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Results for “SEQUENTIAL CONTROL”

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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

Reliable VLSI sequential controllers

A VLSI architecture for synchronous sequential controllers is presented that has attractive qualities for producing reliable circuits. In these circuits, one hardware implementation can realize any flow table with a maximum of 2(exp n) internal states and m inputs. Also all design equations are identical. A real time fault detection means is presented along with a strategy for verifying the correctness of the checking hardware. This self check feature can be employed with no increase in hardware. The architecture can be modified to achieve fail safe designs. With no increase in hardware, an adaptable circuit can be realized that allows replacement of faulty transitions with fault free transitions.

Whitaker, S.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Sequential control chart methodology

A modification of the V mask sequential control chart is proposed. In this modified scheme, a parabolic section is included in the mask to provide better performance when the process undergoes a large change in the mean from goal conditions. It is shown that the modified V mask can be implemented either in conventional graphic form, or in an algorithmic form suitable for a digital computer. Average run lengths are given for a typical range of circumstances. It also is shown that the conventional Shewhart chart is better than a sequential chart for the specific purpose of promptly detecting very large shifts of the mean from goal conditions.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1975

Apollo experience report: Command and service module sequential events control subsystem

The Apollo command and service module sequential events control subsystem is described, with particular emphasis on the major systems and component problems and solutions. The subsystem requirements, design, and development and the test and flight history of the hardware are discussed. Recommendations to avoid similar problems on future programs are outlined.

Johnson, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Sequential Events Control System (SECS) Overview

This slide presentation will cover the Sequential Events Control System (SECS), which is the Apollo spacecraft subsystem that controls the automatically sequenced functions during the mission and during any a borts that could be performed. Included in this presentation are its general architecture, its integration into and use of the spacecraft' s other systems, and details on the functions it is responsible for c ontrolling during the mission. The objectives are to describe the system's architecture, the major components in the system, and the major system functions.

Interbartolo, Michael↗
NASA NTRS1991

Optimal uniform-damping ratio controller for sequential design of multivariable systems

An optimal uniform-damping ratio controller is developed for the sequential design of a multivariable control system so that the designed closed-loop poles of the respective multivariable system and reduced-order observer are exactly placed on the negative real axis and/or the boundaries of desired sectors with constant-damping ratios. The functions in the quadratic performance index to be minimized are chosen as a combination of the weighted outputs, reduced states and inputs. Also, the optimal uniform-damping ratio controller is a combination of optimal output-feedback and optimal reduced-order state-feedback controllers. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the design procedure.

Shieh, Leang G.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Sequential catalysis controls selectivity in electrochemical CO 2 reduction on Cu

Electrochemical reduction of CO 2 in aqueous media is a strategy for sustainable production of fuels and commodity chemicals. Cu is the only catalyst which converts CO 2 to significant quantities of hydrocarbons and oxygenates. Here we demonstrate that oxygenate products can be favored over hydrocarbons by positioning a local source of CO generated by a CO producing catalyst (Au or Ag) in close proximity to a Cu catalyst. Use of a bimetallic device comprising interdigitated and independently controllable lines of Au and Cu allows the local CO concentration to be modulated. Notably, diffusional simulations show that the saturation concentration of CO can be exceeded locally. Actuating both the Au and Cu lines increases the oxygenate to ethylene ratio compared to actuating Cu only. Increasing the relative area of CO-producing Au relative to Cu also increases this ratio. These insights are translated into a second bimetallic system comprising Cu dots/lines patterned directly onto a Ag substrate, allowing for the distance between Cu and the CO generating metal to be precisely controlled. Controlling the relative areas of Ag and Cu allows for tuning of the oxygenate to ethylene ratio from 0.59 to 2.39 and an increase in oxygenate faradaic efficiency from 21.4% to 41.4%, while maintaining the selectivity to C 2 /C 3 products in the 50–65% range. We attribute this change in selectivity to be due to an increased *CO coverage on Cu. Finally, by utilizing diffusional transport of CO to the Cu, a sequential catalysis pathway is created which allows for the control of oxygenate selectivity in aqueous CO 2 reduction.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Zero-Cost Closed-Loop Discharging Method for Modular Multilevel Converter Submodules Without External Circuits

A novel submodule capacitor discharging control strategy is introduced and implemented for modular multilevel converters (MMCs). By sequentially controlling the arm currents of anMMC,all submodule capacitors are discharged rapidly through internal arm resistors without additional devices and circuits, resulting in improved performance and reduced cost. A closed-loop control method is explored for the effectiveness of the new control strategy.Acomparison study is evaluated between the proposed method and the traditional methods using bleeding resistors, auxiliary resistors, and load resistors. Confirmed by the simulation and experiment, the proposed method has the maximum benefits including zero hardware cost, fast discharging time, and negligible load current impact

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1992

Application of programmable logic controllers to space simulation

Incorporating a state-of-the-art process control and instrumentation system into a complex system for thermal vacuum testing is discussed. The challenge was to connect several independent control systems provided by various vendors to a supervisory computer. This combination will sequentially control and monitor the process, collect the data, and transmit it to color a graphic system for subsequent manipulation. The vacuum system upgrade included: replacement of seventeen diffusion pumps with eight cryogenic pumps and one turbomolecular pump, replacing a relay based control system, replacing vacuum instrumentation, and upgrading the data acquisition system.

Sushon, Janet↗
DOE OSTI2019

A Novel Discharging Control Strategy for Modular Multilevel Converter Submodules without Using External Circuit

A novel discharging control strategy is proposed and implemented for submodules in modular multilevel converters (MMCs). By sequentially controlling the arm currents of a MMC to the arm resistors, all submodule capacitors are discharged safely and rapidly without adding additional devices and circuits, resulting in improved performance and reduced cost. Both open- and closed-loop control methods are evaluated for effectiveness of the new control strategy. Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the new control strategy.

Modular multilevel converter, discharging method, ↗
NASA NTRS1975

Automatic exposure control for space sequential camera

The final report for the automatic exposure control study for space sequential cameras, for the NASA Johnson Space Center is presented. The material is shown in the same sequence that the work was performed. The purpose of the automatic exposure control is to automatically control the lens iris as well as the camera shutter so that the subject is properly exposed on the film. A study of design approaches is presented. Analysis of the light range of the spectrum covered indicates that the practical range would be from approximately 20 to 6,000 foot-lamberts, or about nine f-stops. Observation of film available from space flights shows that optimum scene illumination is apparently not present in vehicle interior photography as well as in vehicle-to-vehicle situations. The evaluation test procedure for a breadboard, and the results, which provided information for the design of a brassboard are given.

Mcatee, G. E., Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Restoring Critical Loads In Resilient Distribution Systems using A Curriculum Learned Controller

In this paper, we propose a curriculum learned reinforcement learning (RL) controller to facilitate distribution system critical load restoration (CLR), leveraging RL's fast online response and its outstanding optimal sequential control capability. Like many grid control problems, CLR is complicated due to the large control action space and renewable uncertainty in a heavily constrained non-linear environment with strong intertemporal dependency. The nature of the problem oftentimes causes the RL policy to converge to a poor-performing local optimum if learned directly. To overcome this, we design a two-stage curriculum in which the RL agent will learn generation control and load restoration decision under different scenarios progressively. Via curriculum learning, the trained RL controller is expected to achieve a better control performance, with critical loads restored as rapidly and reliably as possible. Using the IEEE 13-bus test system, we illustrate the performance of the RL controller trained by the proposed curriculum-based method.

curriculum learning↗
NASA NTRS2004

Fault Tolerant State Machines

State machines are commonly used to control sequential logic in FPGAs and ASKS. An errant state machine can cause considerable damage to the device it is controlling. For example in space applications, the FPGA might be controlling Pyros, which when fired at the wrong time will cause a mission failure. Even a well designed state machine can be subject to random errors us a result of SEUs from the radiation environment in space. There are various ways to encode the states of a state machine, and the type of encoding makes a large difference in the susceptibility of the state machine to radiation. In this paper we compare 4 methods of state machine encoding and find which method gives the best fault tolerance, as well as determining the resources needed for each method.

encoding↗
DOE OSTI2021

Restoring Critical Loads in Resilient Distribution Systems Using a Curriculum Learned Controller: Preprint

In this paper, we propose a curriculum learned reinforcement learning (RL) controller to facilitate distribution system critical load restoration (CLR), leveraging RL's fast online response and its outstanding optimal sequential control capability. Like many grid control problems, CLR is complicated due to the large control action space and renewable uncertainty in a heavily constrained non-linear environment with strong intertemporal dependency. The nature of the problem oftentimes causes the RL policy to converge to a poor-performing local optimum if learned directly. To overcome this, we design a two-stage curriculum in which the RL agent will learn generation control and load restoration decision under different scenarios progressively. Via curriculum learning, the trained RL controller is expected to achieve a better control performance, with critical loads restored as rapidly and reliably as possible. Using the IEEE 13-bus test system, we illustrate the performance of the RL controller trained by the proposed curriculum-based method.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Automation of Nanoparticle Synthesis Processes in a Plasma Environment Using LabVIEW

This work presents an automated control system for the synthesis of nanomaterials by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), implemented using the LabVIEW software environment. The main objective of the study is to develop an integrated hardware-software platform that enables sequential control of the key stages of the PECVD process, including vacuum chamber preparation, pressure monitoring, working gas supply, plasma ignition, power matching, cyclic nanomaterial growth, and optical monitoring of nanoparticles in the plasma environment. The use of LabVIEW made it possible to integrate actuator control, experimental parameter acquisition, and realtime process visualization within a single automated system. The automated cycle begins with evacuation of the reaction chamber to a predefined base pressure. Transition to the next stage is permitted only after the specified pressure threshold has been reached, ensuring reproducible initial conditions for each experiment. The program then controls the supply of the working gas through mass flow controllers (MFCs). In this work, two gas-flow control modes were considered: analog control using a 0-5 V voltage signal and digital communication via RS-232 interface. It was shown that the analog approach requires accurate scaling of the control voltage, since applying 5 V corresponds to full-scale opening of the controller and results in the maximum gas flow. In contrast, the RS232 interface enables the gas flow rate to be specified directly in sccm, improving the accuracy, flexibility, and convenience of gas-environment control. After pressure stabilization, LabVIEW initiates RF plasma ignition and executes the RF matching algorithm aimed at minimizing reflected power and improving the stability of the plasma process. A separate software module implements the cyclic nanomaterial growth mode, in which the plasma-on time, plasma duration, and total number of synthesis cycles are predefined. This approach makes it possible to control material accumulation on the substrate and to correlate the process parameters with the morphological characteristics of the resulting nanostructures. The final module of the system is designed for optical monitoring of the nanoparticle cloud density in dusty plasma. For this purpose, the change in the intensity of laser radiation passing through the plasma region is recorded using a photodetector and a Keithley 2401 measuring unit connected to LabVIEW via RS-232 interface. The difference between the initial and modified optical signal intensity is used as a diagnostic parameter characterizing the formation and temporal evolution of nanoparticles. The developed system demonstrates that LabVIEW can be effectively applied not only for the automation of individual instruments, but also for the implementation of a complete digital control cycle for PECVD-based nanomaterial synthesis.

PECVD↗