Electrical and Computer Engineering Commons^™

The Direct Summation Of Totally Self-Checking Checkers, Stefean Andrew Fedyschyn

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A new technique for reducing the complexity of designing Totally Self-Checking (TSC) checkers for m-out-of-n codes is presented. The method is based on the partitioning of the input variables into r classes, then partitioning the code groups generated into Z output partitions. Comparison with earlier results reveals improvements in design simplicity and logic and testing complexity.

This thesis also presents a new method of TSC checker design where a j-level m₁/n₁ code and a k-level m₂/n₂ code TSC checker are directly summed to form a max [j,k]-level (m₁ + m₂) / …

Design Of Infrasound-Detection System Via Adaptive Lmstde Algorithm, Camille S. Khalaf

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A proposed solution to an aviation safety problem is based on passive detection of turbulent weather phenomena through their infrasonic emission. This thesis describes a system design that is adequate for detection and bearing evaluation of infrasounds. An array of four sensors, with the appropriate hardware, is used for the detection part. Bearing evaluation is based on estimates of time delays between sensor outputs. The generalized cross correlation (GCC), as the conventional time-delay estimation (TOE) method, is first reviewed. An adaptive TUt approach, using the least mean square (LMS) algorithm, is then discussed. A comparison between the two techniques is …

A 250-Kv Two-Pulse Modulator For The Gas Flow Switch Test Facility, David Michael Barrett

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

High-pressure spark gap switches are often used in pulsed power systems because of their high power capabilities. Unfortunately, these switches cannot be operated at high repetition rates because of the time required for the switch to recover. However, the recovery rate of a spark gap may be improved by flowing a gas through the interelectrode region so as to remove the hot gases and debris.

A test facility has been designed and constructed at Old Dominion University to evaluate the performance of gas-flow spark gap switches operating over a wide range of voltages and flow parameters. The facility consists of …

Design Of Multivariable Feedback Control Systems Via Spectral Assignment Using Reduced-Order Models And Reduced-Order Observers, Preston Ivanhoe Carraway Iii

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The feasibility of using reduced-order models and reduced-order observers with eigenvalue/eigenvector assignment procedures is investigated. A review of spectral assignment synthesis procedures is presented. Then, a reduced-order model which retains essential system characteristics is formulated. A constant state feedback matrix which assigns desired closed loop eigenvalues and approximates specified closed loop eigenvectors is calculated for the reduced-order model. It is shown that the eigenvalue and eigenvector assignments made in the reduced order system are retained when the feedback matrix is implemented about the full order system. In addition, those modes and associated eigenvectors which are not included in the reduced-order …

A Plasma Focus Interrupting Switch, Gregory Francis Knapp

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The feasibility of using a dense plasma focus (DPF) as a current interrupting device has been investigated. Specifically, a 34-kJ, Mather-type DPF was modified to accept a third electrode so that a discharge could be created between this electrode and the center electrode of the DPF by a 10-kJ inductive energy storage circuit. It was anticipated that the accelerating mechanisms of the DPF pinch, which are known to cause a rapid reduction in the DPF current, would interrupt the 1-kA to 10-kA secondary discharge current thus forcing the secondary current through an external load and hence result in power amplification. …

Block Transform Coding Of Presample Filtered Data, Thomas A. Shull

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation addresses the application of non-adaptive transform coding for bit rate reduction of presampled filtered data. Transform coding is examined as an alternative to conventional pulse code modulation (PCM) for multi-source, fixed rate data acquisition systems. Typical bandlimiting presample filters introduce redundancy into the sequence of data samples. Linear transformation of successive N-length blocks of the data sequence and subsequent binary coding of the resulting components is shown to lead to reduced average bit rate for the same less distortion as PCM.

Four Butterworth filters, two corresponding to eight bit PCM systems, and two corresponding to ten bit PCM …

Derivations For Discrete-Time Cumulant Control, Henk Albert Roelant

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Expressions for discrete-time cumulant control systems are derived. These expressions are useful for both control system performance analysis and controller selection. Derivation of the performance cumulant expressions parallels the development for the continuous-time case. Two matrix difference equations based on the first two-cumulants are derived. A heuristic procedure for controller selection using the two matrix difference equations paralleling the procedure for the continuous-time case is developed.

The Development Of A Microprocessor Controlled Linearly Actuated Valve Assembly, Raymond H. Wall

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The development of a proportional fluid control valve/assembly is presented. This electro-mechanical system is needed for space applications to replace the current proportional flow controllers that use bulky hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems. The flow is controlled by a microprocessor system that monitors the control parameters of upstream pressure and requested volumetric flow rate. The microprocessor achieves the ·proper valve stem displacement by means of a digital linear actuator. A linear displacement sensor is used to measure the valve stem position. 'Ibis displacement is monitored by the microprocessor system as a feedback signal to close the control loop. With an …

Radiation Damage To Gaas Solar Cells Including Isotropic Effects, Larry Victor Stock

Physics Theses & Dissertations

A model is developed for the short circuit current of a GaAs solar cell due to radiation (proton or electron) induced defects in the crystal structure. This model is verified by a comparison with proton and electron irradiation results. For electron radiation and energetic protons (energy> 10 MeV), it is found that the damage in the crystal is independent of the angle of incidence. On the other hand, for lower energy proton radiation, the damage as a function of cell thickness is highly dependent on incident angle and energy. The cell's response to low energy protons is strongly dependent on …

Design Of Efficient Algorithms Through Minimization Of Data Transfers, Yong Mo Chong

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This thesis explores the time optimal implementation of computational graphs on a finite register machine. The implementation fully exploits the machine architecture, especially, the number of registers. The derived algorithms allow one to obtain time efficient implementations of a given graph in machines with a known number of registers.

These optimization procedures are applied to digital signal processing graphs. It is shown that the regular structure of these graphs allows one to identify computational kernels which, when used repeatedly, can cover the entire graph. The l- and r-register implementations of Hadamard and Fast Fourier Transforms using various computational kernels are …

Circuit Analysis Of A Gas Flow Switch, Teri Marie Owens

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The circuit analysis of a gas flow switch is presented. The objective of the analysis is to model the switching process during spark gap breakdown. This information is useful in understanding switch operation and identifying ways to improve switch performance.

A lumped circuit model is used to describe a gas flow switch during the switching process. Certain circuit element values are determined experimentally through static tests. Other component values, including a time-varying switch resistance and inductance, are estimated from current measurements. In particular, unknown constants in expressions for gap resistance and inductance are determined using an iterative parameter estimation technique. …

Experiments Conducted On The Electron Beam Produced By A Dense Plasma Focus, Mark Steven Pronko

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An experimental investigation was conducted using a 34-kJ Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) in which the possible enhancement of the electron beam was addressed. Electron beams ejected from the DPF have been observed to exceed 30 kA with pulse durations of a few nanoseconds. Enhancement was considered to be either an increase in the probability that the peak beam current exceeded some lower limit, or an increase in the mean energy of the beam electrons. The investigation was divided into two parts, each addressing one of the aspects of enhancement.

In the first part of the investigation, an axial magnetic field …

An Investigation To Model Radar Backscatter From Ridged First Year Sea Ice, Betty Lou W. Jackson

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This thesis investigates the response of a radar type sensor, the microwave scatterometer, to meter scale roughness of first-year sea ice. The scatterometer measures the absolute backscattered power from a target, and use of the radar equation permits calculation of the surface reflectivity expressed as the radar scattering coefficient, σ⁰ also called the normalized radar cross section. This thesis develops an empirical, one dimensional model to predict the backscattered power from ridged first-year sea ice of known surface topography, by interpreting the surface as a series of angular facets and summing the proportional power from each facet. The model …

A Pattern Analysis Algorithm For Wind Ambiguity Removal, Jaime R. Tormos

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Some remote sensing devices, such as satellite microwave scatterometers, produce sampled wind vectors that are accurate in speed and streamline direction, but have a directional ambiguity of 180°. The extraction of information from the two dimensional wind vectors is readily handled using pattern analysis techniques. It is shown that there is sufficient information in the spatial relationships of the generated windstream vectors to recognize the driving meteorological wind patterns. This then leads to the resolution of the wind ambiguity problem. This thesis presents the development of a pattern analysis algorithm that generates a measure of the raw data set that …

Electrical And Structural Properties Of P-N Junctions In Cw Laser Annealed Silicon, M. Maier, D. Bimberg, G. Fernholz, H. Baumgart, F. Phillipp

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Depth profiles of the electrical quality of ion implanted and cw laser annealed p-n junctions in silicon are obtained for the first time by secondary ion mass spectroscopy. A comparison with the crystallographic properties of the surface and the junction as observed by Nomarski optical microscopy as well as cross-sectional and plan view transmission electron microscopy is made. Samples containing slip dislocations show better insulation and a lower reverse bias current across the p-n junction as compared to samples with a perfect surface in agreement with current-voltage characteristics. Small dislocation loops located at the junction are found to degrade the …

Seeded Oscillatory Growth Of Si Over Sio² By Cw Laser Irradiation, G.K. Celler, L. E. Trimble, K.K. Ng, H.J. Leamy, H. Baumgart

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Extensive seeded epitaxial growth of crystalline Si over SiO₂ was achieved by an oscillatory regrowth method applied to rectangular Si pads recessed into a thick SiO₂ film. Narrow (≃5 μm) via holes linked the pads with the bulk (100) Si substrate. Oriented single crystals propagated as far as 500 μm from the seeding area, following the long term advance of a scanned focused laser beam.

A Method Of Modeling Multirate Two-Dimensional Recursive Digital Filters Author, Albert P. Gerheim

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation presents a method of modeling two dimensional sampled data systems with two sampling rates in each dimension. This methodology is applied to the problem of synthesizing two dimensional velocity filters using one dimensional prototypes and multirate concepts.

The modeling method includes the replacement of scalar z-transforms of signals by vectors of polynomials, and the replacement of scalar z-transforms of impulse responses by matrices of polynomials.

The synthesis of velocity filters is accomplished through the use of coordinate transformations in the z-transform domain which skew the ω₁ -ω₂ axes on the unit bidisc. The filters synthesized using …

Slip Dislocation Formation During Continuous Wave Laser Annealing Of Silicon, Helmut Baumgart

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

High-voltage electron microscopy (HVEM) has been used for the investigation of the defect structure in cw laser-annealed silicon. We report for the first time a (HVEM) analysis of the formation processes involved in the nucleation and glide of slip dislocations during epitaxial regrowth by cw laser annealing of ion-implantation damaged silicon layers. Based on the combined optical and HVEM observations a model of the dislocation generation and glide processes is presented.

High Resolution Laser Absorption Spectroscopy Of Ozone Near 1129.4 Cm-1, Lawrence N. Majorana

Physics Theses & Dissertations

A Beer's Law experiment was performed with a tunable laser to determine self broadened line shape parameters of one infrared absorption ozone line in the v1 band for ten pressures from 0.26 to 6.29 Torr at 285K. SO₂ line positions were used for wavelength calibration. Line shapes were iteratively fitted to the Voigt function at a Doppler width of 29.54 MHz (HWHM) resulting in values for the integrated line• strength, ( S), of (0.144 +/- 0.007 ) x ·10^-20 cm-1/molecule cm-2, line center frequency, (υ_ο) of 1129.426 cm-1 and the Lorentzian contributions to half width, (α …

Eigensystem Assignment Using Singular Value Decomposition, Ronald Dean Alley

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An interactive approach to computer-based control system design is formulated and presented. There are four key features to this approach. Singular value decomposition is used for several matrix operations, rather than Gaussian methods, for improved numerical accuracy. Dynamic memory allocation is implemented to reduce system core requirements for matrix storage. Interactive plant parameter modification is implemented to allow user interaction with the program~ reducing design time. Finally, disk input-output is minimized to increase response time.

This design system is demonstrated in examples in which distinct user specified eigenvalues are achieved, and eigenvectors close to a user specified set of eigenvectors~ …

The Development Of A Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer And Its Application To Remote Sensing Of The Earth, Richard Forrest Harrington

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The design, development, application, and capabilities of a variable frequency microwave radiometer are described. This radiometer has demonstrated the versatility, accuracy, and stability required to provide contributions to the geophysical understanding of ocean and ice processes. The design technique utilized a closed-loop feedback method, whereby noise pulses were added to the received electromagnetic radiation to achieve a null balance in a Dicke switched radiometer. Stability was achieved through the use of a constant temperature enclosure around the low loss microwave front end. The Dicke reference temperature was maintained to an absolute accuracy of 0.1 K using a closed-loop proportional temperature …

A Dimensionality Reduction Algorithm For The Karhunen Loeve Transform, Salomi T. Charalambous

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The Karhunen Loeve Transform has conclusively been shown to be the optimum data compression algorithm for signals belonging to the same second order stationary process. Consequently, researchers have been searching for a fast implementation for the transform. Fast imple­mentation methods similar to those developed for other orthogonal transforms are generally not applicable to the Karhunen Loeve Transform (KLT). Also, since the basis vectors composing the transformation matrix of the KLT are the eigenvectors of the covariance matrix of the input process, they must be computed first. The research re­ ported here is an attempt to reduce the dimensionality of the …

Luminescence In Slipped And Dislocation-Free Laser-Annealed Silicon, R.H. Uebbing, P. Wagner, H. Baumgart, H. J. Queisser

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Photoluminescence of cw laser-annealed silicon shows a dramatic difference in electronic behavior of the reconstructed material depending upon either creation or suppression of dislocations. Beyond a critical exposure time slip appears, and the luminescence of these samples is dominated by dislocation-related defect levels.

Stable Equilibrium Statistical States For Spheromaks, George Vahala, Linda L. Vahala

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Incompressible nondissipative magnetohydrodynamic turbulence is treated for spherical systems. From the absolute equilibrium expectation values of the fields one can investigate those initially quiescent states for which no large mean square velocity will develop. This stable state is force-free and gives rise to the Hill vortex structure for the magnetic flux surfaces.

Precise Frequency Control Of The Voltage Controlled Oscillator Using Finite Digital Word Lengths, Timothy Peter Hulick

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

For an oscillator that is periodically swept in frequency between some upper and lower bound, the output amplitude may easily be made constant and therefore known with a high degree of certainty. The instantaneous frequency exists only at a point in time and therefore possesses a zero probability of existing at any point. This thesis deals with the development of a method for interchanging the probability density functions of amplitude and frequency so that the latter becomes known with certainty while the former is known only to the extent that it is within a certain range.

The method developed makes …

An Efficient Dft Algorithm Using The Walsh Transform, Albert P. Gerheim

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The matrix transformation relating the sequency and frequency domains is derived. It is shown that these­ frequency-to-frequency conversion can be performed via a computationally efficient sparse matrix algorithm. The sequency-to-frequency algorithm can be used with a fast Hadamard transform to implement a discrete Fourier trans­ form. The efficiencies of this combined algorithm and a radix-two fast Fourier transform are compared.

The algorithm is applied to the sequency domain de­ sign of a Wiener digital filter. Improved computational efficiencies are achieved relative to the procedure de­veloped by Kahveci and Hall (9).

Simulation And Analysis Of A Second-Order System With An Added Finite Pole And/Or Zero, William Robert Bodwell

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An original system whose transfer functions consist of two infinite zeros and two finite poles is modified by the addition of a finite pole and/or finite zero. Statespace techniques are used to obtain equations for simulating the transfer functions on both analog and digital computers. Sample cases were selected and simulated to demonstrate the various types of responses. Analysis of the computer results and mathematical analysis of the transfer functions provide nomographs for estimating the response of the systems to a step-input and methods for obtaining equivalent pole/zero configurations.

A Study Of Thin-Film Superconducting Junctions, William P. Korink

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The information presented in this paper is the result of research conducted toward the development. of a reproducible thin-film superconducting junction. The results of this experimentation and the equipment and procedures used are provided.

A qualitative explanation is given for the theory used in the derivation of the volt-ampere characteristics of thin-film superconducting junctions of metal-insulator- metal construction. This explanation entails the electron flow through the insulating layer through the use of the Fermi-Dirac and density of states functions.

The theoretical investigation is based on the BCS Theory and results in volt-ampere characteristics that agree very well with published experimental …