Electrical and Computer Engineering Commons^™

The Spirit Iii Radiometer Data Compression System, Scott E. Budge

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

In this paper, we describe the image data compressor designed and built for the SPIRIT III radiometer which will be used to provide a real-time "quick-look" capability for the instrument. A a brief description of elements of the radiometer design which determine the data compression requirements is given, followed by a description of the VQ-based hybrid data compression algorithm. Highlights of the hardware design are also discussed.

The performance of the compressor is presented. Tests made using data obtained during cold tests of the instrument indicate an RMS error of 6.26 counts for the 10:1 compression mode and 5.83 counts …

A Generalized Data Conversion System, Kevan Morgan

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

To assist in the processing of data files collected by the Space Dynamics Laboratory at Utah State University, the software project GENDACS has been completed. GENDACS, acronym for A Generalized Data Conversion System, will contribute to its research program.

Data are collected from various sensory instruments by the Computer Data Acquisition System. The instrument readings are brought in, tagged with the time they were taken, and stored on an optical disk in a compact, binary (non-ASCII) format. GENDACS is designed so that the program can read in such files, sort out the data, and convert them into a new ASCII …

A Complexity Analysis Of Smart Pixel Switching Nodes For Photonic Extended Generalized Shuffle Switching Networks, Thomas J. Cloonan, Gaylord W. Richards, Anthony L. Lentine, Frederick B. Mccormick, Harvard Scott Hinton, Stephen J. Hinterlong

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper studies the architectural tradeoffs found in the use of smart pixels for nodes within photonic switching interconnection networks are discussed. The particular networks of interest within the analysis are strictly nonblocking extended generalized shuffle (EGS) networks. Several performance metrics are defined for the analysis, and the effect of node size on these metrics is studied. Optimum node sizes are defined for each of the performance metrics and system-level limitations are identified.

Multiple Quantum-Well Technology Takes Seed, Harvard S. Hinton

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Progress in the development of self-electrooptic-effect devices (SEEDs) is discussed. The devices include the resistor-SEED (R-SEED) device, which can be viewed as a simple NOR gate. The symmetric SEED (S-SEED) and the logic-SEED (L-SEED) devices with improved features, functionality, and performance are also considered. The integration of FETs with multiple quantum well (MQW) modulators (FET-SEED), enables optical interconnections of electronic circuits. Where the SEED technology can be used is discussed, and an experimental optical switching fabric made using these devices is described.

Photonics In Switching, Harvard S. Hinton

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

One of the keys to the future of telecommunications companies will be their ability to provide new broadband services to both the business community and residential customers. With the new services will come the need for the equivalent of a broadband switching office. Such a system could require the capability of supporting in excess of 10000 users with broadband channel bit rates exceeding 100 Mb/s. This implies a switching fabric the aggregate bit rate of which could be greater than 1 Tb/s. Guided-wave technology and free-space technology switching fabrics are discussed. Three time-division-based switching fabrics are proposed, and two wavelength-division-based …

Switching To Photonics, Harvard S. Hinton

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

The use of hardware that exploits the interplay of photons and electrons to switch voice, data, and video is discussed. The two directions being taken by current research-guided-wave and free-space photonics-are examined. Photonic time-slot interchanges are described. Multidivisional fabrics, based on a combination of space-division and time-division multiplexing, are considered, as is the wavelength-division-based photonic packet switch, another kind of multidimensional fabric. The use of self-electrooptic effect devices, (SEEDs) is discussed.

Mosfet Audio Amplifier, Jeff Argast

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

My senior project is an audio amplifier utilizing MOSFETs as the output transistors to drive the speaker. Within this document I cover the details of designing an amplifier, and the methods used to build it.

The most important part of the project is the output stage. In this section I chose MOSFETs over BJTs. Several advantages ensued from this decision, resulting in a simple design.

Further, the transformer must be able to supply the necessary currents for the transistors. Because large musical peaks are possible, resulting in sizable power surges, I had to obtain a large transformer with adequate specifications. …

An Evaluation Of The Plasma Frequency Probe, Charles Merrill Swenson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Electron density in a plasma can be measured by determining the plasma frequency. For 20 years this electron density measurement technique has been used with the plasma frequency probe. The purpose of this paper is to characterize, evaluate, and suggest improvements for this instrument. Although the current plasma frequency probe is a highly successful instrument for measuring absolute electron density in the ionosphere, several areas for improvement were found. These were in the radio frequency head and the voltage controlled oscillator. Currently, the plasma frequency probe is approximately 20% accurate in determining absolute densities around 1.5x10⁴ electrons/cm³ but …

Symmetric Self-Electro-Optic Effect Device: Optical Set-Reset Latch, Differential Logic Gate, And Differential Modulator/Detector, Anthony L. Lentine, Harvard S. Hinton, David A. B. Miller, Jill E. Henry, J. E. Cunningham, Leo M. F. Chirovsky

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

The symmetric self-electrooptic-effect device (S-SEED), a structure consisting of two p-i-n diodes electrically connected in series and acting as an optically bistable set-reset latch, is discussed. Applications and extensions of this device are also discussed. The devices do not require the critical biasing that is common to most optically bistable devices and thus is more useful for system applications. They have been optically cascaded in a photonic ring counter and have been used to perform different NOR, OR, NAND, and AND logic functions. Using the same device, a differential modulator that generates a set of complementary output beams with a …

Investigation Of Accuracy Limitations Of The Ionospheric Plasma Frequency Probe And Recommendations For A New Instrument, Mark Duane Jensen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A unique wide-range voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) has been part of the plasma frequency probe (PFP) for many years. The uniqueness of this VCO is how it is tuned with an electronic tuneable inductor in conjunction with a varactor diode. Though the PFP has been utilized successfully for rocketborne ionospheric electron density measurements, fine resolution data was limited by strange frequency jumps (approximately 5 percent uncertainty in electron density) which have appeared in flight results. This thesis examines the cause of some of these jumps, and shows they are instrument related and more particularly caused by the ferrite tank inductor core …

Architectural Considerations For Photonic Switching Networks, Harvard S. Hinton

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Photonic technologies are reviewed that could become important components of future telecommunication systems. Photonic devices and systems are divided into two classes according to the function they perform. The first class, relational, refers to devices, that map the input channels to the output channels under external control. The second class, logic, perform some type or combination of Boolean logic functions. Some of the strengths and weaknesses of operating in the photonic domain are presented. Relational devices and their applications are discussed. Optical logic devices and their potential applications are reviewed.

Vector Optimization Decision Convergence Algorithm (Vodca), Thomas Ward Morgan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Many professions occasionally involve the selection of an alternative from among many problem solutions which have impacts in multiple-interest areas; however, due to the very nature of his work, the practicing engineer, regardless of specialty, is unavoidably engaged in this selection process. The emergence of national concern for environmental and social consequences of technical enterprises, as reflected through legislative action, has accentuated the need for multicriteria design methodologies in some areas of engineering (i.e., automotive). Consequently, interest in the development of pragmatic and theoretically sound approaches to multi-impact design situations has been keen. Any approach to multicriteria design/decision problems involves …

Spectral Signature Studies For Application In Deer Census Using Remote Sensing Techniques, Maran C. Pate

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study was performed to determine the spectral signatures of deer and their natural background elements for censusing purposes. Consideration was given to atmospheric transmittance, acceptable flying weather, and terrain. Possible spectral bands between 0.3 and 14.0 μm were obtained (over a pathlength of 1500 feet at an altitude of 5000 feet) based upon atmospheric transmittance using the LOWTRAN 3B computer program. They are: 0.30 - 1.33, 1.49 - 1.79, 2.00 - 2.50, 3.00 - 3.16, 3.38 - 4.10, 4.59 - 5.05, and 8.00 - 13.33 μm, for transmittance greater than 75%. Weather conditions are favorable for flying and taking …

Feature Selection And Classifier Design With Applications To Remote Sensing Of Mule Deer, Manmohan M. Trivedi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The feasibility of an airborne system to census deer populations using remote sensing techniques is evaluated in this research. The analysis is based upon the study of spectral signatures of deer and various background objects. The deer detection problem is modeled as a multispectral pattern recognition problem where the classification is performed in a multidimensional feature space. A generalized scene, of which the winter range may be considered typical is used in the classification. It includes the deer, evergreen trees, sagebrush, and dry brush against a snow background. The signature stability study led to the conclusion that the direction-angles of …

The University, Electrical Engineering And Space Travel, Doran Baker

Faculty Honor Lectures

In this paper, my purpose is three-fold: First, to tell some of the story of the development of the Engineering College at Utah State University; second, to present selected concepts and applications in the evolution of electrical engineering; third, to relate these concepts and developments to our space venture and to the twenty-first century_ My perspective is that of a school teacher, engineer, scientist and historian; superimposed upon this is my imbedment in the system as an administrator of teachers and researchers. I intend to strike a balance between generality and depth, between technology and philosophy, and between perception and …

Wind-Powered Hydrogen Electric Systems For Farm And Rural Use, Final Report, United States Department Of Energy

Agriculture

The objective of this study has been to determine the current technology of a wind-energy conversion system (WECS) of minimal cost for rural applications. Specifically, IGT has evaluated available methods for converting shaft horse-power from a wind turbine to electricity and hydrogen. A workable mix of these two energy forms with storage that can support the energy needs of selected farming operations and the rural home was sought.

Energy load patterns of several farming operations were examined for interfacing with the energy storage and delivery systems that are supplied by wind turbines dependent on the prevalent winds. Several preliminary designs …

Asynchronous Logic Design With Flip-Flop Constraints, David Franklin Cox

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Some techniques are presented to permit the implementation of asynchronous sequential circuits using standard flip-flops. An algorithm is presented for the RS flip-flop, and it is shown that any flow table may be realized using the algorithm (the flow table is assumed to be realizable using standard logic gates). The approach is shown to be directly applicable to synchronous circuits, and transition flip-flops (JK, D, and T) are analyzed using the ideas developed. Constraints are derived for the flow tables to meet to be realizable using transition flip-flops in asynchronous situations, and upper and lower bounds on the number of …

Measurement Of Soil Moisture By Attenuation Of A Vertically Polarized Radio Wave, Arlo D. Mickelsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this thesis is to determine feasibility and to investigate some of the problems encountered in making soil moisture measurements using radio wave propagation. The procedure consists of propagating a vertically polarized wave over the earth and measuring the field strength attenuation. A brief summary of present methods of measuring soil moisture is given.

Certain aspects of radio wave propagation theory are discussed, covering such topics as the surface wave, the space wave, the skin depth, and the effect of the dielectric constant on radio wave propagation. Based on this theory, measurement parameters such as frequency, antenna separation, …

A Study Of An Unintentional Shutdown (Scram) Problem In The Operation Of The High Flux Isotope Reactor, Cheng Ping Wu

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory experiences occasional operating difficulties caused by temporary low voltage conditions on its main power feeder line. The low voltage causes the shutdown of one or more of the three primary coolant pumps. When two of these pumps are shut down, the capacity of the cooling system is reduced to the point where the reactor is scrammed due to a high inlet coolant temperature.

This study was made to determine the cause of the high inlet temperature when operating with one primary coolant pump and to suggest possible changes …

A Study Of The Secant Law For Sporadic E, Ruey-Yuan Han

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The secant law is the relationship between the frequencies of a vertically incident wave and an obliquely incident wave that are reflected from the same level (i.e., density) of a stratified ionosphere. This thesis investigates the validity of the secant law applied to sporadic E.

Sporadic E data from two backscatter sounders and one vertical incidence ionosonde located in Japan were studied to test the validity of the secant law. The B-scan photos of the backscatter sounders were searched for E_s patches which were then compared with the sporadic E parameters defined for vertical incidence ionograms.

Finally, two theoretical …

A Method For Plotting Isohyetal Maps Using An Analog Computer, Maurice George Kirwan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The ability of the analog computer to stimulate physical phenomena is used in conjunction with a resistance paper model of the Walnut Gulch watershed in Arizona to plot constant precipitation maps from data obtained from recorded rainfall. Voltages which are proportional to rainfall at a specific raingage, located at scaled points of the resistance paper model, set up an electric field on the resistive sheet which is detected and processed by the computer. The detected potential is compared to a reference potential, or "precipitation value", and the necessary analog networks allow plotting of the equipotential line which is directly analogous …

Iterative Method In Storage Routing, Mohan Lal Kapoor

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The objective of this study is to examine the feasibility of applying analog computer iterative methods to the study of storage routing.

Determining And Telemetering Snowpack Water Content In Mountainous Terrain, Stephen Davis Clarke

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Snowpack water content is an important parameter in streamflow forecasts. At the present time water content of the snowpack is determined by manual methods, which are often expensive and time-consuming. The use of a pressure pillow to determine water content has shown promise in experimental applications.

The design and analysis of a pressure transducer suitable for use with remote telemetry equipment is presented. The transducer uses changing fluid pressure to vary an inductor.

Telemetry techniques suitable for use on Utah snow courses are analyzed. Emphasis is given to the passive and active remote radio relays.