanical properties, chemistry, and microstructure [1]. Among the potential measurement techniques, optical fiber-based sensors have been identified as potential sensors to measure different physical phenomena such as temperature, strain, pressure, and fluid level. Optical fiber sensors have the capability to provide multi-sensing and multiplexing instrumentation, allowing the measurement of different physical parameters within a single sensor configuration, and transmitting data collected at multiple locations through a single fiber. They offer immunity to electromagnetic interference, electrical passivity, compatibility with various sensing methodologies, and cost-effectiveness. Beyond their widespread use in telecommunications, silica fiber-based instruments are utilized in industrial applications, even at temperatures reaching 300?400°C, such as distributed temperature sensing in oil and gas recovery. The Department of Energy (DOE) is interested in using fiber optics to support fuel cycle development [2]. Fiber optics are an excellent candidate for harsh environment sensing, including sensing at very high temperatures (1900oC for sapphire optical fibers). Distributed fiber optic sensing has been deployed in other harsh environments like coal gasification plants [3]. Distributed strain sensing, which operates similarly to distributed temperature sensing, has been deployed to monitor underground mines and fibers have been imbedded in soil to monitor sink-hole development [4][5]. The application of fiber optic sensors to advanced reactor development is a promising area of research.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS2004

Downlink Data Multiplexer

A multiplexer/demultiplexer system has been developed to enable the transmission, over a single channel, of four data streams generated by a variety of sources at different (including variable) bit rates. In the original intended application, replicas of this multiplexer/demultiplexer system would be incorporated into the spacecraft-to-ground communication systems of the space shuttles. The multiplexer of each system would be installed in the spacecraft, where it would acquire and process data from such sources as commercial digital camcorders, video tape recorders, and the spacecraft telemetry system. The demultiplexer of each system would be installed in a ground station. Purely terrestrial systems of similar design could be attractive for use in situations in which there are requirements to transmit multiple streams of high-quality video data and possibly other data over single channels. The figure is a block diagram of the multiplexer as configured to process data received via three fiber-optic channels like those of the International Space Station and one electrical-cable channel that conforms to the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 1394 standard. (This standard consists of specifications of a high-speed serial data interface, the physical layer of which includes a cable known in the art as "FireWire." An IEEE 1394 interface can also transfer power between the components to which it is connected.) The fiber-optic channels carry packet and/or bit-stream signals that conform to the standards of the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS). The IEEE 1394 interface accepts an isochronous signal like that from a digital camcorder or a video tape recorder. The processing of the four input data streams to combine them into one output stream is governed by a statistical multiplexing algorithm that features a flow-control capability and makes it possible to utilize the transmission channel with nearly 100-percent efficiency. This algorithm allocates the available bandwidth of the transmission channel to the data streams according to a combination of data rates and preassigned priorities. Incoming data streams that demand too much bandwidth are blocked. Bandwidth not needed for a transmission of a given data stream is allocated to other streams as available. Priority is given to the IEEE 1394 stream. In addition to the four incoming data streams, the multiplexer transmits data on the status of the system. An operator can monitor and control the multiplexer via displays and controls on the multiplexer housing. The output of the multiplexer is connected via a coaxial cable with an impedance of 50 Ohms to an interface circuit compatible with the space-shuttle high-speed digital downlink, which operates at a rate of 48 Mb/s.

Holland, Douglas↗
NASA NTRS1987

On the VLSI design of a pipeline Reed-Solomon decoder using systolic arrays

A new very large scale integration (VLSI) design of a pipeline Reed-Solomon decoder is presented. The transform decoding technique used in a previous article is replaced by a time domain algorithm through a detailed comparison of their VLSI implementations. A new architecture that implements the time domain algorithm permits efficient pipeline processing with reduced circuitry. Erasure correction capability is also incorporated with little additional complexity. By using a multiplexing technique, a new implementation of Euclid's algorithm maintains the throughput rate with less circuitry. Such improvements result in both enhanced capability and significant reduction in silicon area.

Shao, H. M.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Development of FRET clusters for CBRN Detection

Advanced sensor capabilities for the simultaneous on-site detection of specific chemical, biological, and radiological/nuclear (CBRN) threats is important to significantly limit the risk of exposure to personnel and allow the rapid collection of essential scientific data and critical evidence. Commercially available sensor capabilities are generally complex, and/or require highly specific and ultra-sensitive methods that are often power demanding or require offsite post-analysis for positive detection, leaving personnel vulnerable. The goal of this project is to develop a portable sensor capable of simultaneously detecting CBRN signatures using a multiplexed Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) based sensor. FRET sensors are tailorable, specific, and highly dependent on the donor-acceptor distance. In this project, nanoparticles were functionalized with aptamers that were designed for the detection of methylphosphonate, a sarin metabolite. FRET was measured between quantum dot donors and dye and metal nanoparticle acceptors using optical spectroscopy.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2024

FRET Based Biosensors for CBRN Threat Detection

Biosensors are devices used to detect the presence/concentration of a biological analyte. Biosensors consist of three parts: 1) a component that recognizes the analyte and produces a signal, 2) a signal transducer, and 3) a reader device. A multiplexed biosensor combines different biosensors for increased detection capabilities.

Demers, Steven M.↗