New Autocorrelation and Prediction Techniques for the Demodulation of Binary Signals

The classic problem of detecting a narrowband signal received in a wideband noise is treated via new techniques, namely, autocorrelation computation and linear adaptive filtering. It is shown by analysis and simulation that the proposed techniques yield probility of bit errors cimparable to those provided by coding techniques. Expressions are derived for the detectability parameter of the new test statistics, and it is shown that these statistics are very close to the Gaussian approximation. The improvements obtained in the signal-to-noise ratio and the Gaussian nature of the new statistic implies an improvement in the capacity of the channel by the nonlinear and storage processes involved in the new techniques, something not achievable by linear filtering and/or memoryless detection techniques.     

On mapping a tracking algorithm onto parallel processors

The problem of mapping the tasks of a multitarget tracking algorithm onto parallel computing architectures to maximize speedup is considered. An asymptotically optimal mapping algorithm is developed and applied to study the effects of task granularity and processor architectures on the speedup. From the simulation results, it is concluded that task granularity and the parallelization of clustering and global hypotheses formation stages of the tracking algorithm are major determinants of speedup     

Global and local geospace modeling in ISTP

The objective of the University of Maryland ISTP theory project is the development of the analytical and computational tools, which, combined with the data collected by the space and ground-based ISTP sensors, will lead to the construction of the first causal and predictive global geospace model. To attain this objective a research project composed of four complementary parts is conducted. First the global interaction of the solar wind-magnetosphe re system is studied using three-dimensional MHD simulations. Appropriate results of these simulations are made available to other ISTP investigators through the Central Data Handling Facility (CDHF) in a format suitable for comparison with the observations from the ISTP spacecrafts and ground instruments. Second, simulations of local processes are performed using a variety of non-MHD codes (hybrid, particle and multifluid) to study critical magnetospheric boundary layers, such as the magnetopause and the magnetotail. Third, a strong analytic effort using recently developed methods of nonlinear dynamics is conducted, to provide a complementary semi-empirical understanding of the nonlinear response of the magnetosphere and its parts to the solar wind input. The fourth part will be conducted during and following the data retrieval and its objective is to utilize the data base in conjunction with the above models to produce the next generation of global and local magnetospheric models. Special emphasis is paid to the development of advanced visualization packages that allow for interactive real time comparison of the experimental and computational data. Examples of the computational tools and of the ongoing investigations are presented.     

Frequency-controlled series-resonant converter with synchronous rectifier

This paper presents an analysis and experimental results for a frequency-controlled series-resonant dc-dc converter that consists of a Class-D zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) series-resonant inverter and a center-tapped synchronous rectifier. If the dc output voltage is low, the efficiency of the converter is dominated by the efficiency of the rectifier. Low on-resistance metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) are used in the rectifier instead of diodes because the forward voltage drop across the rectifying device is low, resulting in a high efficiency. The dc output voltage is regulated against variations in the load resistance and the dc input voltage by varying the operating frequency. Experimental results are presented for a converter with a dc input voltage of 150 V, an output voltage of 5 V, and a dc load resistance ranging from 0.5 to 5.5 R. The measured efficiency was 86% for a 50 W output and 89% for a 25 W output. The theoretical results were in good agreement with the measured results.     

Stability analysis of parallel DC-DC converters

We develop analytic methodologies for stability analyses (using nonlinear and linear methodologies) of parallel dc-dc converters (under unsaturated and saturated operating conditions) using their switching model, discrete model (based on nonlinear map), and averaged model. We describe the approach for investigating the behavior of the stable and unstable equilibrium solutions of a parallel dc-dc converter under parametric variations and illustrate the methodology using a load-sharing dc-dc buck converter. For unsaturated operating condition, using bifurcation analysis and Floquet theory, we predict the stability boundary of the nominal solution, determine its postinstability dynamics, and investigate the dependence of the converter dynamics on its initial conditions. Subsequently, we demonstrate the differences in the predictions of the instabilities and instability boundaries using (conventional) linearized averaged (small-signal) and discrete and switching models.     

Combustion modeling in a model combustor

The flow-field of a propane-air diffusion flame combustor with interior and exterior conjugate heat transfers was numerically studied.Results obtained from four combustion models,combined with the re-normalization group(RNG) k-ε turbulence model,discrete ordinates radiation model and enhanced wall treatment are presented and discussed.The results are compared with a comprehensive database obtained from a series of experimental measurements.The flow patterns and the recirculation zone length in the combustion chamber are accurately predicted,and the mean axial velocities are in fairly good agreement with the experimental data,particularly at downstream sections for all four combustion models.The mean temperature profiles are captured fairly well by the eddy dissipation(EDS),probability density function(PDF),and laminar flamelet combustion models.However,the EDS-finite-rate combustion model fails to provide an acceptable temperature field.In general,the flamelet model illustrates little superiority over the PDF model,and to some extent the PDF model shows better performance than the EDS model.      

Rosina – Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis

The Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis (ROSINA) will answer important questions posed by the mission’s main objectives. After Giotto, this will be the first time the volatile part of a comet will be analyzed in situ. This is a very important investigation, as comets, in contrast to meteorites, have maintained most of the volatiles of the solar nebula. To accomplish the very demanding objectives through all the different phases of the comet’s activity, ROSINA has unprecedented capabilities including very wide mass range (1 to >300 amu), very high mass resolution (m/Δ m > 3000, i.e. the ability to resolve CO from N₂ and ¹³C from ¹²CH), very wide dynamic range and high sensitivity, as well as the ability to determine cometary gas velocities, and temperature. ROSINA consists of two mass spectrometers for neutrals and primary ions with complementary capabilities and a pressure sensor. To ensure that absolute gas densities can be determined, each mass spectrometer carries a reservoir of a calibrated gas mixture allowing in-flight calibration. Furthermore, identical flight-spares of all three sensors will serve for detailed analysis of all relevant parameters, in particular the sensitivities for complex organic molecules and their fragmentation patterns in our electron bombardment ion sources.     

RPC-ICA: The Ion Composition Analyzer of the Rosetta Plasma Consortium

The Ion Composition Analyzer (ICA) is part of the Rosetta Plasma Consortium (RPC). ICA is designed to measure the three-dimensional distribution function of positive ions in order to study the interaction between the solar wind and cometary particles. The instrument has a mass resolution high enough to resolve the major species such as protons, helium, oxygen, molecular ions, and heavy ions characteristic of dusty plasma regions. ICA consists of an electrostatic acceptance angle filter, an electrostatic energy filter, and a magnetic momentum filter. Particles are detected using large diameter (100 mm) microchannel plates and a two-dimensional anode system. ICA has its own processor for data reduction/compression and formatting. The energy range of the instrument is from 25 eV to 40 keV and an angular field-of-view of 360° × 90° is achieved through electrostatic deflection of incoming particles.     

On improvement of materials separation accuracy by superimposition of electric fields

In this paper, the existing techniques of electrochemical dimensional machining are considered. The use of an additional current-conducting template makes it possible to improve the accuracy of materials separation with the aid of the electric field superimposed.