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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 793 records · Page 44
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Methods and apparatuses using filter banks for multi-carrier spread-spectrum signals

A transmitter includes a synthesis filter bank to spread a data symbol to a plurality of frequencies by encoding the data symbol on each frequency, apply a common pulse-shaping filter, and apply gains to the frequencies such that a power level of each frequency is less than a noise level of other communication signals within the spectrum. Each frequency is modulated onto a different evenly spaced subcarrier. A demodulator in a receiver converts a radio frequency input to a spread-spectrum signal in a baseband. A matched filter filters the spread-spectrum signal with a common filter having characteristics matched to the synthesis filter bank in the transmitter by filtering each frequency to generate a sequence of narrow pulses. A carrier recovery unit generates control signals responsive to the sequence of narrow pulses suitable for generating a phase-locked loop between the demodulator, the matched filter, and the carrier recovery unit.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2016

Methods and apparatuses using filter banks for multi-carrier spread spectrum signals

A transmitter includes a synthesis filter bank to spread a data symbol to a plurality of frequencies by encoding the data symbol on each frequency, apply a common pulse-shaping filter, and apply gains to the frequencies such that a power level of each frequency is less than a noise level of other communication signals within the spectrum. Each frequency is modulated onto a different evenly spaced subcarrier. A demodulator in a receiver converts a radio frequency input to a spread-spectrum signal in a baseband. A matched filter filters the spread-spectrum signal with a common filter having characteristics matched to the synthesis filter bank in the transmitter by filtering each frequency to generate a sequence of narrow pulses. A carrier recovery unit generates control signals responsive to the sequence of narrow pulses suitable for generating a phase-locked loop between the demodulator, the matched filter, and the carrier recovery unit.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2017

Methods and apparatuses using filter banks for multi-carrier spread spectrum signals

A transmitter includes a synthesis filter bank to spread a data symbol to a plurality of frequencies by encoding the data symbol on each frequency, apply a common pulse-shaping filter, and apply gains to the frequencies such that a power level of each frequency is less than a noise level of other communication signals within the spectrum. Each frequency is modulated onto a different evenly spaced subcarrier. A demodulator in a receiver converts a radio frequency input to a spread-spectrum signal in a baseband. A matched filter filters the spread-spectrum signal with a common filter having characteristics matched to the synthesis filter bank in the transmitter by filtering each frequency to generate a sequence of narrow pulses. A carrier recovery unit generates control signals responsive to the sequence of narrow pulses suitable for generating a phase-locked loop between the demodulator, the matched filter, and the carrier recovery unit.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dimensionally Aligned Signal Projection Algorithms Library

Dimensionally aligned signal projection (DASP) algorithms are used to analyze fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) and generate visualizations that help focus on the harmonics for specific signals. At a high level, these algorithms extract the FFT segments around each harmonic frequency center, and then align them in equally sized arrays ordered by increasing distance from the base frequency. This allows for a focused view of the harmonic frequencies, which, among other use cases, can enable machine learning algorithms to more easily identify salient patterns. This work seeks to provide an effective open-source implementation of the DASP algorithms proposed by Vann et al. (2018) as well as functionality to help explore and test how these algorithms work with an interactive dashboard and signal-generation tool. The DASP library is implemented in Python and contains four types of algorithms for implementing these feature engineering techniques: fixed harmonically aligned signal projection (HASP), decimating HASP, interpolating HASP, and frequency aligned signal projection (FASP). Each algorithm returns a numerical array, which can be visualized as an image. The HASP algorithms are variations of the algorithms originally presented by Vann et al. (2018). For consistency, FASP, which is the terminology used for the short-time Fourier transform (STFT), has been implemented as part of the library to provide a similar interface to the STFT of the raw signal. Additionally, the library contains an algorithm to generate artificial signals with basic customizations such as the base frequency, sample rate, duration, number of harmonics, noise, and number of signals. Finally, the library provides multiple interactive visualizations, each of which is implemented using IPyWidgets and works in a Jupyter environment. A dashboard-style visualization is provided, which contains some common signal-processing visual components (signal, FFT, spectogram) updating in unison with the HASP functions (see Figure 1 below). Separate from the dashboard, an independent visualization is provided for each of the DASP algorithms as well as for the artifical signal generator. These visualizations are included in the library to aid in developing an intuitive understanding how the algorithms are affected by different input signals and parameter selections.

harmonics↗
NASA NTRS1980

Digital numerically controlled oscillator

The frequency and phase of an output signal from an oscillator circuit are controlled with accuracy by a digital input word. Positive and negative alterations in output frequency are both provided for by translating all values of input words so that they are positive. The oscillator reference frequency is corrected only in one direction, by adding phase to the output frequency of the oscillator. The input control word is translated to a single algebraic sign and the digital 1 is added thereto. The translated input control word is then accumulated. A reference clock signal having a frequency at an integer multiple of the desired frequency of the output signal is generated. The accumulated control word is then compared with a threshold level. The output signal is adjusted in a single direction by dividing the frequency of the reference clock signal by a first integer or by an integer different from the first integer.

Cellier, A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Flowmeter for Clear Fluids

Electronic flowmeter measures flow rate of clear or translucent fluids. Instrument produces electrical signal proportional to volume of fluid flowing through it per unit time. Optoelectronic instrument generates electrical signal proportional to fluid-flow rate.

White, P. R.↗
DOE OSTI2013

Method and apparatus for reconstructing in-cylinder pressure and correcting for signal decay

A method comprises steps for reconstructing in-cylinder pressure data from a vibration signal collected from a vibration sensor mounted on an engine component where it can generate a signal with a high signal-to-noise ratio, and correcting the vibration signal for errors introduced by vibration signal charge decay and sensor sensitivity. The correction factors are determined as a function of estimated motoring pressure and the measured vibration signal itself with each of these being associated with the same engine cycle. Accordingly, the method corrects for charge decay and changes in sensor sensitivity responsive to different engine conditions to allow greater accuracy in the reconstructed in-cylinder pressure data. An apparatus is also disclosed for practicing the disclosed method, comprising a vibration sensor, a data acquisition unit for receiving the vibration signal, a computer processing unit for processing the acquired signal and a controller for controlling the engine operation based on the reconstructed in-cylinder pressure.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Communication enabled fast-acting imbalance reserve

A system and method for control of dispatchable resources on an electrical power distribution grid is disclosed. The disclosed method provides improved response to power imbalance based on a communications signal independent of system frequency. The communication signal provides a feed-forward control of dispatchable power resources. A communications network is employed to generate a signal to dispatchable resources that a power imbalance has occurred. Due to fast response power transmission network interfaces associated with the dispatchable resources, the respective resources respond in significantly less time than feedback controlled conventional generators which depend on line frequency sensing. The rapid response mitigates the impact of power imbalances and enables greater penetrations of converter-interfaced power generation units such as renewable energy sources to be connected to the grid.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2015

Simple-design ultra-low phase noise microwave frequency synthesizers for high-performing Cs and Rb vapor-cell atomic clocks

We report on the development and characterization of novel 4.596 GHz and 6.834 GHz microwave frequency synthesizers devoted to be used as local oscillators in high-performance Cs and Rb vapor-cell atomic clocks. The key element of the synthesizers is a custom module that integrates a high spectral purity 100 MHz oven controlled quartz crystal oscillator frequency-multiplied to 1.6 GHz with minor excess noise. Frequency multiplication, division, and mixing stages are then implemented to generate the exact output atomic resonance frequencies. Absolute phase noise performances of the output 4.596 GHz signal are measured to be −109 and −141 dB rad{sup 2}/Hz at 100 Hz and 10 kHz Fourier frequencies, respectively. The phase noise of the 6.834 GHz signal is −105 and −138 dB rad{sup 2}/Hz at 100 Hz and 10 kHz offset frequencies, respectively. The performances of the synthesis chains contribute to the atomic clock short term fractional frequency stability at a level of 3.1 × 10{sup −14} for the Cs cell clock and 2 × 10{sup −14} for the Rb clock at 1 s averaging time. This value is comparable with the clock shot noise limit. We describe the residual phase noise measurements of key components and stages to identify the main limitations of the synthesis chains. The residual frequency stability of synthesis chains is measured to be at the 10{sup −15} level for 1 s integration time. Relevant advantages of the synthesis design, using only commercially available components, are to combine excellent phase noise performances, simple-architecture, low-cost, and to be easily customized for signal output generation at 4.596 GHz or 6.834 GHz for applications to Cs or Rb vapor-cell frequency standards.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS2010

Wavefront Correction for Large, Flexible Antenna Reflector

A wavefront-correction system has been proposed as part of an outer-space radio communication system that would include a large, somewhat flexible main reflector antenna, a smaller subreflector antenna, and a small array feed at the focal plane of these two reflector antennas. Part of the wavefront-correction system would reside in the subreflector, which would be a planar patch-element reflectarray antenna in which the phase shifts of the patch antenna elements would be controlled via microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) radio -frequency (RF) switches. The system would include the following sensing-and-computing subsystems: a) An optical photogrammetric subsystem built around two cameras would estimate geometric distortions of the main reflector; b) A second subsystem would estimate wavefront distortions from amplitudes and phases of signals received by the array feed elements; and c) A third subsystem, built around small probes on the subreflector plane, would estimate wavefront distortions from differences among phases of signals received by the probes. The distortion estimates from the three subsystems would be processed to generate control signals to be fed to the MEMS RF switches to correct for the distortions, thereby enabling collimation and aiming of the received or transmitted radio beam to the required precision.

Imbriale, William A.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for projectional morphological analysis of N-dimensional signals

Embodiments discussed herein in the form of methods, systems, and computer-readable media deal with the application of advanced "projectional" morphological algorithms for solving a broad range of problems. In a method of performing projectional morphological analysis, an N-dimensional input signal is supplied. At least one N-dimensional form indicative of at least one feature in the N-dimensional input signal is identified. The N-dimensional input signal is filtered relative to the at least one N-dimensional form and an N-dimensional output signal is generated indicating results of the filtering at least as differences in the N-dimensional input signal relative to the at least one N-dimensional form.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2019

Photonic generation of millimeter-wave ultra-wideband monocycle signal using up-conversion based on stimulated Brillouin scattering effect

We propose a novel scheme for photonic generation of millimeter-wave (MMW) ultra-wideband monocycle signal free of strong local oscillation (LO) and low-frequency component. A theory and a mathematical model are built to investigate the proposed scheme. Firstly, a differentiator is implemented using a dual-drive Mach–Zehnder modulator to attain monocycle pulses by differentiating a series of Gauss pulses. Subsequently, a dual-parallel Mach–Zehnder modulator and stimulated Brillouin scattering effect are employed to realize single-sideband modulation for up-converting the monocycle pulses to the MMW band. In the calculation, the generated signal is centered at 26 GHz with 10-dB bandwidth of 7 GHz and its power efficiency is about 50.08%. In addition, on–off keying modulation, amplitude modulation (PAM) and pulse position modulation monocycle pulses are generated. The spectrum of the generated signal meets with the FCC mask efficiently, so this technique has a potential application in MMW radar communication systems.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1980

System for a displaying at a remote station data generated at a central station and for powering the remote station from the central station

A system for displaying at a remote station data generated at a central station and for powering the remote station from the central station is presented. A power signal is generated at the central station and time multiplexed with the data and then transmitted to the remote station. An energy storage device at the remote station is responsive to the transmitted power signal to provide energizing power for the circuits at the remote station during the time interval data is being transmitted to the remote station. Energizing power for the circuits at the remote station is provided by the power signal itself during the time this signal is transmitted. Preferably the energy storage device is a capacitor which is charged by the power signal during the time the power is transmitted and is slightly discharged during the time the data is transmitted to energize the circuits at the remote station.

Perry, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Attitude control system

An attitude control system is described in which angular rate signals are generated by rate gyros mounted closely adjacent to gimbaled engines at the rear of a vehicle. Error signals representative of a commanded change in vehicle angle or attitude are obtained from a precision inertial platform located in the nose region of the vehicle. The rate gyro derived signals dominate at high frequencies where dynamic effects become significant, and platform signals dominate at low frequencies where precision signals are required for a steady vehicle attitude. The blended signals are applied in a conventional manner to control the gimbaling of vehicle engines about control axes.

Vonpragenau, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Target Simulator for Synthetic-Aperture Radars

In proposed Target Simulator for Testing Synthetic-Aperture Radars, radar transmitter output received, mixed down to video frequencies, and passed through variable digital delay. Delayed signal mixed up to original carrier frequency and transmitted back to radar. Synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) generates return signal that contains range-curvature information in addition to Doppler-frequency information.

Zebker, H. A.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Vestibular Stochastic Resonance as a Method to Improve Balance Function: Optimization of Stimulus Characteristics

Stochastic resonance (SR) is a mechanism by which noise can assist and enhance the response of neural systems to relevant sensory signals. Application of imperceptible SR noise coupled with sensory input through the proprioceptive, visual, or vestibular sensory systems has been shown to improve motor function. Specifically, studies have shown that that vestibular electrical stimulation by imperceptible stochastic noise, when applied to normal young and elderly subjects, significantly improved their ocular stabilization reflexes in response to whole-body tilt as well as balance performance during postural disturbances. The goal of this study was to optimize the characteristics of the stochastic vestibular signals for balance performance during standing on an unstable surface. Subjects performed a standardized balance task of standing on a block of 10 cm thick medium density foam with their eyes closed for a total of 40 seconds. Stochastic electrical stimulation was applied to the vestibular system through electrodes placed over the mastoid process behind the ears during the last 20 seconds of the test period. A custom built constant current stimulator with subject isolation delivered the stimulus. Stimulation signals were generated with frequencies in the bandwidth of 1-2 Hz and 0.01-30 Hz. Amplitude of the signals were varied in the range of 0- +/-700 micro amperes with the RMS of the signal increased by 30 micro amperes for each 100 micro amperes increase in the current range. Balance performance was measured using a force plate under the foam block and inertial motion sensors placed on the torso and head segments. Preliminary results indicate that balance performance is improved in the range of 10-25% compared to no stimulation conditions. Subjects improved their performance consistently across the blocks of stimulation. Further the signal amplitude at which the performance was maximized was different in the two frequency ranges. Optimization of the frequency and amplitude of the signal characteristics of the stochastic noise signals on maximizing balance performance will have a significant impact in its development as a unique system to aid recovery of function in astronauts after long duration space flight or for people with balance disorders.

Mulavara, Ajitkumar↗
DOE OSTI2022

Data for Monitoring Fracture Saturation with Internal Transportable Seismic Sources and Twin Neural Networks

Seismic coda-wave analysis is a well-developed method for detecting subtle physical changes in complex media by measuring arrival times in the late-arriving energy from multiply-scattered or reflected waves. However, a challenge arises when multiply-scattered waves are not sufficiently separated in time from the direct arrivals to provide a clear coda wave train. Additional complications for monitoring changes in fracture systems arise when the signals originate from unsynchronized internal sources, such as natural induced seismicity, from acoustic emission, or from transportable intra-fracture sources (chattering dust), that generate uncontrolled signals that vary in arrival time, amplitude and frequency content. Here, we use a twin neural network (also known as a Siamese neural network) for dimensionality reduction to analyze signals from chattering dust to classify the fluid saturation state of a synthetic fracture system. The twin neural network with shared weights generates a low-dimensional representation of the data input by minimizing contrastive loss, serving as the input to a multiclass classifier that accurately classifies whether multiple fractures in a fracture system are fully saturated or partially saturated, or whether a change in saturation has occurred in different fractures in the system. These results show that information buried in unresolved codas from uncontrolled sources can be extracted using machine learning to monitor the evolution of fracture systems caused by physical and chemical processes even when the scattered and direct wave fields overlap.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗