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At least 145 records · Page 8

A parallel data management system for large-scale NASA datasets

The past decade has experienced a phenomenal growth in the amount of data and resultant information generated by NASA's operations and research projects. A key application is the reprocessing problem which has been identified to require data management capabilities beyond those available today (PRAT93). The Intelligent Information Fusion (IIF) system (ROEL91) is an ongoing NASA project which has similar requirements. Deriving our understanding of NASA's future data management needs based on the above, this paper describes an approach to using parallel computer systems (processor and I/O architectures) to develop an efficient parallel database management system to address the needs. Specifically, we propose to investigate issues in low-level record organizations and management, complex query processing, and query compilation and scheduling.

Srivastava, Jaideep↗

Real-Time Background Oriented Schlieren: Catching Up With Knife Edge Schlieren

Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS) is a widely used technique that provides density gradient information in flow fields of interest, without imposing stringent optical quality requirements on the facility/experiment windows and/or optics used in the BOS setup. Typically, the BOS reference image is acquired before the test begins (flow off) and then the "live" image data are acquired during the actual testing/experiment (flow on). The raw BOS image data, while displayed in real-time as they are acquired from the camera, unfortunately provide little if any visual indication of the density gradients in the flow. Generally, the "live" images must be processed off-line after the testing is completed, providing no indication of the success of the BOS setup and no feedback on the operational success of the test. Advances in computer processing hardware enables the implementation of real-time processing and display of the BOS image data. Two different approaches to implementing the real-time BOS (RT-BOS) processing capability are described herein. First, a traditional multi-core Central Processing Unit (CPU) based approach using scheduled parallel threads is used to build a RT-BOS processing engine. In the second approach, a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) approach is used to costruct a RT-BOS processing engine. Generally, high core count CPU processors can provide a useful processing rate for RT-BOS. However, the GPU based approach exceeds the processing capability of the CPU approach, at a fraction of the cost. The GPU approach places no restrictions on the Host PC processing capability, except that it be capable of acquiring the BOS image data from the camera in real-time.

Wernet, Mark P.↗

Neural Network Would Estimate Fatigue Life

Processor learns mappings between sequences of loads and fatigue damage. Data processor built around neural network provides real-time estimates of fatigue life of simple mechanical components. Intended to be forerunner of more-advanced processors that estimates remaining lives of components stressed near their mechanical and thermal limits in turbine engines and other complicated, high-performance machinery. Real-time estimates of accumulated fatigue damage and remaining life before mechanical failure useful in scheduling maintenance and controlling operation to extend overall life of machinery.

Merrill, W.↗

The high energy astronomy observatories

The forthcoming NASA project of orbiting High Energy Astronomy Observatories (HEAO's) designed to probe the universe by tracing celestial radiations and particles is outlined. Solutions to engineering problems concerning HEAO's which are integrated, yet built to function independently are discussed, including the onboard digital processor, mirror assembly and the thermal shield. The principle of maximal efficiency with minimal cost and the potential capability of the project to provide explanations to black holes, pulsars and gamma-ray bursts are also stressed. The first satellite is scheduled for launch in April 1977.

Neighbors, A. K.↗

Overview of Code Verification

The verified code for the SIFT Executive is not the code that executes on the SIFT system as delivered. The running versions of the SIFT Executive contain optimizations and special code relating to the messy interface to the hardware broadcast interface and to packing of data to conserve space in the store of the BDX930 processors. The running code was in fact developed prior to and without consideration of any mechanical verification. This was regarded as necessary experimentation with the SIFT hardware and special purpose Pascal compiler. The Pascal code sections cover: the selection of a schedule from the global executive broadcast, scheduling, dispatching, three way voting, and error reporting actions of the SIFT Executive. Not included in these sections of Pascal code are: the global executive, five way voting, clock synchronization, interactive consistency, low level broadcasting, and program loading, initialization, and schedule construction.

Source record↗

Task scheduling in dataflow computer architectures

Dataflow computers provide a platform for the solution of a large class of computational problems, which includes digital signal processing and image processing. Many typical applications are represented by a set of tasks which can be repetitively executed in parallel as specified by an associated dataflow graph. Research in this area aims to model these architectures, develop scheduling procedures, and predict the transient and steady state performance. Researchers at NASA have created a model and developed associated software tools which are capable of analyzing a dataflow graph and predicting its runtime performance under various resource and timing constraints. These models and tools were extended and used in this work. Experiments using these tools revealed certain properties of such graphs that require further study. Specifically, the transient behavior at the beginning of the execution of a graph can have a significant effect on the steady state performance. Transformation and retiming of the application algorithm and its initial conditions can produce a different transient behavior and consequently different steady state performance. The effect of such transformations on the resource requirements or under resource constraints requires extensive study. Task scheduling to obtain maximum performance (based on user-defined criteria), or to satisfy a set of resource constraints, can also be significantly affected by a transformation of the application algorithm. Since task scheduling is performed by heuristic algorithms, further research is needed to determine if new scheduling heuristics can be developed that can exploit such transformations. This work has provided the initial development for further long-term research efforts. A simulation tool was completed to provide insight into the transient and steady state execution of a dataflow graph. A set of scheduling algorithms was completed which can operate in conjunction with the modeling and performance tools previously developed. Initial studies on the performance of these algorithms were done to examine the effects of application algorithm transformations as measured by such quantities as number of processors, time between outputs, time between input and output, communication time, and memory size.

Katsinis, Constantine↗

Solving sparse triangular linear systems on parallel computers

This paper describes and compares three parallel algorithms for solving sparse triangular systems of equations. These methods involve some preprocessing overhead and are primarily of interest in solving many systems with the same coefficient matrix. The first approach is to use a fixed blocksize and form the inverse of the diagonal blocks. The second approach is to use a variable blocksize and reorder the unknowns so that the diagonal blocks are diagonal matrices. The latter technique is called level scheduling because of how it is represented in the adjacency graph, and both row-wise and jagged diagonal storage for the off-diagonal blocks are considered. These techniques are analyzed for general parallel computers and experiments are presented for the eight-processor Alliant FX/8.

Anderson, Edward↗

Microcalorimeters with Germanium Thermistors for High Resolution Soft and Hard X-ray Astronomy

This is a progress report for the first year of a three year Space Research and Technology (SR&T) grant to continue the advancement of neutron transmutation doped (NTD-based) microcalorimeters. We have re-prioritized certain aspects of the statement of work and chose to emphasize issues of array development in the first year rather than wait until year two. Consequently, some of the projects scheduled for the first year were delayed to the second year. Here we report on our progress to: a) Build and test a 1 x 4 element array and to investigate electrical and thermal cross-talk; b) Build a multiplexed 4 channel analog pulse processor; c) Build a digital pulse processor that can accommodate 4 channels with independent triggers; d) Develop a proportional thermal baseline restoration system compatible with the constant voltage mode of microcalorimeter operation.

Silver, E.↗

Parallel simulated annealing algorithms for cell placement on hypercube multiprocessors

Two parallel algorithms for standard cell placement using simulated annealing are developed to run on distributed-memory message-passing hypercube multiprocessors. The cells can be mapped in a two-dimensional area of a chip onto processors in an n-dimensional hypercube in two ways, such that both small and large cell exchange and displacement moves can be applied. The computation of the cost function in parallel among all the processors in the hypercube is described, along with a distributed data structure that needs to be stored in the hypercube to support the parallel cost evaluation. A novel tree broadcasting strategy is used extensively for updating cell locations in the parallel environment. A dynamic parallel annealing schedule estimates the errors due to interacting parallel moves and adapts the rate of synchronization automatically. Two novel approaches in controlling error in parallel algorithms are described: heuristic cell coloring and adaptive sequence control.

Banerjee, Prithviraj↗

Extensions to the Parallel Real-Time Artificial Intelligence System (PRAIS) for fault-tolerant heterogeneous cycle-stealing reasoning

Extensions to an architecture for real-time, distributed (parallel) knowledge-based systems called the Parallel Real-time Artificial Intelligence System (PRAIS) are discussed. PRAIS strives for transparently parallelizing production (rule-based) systems, even under real-time constraints. PRAIS accomplished these goals (presented at the first annual C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) conference) by incorporating a dynamic task scheduler, operating system extensions for fact handling, and message-passing among multiple copies of CLIPS executing on a virtual blackboard. This distributed knowledge-based system tool uses the portability of CLIPS and common message-passing protocols to operate over a heterogeneous network of processors. Results using the original PRAIS architecture over a network of Sun 3's, Sun 4's and VAX's are presented. Mechanisms using the producer-consumer model to extend the architecture for fault-tolerance and distributed truth maintenance initiation are also discussed.

Goldstein, David↗

PRAIS: Distributed, real-time knowledge-based systems made easy

This paper discusses an architecture for real-time, distributed (parallel) knowledge-based systems called the Parallel Real-time Artificial Intelligence System (PRAIS). PRAIS strives for transparently parallelizing production (rule-based) systems, even when under real-time constraints. PRAIS accomplishes these goals by incorporating a dynamic task scheduler, operating system extensions for fact handling, and message-passing among multiple copies of CLIPS executing on a virtual blackboard. This distributed knowledge-based system tool uses the portability of CLIPS and common message-passing protocols to operate over a heterogeneous network of processors.

Goldstein, David G.↗

RADARSAT program

Work on the RADARSAT system is progressing towards the currently scheduled launch date of early 1995. The spacecraft bus and the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload are at various stages of development. Requirements for the ground segment have been mostly established. The design of the ground elements such as the mission control facility and the SAR data processor is underway. The SAR applications development work is continuing and the chosen distributor, RADARSAT International Inc. (RSI) is making preparations to market RADARSAT data internationally. A plan for the follow-on to RADARSAT 1 is being finalized to ensure continuity of SAR data under the Radarsat program.

Mcnally, J.↗

Design of the Protocol Processor for the ROBUS-2 Communication System

The ROBUS-2 Protocol Processor (RPP) is a custom-designed hardware component implementing the functionality of the ROBUS-2 fault-tolerant communication system. The Reliable Optical Bus (ROBUS) is the core communication system of the Scalable Processor-Independent Design for Enhanced Reliability (SPIDER), a general-purpose fault tolerant integrated modular architecture currently under development at NASA Langley Research Center. ROBUS is a time-division multiple access (TDMA) broadcast communication system with medium access control by means of time-indexed communication schedule. ROBUS-2 is a developmental version of the ROBUS providing guaranteed fault-tolerant services to the attached processing elements (PEs), in the presence of a bounded number of faults. These services include message broadcast (Byzantine Agreement), dynamic communication schedule update, time reference (clock synchronization), and distributed diagnosis (group membership). ROBUS also features fault-tolerant startup and restart capabilities. ROBUS-2 tolerates internal as well as PE faults, and incorporates a dynamic self-reconfiguration capability driven by the internal diagnostic system. ROBUS consists of RPPs connected to each other by a lower-level physical communication network. The RPP has a pipelined architecture and the design is parameterized in the behavioral and structural domains. The design of the RPP enables the bus to achieve a PE-message throughput that approaches the available bandwidth at the physical layer.

Torres-Pomales, Wilfredo↗

Formulation of consumables management models: Test plan for the mission planning processor working model

The test plan and test procedures to be used in the verification and validation of the software being implemented in the mission planning processor working model program are documented. The mission planning processor is a user oriented tool for consumables management and is part of the total consumables subsystem management concept. An overview of the working model is presented. Execution of the test plan will comprehensively exercise the working model software. An overview of the test plan, including a testing schedule, is presented along with the test plan for the unit, module, and system levels. The criteria used to validate the working model results for each consumables subsystem is discussed.

Connelly, L. C.↗

Status of NASA's multibeam communications technology program

Progress with prototype components for demonstrating an acceptable performance level for multibeam 30/20 GHz satellite communications scheduled for service in 1988 is summarized. Numerous companies were contracted by NASA for the various components and subsystems, which include 20 GHz transmitters, a traveling wave tube transmitter, an IMPATT amplifier, a GaAs FET amplifier, a 30 GHz low noise receiver, a trunking matrix switch, and a baseband processor. The key system is a 20 GHz offset dual reflector antenna with shaped surfaces for multibeam transmission. Tests to date have indicated success at meeting the performance objectives.

Santarpia, D. E.↗

ROBUS-2: A Fault-Tolerant Broadcast Communication System

The Reliable Optical Bus (ROBUS) is the core communication system of the Scalable Processor-Independent Design for Enhanced Reliability (SPIDER), a general-purpose fault-tolerant integrated modular architecture currently under development at NASA Langley Research Center. The ROBUS is a time-division multiple access (TDMA) broadcast communication system with medium access control by means of time-indexed communication schedule. ROBUS-2 is a developmental version of the ROBUS providing guaranteed fault-tolerant services to the attached processing elements (PEs), in the presence of a bounded number of faults. These services include message broadcast (Byzantine Agreement), dynamic communication schedule update, clock synchronization, and distributed diagnosis (group membership). The ROBUS also features fault-tolerant startup and restart capabilities. ROBUS-2 is tolerant to internal as well as PE faults, and incorporates a dynamic self-reconfiguration capability driven by the internal diagnostic system. This version of the ROBUS is intended for laboratory experimentation and demonstrations of the capability to reintegrate failed nodes, dynamically update the communication schedule, and tolerate and recover from correlated transient faults.

Torres-Pomales, Wilfredo↗

Cloud-Based Demodulation and Data Distribution of a Satellite Downlink

Ground station networks connected to the cloud allow space missions to have global communications coverage without operating their own infrastructure. In this work, we describe the communications architecture for the TechEdSat-13 mission, which performed the first in-space characterization of a neuromorphic processor. The mission utilizes a commercial provider for S-band downlinks. A suite of cloud services and open-source software such as GNU Radio are leveraged to demodulate signals received by an AWS ground station during passes with TechEdSat-13 and store recovered data. Once a pass is scheduled, the entire process takes place without human intervention. On-orbit results the past year of operations are presented, demonstrating the advantages of this approach over traditional operator-owned ground stations. Use of software-defined radio makes possible custom signal processing. The homogeneity of apertures and their interfaces to the cloud simplifies scaling across many sites. This abundance of candidate links lays the groundwork for intelligent scheduling agents to optimize pass selection across several factors, automatically recover from failed contacts, and gather metrics to learn from past performance.

cloud demodulation↗

Design and qualification of the SEU/TD Radiation Monitor chip

This report describes the design, fabrication, and testing of the Single-Event Upset/Total Dose (SEU/TD) Radiation Monitor chip. The Radiation Monitor is scheduled to fly on the Mid-Course Space Experiment Satellite (MSX). The Radiation Monitor chip consists of a custom-designed 4-bit SRAM for heavy ion detection and three MOSFET's for monitoring total dose. In addition the Radiation Monitor chip was tested along with three diagnostic chips: the processor monitor and the reliability and fault chips. These chips revealed the quality of the CMOS fabrication process. The SEU/TD Radiation Monitor chip had an initial functional yield of 94.6 percent. Forty-three (43) SEU SRAM's and 14 Total Dose MOSFET's passed the hermeticity and final electrical tests and were delivered to LL.

Buehler, Martin G.↗