SARAS: a precision system for measurement of the cosmic radio background and signatures from the epoch of reionization

SARAS is a correlation spectrometer purpose designed for precision measurements of the cosmic radio background and faint features in the sky spectrum at long wavelengths that arise from redshifted 21-cm from gas in the reionization epoch. SARAS operates in the octave band 87.5-175 MHz. We present herein the system design arguing for a complex correlation spectrometer concept. The SARAS design concept provides a differential measurement between the antenna temperature and that of an internal reference termination, with measurements in switched system states allowing for cancellation of additive contaminants from a large part of the signal flow path including the digital spectrometer. A switched noise injection scheme provides absolute spectral calibration. Additionally, we argue for an electrically small frequency-independent antenna over an absorber ground. Various critical design features that aid in avoidance of systematics and in providing calibration products for the parametrization of other unavoidable systematics are described and the rationale discussed. The signal flow and processing is analyzed and the response to noise temperatures of the antenna, reference termination and amplifiers is computed. Multi-path propagation arising from internal reflections are considered in the analysis, which includes a harmonic series of internal reflections. We opine that the SARAS design concept is advantageous for precision measurement of the absolute cosmic radio background spectrum; therefore, the design features and analysis methods presented here are expected to serve as a basis for implementations tailored to measurements of a multiplicity of features in the background sky at long wavelengths, which may arise from events in the dark ages and subsequent reionization era.

Data acquisition and processing at ocean bottom for a Tsunami warning system

The design and development of a Bottom Pressure Recorder for a Tsunami Early Warning System is described here. The special requirements that it should satisfy for the specific application of deployment at ocean bed and pressure monitoring of the water column above are dealt with. A high-resolution data digitization and low circuit power consumption are typical ones. The implementation details of the data sensing and acquisition part to meet these are also brought out. The data processing part typically encompasses a Tsunami detection algorithm that should detect an event of significance in the background of a variety of periodic and aperiodic noise signals. Such an algorithm and its simulation are presented. Further, the results of sea trials carried out on the system off the Chennai coast are presented. The high quality and fidelity of the data prove that the system design is robust despite its low cost and with suitable augmentations, is ready for a full-fledged deployment at ocean bed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adaptive Flight-Control Design Using Neural-Network-Aided Optimal Nonlinear Dynamic Inversion

A neural-network-aided nonlinear dynamic inversion-based hybrid technique of model reference adaptive control flight-control system design is presented in this paper. Here, the gains of the nonlinear dynamic inversion-based flight-control system are dynamically selected in such a manner that the resulting controller mimics a single network, adaptive control, optimal nonlinear controller for state regulation. Traditional model reference adaptive control methods use a linearized reference model, and the presented control design method employs a nonlinear reference model to compute the nonlinear dynamic inversion gains. This innovation of designing the gain elements after synthesizing the single network adaptive controller maintains the advantages that an optimal controller offers, yet it retains a simple closed-form control expression in state feedback form, which can easily be modified for tracking problems without demanding any a priori knowledge of the reference signals. The strength of the technique is demonstrated by considering the longitudinal motion of a nonlinear aircraft system. An extended single network adaptive control/nonlinear dynamic inversion adaptive control design architecture is also presented, which adapts online to three failure conditions, namely, a thrust failure, an elevator failure, and an inaccuracy in the estimation of C-M alpha. Simulation results demonstrate that the presented adaptive flight controller generates a near-optimal response when compared to a traditional nonlinear dynamic inversion controller.

Damage Detection Sensitivity, Specificity and Classification Data Analysis for SHM Systems Design, Verification and Validation

In this paper, we consider applying derived knowledge base regarding the sensitivity and specificity of damage(s) to be detected by an SHM system being designed and qualified. These efforts are necessary toward developing capabilities in SHM system to classify reliably various probable damages through sequence of monitoring, i.e., damage precursor identification, detection of damage and monitoring its progression. We consider the particular problem of visual and ultrasonic NDE based SHM system design requirements, where the damage detection sensitivity and specificity data definitions for a class of structural components are established. Methodologies for SHM system specification creation are discussed in details. Examples are shown to illustrate how the physics of damage detection scheme limits particular damage detection sensitivity and specificity and further how these information can be used in algorithms to combine various different NDE schemes in an SHM system to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Statistical and data driven models to determine the sensitivity and probability of damage detection (POD) has been demonstrated for plate with varying one-sided line crack using optical and ultrasonic based inspection techniques.

An out-of-plane linear motion measurement system based on optical beam deflection

Measurement of out-of-plane linear motion with high precision and bandwidth is indispensable for development of precision motion stages and for dynamic characterization of mechanical structures. This paper presents an optical beam deflection (OBD) based system for measurement of out-of-plane linear motion for fully reflective samples. The system also achieves nearly zero cross-sensitivity to angular motion, and a large working distance. The sensitivities to linear and angular motion are analytically obtained and employed to optimize the system design. The optimal shot-noise limited resolution is shown to be less than one angstrom over a bandwidth in excess of 1 kHz. Subsequently, the system is experimentally realized and the sensitivities to out-of-plane motions are calibrated using a novel strategy. The linear sensitivity is found to be in agreement with theory. The angular sensitivity is shown to be over 7.5-times smaller than that of conventional OBD. Finally, the measurement system is employed to measure the transient response of a piezo-positioner, and, with the aid of an open-loop controller, reduce the settling time by about 90%. It is also employed to operate the positioner in closed-loop and demonstrate significant minimization of hysteresis and positioning error.

The W-11-4A platform comprehensive strength monitoring system

A comprehensive strength monitoring system used on a fixed jacket platform is presented in this paper. The long-term monitoring of W-11-4A platform achieved. Structural responses (strain and acceleration) at selected locations, as well as associated environmental parameters, have been obtained. The emphasis of the paper is placed on the system design, and the instrumentation and operation methodology employed in the monitoring of the structural responses. The performance of the system and the characteristic results obtained during its 13-month operation are also summarized.

Robust near-threshold QDI circuit analysis and design

The two most important digital-system design goals today are to reduce power consumption and to increase reliability. Reductions in power consumption improve battery life in the mobile space and reductions in energy lower operating costs in the datacenter. Increased robustness and reliability shorten down time, improve yield, and are invaluable in the context of safety-critical systems. While optimizing towards these two goals is important at all design levels, optimizations at the circuit level have the furthest reaching effects; they apply to all digital systems. This dissertation presents a study of robust minimum-energy digital circuit design and analysis. It introduces new device models, metrics, and methods of calculation—all necessary first steps towards building better systems—and demonstrates how to apply these techniques. It analyzes a fabricated chip (a full-custom QDI microcontroller designed at Caltech and taped-out in 40-nm silicon) by calculating the minimum energy operating point and quantifying the chip’s robustness in the face of both timing and functional failures.

Diseño e implementación de una herramienta para la integración de datos de QoS en Internet publicados por el regulador español

[ES]Este proyecto tiene como objetivo el diseño e implementación de una herramienta para la integración de los datos de calidad de servicio (QoS) en Internet publicados por el regulador español. Se trata de una herramienta que pretende, por una parte, unificar los diferentes formatos en que se publican los datos de QoS y, por otra, facilitar la conservación de los datos favoreciendo la obtención de históricos, datos estadísticos e informes. En la página del regulador sólo se puede acceder a los datos de los 5 últimos trimestres y los datos anteriormente publicados no permanecen accesibles si no que son sustituidos por los más recientes por lo que, desde el punto de vista del usuario final, estos datos se pierden. La herramienta propuesta en este trabajo soluciona este problema además de unificar formatos y facilitar el acceso a los datos de interés. Para el diseño del sistema se han usado las últimas tecnologías en desarrollo de aplicaciones web con lo que la potencia y posibilidad de futuras ampliaciones son elevadas.

Design and construction of a static tester for blue ray optical storage

Blue ray optical storage is one of the important trends in the area of information storage, and attracts a number of researchers. Static tester for blue ray optical storage plays an important role in storage media research. We designed and constructed a static tester, in which modularization makes it very convenient to expand function. Employment of modulation/demodulation technique weakens test error so as to increase test precision. Focus move mode and the nano-positioners facilitate the relocation of recording marks. Only one laser with wavelength 406.7 nm is used. In this paper, system design and characteristics are represented in detail, and some experimental results are also given to show that the static tester can perform successfully, acting as research platform for blue ray optical storage. (c) 2005 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Avaliação de usabilidade em jogo eletrônico: estudo de caso

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo documentar o processo de redução de riscos e incertezas de um jogo eletrônico em desenvolvimento por meio da aplicação de métodos de avaliação de Usabilidade. Foi realizado um estudo de caso da utilização de métodos e técnicas de avaliação de Usabilidade durante a produção do jogo eletrônico Dungeonland, conduzido entre 2010 a 2013 ao longo de diversas iterações do produto, da pré-produção ao lançamento. Foram utilizados os métodos de observação direta baseada em problemas, avaliação cooperativa, questionário e entrevista semi-estruturada. Os dados coletados demonstram a evolução do design do jogo, as diferentes metodologias empregadas em cada estágio de desenvolvimento, e o impacto da avaliação no projeto. Apesar de problemas e limitações no emprego dos testes de Usabilidade no produto em questão, o impacto da avaliação foi visto como muito grande e muito positivo pelos desenvolvedores - através de dados qualitativos como protocolos verbais e de gameplay de usuários, e de dados quantitativos sobre suas experiências com o produto que possam ser comparados estatisticamente, os desenvolvedores de jogos têm à sua disposição poderosas ferramentas para estabelecer processos de Design claros, centrados no usuário, e que ofereçam um ambiente onde problemas são rapidamente identificados e soluções são validadas com usuários reais.

System architecture and deployment scenarios for SESAME: Small cEllS coordinAtion for Multi-tenancy and Edge services

The surge of the Internet traffic with exabytes of data flowing over operators mobile networks has created the need to rethink the paradigms behind the design of the mobile network architecture. The inadequacy of the 4G UMTS Long term Evolution (LTE) and even of its advanced version LTE-A is evident, considering that the traffic will be extremely heterogeneous in the near future and ranging from 4K resolution TV to machine-type communications. To keep up with these changes, academia, industries and EU institutions have now engaged in the quest for new 5G technology. In this paper we present the innovative system design, concepts and visions developed by the 5G PPP H2020 project SESAME (Small cEllS coordinAtion for Multi-tenancy and Edge services). The innovation of SESAME is manifold: i) combine the key 5G small cells with cloud technology, ii) promote and develop the concept of Small Cellsas- a-Service (SCaaS), iii) bring computing and storage power at the mobile network edge through the development of nonx86 ARM technology enabled micro-servers, and iv) address a large number of scenarios and use cases applying mobile edge computing. Topics:

Superconducting fault current limiter design using parallel-connected YBCO thin films

Superconducting Fault Current Limiters (SFCLs) are able to reduce fault currents to an acceptable value, reducing potential mechanical and thermal damage to power system apparatus and allowing more flexibility in power system design and operation. The device can also help avoid replacing circuit breakers whose capacity has been exceeded. Due to limitations in current YBCO thin film manufacturing processes, it is not easy to obtain one large thin film that satisfies the specifications for high voltage and large current applications. The combination of standardized thin films has merit to reduce costs and maintain device quality, and it is necessary to connect these thin films in different series and parallel configurations in order to meet these specifications. In this paper, the design of a resistive type SFCL using parallel-connected YBCO thin films is discussed, including the role of a parallel resistor and the influence of individual thin film characteristics, based on both theory and experimental results. © 2009 IEEE.

Designing intrinsically motivating user interfaces for the ageing population

Older people often find it difficult to learn to use new technology. Although they may want to adopt it, they can find the learning process challenging and frustrating and subsequently lose motivation. This paper looks at how psychological theories of intrinsic motivation could be applied to make the ICT learning process more engaging for older users and describes an experiment set up to test the applicability of these theories to user interface (UI) design. The results of the experiment confirmed that intrinsic motivation theory is a valid lens through which to look at current ICT design and also uncovered significant gender differences in reaction to different kinds of learning tasks. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.