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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 109 records · Page 6

High power handling digitizer using photonics

Devices, methods for analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that perform high-dynamic range measurements based on optical techniques are disclosed. In one example aspect, an optical encoder includes a polarization rotator configured to receive a train of optical pulses, and an electro-optic (EO) modulator coupled to an output of the polarization rotator. The EO modulator is configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal and to produce a phase modulated signal in accordance with the RF signal. The optical encoder also includes a polarizing beam splitter coupled to the output of the EO modulator; and an optical hybrid configured to receive two optical signals from the polarizing beam splitter and to produce four optical outputs that are each phase shifted with respect to one another.

DeVore, Peter Thomas Setsuda↗

High power handling digitizer using photonics

Devices, methods for analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that perform high-dynamic range measurements based on optical techniques are disclosed. In one example aspect, an optical encoder includes a polarization rotator configured to receive a train of optical pulses, and an electro-optic (EO) modulator coupled to an output of the polarization rotator. The EO modulator is configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal and to produce a phase modulated signal in accordance with the RF signal. The optical encoder also includes a polarizing beam splitter coupled to the output of the EO modulator; and an optical hybrid configured to receive two optical signals from the polarizing beam splitter and to produce four optical outputs that are each phase shifted with respect to one another.

DeVore, Peter Thomas Setsuda↗

Memory device for two-dimensional radiant energy array computers

A memory device for two dimensional radiant energy array computers was developed, in which the memory device stores digital information in an input array of radiant energy digital signals that are characterized by ordered rows and columns. The memory device contains a radiant energy logic storing device having a pair of input surface locations for receiving a pair of separate radiant energy digital signal arrays and an output surface location adapted to transmit a radiant energy digital signal array. A regenerative feedback device that couples one of the input surface locations to the output surface location in a manner for causing regenerative feedback is also included

Schaefer, D. H.↗

Implementation of Adaptive Digital Controllers on Programmable Logic Devices

Much has been made of the capabilities of FPGA's (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) in the hardware implementation of fast digital signal processing. Such capability also makes an FPGA a suitable platform for the digital implementation of closed loop controllers. Other researchers have implemented a variety of closed-loop digital controllers on FPGA's. Some of these controllers include the widely used proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, state space controllers, neural network and fuzzy logic based controllers. There are myriad advantages to utilizing an FPGA for discrete-time control functions which include the capability for reconfiguration when SRAM-based FPGA's are employed, fast parallel implementation of multiple control loops and implementations that can meet space level radiation tolerance requirements in a compact form-factor. Generally, a software implementation on a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or microcontroller is used to implement digital controllers. At Marshall Space Flight Center, the Control Electronics Group has been studying adaptive discrete-time control of motor driven actuator systems using digital signal processor (DSP) devices. While small form factor, commercial DSP devices are now available with event capture, data conversion, pulse width modulated (PWM) outputs and communication peripherals, these devices are not currently available in designs and packages which meet space level radiation requirements. In general, very few DSP devices are produced that are designed to meet any level of radiation tolerance or hardness. The goal of this effort is to create a fully digital, flight ready controller design that utilizes an FPGA for implementation of signal conditioning for control feedback signals, generation of commands to the controlled system, and hardware insertion of adaptive control algorithm approaches. An alternative is required for compact implementation of such functionality to withstand the harsh environment encountered on spacecraft. Radiation tolerant FPGA's are a feasible option for reaching this goal.

Gwaltney, David A.↗

Analysis of the Measurement and Modeling of a Digital Inverter Based on a Ferroelectric Transistor

The use of ferroelectric materials for digital memory devices is widely researched and implemented, but ferroelectric devices also possess unique characteristics that make them have interesting and useful properties in digital circuits. Because ferroelectric transistors possess the properties of hysteresis and nonlinearity, a digital inverter containing a FeFET has very different characteristics than one with a traditional FET. This paper characterizes the properties of the measurement and modeling of a FeFET based digital inverter. The circuit was set up using discrete FeFETs. The purpose of this circuit was not to produce a practical integrated circuit that could be inserted directly into existing digital circuits, but to explore the properties and characteristics of such a device and to look at possible future uses. Input and output characteristics are presented, as well as timing measurements. Comparisons are made between the ferroelectric device and the properties of a standard digital inverter. Potential benefits and possible uses of such a device are presented.

MacLeod, Todd C.↗

Study of Two Digital Charge-Coupled Devices

Recent report describes reliability study of two charge-coupled-device (CCD) shift registers. Major objective of study was to establish methodology for selecting, testing, screening, derating and applying CCD's. Includes a discussion of CCD structures and operating principles. Characteristics of SCCD and BCCD types are compared.

Wilson, D. D.↗

Policies and Procedures for Accessing Archived NASA Lunar Data via the Web

The National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) was established by NASA to provide for the preservation and dissemination of scientific data from NASA missions. This paper describes the policies specifically related to lunar science data. NSSDC presently archives 660 lunar data collections. Most of these data (423 units) are stored offline in analog format. The remainder of this collection consists of magnetic tapes and discs containing approximately 1.7 TB of digital lunar data. The active archive for NASA lunar data is the Planetary Data System (PDS). NSSDC has an agreement with the PDS Lunar Data Node to assist in the restoration and preparation of NSSDC-resident lunar data upon request for access and distribution via the PDS archival system. Though much of NSSDC's digital store also resides in PDS, NSSDC has many analog data collections and some digital lunar data sets that are not in PDS. NSSDC stands ready to make these archived lunar data accessible to both the research community and the general public upon request as resources allow. Newly requested offline lunar data are digitized and moved to near-line storage devices called digital linear tape jukeboxes. The data are then packaged and made network-accessible via FTP for the convenience of a growing segment of the user community. This publication will 1) discuss the NSSDC processes and policies that govern how NASA lunar data is preserved, restored, and made accessible via the web and 2) highlight examples of special lunar data requests.

James, Nathan L.↗

Impact of lossy compression on diagnostic accuracy of radiographs for periapical lesions

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lossy Joint Photographic Experts Group compression for endodontic pretreatment digital radiographs. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty clinical charge-coupled device-based, digital radiographs depicting periapical areas were selected. Each image was compressed at 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 48, and 64 compression ratios. One root per image was marked for examination. Images were randomized and viewed by four clinical observers under standardized viewing conditions. Each observer read the image set three times, with at least two weeks between each reading. Three pre-selected sites per image (mesial, distal, apical) were scored on a five-scale score confidence scale. A panel of three examiners scored the uncompressed images, with a consensus score for each site. The consensus score was used as the baseline for assessing the impact of lossy compression on the diagnostic values of images. The mean absolute error between consensus and observer scores was computed for each observer, site, and reading session. RESULTS: Balanced one-way analysis of variance for all observers indicated that for compression ratios 48 and 64, there was significant difference between mean absolute error of uncompressed and compressed images (P <.05). After converting the five-scale score to two-level diagnostic values, the diagnostic accuracy was strongly correlated (R (2) = 0.91) with the compression ratio. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that high compression ratios can have a severe impact on the diagnostic quality of the digital radiographs for detection of periapical lesions.

NASA Discipline Space Human Factors↗

Impact of device level faults in a digital avionic processor

This study describes an experimental analysis of the impact of gate and device-level faults in the processor of a Bendix BDX-930 flight control system. Via mixed mode simulation, faults were injected at the gate (stuck-at) and at the transistor levels and, their propagation through the chip to the output pins was measured. The results show that there is little correspondence between a stuck-at and a device-level fault model, as far as error activity or detection within a functional unit is concerned. In so far as error activity outside the injected unit and at the output pins are concerned, the stuck-at and device models track each other. The stuck-at model, however, overestimates, by over 100 percent, the probability of fault propagation to the output pins. An evaluation of the Mean Error Durations and the Mean Time Between Errors at the output pins shows that the stuck-at model significantly underestimates (by 62 percent) the impact of an internal chip fault on the output pins. Finally, the study also quantifies the impact of device fault by location, both internally and at the output pins.

Suk, Ho Kim↗

Impact of device level faults in a digital avionic processor

This paper describes an experimental analysis of the impact of gate and device-level faults in the processor of a flight control system. Via mixed mode simulation faults were injected both at the gate (stuck-at) and at the transistor levels, and their propagation through the chip to the output pins was measured. The results show that there is little correspondence between a stuck-at and a device-level fault model insofar as error activity or detection within a functional unit is concerned. Insofar as error activity outside the injected unit and at the output pins are concerned, the stuck-at and device models track each other, although the stuck-at model overestimates, by over one hundred percent, the probability of fault propagation to the output pins. The stuck-at model significantly underestimates the impact of an internal chip fault on the output pins.

Kim, S.↗