Extensions of the Discrete-Average Models for Converter Power Stages

An improved power converter model is developed by combining the average and discrete modeling techniques. The parameter determination of the proposed discrete-average model is shown to be dependent on the type of duty cycle control law and the nature of the error processor used in the feedback loop. Furthermore, the paper pinpoints deficiencies of the conventional loop gain measurement technique which is widely used in industries.     

Ultraviolet spectrometer experiment for the Voyager mission

The Voyager Ultraviolet Spectrometer (UVS) is an objective grating spectrometer covering the wavelength range of 500–1700 Å with 10 Å resolution. Its primary goal is the determination of the composition and structure of the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and several of their satellites. The capability for two very different observational modes have been combined in a single instrument. Observations in the airglow mode measure radiation from the atmosphere due to resonant scattering of the solar flux or energetic particle bombardment, and the occultation mode provides measurements of the atmospheric extinction of solar or stellar radiation as the spacecraft enters the shadow zone behind the target. In addition to the primary goal of the solar system atmospheric measurements, the UVS is expected to make valuable contributions to stellar astronomy at wavelengths below 1000 Å.     

Design of the HEAO Main Bus Shunt Regulator

The High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO) main bus regulator contains a redundant error amplifier (REA) and a 12-section sequenced shunt transconductance amplifier (STA) in which not more than three and not less than one shunt section are in an active control mode regardless of a failure in any one of the twelve sections. The part of the work concerned with the shaping of the frequency response of the REA and STA minor feedback loops and of the teolator major feedback loop is described. Emphasis is on the application of a general design technique embodying a "design-analyze-measure iteration loop," in which a first-cut design and analysis is corrected ard improved after experimental observation of discrepancies and deficiencies. In particular, an incipient high-frequency oscillation was thereby reliably eliminated. It is demonstrated that analysis techniques involving a minimum of algebra can provide full quantitative information on an efficient and reliable system design.     

Identifications of some highly-ionized iron and nickel lines in the 200–400 Å region of the solar spectrum

A number of previously unclassified multiplets of Fexiv, xiii, xii, and xi produced by transitions of the type 3s ²3p ⁿ -3s3p ⁿ⁺¹ are identified in the XUV spectrum of the Sun. The iron lines account for most of the previously unidentified strong lines between 330 and 370 Å. Solar observations of especial value for the investigation of the 300–400 Å region were the slitless spectroheliograms of September 22, 1968 (Purcell and Tousey, 1969) and November 4, 1969 (Tousey, 1971) — on which the image of a flare was recorded. Other solar identifications in the same spectral region include the resonance lines of Nixvii and Nixviii, and one 3p-3d multiplet of Fexiii. The solar blend at 417 Å involving the Fexv inter-combination line and Sxiv is resolved.     

Electronically Tracking Antenna System for Satellite Reception

This correspondence describes a novel electronically tracking antenna system for satellite reception in the VHF range. The "hedgehog" antenna consists of several antennas directed in different directions to cover the whole sky. An electronic switch, controlled by the satellite receiver, connects the receiver to the antenna from which the desired satellite signal is obtained. This system is especially suitable for unmanned reliable receiving stations if an antenna gain of the order of 10 dB is enough.     

Exploiting GNSS signal structure to enhance observability

There are a number of different error sources, such as multipath and thermal noise, which corrupt satellite navigation waveforms from their theoretical structure. However, even under ideal conditions the broadcast signals have some degree of deformation as a result of the practical individual hardware implementation. For the most demanding users of satellite navigation, such as aircraft navigation and landing systems, it is important to characterize the nominal signal structure in order to detect minimal variations resulting from hardware-based errors. Thus far such precorrelation Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal quality monitoring has been performed through high gain antennas, which allow for raising the GNSS spectrum above the thermal noise floor and observing the structure of the signal directly at the front end output. This paper describes a new approach to achieve such observability based on signal processing techniques, such as dithering and averaging, which leverage the repetitive nature of the GNSS signal. The paper presents how these techniques can drastically improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in postprocessing, allowing for the direct analysis of GNSS signals using traditional front end designs and conventional antennas. Results are predicted using the appropriate theory and validated using data collected from the Global Positioning System (GPS).     

Search radar detection and track with the Hough transform. II.detection statistics

For pt.I see ibid., vol.30, no.1, (Jan.1994). This paper describes the calculation of P_F and P_D for the Hough transform technique when the primary threshold crossings are weighted by their power before transforming (i.e., noncoherent integration). After expressions for P_F and P_D are derived, we examine the question of optimal granularity of the Hough accumulator space. We also investigate the relationship between primary and secondary thresholds and its effect on detectability     

Investigation of corona initiation voltage at reduced pressures

The results of an experimental study of the 60 Hz ac corona inception voltage at reduced pressures for a cylindrical conductor and a parallel ground plane are presented. Several spacings and bare and insulated conductors of several diameters are considered. Empirical expressions from which a reasonably accurate prediction of the corona inception voltage (CIV) may be made have been inferred from experimental data     

On the relation between the mass loss rate and the stellar parameters of OB-type stars

We discuss mass loss relations for OB-type stars as a function of luminosity, effective temperature, and mass. We conclude that a simple first order linear regression relation is as good as any other more sophisticated relation, with the advantage that the simple form consumes much less computer time when used in evolutionary codes.