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At least 847 records · Page 47

S-band Network Analysis and Strategies for LEO Multi-CubeSat Science Missions

This paper presents the network architecture utilized at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to support a mission set of five 6U CubeSats. These five CubeSats employ a multi-waveform Software Defined Radio (SDR) platform developed by Vulcan Wireless for use with NASA’s Space Relay (SR) and Direct to Earth (DTE) networks. The performance testing of the SDR is discussed via a comprehensive S-band and communication link analysis. The tested capabilities of the SDR and antenna components are reviewed in terms of the mission requirements for each CubeSat. Size Weight and Power (SWaP), required availability, and access times are discussed. The measured data from experimental compatibility testing is incorporated into detailed simulations of the CubeSat mission set to verify desired performance over the mission lifetime. The model is also used to investigate the impact of potential adverse effects on the communication links such as interference and weather conditions. This paper also reviews potential improvements from future technological advances and commercial partnerships. A collaborative investigation between GSFC and Oklahoma State University is presented in which a qualitative analysis of Hybrid RF/Optical communication strategies is performed. The data rate improvements of optical communication techniques are weighed against attitude control and science mission requirements for CubeSats, and network architectures/switching strategies are discussed. A separate analysis reviews the potential benefits of ground station partnerships, which aligns with NASA’s future goal to include commercial partners in its Earth and space network architectures, e.g. LunaNet.

Space networks↗

NASA Tech Briefs, May 2004

Topics include: Embedded Heaters for Joining or Separating Plastic Parts; Curing Composite Materials Using Lower-Energy Electron Beams; Aluminum-Alloy-Matrix/Alumina-Reinforcement Composites; Fibrous-Ceramic/Aerogel Composite Insulating Tiles; Urethane/Silicone Adhesives for Bonding Flexing Metal Parts; Scalable Architecture for Multihop Wireless ad Hoc Networks; Improved Thermoplastic/Iron-Particle Transformer Cores; Cooperative Lander-Surface/Aerial Microflyer Missions for Mars Exploration Dual-Frequency Airborne Scanning Rain Radar Antenna System Eight-Channel Continuous Timer Reduction of Phase Ambiguity in an Offset-QPSK Receiver Ambient-Light-Canceling Camera Using Subtraction of Frames Lightweight, Flexible, Thin, Integrated Solar-Power Packs Windows(Registered Trademark)-Based Software Models Cyclic Oxidation Behavior Software for Analyzing Sequences of Flow-Related Images Improved Ball-and-Socket Docking Mechanism Two-Stage Solenoid Ordered Nanostructures Made Using Chaperonin Polypeptides Low-Temperature Plasma Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes Improved Cryostat for Cooling a Wide Panel Current Pulses Momentarily Enhance Thermoelectric Cooling Hand-Held Color Meters Based on Interference Filters Calculating Mass Diffusion in High-Pressure Binary Fluids Fresnel Lenses for Wide-Aperture Optical Receivers Increasing Accuracy in Computed Inviscid Boundary Conditions Higher-Order Finite Elements for Computing Thermal Radiation Radar for Monitoring Hurricanes from Geostationary Orbit Time-Transfer System for Two Orbiting Spacecraft

Source record↗

Prolonging Wireless Sensor Network Lifetime Using Routing Protocol

Prolonging network lifetime is one of the challenging issues of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). Many techniques have been proposed to achieve a longer battery life for the sensor nodes. In this paper, we focus on the routing technique to improve the battery life and extend the network lifetime. Our protocol is based upon the two existing protocols, namely, LEACH (Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy) and PEGASIS (Power Efficient GAthering in Sensor Information Systems). By combining these two basic routing techniques, we propose a new protocol which provides an increase in network lifetime compared to the existing basic protocols.

Salam, Mohammad Abdus↗

Automation Toward Tether-less Robotic Operations in Nuclear Facilities - 17474

Automation capabilities that enable communication-denied nuclear robotic operations have come of age. These layer over tethered operation or enable un-tethered systems for some operations. Tele-operated, tethered devices are traditionally preferred for nuclear remote systems. Tethers provide comm, power, and a means for mechanical extraction. They also restrict mobility and create additional failure points, and in some cases, circumstances preclude mechanical recovery by tether. Tethering has superb advantages where it is viable, but a subset of nuclear EM challenges compel mobile remote systems that forgo tethering. Tethering was essential at a time when autonomy or wireless comm could not accomplish viable operations, but now an emerging class of un-tethered exploration and service robots are compelling for situations where tethers compound waste and exposure, or are not viable. Technical advances in localization, modeling, planning, autonomy, integration and reliability have made it possible to augment tethered operations or operate altogether without tether in selective operations. Tether preclusion technologies include localization, perception, navigation, safeguarding and task prescription. These effectively accomplish tasks like way-point following, wall-following, coverage patterning, navigate-to-goal, next-best view and many others. Although these are not yet general for the broad agenda of the nuclear complex, these are already useful for many operations. These provide a foundational base that can be built upon over time for more complex operations yet to come. As a context and analog study, the technologies are exhibited by robotically (without tether) modeling a coal mine with tracks and train cars. This is analogous to technology and operation that might apply for inspection of waste storage at WIPP or the PUREX tunnels. Autonomous exploration of this nature is within state-of-art and possible with or without tether. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Wireless Sensor Network Technologies

Wireless sensor network (WSN) technologies have become a focus of development for instrumentation and control (I&C) applications in many critical infrastructure industries. Their implementation includes factories, electric plants and distribution systems, municipal water and sewer facilities, natural gas storage and distribution facilities, and even nuclear facilities. The promise of lower installation cost combined with reliable monitoring of process parameters at virtually any location, when needed, has driven many I&C vendors to offer WSN technology. These technologies are in their infancy and have not been fully tested for security, reliability, and compatibility when used in resilient control systems. The end user now has the difficult task of selecting which technology to use and how to implement a WSN. One of the key parameters in a WSN is sensor battery life. In a WSN some sensors pass on data from other sensors that do not have a direct communication path to the process controller. This extra work takes more power from the battery which decreases the battery life. The current work at CAES investigates how fast these batteries degrade compared to sensor batteries that do not have to process other sensor data. The result of this investigation will indicate how this effects the reliability of sensor networks.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Wireless Chemical Sensor Systems (Optimization of Field-Structured Chemiresistors for in situ Quantification of Propellant Stabilizer Concentration)

This project is a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with International Electronic Machines Corp. (IEM, Troy, NY), who is contracted through the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) (under SBIR N111-010) to develop an in situ wireless chemical sensor system called the Stabilizer Level Accurate Measurement System (SLAMS). The SLAMS device is specified to include a miniature, very thin, self-contained chemical-sensor node to detect and track the level of stabilizer present in various PADs and CADs. IEM is focused on the wireless sensor platform, node communication, and electronics; whereas Sandia National Laboratories’ (SNL’s) efforts are focused on the chemical sensor development and integration. The sensor technology being employed is known as field-structured chemiresistors (FSCRs), which was invented by James Martin, et al. (SNL) and refined by Martin and Read. These sensors are small, require very little power, and have tunable sensitivity and selectivity. In the following, we discuss SNL’s efforts to optimize the FSCRs for the demanding chemical and environmental conditions that will be encountered in this application.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

In-device Battery Failure Analysis

Lithium-ion batteries are indispensable power sources for a wide range of modern electronic devices. However, battery lifespan remains a critical limitation, directly affecting the sustainability and user experience. Conventional battery failure analysis in controlled lab settings may not capture the complex interactions and environmental factors encountered in real-world, in-device operating conditions. Here, this study analyzes the failure of commercial wireless earbud batteries as a model system within their intended usage context. Through multiscale and multimodal characterizations, the degradations from the material level to the device level are correlated, elucidating a failure pattern that is closely tied to the specific device configuration and operating conditions. The findings indicate that the ultimate failure mode is determined by the interplay of battery materials, cell structural design, and the in-device microenvironment, such as temperature gradients and their fluctuations. This holistic, in-device perspective on environmental influences provides critical insights for battery integration design, enhancing the reliability of modern electronics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Commercialization of the Transportation-Security, Tracking, and Reporting System (T-STAR)

The Transportation-Security, Tracking, and Reporting System (T-STAR) was developed by the National Nuclear Security Administration, NA-21, Office of Radiological Security (ORS) to provide a transportation security system for detection and tracking during transport of Category 1 and Category 2 radiological material. Few off-the-shelf systems for conveyance tracking offer detection of a cargo compartment breach or a removal of the cargo. Systems that do offer this capability often require permanent installation through modifying of the conveyance itself. This is not sustainable in many countries where ORS is building use, storage, and transport security capacity. The development of T-STAR has moved from fielding robust prototypes deployed in countries ranging from North America, Latin America and Central Asia to a commercially produced product that can now be deployed to provide enhanced security during transit. Each prototype deployment resulted in important lessons learned, which informed the requirements for the final commercial product. T-STAR uses both cellular and Iridium satellite modems to provide redundant communications to provide the configuration, status, and alerts to a server monitoring the shipment, which is accessible using a multilanguage browser-based user interface. A wireless security system employing using Z-wave sensors for intrusion detection located in the conveyance provide low cost but effective solution for a wide range of conveyance types. Additional capabilities include the ability to monitor a vehicles’ CANBUS (Controller Area Network) system, an ethernet port for high throughput sensor information such as video cameras, and the ability to power and use advanced external sensor payloads. These features make the T-STAR a capable and expandable security gateway that can be deployed on a variety of conveyances from box trucks to open trailers. The ability to provide tracking, monitoring, and detection provide a key component in overall best practices designed to protect shipments of radioactive material.

Schultze, Michael [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000283205671)↗

Intelligent Wireless Sensor Networks for System Health Monitoring

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) based on the IEEE 802.15.4 Personal Area Network (PAN) standard are finding increasing use in the home automation and emerging smart energy markets. The network and application layers, based on the ZigBee 2007 Standard, provide a convenient framework for component-based software that supports customer solutions from multiple vendors. WSNs provide the inherent fault tolerance required for aerospace applications. The Discovery and Systems Health Group at NASA Ames Research Center has been developing WSN technology for use aboard aircraft and spacecraft for System Health Monitoring of structures and life support systems using funding from the NASA Engineering and Safety Center and Exploration Technology Development and Demonstration Program. This technology provides key advantages for low-power, low-cost ancillary sensing systems particularly across pressure interfaces and in areas where it is difficult to run wires. Intelligence for sensor networks could be defined as the capability of forming dynamic sensor networks, allowing high-level application software to identify and address any sensor that joined the network without the use of any centralized database defining the sensors characteristics. The IEEE 1451 Standard defines methods for the management of intelligent sensor systems and the IEEE 1451.4 section defines Transducer Electronic Datasheets (TEDS), which contain key information regarding the sensor characteristics such as name, description, serial number, calibration information and user information such as location within a vehicle. By locating the TEDS information on the wireless sensor itself and enabling access to this information base from the application software, the application can identify the sensor unambiguously and interpret and present the sensor data stream without reference to any other information. The application software is able to read the status of each sensor module, responding in real-time to changes of PAN configuration, providing the appropriate response for maintaining overall sensor system function, even when sensor modules fail or the WSN is reconfigured. The session will present the architecture and technical feasibility of creating fault-tolerant WSNs for aerospace applications based on our application of the technology to a Structural Health Monitoring testbed. The interim results of WSN development and testing including our software architecture for intelligent sensor management will be discussed in the context of the specific tradeoffs required for effective use. Initial certification measurement techniques and test results gauging WSN susceptibility to Radio Frequency interference are introduced as key challenges for technology adoption. A candidate Developmental and Flight Instrumentation implementation using intelligent sensor networks for wind tunnel and flight tests is developed as a guide to understanding key aspects of the aerospace vehicle design, test and operations life cycle.

networks↗

Approaches for Autonomous Peer to Peer Communication: For Resilient Community Microgrids

The final phase of the Islandable Communications task of the SECURE project consisted of integrating the islandable communications network into a microgrid simulation at NREL. Initially integration was planned for a microgrid implemented as a mix of simulation and physical hardware. As the project evolved, the microgrid became fully simulated. The simulation environment was structured to break out the communication paths that would pass over a communication network in a field demonstration. The Islandable Communication network was integrated into the simulation environment, allowing both a commercial cellular carrier and a Private LTE network to be evaluated. The microgrid simulation showed differences in performance and behavior when operating over the wireless networks (compared to operating over wired Ethernet in the lab). These differences point to further research opportunities to better understand how microgrid communication carried over real-world or impaired networks affects the microgrid system behavior.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Spiral Chip Implantable Radiator and Printed Loop External Receptor for RF Telemetry in Bio-Sensor Systems

The paper describes the operation of a patented wireless RF telemetry system, consisting of a bio-MEMS implantable sensor and an external hand held unit, operating over the frequency range of few hundreds of MHz. A MEMS capacitive pressure sensor integrated with a miniature inductor/antenna together constitute the implantable sensor. Signal processing circuits collocated with a printed loop antenna together form the hand held unit, capable of inductively powering and also receiving the telemetry signals from the sensor. The paper in addition, demonstrates a technique to enhance the quality factor and inductance of the inductor in the presence of a lower ground plane and also presents the radiation characteristics of the loop antenna.

Simons, Rainee N.↗

NASA Tech Briefs, December 2008

Topics covered include: Crew Activity Analyzer; Distributing Data to Hand-Held Devices in a Wireless Network; Reducing Surface Clutter in Cloud Profiling Radar Data; MODIS Atmospheric Data Handler; Multibeam Altimeter Navigation Update Using Faceted Shape Model; Spaceborne Hybrid-FPGA System for Processing FTIR Data; FPGA Coprocessor for Accelerated Classification of Images; SiC JFET Transistor Circuit Model for Extreme Temperature Range; TDR Using Autocorrelation and Varying-Duration Pulses; Update on Development of SiC Multi-Chip Power Modules; Radio Ranging System for Guidance of Approaching Spacecraft; Electromagnetically Clean Solar Arrays; Improved Short-Circuit Protection for Power Cells in Series; Electromagnetically Clean Solar Arrays; Logic Gates Made of N-Channel JFETs and Epitaxial Resistors; Improved Short-Circuit Protection for Power Cells in Series; Communication Limits Due to Photon-Detector Jitter; System for Removing Pollutants from Incinerator Exhaust; Sealing and External Sterilization of a Sample Container; Converting EOS Data from HDF-EOS to netCDF; HDF-EOS 2 and HDF-EOS 5 Compatibility Library; HDF-EOS Web Server; HDF-EOS 5 Validator; XML DTD and Schemas for HDF-EOS; Converting from XML to HDF-EOS; Simulating Attitudes and Trajectories of Multiple Spacecraft; Specialized Color Function for Display of Signed Data; Delivering Alert Messages to Members of a Work Force; Delivering Images for Mars Rover Science Planning; Oxide Fiber Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Cells; Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methane; Heterogeneous Superconducting Low-Noise Sensing Coils; Progress toward Making Epoxy/Carbon-Nanotube Composites; Predicting Properties of Unidirectional-Nanofiber Composites; Deployable Crew Quarters; Nonventing, Regenerable, Lightweight Heat Absorber; Miniature High-Force, Long-Stroke SMA Linear Actuators; "Bootstrap" Configuration for Multistage Pulse-Tube Coolers; Reducing Liquid Loss during Ullage Venting in Microgravity; Ka-Band Transponder for Deep-Space Radio Science; Replication of Space-Shuttle Computers in FPGAs and ASICs; Demisable Reaction-Wheel Assembly; Spatial and Temporal Low-Dimensional Models for Fluid Flow; Advanced Land Imager Assessment System; Range Imaging without Moving Parts.

Source record↗

Carrier and sampling frequency offset estimation for RF communication with crystal-less nodes

When the ultra-low power mm-scale sensor node does not have a crystal oscillator and phase-lock loop, it inevitably exhibits significant carrier frequency offset (CFO) and sampling frequency offset (SFO) with respect to the reference frequencies in the gateway. This disclosure enables efficient real-time calculation of accurate SFO and CFO at the gateway, thus the ultra-low power mm-scale sensor node can be realized without a costly and bulky clock reference crystal and also power-hungry phase lock loop. In the proposed system, the crystal-less sensor starts transmission with repetitive RF pulses with a constant interval, followed by the data payload using pulse-position modulation (PPM). A proposed algorithm uses a two-dimensional (2D) fast Fourier transform (FFT) based process that identifies the SFO and CFO at the same time to establish successful wireless communication between the gateway and crystal-less sensor nodes.

Kim, Hun-Seok↗

Wireless passive radiation sensor

A novel measurement technique is employed using surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices, passive RF, and radiation-sensitive films to provide a wireless passive radiation sensor that requires no batteries, outside wiring, or regular maintenance. The sensor is small (<1 cm.sup.2), physically robust, and will operate unattended for decades. In addition, the sensor can be insensitive to measurement position and read distance due to a novel self-referencing technique eliminating the need to measure absolute responses that are dependent on RF transmitter location and power.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Analog Radio-Frequency Interferences (RFI) Detectors for Microwave Radiometers

Microwave radiometers use radio spectrum dedicated to sensing the environment. As wireless communications and other active services proliferate, this allocated spectrum is nearly being crowded out. The potential result is corrupted satellite measurements of the weather, the climate, and the environment. We present an analog RFI detector for microwave radiometers intended to mitigate the above risks. The double detector (DD) for RFI detection includes a square-law diode detector with short integration time for measuring the total power out of the radiometer, followed by a second diode detector which acts as a higher-order statistical fourth-moment detector. See Figure 1 for block diagram of the system. This novel design which uses purely analog components at radio andlor intermediate frequencies allows the system to easily augment conventional radiometer architectures used in both airborne and space borne instruments. An equivalent high-speed digital design would add an impractical level of cost and complexity to radiometer designs using today's technology.

Knuble, Joseph J.↗

TRANSENSOR: Transformer Real-time Assessment INtelligent System with Embedded Network of Sensors and Optical Readout. Final Report

Utilities across the world are wrestling with evolving market dynamics, population growth and climate change. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as solar photovoltaics, distributed generators and energy storage systems are becoming important parts of the U.S. energy mix. These factors are driving an increasing need for low-cost grid asset monitoring. Aside from being costly, traditional utility monitoring systems are not sufficiently robust and do not provide real-time visibility into the condition of grid assets such as transformers. Lack of accurate real-time measurements on performance has resulted in the use of lagging indicators, such as oil sample analysis. To address this need, an innovative embedded optical sensing technology, Transformer Real-time Assessment Intelligent System (TRANSENSOR) was developed, validated and demonstrated in this project. To date, TRANSENSOR has focused on transformers but is extendable to other grid assets. In addition to the technology being embedded into new transformers during manufacturing, a retrofit configuration that can be installed on existing transformers in the field was also developed. It is anticipated that the ability to retrofit existing transformers will help accelerate adoption of the underlying TRANSENSOR technology. Phase 1 of the project focused on laboratory development and qualification of the technology. Following iterations and exploration of relevant optical sensing modalities and multiplexed configurations of interest for the transformer environment, an effective candidate configuration was agreed upon, down-selected and custom-designed for embedding into General Electric (GE) network transformers. Two new GE 500 kilovolt ampere (kVA), 27 kilovolt (kV) distribution network transformers were built with embedded fiber-optic (FO) sensors and successfully qualified per industry standards at GE’s Shreveport, Louisiana facility during Phase 1 of the project. Following the successful completion of Phase 1, the team proceeded to Phase 2, which focused on a field demonstration of the technology. Over Phase 2, the first new GE transformer built with embedded fiber-optic sensors was installed in an above-ground cage and connected to the grid at Con Edison’s Astoria facility. A second transformer equipped with TRANSENSOR was installed in an underground vault. Additionally, an older (1982 year model) GE transformer in an above-ground cage was retrofitted with fiber- optic sensors and reconnected to the grid at ConEd’s facility. Analysis of data acquired from the sensors showed interesting correlations with transformer loading. Additionally, key events such as transformer low-voltage network connection, primary-side energizing, and a pressure loss event from an oil sampling were detected by the TRANSENSOR system. Online data processing/feature extraction algorithms for the second transformer in the underground vault detected key features and event alerts that were transmitted through a wireless 4G connection. The remote deployment concept showed promising results with data collection running for a total of 8 months across the three (3) GE transformers instrumented for the Phase 2 field demonstration. This sets the stage well for further development and commercialization.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Packet Controller For Wireless Headset

Packet-message controller implements communications protocol of network of wireless headsets. Designed for headset application, readily adapted to other uses; slight modification enables controller to implement Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) X.25 protocol, giving far-reaching applications in telecommunications. Circuit converts continuous voice signals into digital packets of data and vice versa. Operates in master or slave mode. Controller reduced to single complementary metal oxide/semiconductor integrated-circuit chip. Occupies minimal space in headset and consumes little power, extending life of headset battery.

Christensen, Kurt K.↗

Extraction of Vibration Data with Imaging

To date, the primary sensing technology used to measure the vibration response has been accelerometers and strain gages mounted directly to the structure and using either wired or, more recently, wireless telemetry. Cost issues with these sensors and the associated data acquisition systems typically limit the numbers that are deployed on in situ structures. Although there are a few structures with larger sensing counts that in some cases exceed over 1000 sensors, more typical numbers range from ten to one hundred sensors resulting in low spatial resolution when they are applied to physically large systems. When one considers that nuclear power plant structures usually have complex geometries, material properties, connectivity and boundary conditions, it is clear these current approaches to vibration measurements can only provide limited information about a system’s dynamics response characteristics. As an alternative, many non-contact measurement technologies have emerged, including point wise measurement methods such as Global Positioning System (GPS), microwave interferometry, and laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV), as well as simultaneous full-field measurement methods such as electronic speckle pattern interferometry, holography interferometry, and muon tomography, some of which can provide high spatial resolution measurements. Among these methods, digital video imaging techniques have emerged as a feasible solution for full-field vibration measurements that provide significantly more detailed dynamic response information because every pixel becomes a measurement point. Furthermore, recent advances in image processing and computer vision algorithms have been successfully used to process video data for experimental and operational modal analysis. Such full-field measurements have the potential to significantly improve many current structural assessment procedures including system identification (modal parameter estimation), structural health monitoring, load reconstruction, model validation, and model updating. Furthermore, more recent full-field imaging techniques can be accomplished with relatively low-cost, commercially-available off-the-shelf cameras. However, these measurement procedures have other limitations that must be considered such as the ability to only measure visibly accessible points on a structure and a more limited dynamic range and bandwidth than can be achieved with accelerometers or strain gages.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗