A Note on Dynamic Range of Quantizers

Based on the relationship between the inputand output correlation functions for a symmetric2N step optimum quantizer withGaussian noise inputs a computer programwas generated to obtain plots of the inputnumber of levels versus dynamic range of thequantizer. For it to be physically useful thedynamic range should be related to the distortionin the fundamental band and thedesired harmonic suppression. A definitionbased upon these considerations is suggestedand curves are plotted for two different fundamentaldistortion levels and three differentlevels of harmonic suppression. It is foundthat, for low levels of harmonic suppression(0-20 dB range), the dynamic range can beincreased by tolerating a higher level of fundamentaldistortion. In the medium range ofharmonic suppression (20-35 dB), any increasein the dynamic range due to higherfundamental distortion levels disappearsfor high level quantizers (typically 4 bitsor more). For still higher harmonic suppression(40 dB or higher), the dynamic range ofthe quantizer is independent of the acceptablefundamental distortion.     

One-kVA, Three-Phase dc-ac Inverter with Digital Control

This paper describes a method of applying digital techniques to the control of a 1-kVA three-phase dc-ac inverter to generate a sinusoidal 400-Hz output, using high-frequency bridge-chopper techniques. The model which was constructed used predominantly off-theshelf digital microcircuits and resulted in a device with an overall efficiency of 85 percent, in a 0.52 cubic-foot package which weighed 19.5 lbs. Sinusoidal output with less than 2 percent harmonic distortion at 115 volts line to neutral was obtained with 28 volts dc input.     

Physical characteristics of the upper layers of Saturn's atmosphere

Analysis of polarimetric observations of Saturn was carried out. In the long wave-length spectral range (λ > 0.5μm) polarimetric observations do not contradict the model of spherical or irregular randomly oriented particles. In the short wave-length spectral interval (λ < 0.5μm) it is necessary to take into account the scattering by oriented particles.     

Vestibular function in the space environment

Adaptation to the weightless state and readaptation after space flight to the 1-G environment on the ground are accompanied by various transitory symptoms of vestibular instability, kinetosis, and illusory sensations. Aside from the problem of how to treat and if possible prevent such symptoms, they offer a clue to a better understanding of normal vestibular functions. Weightlessness is a powerful new "tool" of vestibular research. Graybiel reported as early as 1952 that human subjects observed the illusion that a real target and the visual afterimage seemed to raise in the visual field during centrifugation when the subjects were looking toward the axis of rotation (oculogravic illusion). In aircraft parabolic-flight weightlessness, human subjects observed that fixed real targets appeared to have moved downward while visual afterimages appeared to have moved upward (oculoagravic illusion). It can be shown by electronystagmography as well as by a method employing double afterimages that part of this illusion is caused by eye movements that are triggered by the changing input from the otolith system. Another part of the illusion is based on a change of the subjective horizontal and must be caused by convergence of vestibular and visual impulses "behind" the eyes. This part was measured independently of the first one by using a new method. Eye movements could be prevented during these experiments by optical fixation with the right eye on a target at the end of a 24-in. long tube which was rigidly attached parallel to the longitudinal axis of an aircraft. At the same time the subject tried to line up a shorter tube, which was pivoting around his left eye, with the subjective horizon.     

Stable mid-latitude red arcs: Observations and theory

Summary The observational features of the arc are fairly well established. At present, the thermal conduction model appears to explain the red arc features most consistently, but it must be noted that a soft electron flux would give very similar results. Ion temperature measurements in the vicinity of an arc, which should be forthcoming in the very near future, can establish conclusively whether transverse electric fields play any important role in the formation of the arcs. Accepting the assumption that the arcs are the result of energy flowing down from the plasmasphere, the major remaining question is: where does the energy come from and how does it get into the plasmasphere? The various proposed mechanisms discussed in the previous chapter appear feasible, but much work needs to be done before this problem is completely resolved.On leave from the Department of Electrical Engineering, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.     

Fluxes of Quasi-trapped Electrons with Energies >0.08 MeV in the Near-Earth Space on Drift Shells <Emphasis Type="Italic">L</Emphasis> < 2

We study the characteristics of fluxes of electrons with energy >80 keV in the near-Earth space regions corresponding to the drift shells L = 1.7, 1.4, and 1.1 observed during the entire period of the GRIF experiment onboard the Spectr module of the Mir orbital station from October 1995 to June 1997. The obtained geographic maps of the distribution of electron fluxes at the height of the station flight (400 km) and, also, the estimates of the spectra indicate that the South-Atlantic Anomaly provides for a mechanism of stable replenishment for shells with L < 1.5. The mechanism of stable replenishment of shells with L < 1.5 may be due to the scattering, in the residual atmosphere, of electrons from the inner radiation belt precipitating into the region of the South-Atlantic Anomaly.     

Gravity and perceptual stability during translational head movement on earth and in microgravity

We measured the amount of visual movement judged consistent with translational head movement under normal and microgravity conditions. Subjects wore a virtual reality helmet in which the ratio of the movement of the world to the movement of the head (visual gain) was variable. Using the method of adjustment under normal gravity 10 subjects adjusted the visual gain until the visual world appeared stable during head movements that were either parallel or orthogonal to gravity. Using the method of constant stimuli under normal gravity, seven subjects moved their heads and judged whether the virtual world appeared to move “with” or “against” their movement for several visual gains. One subject repeated the constant stimuli judgements in microgravity during parabolic flight. The accuracy of judgements appeared unaffected by the direction or absence of gravity. Only the variability appeared affected by the absence of gravity. These results are discussed in relation to discomfort during head movements in microgravity.     

Enhanced Power Generation of GSS4PS by Optical Solar Reflectors

A novel arrangement is proposed to enhance the power generation capabilities of a gravitationally stabilized solid-state-satellite solar-power station (GSS4PS) spherical solar collector. The unilluminated portion of a GSS4PS is illuminated by employing optical solar reflectors. The different mechanisms required for implementation of this arrangement are already space proven. The detailed study of this arrangement made by the authors reveals that practical realization of this concept will enhance the power generation capability of the GSS4PS and simultaneously reduce the weight per unit power and cost per unit power in GSS4PS spherical solar collectors.     

Inertially fixed pitch stabilization of satellites by solar radiation pressure

Utilization of solar radiation pressure to stabilize the pitch attitude of an unsymmetrical satellite along an inertially-fixed orientation is investigated. A controller employing two rotatable highly reflective control surfaces is proposed and a control strategy involving both nominal and feedback controls is synthesized. Accounting for the apparent annual motion of the Sun, the validity of the concept throughout the year is established through a stability analysis of the system. The influence of the Earth's shadow on the controller performance is also analyzed. The speed of response as well as the pointing accuracy capabilities of the system appear to be quite acceptable for long-life scientific missions.