NTB1212 PDF

Cov ToC
A
Intro
Welcome to your Digital Edition of NASA Tech Briefs,
Imaging Technology, Embedded Technology, and
Motion Control and Automation Technology
Included in This December Edition:
Motion Control and
NASA Tech Briefs Imaging Technology Embedded Technology Automation Technology
How to Navigate the Magazines:
At the bottom of each page, you will see a navigation bar with the following buttons:
Arrows: Click on the right or left facing arrow to turn the page forward or backward.
Introduction: Click on this icon to quickly turn to this page.
Cover: Click on this icon to quickly turn to the front cover.
Table of Contents: Click on this icon to quickly turn to the table of contents.
Zoom In: Click on this magnifying glass icon to zoom in on the page.
Zoom Out: Click on this magnifying glass icon to zoom out on the page.
Find: Click on this icon to search the document.
You can also use the standard Acrobat Reader tools to navigate through each magazine.
NASA Software of the Year
Pattern Generator for
Testing Digital Boards
Vote for Product
of the Year
Special Supplements:
Imaging Technology
Motion Control and
Automation Technology
Embedded Technology
December 2012 www.techbriefs.com Vol. 36 No. 12
48 www.techbriefs.com Imaging Technology, December 2012
W
ith an airborne camera capable
of making precise and detailed
ecological observations, biolo-
gists at Applied Ecological Services
(Brodhead, WI) are bringing satellite im-
agery closer to earth.
After years of using satellite imagery
for larger landscape-scale applications,
AES has acquired a new high-resolution
multispectral camera for imaging and
mapping ecological projects. Instead of
using a high-flying fast plane with a
large format camera, AES and its part-
ner Ayres & Associates (Madison, WI)
have opted for a plane that flies low and
slow over the ground, even beneath
cloud cover, to obtain ecologically rele-
vant imagery.
For AES, the timing of imagery to cap-
ture data on dynamic ecological
processes is important. So is the flexibil-
ity to capture imagery on an as-needed
basis for example, when deciduous
trees have lost their leaves but invasive,
exotic common buckthorn is still dark
green. Flexibility is often difficult for
other aerial photography vendors who
are more accustomed to imaging for en-
gineering or infrastructure purposes
that are not as sensitive to timing issues.
The Leica RCD30 camera acquires im-
agery as resolved as 2-inch, on-ground
pixel size because of its fast shutter and
AES slow-flying plane (see Figure 1).
The digital mapping camera offers four
spectral bands (red, green, blue, and in-
frared) that are capable of achieving en-
gineer-standard mapping accuracy spec-
ifications in association with both
vertical and horizontal measures.
Using the Infrared Band
The infrared band enables specific
applications associated with the study of
vegetation, and it offers a unique look at
the greenness or productivity of veg-
etation. The infrared band is receptive
to capturing reflectance associated with
the amount and type of chlorophyll A or
B pigments present in the tissue or cells
of plants. This sensitivity, associated with
detecting chlorophyll in vegetation,
gives scientists at AES a unique under-
standing of ecological interactions that
might otherwise go undetected (see Fig-
ure 2).
Plant productivity is a measure of the
condition, vigor, moisture, and health
of a plant. Identifying where and how
that productive plant tissue is distrib-
uted on the landscape can be used to
measure ecosystem conditions, includ-
ing crop productivity, biomass volumes,
detection and measurement of pest or
disease impacts, and the mapping of
vegetation community types. In some
cases, it is also used to identify and map
specific plant species including various
grasses, sedges, forbs, or trees, as well as
different aquatic patterns associated
with algae growth.
After aerial images are collected, they
are typically brought into high-powered
software programs designed to seamlessly
Using Multispectral Imaging
for Ecological Observations
Figure 1. Low and slow, and underneath the clouds, is how the Cessna Turbo 206 plane flies to capture four-band multispectral images for ecological in-
terpretation. (Image Credit: Applied Ecological Services)
Figure 2. Color-infared image used for mapping
and monitoring urban tree canopy. Black points
are ash trees and are being used to train spec-
tral characterization methods for species identifi-
cation. (Image Credit: Applied Ecological Services)
58 www.embeddedtechmag.com Embedded Technology, December 2012
I
ntels new Sandy Bridge microarchi-
tecture is changing how software
applications run and performon serv-
er platforms. In order for applications to
tap the full power of these new devices,
developers will need to update not only
their application software, but also the
hardware platforms on which those
applications run. Changes to Intels
Xeon E3 and E5 series of microproces-
sors include new instructions used to
accelerate common encryption tasks
and floating point calculations, as well as
increased core counts and cache per
CPU. Paramount to adoption is the crit-
ical thinking that developers need to
consider to successfully transition to the
Sandy Bridge microarchitecture.
General-purpose microprocessors
have traditionally served within the con-
trol plane of communications and net-
working equipment, leaving ASICs
(Application-Specific Integrated Cir -
cuits), FPGAs (Field-Programmable
Gate Arrays) and various accelerator
cards to handle packet processing in the
data plane. But that is all beginning to
change as Intels faster and more effi-
cient processors aim to replace many of
the network processors commonly used
in todays enterprise- and carrier-class
servers. Intels processor enhancements
are also changing how pre-integrated
server application software interoper-
ates with onboard memory, disk drives,
RAID controllers, and the Operating
System (OS).
Enter Sandy Bridge
Sandy Bridge (Figure 1) is the code-
name for Intels next-generation Xeon-
based microprocessor architecture, on
which the E3 and E5 series of Xeon
CPUs are based. As the successor to the
Nehalem microarchitecture, Sandy
Bridge CPUs are manufactured on
Intels 32nm geometry process. Sandy
Bridge is designed to enhance a range of
applications that run on notebooks,
Transitioning Application
Platforms to Sandy Bridge
Figure 1. Intels Tick-Tock Microarchitecture Roadmap
Figure 2. Sandy Bridge Platform Feature Comparison
Intro
Cov
ToC
+
A
Click Here Click Here Click Here
www.techbriefs.com/motion
December 2012
Supplement to NASA Tech Briefs Supplement to NASA Tech Briefs
Selecting and Specifying
Linear Position Sensors
IIa
Connectors Enable Precise
Movement of Lunar Robotic
Tool Changer
4a
New Products
6a
On the cover: A new harmonic
gearhead from Nexen Group
(Vadnais Heights, MN) uses the
latest harmonic strain wave
gearing technology. See page 6a.
Click Here
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
TRY IT TODAY
visit mathworks.com
2012 The MathWorks, Inc.

DISCOVER
THE NEW
LOOK AND FEEL
Simulink
of
With Simulink
Release 2012b,
its even easier to build, manage,
and navigate your Simulink and
Stateow
models:
Smart line routing
Tabbed model windows
Simulation rewind
Signal breakpoints
Explorer bar
Subsystem and signal badges
Project management
Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-775

Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
NASA Software of the Year
Pattern Generator for
Testing Digital Boards
Vote for Product
of the Year
Special Supplements:
Imaging Technology
Motion Control and
Embedded Technology
December 2012 www.techbriefs.com Vol. 36 No. 12
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
COPYRIGHT 2012 OMEGAENGINEERING, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
omega.com
No.
Compact Thermal Imagers
Electrical Energy Loss Duct-Pipe Leakage Mechanical & Industrial
Compact Size, Lightweight 368.5 g (13 oz)
-20 to 250C (-4 to 482F)
Thermal Sensitivity <0.1C @ 25C
Easy-to-Use, Focus-Free Lens
Stores Up to 5000 JPEG Images
71 mm (2.8") LCD Color Display
Long Battery Life (Lasts Over 4 Hours)
Convenient Thumbnail Image Gallery
Area Min/Max Spot Marker
Visit omega.com/osxl-i_series
$
1195
Powered
By
Not for Export - US and Canada only
OSXL-i3 (FLIR-i3)
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
START WITH PTC Creo
.
STOP AT NOTHING.
IDEA
CREATIVITY
TEAMWORK
EFFICIENCY
PRODUCTIVITY
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
PRODUCT
Ideas are your product teams most valuable asset. Unleashing those ideas into real
products that set your company apart is where PTC Creo comes in. As the worlds most
scalable and easy-to-use suite of design software, PTC Creo maximizes every aspect of
the design process. From creativity to productivity, teamwork to efficiency. All of which
helps deliver the powerful product and service advantage you can expect from PTC.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
6 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012
1a 10a
Motion Control and
Follows page 32 in selected editions only.
December 2012 Vol. 36 No. 12
20 Technology Focus: Electronic Components
20 Pattern Generator for Bench Test of Digital Boards
20 Feedback Augmented Sub-Ranging (FASR) Quantizer
21 670-GHz Down- and Up-Converting HEMT-Based Mixers
22 Real-Time Distributed Embedded Oscillator Operating
Frequency Monitoring
23 Lidar Electro-Optic Beam Switch with a Liquid Crystal
Variable Retarder
24 Software
24 Description and User Instructions for the
Quaternion_to_orbit_v3 Software
24 AdapChem
24 Extended Testability Analysis Tool
26 Interactive 3D Mars Visualization
27 Software Modules for the Proximity-1 Space Link
Interleaved Time Synchronization (PITS) Protocol
28 Rapid Diagnostics of Onboard Sequences
28 Mars Relay Lander and Orbiter Overflight Profile
Estimation
28 MER Telemetry Processor
29 pyam: Python implementation of YaM
30 Manufacturing & Prototyping
30 Archway for Radiation and Micrometeorite Occurrence
Resistance
32 Process for Patterning Indium for Bump Bonding
34 Physical Sciences
34 4D Light Field Imaging System Using Programmable
Aperture
34 Membrane Shell Reflector Segment Antenna
35 Radio Frequency Plasma Discharge Lamps for Use as
Stable Calibration Light Sources
36 Device and Container for Reheating and Sterilization
37 High-Speed Transport of Fluid Drops and Solid Particles via
Surface Acoustic Waves
38 Compact Autonomous Hemispheric Vision System
39 A Distributive, Non-Destructive, Real-Time Approach to
Snowpack Monitoring
10 UpFront
12 Whos Who at NASA
33 Technologies of the Month
70 NASAs Innovative Partnerships Office
71 Advertisers Index
14 NASA Awards 2012 Software of the Year
18 Application Briefs
66 Vote for Product of the Year
72 NASA Spinoff: Lightweight Aircraft
14
67
S O L U T I O N S
D E P A R T M E N T S
67 Product Focus: Design & Analysis
Software
68 New Products
N E W F O R D E S I G N E N G I N E E R S
S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T
www.techbriefs.com/motion
December 2012
IIa
Tool Changer
4a
New Products
6a
(Solutions continued on page 8)
72
F E A T U R E S
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Mouser and Mouser Electronics are registered trademarks of Mouser Electronics, Inc. Other products, logos, and company names mentioned herein, may be trademarks of their respective owners.
The NEWLY redesigned
Product Knowledge Center.
More Product Knowledge
More New Products
More Technologies
mouser.com
Distributing semiconductors and electronic
components for design engineers.
Authorized Distributor
The Newest Products for Your Newest Designs
mouser.com/new
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
8 NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012 For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/40440-740
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration. Neither Associated Business Publications Co., Ltd. nor the United States
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States Government assumes any
liability resulting from the use of the information contained in this document, or warrants that
such use will be free from privately owned rights. The U.S. Government does not endorse any
commercial product, process, or activity identified in this publication.
Permissions: Authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use, or the internal or
personal use of specific clients, is granted by Associated Business Publications, provided that
the flat fee of $3.00 per copy be paid directly to the Copyright Clearance Center (222 Rose
Wood Dr., Danvers, MA 01923). For those organizations that have been granted a photocopy
license by CCC, a separate system of payment has been arranged. The fee code for users of the
Transactional Reporting Service is: ISSN 0145-319X194 $3.00+ .00
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University used
Pointwise computational fluid dynamics (CFD) mesh-
ing software from Pointwise (Fort Worth, TX) to cre-
ate external 3D grids for automobiles to efficiently
resolve the expected gradients along the car sur-
face. Students were able to estimate the potential
benefit of adding a front spoiler to improve down-
force for improved traction at high speed. Learn
more about the latest release of Pointwise in our
Product Focus on Design & Analysis Software on
page 67.
(Image courtesy of Pointwise)
P R O D U C T O F T H E M O N T H
O N T H E C O V E R
67
MathWorks (Natick, MA) introduced
Release 2012b of MATLAB and
Simulink for technical computing,
simulation and design.
40 Information Technology
40 Numerical Simulation of Rocket Exhaust Interaction With
Lunar Soil
41 Motion Imagery and Robotics Application (MIRA):
Standards-Based Robotics
42 Particle Filtering for Model-Based Anomaly Detection in
Sensor Networks
46 Books and Reports
46 Ka-band Digitally Beamformed Airborne Radar Using
SweepSAR Technique
46 Composite With In Situ Plenums
46 Multi-Beam Approach for Accelerating Alignment and
Calibration of HyspIRI-Like Imaging Spectrometers
46 JWST Lifting System
65 Next-Generation Tumbleweed Rover
65 Pneumatic System for Concentration of Micrometer-Size
Lunar Soil
48 Imaging Technology
48 Using Multispectral Imaging for Ecological Observations
52 USB 3.0: Addressing New Challenges in Machine Vision
55 The Eyes of the Mars Curiosity Rover
58 Embedded Technology
58 Transitioning Application Platforms to Sandy Bridge
61 Strong-ARMing The Market
Contents continued
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
SIMULATE YOUR
BETTER MOUSETRAP
Innovation is the name of the game in
engineering because your company needs
a competitive advantage. This means you
demand powerful tools for simulating the
complex physical phenomena that lead to
bigger breakthroughs.
So the experts at Tech-X developed them.
SIMULATION SOFTWARE.
REAL-WORLD RESULTS.
Our cutting-edge suite of Vorpal software helps
you solve your most difcult multidisciplinary
numerical problems. These include plasma
and microwave device simulations, along with
the modeling of electromagnetics, plasma
discharges, and plasma acceleration. The result
is a faster way to create lower-cost innovations.
And those are mousetraps your company can
take to the bank.
DISCOVER MORE DATA.
Learn how solutions from Tech-X
can help you simulate a better
mousetrap. Sign up for our
FREE informational webinar.
Visit txcorp.com/vorpal6 today.
Tech-X Corporation | 5621 Arapahoe Ave, Suite A | Boulder, CO 80303 | 303 448 0727 | txcorp.com
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
UP
FRONT
NASA has tapped a team of aerospace, mili-
tary, and academic researchers for a three-year
project that could dramatically improve in-flight
navigation capabilities for space vehicles, mili-
tary air and sea assets, and commercial vehicles.
The project includes researchers from NASAs
Marshall Space Flight Center; the U.S. Army
Aviation and Missile Research, Develop ment,
and Engineering Center (AMRDEC); and
Northwestern University.
Their work is intended to enhance the per-
formance of a vehicles inertial guidance system
by refining the optical gyroscopes that drive it.
These highly sensitive gyroscopes, paired with
accelerometers, measure a vehicles attitude or
orientation based on its angular or rotational momentum in flight, and track its velocity
and acceleration to precisely determine its position, flight path, and attitude, or its orien-
tation relative to the direction of travel. Researchers supporting the project say their new
optical gyroscopes could be at least 1,000 times more sensitive than current gyroscopes.
For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/news/releases/2012/
12-111.html.
NASAs PhoneSat project will demonstrate the ability to
launch the lowest-cost and easiest-to-build satellites ever
flown in space capabilities enabled by using off-the-
shelf consumer smartphones to build spacecraft. The
smartphones already offer a wealth of capabilities needed
for satellite systems, including fast processors, versatile
operating systems, multiple miniature sensors, high-resolu-
tion cameras, GPS receivers, and several radios.
A small team of engineers working on PhoneSat at Ames Research Center aims to rapid-
ly evolve satellite architecture. They kept the total cost of the components to build each of
the three prototype satellites to $3,500 by using only commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hard-
ware, and keeping the design and mission objectives to a minimum for the first flight.
NASAs prototype smartphone satellite, PhoneSat 1.0, is built around the Nexus One
smartphone made by HTC Corp., running Googles Android operating system. The Nexus
One acts as the spacecraft onboard computer. Sensors determine the orientation of the
spacecraft while the smartphones camera can be used for Earth observations. COTS parts
include a watchdog circuit that monitors the systems and reboots the phone if it stops
sending radio signals.
PhoneSat 2.0 adds a two-way S-band radio to allow engineers to command the satellite
from Earth, solar panels to enable longer-duration missions, and a GPS receiver. It also adds
magnetorquer coils electromagnets that interact with Earths magnetic field and reac-
tion wheels to actively control the satellites orientation in space.
For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/stp/small_satellite_subsystem_
tech/phonesat.html.
Linda Bell
Editorial Director
Smartphone Nanosatellites
NetworKing
NASA has released a new mobile
application that challenges gamers
to take on the role of a space com-
munications network manager, and
puts them in charge of building a
communications network to support
scientific missions. NetworKing pro-
vides an interactive, 3D experience
with an insiders perspective into
how mission controllers and scientists
communicate with spacecraft and
satellites. NetworKing is available
free on the NASA 3D Resources Web
site at http://go.nasa.gov/OFkcot.
Research Group to Develop Flight Navigation Technology
We start off 2013 with a focus on
Consumer Electronics Design. Find
out about the design challenges
behind the latest consumer electron-
ic devices, and what engineers need
to do to make devices even smaller
and faster.
> Next Month in NTB
Instruments aboard the Curiosity
rover have ingested and analyzed
samples of the Martian atmosphere
collected near the Rocknest site in
Gale Crater where the rover is
stopped for research. Findings from
the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM)
instruments suggest that loss of a
fraction of the atmosphere has been
a significant factor in the evolution
of the planet.
Watch Tech Briefs TV for the lat-
est videos of the mission at www.
techbriefs.com/tv/mars. Keep up
with Curiosity at http://mars.jpl.nasa.
gov/msl.
> Curiosity Update
> App of the Month
(Left to right) Army contractor Hongrok
Chang, U.S. Army researcher Krishna Myneni,
and Dr. David Smith of NASA Marshall are
part of a team developing the new gyro-
scopes. (MSFC/Emmett Given)
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
To build a more powerful bench,
download our power supply catalog at
www.testequity.com/Agilent_Power
Agilent and our
Distributor Network
Right Instrument.
Right Expertise.
Delivered Right Now.
Built to the latest standards and technologies, Agilent DC Power Supplies
are designed with more than just power in mind. And with over 200 power
supply choices, imagine what you could achieve by adding one to your bench.
Ensure DUT safety with built-in safety features
Increase throughput with the fastest processing time in the industry
Gain insights with advanced analytics and scope-like display (N6705B)
You never thought power supplies
could do all of this.
Fortunately, we did.
U8000 Series DC Power Supplies
N6705B DC Power Analyzer
Scan or visit
http://qrs.ly/r623yzf
to view power supply
application videos
Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2012
800-732-3457
www.testequity.com/agilent
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012
www.masterbond.com
154 Hobart Street,
Hackensack, NJ 07601 USA
+1.201.343.8983
main@masterbond.com
Thermally conductive
electrically insulative
Cures at room
temperature
NASA low outgassing
approved
Halogen free
Two Component
EP21TCHT-1
Cryogenically
Serviceable
Epoxy
Adhesive
Whos Who at NASA
D
r. Carlos Calle is
developing instru-
mentation that address-
es the problem of elec-
trostatic dust. The tech-
nology will be used in
future exploration mis-
sions on Mars and the
Moon.
NASA Tech Briefs: How does the elec-
trodynamic dust shield (EDS) work?
Dr. Carlos Calle: The shield has a very
thin coating of electrodes that is embed-
ded in a substrate. We activate the elec-
trodes with a very low-power electric sig-
nal. The signal is applied to the elec-
trodes, and we generate an electric field
wave that propagates through the sur-
face. Its pretty much like when you
throw a pebble on a pond, and you see
the ripples propagating away. In this
case, its an invisible electric field that is
propagating across the surface, and that
propagating electric field carries along
the dust particles that are electrostatical-
ly charged.
NTB: How will the dust shields be
used in Mars missions?
Dr. Calle: In 2003, we joined forces
with the University of Arkansas at Little
Rock and wrote a proposal together to
the NASA Science Mission Directorate.
We won a NASA Research Announce -
ment (NRA) award to maintain solar
panels on Mars and free them of dust.
We developed that technology for about
four years and applied it to the glass cov-
ers that are used to protect the photo-
voltaic arrays.
We developed applications of that
shield not only for solar panels, but also
to protect optical systems, camera lens-
es, and spectrometers. To that effect, we
apply the transparent electrodes to a fil-
ter-like, optical-quality glass that goes
over the camera lens or the spectrome-
ter, and it will keep the device free of
dust. The same transparent application
would work to maintain helmets and
visors for future manned missions, or to
maintain windows in a habitat free of
dust. You wont have to use any contact
device like a brush that would scratch
the surfaces with repeated usage.
Also, [the shields are used on] ther-
mal radiators to maintain the surfaces of
instruments that need to be kept at a
certain temperature. Those are painted
with a reflective paint. The technology
can also be used with second-surface
mirrors, which are the silver- or alu-
minum-coated films that reflect heat on
structures. If you have a reflective sur-
face or a metallic reflective surface that
is covered with dust, the efficiency of
that radiator is compromised.
NTB: Will this technology be embed-
ded in the fabric of future spacesuits?
Dr. Calle: Yes. It is very important, and
weve been able to use carbon nanotube
solutions and inks on fabric. Were work-
ing on applying it to actual spacesuit fab-
ric to protect and maintain spacesuits
free of dust.
That was a major problem on the
Moon during the Apollo missions. Even
though they were short-duration mis-
sions, the astronauts ended up covered
with dust from the EVA activities on the
Moon. It was more of a nuisance at that
time. For long-duration missions, howev-
er, it becomes a hazard. Were working
on that, to be able to successfully keep
the dust off of spacesuits.
To learn more about the dust shield technol-
ogy, see the EDS in action, or listen to a down-
loadable podcast of the interview, visit
www.techbriefs.com/podcast. For more infor-
mation, contact amber.n.philman@nasa.gov.
Dr. Carlos Calle, Lead Scientist,
Electrostatics and Surface Physics Lab,
Kennedy Space Center, FL
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
2012 COMSOL. COMSOL, COMSOL Multiphysics, COMSOL Desktop, and LiveLink are registered trademarks or trademarks of COMSOL AB. AutoCAD and Inventor are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. LiveLink for AutoCAD and LiveLink
for Inventor are not afliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or supported by Autodesk, Inc. and/or any of its afliates and/or subsidiaries. CATIA is a registered trademark of Dassault Systmes S.A. or its afliates or subsidiaries. SolidWorks is a registered
trademark of Dassault Systmes SolidWorks Corporation or its parent, afliates, or subsidiaries. Creo is a trademark and Pro/ENGINEER is a registered trademark of Parametric Technology Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S and/or in other countries.
Solid Edge is a registered trademark of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. MATLAB is a registered trademark of The MathWorks, Inc. Excel is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
COMSOL Multiphysics
ELECTRICAL
AC/DC Module
RF Module
MEMS Module
Plasma Module
MECHANICAL
Heat Transfer Module
Structural Mechanics Module
Nonlinear Structural Materials Module
Geomechanics Module
Fatigue Module
Acoustics Module
FLUID
CFD Module
Pipe Flow Module
Microuidics Module
Subsurface Flow Module
CHEMICAL
Chemical Reaction Engineering Module
Batteries & Fuel Cells Module
Electrodeposition Module
Corrosion Module
MULTIPURPOSE
Optimization Module
Material Library
Particle Tracing Module
INTERFACING
LiveLink for MATLAB
LiveLink for Excel
CAD Import Module

ECAD Import Module
LiveLink for SolidWorks
LiveLink for SpaceClaim
LiveLink for Inventor
LiveLink for AutoCAD
LiveLink for Creo Parametric

LiveLink for Pro/ENGINEER
LiveLink for Solid Edge
File Import for CATIA
V5
Product Suite
Multiphysics tools let you build simulations that accurately replicate the
important characteristics of your designs. The key is the ability to include
all physical efects that exist in the real world. Download a free product
booklet at www.comsol.com/booklet.
Verify and optimize your designs
with COMSOL Multiphysics.
CONJUGATE HEAT TRANSFER: Multiphysics simulation of an
aluminum heat sink for cooling of components in electronic circuits.
Heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation are taken into
account where all material properties are temperature-dependent.
COMSOL Version 4.3a
Now Available!
www.comsol.com/4.3a
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Software engineers at NASAs Ames Research Center in
Moffett Field, CA developed the NASA App for mobile plat-
forms including the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Android
phones and tablets. The NASA App currently has more than
9.6 million user installations and receives more than three mil-
lion hits per day on average. The apps creators are program
manager Jerry Colen, software engineer John Freitas, and new
media specialist Charles Du.
The application uses a collection of backend scripts and
servers to gather and aggregate all of the best and most heavi-
ly requested NASA content from thousands of non-mobile Web
pages, image databases, video collections, news and image
feeds, Twitter accounts, etc. As the content is gathered and
aggregated, it is also being optimized, formatted, and then
delivered to a very fast, engaging, well organized, and intuitive
application. The NASA App also makes extensive use of the
mobile devices built-in hardware, features, and usability to
offer very compelling yet concise information in a clear and
easy-to-use way that aids public access to science, technology,
and engineering discoveries. With the integrated social media
features (such as Facebook and Twitter), the app makes shar-
ing the content fun and easy.
The NASA App supports all the agencys programs, projects,
and missions by bringing the wealth of NASAs online infor-
mation to users fingertips.
The prime contribution and
focus of the NASA App is on
public outreach and educa-
tion. It is a whole new way for
NASA to share the mission
milestones, results, and re -
search with a new generation
using smartphones and tab -
lets. It also gives the public
access to all of NASAs break-
ing news/video, whenever and
wherever they want. The NASA
App helps users gain a better
understanding and apprecia-
tion of NASA science, technol-
ogy, engineering, and mathe-
matics (STEM) discoveries.
The NASA App was #1 in the
education section of the Apple
app store for several months
after being released on each
platform. On the iPad version
of the NASA App (and other tablets in the future), every major
solar system object is covered with a detailed write-up including
distance from the Sun, radius, mass, density, gravity, moons,
rings, etc. In all versions of the NASA App, NASA missions are
explained, with links to news, images, videos, tweets, tracking,
countdown, etc. Live streaming of launches (like the last
Shuttle launch), major events (discovery of new life), and mis-
sion progress (ISS) can be viewed wherever the student has a
Wi-Fi or cellular network connection.
Other features include on-demand NASA videos from
around the agency, live streaming of NASA TV, Third Rock
Internet streaming radio, ISS and Earth orbiting satellite track-
ers, and links to all NASA visitor centers.
The NASA App was the very first mobile app developed,
approved, and released by NASA. The significant develop-
ment, innovations, legal reviews, and methods created for this
to happen paved the way for a variety of new apps from other
NASA centers to be released.
For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/iphone.
(Continued on page 16)
NASA Awards 2012
Software of the Year
N
ASAs first mobile application and software that models the behavior of earthquake faults to improve earthquake forecast-
ing and our understanding of earthquake processes are co-winners of NASAs 2012 Software of the Year Award. The award
recognizes innovative software technologies that significantly improve the agencys exploration of space and maximize sci-
entific discovery on Earth. A NASA software advisory panel reviews Software of the Year entries and recommends winners to
NASAs Inventions and Contributions Board for confirmation.
NASA App for iPad provides information on current missions.
After selecting a mission, a second
window opens a detailed view of
the mission description, allowing
users to view images and videos,
visit the mission Web site, view a
launch or arrival countdown
clock, and view an orbit tracking
screen.
NASA App
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
2012 Stratasys, Inc.
NOW I THI NK I N 3D.
AND MY DESIGNS JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER.
With our Dimension
3D Printer, I know my model will represent my idea exactly.

And that makes it easier to improve my design with each iteration. Our Dimension
is right here in the ofce, and that helps us get our
products to market faster. And, with the Dimension 3D Print
Pack
TM
we got everything we needed to start printing immediately.
The Dimension models we create are made in ABS, so theyre
also tough and durable. Overall, Dimension gives me an amazing
sense of freedomand creativity.
Find out more at www.dimensionprinting.com/ntb4
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Runner-Up
QuakeSim, developed at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory
(JPL) in Pasadena, CA, is a comprehensive, state-of-the-art soft-
ware tool for simulating and understanding earthquake fault
processes and improving earthquake forecasting. Initiated in
2002, QuakeSim uses NASA remote sensing and other earth-
quake-related data to simulate and model the behavior of
faults in 3D, both individually and as part of complex, interact-
ing systems. This provides long-term histories of fault behavior
that can be used for statistical evaluation. QuakeSim also is
used to identify regions of increased earthquake probabilities
called hotspots.
QuakeSim provides model and analysis tools, computational
infrastructure, access to data, and an interface for understand-
ing the complete cycle of earthquakes. The software assimilates
data of crustal deformation that leads to and follows earth-
quakes, together with seismicity data of earthquakes and geo-
logic data. QuakeSims integrated, map-based interfaces and
applications make an unprecedented amount of complex geo-
physical data from the ground, air, and space available and
accessible to a broad range of scientists and end users, includ-
ing emergency responders, commercial disaster companies,
the insurance industry, and civil engineers. The software allows
them to explore and analyze observations, model earthquake
processes, and analyze patterns to focus attention and identify
significant and/or subtle features in the data.
QuakeSim has had a number of notable accomplishments to
date. It produced the first readily accessible set of digital fault
models of California. It was used to identify regions in extreme
southern California at risk for earthquakes, guiding the collec-
tion of data by NASAs Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic
Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) prior to a magnitude 7.2 earth-
quake in Baja, Mexico in 2010, which led to the first-ever air-
borne radar images of deformation in Earths surface caused
by a major earthquake. It helped define NASAs planned syn-
thetic aperture radar satellite mission, and was used to rule out
tectonic deformation of Earths surface as a factor when water
pipe breaks afflicted Los Angeles in 2009. The software also
was used in several recent government earthquake response
exercises, including the 2008 California ShakeOut, 2011
National Level Exercise, and the 2012 Golden Guardian
Exercise. QuakeSim approaches are being adopted by numer-
ous organizations, including the Southern California
Earthquake Center, United States Geological Survey, and the
California Geological Survey.
Studies have shown QuakeSim to be the most accurate tool
of its kind for intermediate earthquake forecasting, and detect-
ing the subtle, transient deformation in Earths crust that pre-
cedes and follows earthquakes. Its varied applications include
scientific studies, developing earthquake hazard maps that can
be used for targeted retrofitting of earthquake-vulnerable
structures, providing input for damage and loss estimates after
earthquakes, guiding disaster response efforts, and studying
fluid changes in reservoirs.
The multidisciplinary QuakeSim team includes principal
investigator Andrea Donnellan, Jay Parker, Robert Granat,
Charles Norton, and Greg Lyzenga of JPL; Geoffrey Fox and
Marlon Pierce of Indiana University, Bloomington; John
Rundle of the University of California, Davis; Dennis McLeod
of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles; and Lisa
Grant Ludwig of the University of California, Irvine.
For more information, visit www.quakesim.org.
QuakeSim
This QuakeSim image shows the total ground deformation caused by a sim-
ulated magnitude 8.0 earthquake on Californias San Andreas fault. Virtual
California simulations create a large catalog of possible earthquake
sequences that can then be used to improve forecasting and better under-
stand the types of events that the fault system in California is capable of
producing. (Image: University of California, Davis)
Honorable Mentions
Software of the Year
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Rugged, low-cost DC
power supplies
from AutomationDirect
start at just $17.75
PSS Series PSB Series
Single-phase AC/DC universal input
Adjustable output voltages of 12 and 24 VDC from
35 to 100 watts
Rugged enclosed aluminum housing with holes for
panel mounting
Overload, overvoltage and thermal protection
UL recognized, CE marked, RoHS compliant
2-year warranty
Single and three-phase AC/DC universal input
Adjustable output voltages of 12 and 24 VDC
from 15 to 480 watts
Overload, overvoltage and thermal protection
UL listed and recognized, CSA certified, CE marked,
RoHS compliant
3-year warranty
www.automationdirect.com/dc-power-supplies
www.automationdirect.com
1-800-633-0405
Go online or call to get complete information,
request your free catalog, or place an order.
Encapsulated
Power Supplies
starting at $50
Also Available:
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
T hermoelectric Cooler Helps
Maintain Curiositys Temperature
Thermoelectric Assembly (TEA)
Marlow Industries, a subsidiary of II-VI Incorporated
Dallas, TX
877-627-5691
www.marlow.com
The first spectrometer data from the Mars Rover Curiosity
has made its way back to Earth, analyzing the plasma light cap-
tured during laser excitation of rocks and soil on the planets
surface. Solid-state thermoelectric technology was used to
cool the ChemCam (Chemistry Camera) CCD sensors.
Maintaining temperature is critical for successful operation,
and the Thermoelectric Assembly (TEA) provided a reliable
cooling solution.
Marlow Industries designed and built a custom TEA for the
Rovers ChemCam. Together with NASAs Jet Propulsion
Laboratory, they developed an assembly that included three
thermoelectric modules (TEMs), one for each CCD in the
ChemCam, and a mounting configuration that located the
assembly inside the instruments body.
A p p l i c a t i o n B r i e f s
A p p l i c a t i o n B r i e f s
I mage Sensors Enable Curiosity to
Capture High-Definition Images
From Mars
KAI-2020 Image Sensor
Truesense Imaging
Rochester, NY
585-784-5500
www.truesenseimaging.com
The Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, is designed to
assess whether Mars ever had an environment able to support
life by deploying the most advanced set of scientific instru-
ments ever sent to the planet. As part of that instrument suite,
all four science cameras on the rover are designed using image
sensors from Truesense Imaging to capture high-resolution
color images of the planet.
The four different cameras are:
The Mars Descent Imager (MARDI), active during the rovers
descent, captured hundreds of natural color images of the
planets surface to provide an initial visual framework of the
landing site for early operations.
The Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) captures close-up
color images of Martian rocks and surface material at a reso-
lution of up to 14.4 m per pixel enough to detect an
object smaller than the width of a human hair.
The Mast Camera (MastCam), the imaging workhorse of
the rover, captures high-resolution color images of the ter-
rain explored by the rover. This system is comprised of two
separate cameras that use lenses of different focal lengths,
allowing detailed images to be captured of objects both near
to and far from the rover. As an example, MastCam-100,
which uses a 100-mm lens to capture images far from the
rover, can detect an object about the size of two golf balls
from a distance of 1 km.
All four cameras are based on the KAI-2020 Image Sensor, a
2-megapixel (1600 x 1200 pixel) Interline Transfer CCD that
provides high dynamic range, low dark current, and electronic
shutter with precise exposure control. The cameras all capture
images in full color at over 4 full resolution images per second,
while the MastCam cameras can provide full-color 720p high-
definition video (1280 x 720 pixels) at 6 fps.
Curiosity is the second Mars rover to use image sensors from
Truesense Imaging. In 1997, KAI-0371 Image Sensors served as
the eyes of Mars Pathfinders Sojourner, the first rover to
explore the surface of Mars. Today, image sensors from
Truesense Imaging are used in three different orbiters around
Mars, as well as orbiters around both Venus and the Moon.
For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/40440-116
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
DEWE2- i nno v a t i o n
DATA ACQUISITION has hit a new high with DEWE2
series of instruments from Dewetron. Featuring our
TRION plugin modules for every signal...and data bus.
ANALOG - high and low voltage, strain, pressure, force, acceleration,...
DIGITAL - I/O lines, TTL and higher, counters/tachs/encoders...
BUS DATA - ARINC 429, 1553, CAN, OBD II, ASCII, ETHERNET...
Everything is recorded into one file, and displayed like youve
never seen before, including VIDEO and AUDIO data. Each
TRION module provides multiple channels, and there are
DEWE2 chassis that hold from 4 to 18 TRION modules.
Better yet, you can connect DEWE2 chassis together and
create a system with hundreds of synchronized channels!
sales@dewamerica.com Tel: +1 (401) 284-3750
Why settle for anything less?
Call or email today to learn more!
www.dewamerica.com/DEWE2
NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012 19 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-747
The TEMs are two-stage, semiconduc-
tor-based devices that function as small
heat pumps. Their cooling-mode opera-
tion is based on the Peltier effect. Driven
by DC power, they pre-cool the CCD
before the lasers fire, and maintain a
constant temperature across the 1024 x
1024 pixel CCD while the laser is firing.
Thermal sensors on or near the CCDs
provide continual feedback to the TEMs
electrical power input. A feedback loop
keeps the temperature at 0 C. If the tem-
perature outside warms up and the CCD
temperature starts to rise above this tar-
get, the controls provide more power to
the coolers, driving them to cool. The
TEMs move heat from the detectors into
the ChemCam body via conduction. The
heats thermal path travels through the
frame to the chassis of the rover.
TEMs offer a unique way to provide
cooling for this mission. They not only
offer the ability to meet the missions
thermal requirements, but do so within
the projects limited power, electrical,
and physical space constraints. Without
requiring special accommodations,
TEMs offer rugged cooling capacity that
can withstand the high-vacuum environ-
ment during the cruise to Mars, and last
during operation in the Martian atmos-
phere. Since TEMs are solid-state
devices with no moving parts, they can
withstand the mechanical shock, vibra-
tion, and acceleration requirements
during the critical moments from a
mechanical loading standpoint launch-
ing from Earth and deploying on Mars.
They also provide reliable operation as
Curiosity moves around on the planet,
offering the ability to complete poten-
tially thousands of tests over the two-
year mission.
On Mars, the ChemCam will primarily
gather samples during the day, and the
TEA is designed for daytime operation.
The worst-case operating condition for
the TEAs cooling mode is a hot environ-
ment during the Martian summer at its
equator. Even in these extreme condi-
tions, temperatures will remain under
27 C, far below the space qualification
temperatures for TEAs that range up to
85 C.
Thermoelectric solutions are design -
ed to operate in Argon, Xenon, or
Nitrogen backfilled environments, in
both high- and no-vacuum atmospheres.
While each gas and environmental con-
dition results in different heat conduc-
tion and convection effects, the expect-
ed environments on Mars did not create
a design impediment.
For Free Info Visit
http://info.hotims.com/40440-115
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Pattern Generator for Bench Test of Digital Boards
Fresh data is streamed continuously for many tens of seconds with no gaps at 40 MHz.
NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California
Technology Focus: Electronic Components
This innovation is intended to reduce
the size, power, and complexity of
pipeline analog-to-digital converters
(ADCs) that require high resolution and
speed along with low power. Digitizers are
important components in any applica-
tion where analog signals (such as light,
sound, temperature, etc.) need to be dig-
itally processed. The innovation imple-
ments amplification of a sampled resid-
ual voltage in a switched capacitor ampli-
fier stage that does not depend on charge
redistribution. The result is less sensitive
to capacitor mismatches that cause gain
errors, which are the main limitation of
such amplifiers in pipeline ADCs. The
residual errors due to mismatch are
reduced by at least a factor of 16, which is
equivalent to at least 4 bits of improve-
ment. The settling time is also faster
because of a higher feedback factor.
In traditional switched capacitor
residue amplifiers, closed-loop amplifi-
cation of a sampled and held residue
signal is achieved by redistributing sam-
pled charge onto a feedback capacitor
around a high-gain transconductance
amplifier. The residual charge that was
sampled during the acquisition or sam-
pling phase is stored on two or more
capacitors, often equal in value or inte-
gral multiples of each other. During the
hold or amplification phase, all of the
charge is redistributed onto one capac-
itor in the feedback loop of the amplifi-
er to produce an amplified voltage. The
key error source is the non-ideal ratios
of feedback and input capacitors
caused by manufacturing tolerances,
Feedback Augmented Sub-Ranging (FASR) Quantizer
This device increases the accuracy of a switched capacitor amplifier, reduces the power and area
of an integrated circuit, and reduces manufacturing cost.
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
All efforts to develop electronic equip-
ment reach a stage where they need a
board test station for each board. The
SMAP digital system consists of three
board types that interact with each other
using interfaces with critical timing. Each
board needs to be tested individually
before combining into the integrated dig-
ital electronics system. Each board needs
critical timing signals from the others to
be able to operate. A bench test system was
developed to support test of each board.
The test system produces all the outputs of
the control and timing unit, and is deliv-
ered much earlier than the timing unit.
Timing signals are treated as data. A
large file is generated containing the state
of every timing signal at any instant. This
file is streamed out to an IO card, which is
wired directly to the device-under-test
(DUT) input pins. This provides a flexible
test environment that can be adapted to
any of the boards required to test in a
standalone configuration. The problem
of generating the critical timing signals is
then transferred from a hardware prob-
lem to a software problem where it is
more easily dealt with.
The first board to be tested was the
ADC Digital Processor board (ADP).
The ADP needed a complex Xilinx con-
figuration data stream to operate, plus
timing signals. The IO card is wired
directly to the configuration and timing
inputs of the board through VME con-
nectors. A slower pattern maker pro-
gram combines the Xilinx configuration
and desired timing into a large data file.
This data file is clocked out at 40 MHz
(32 bits of data) into 28 inputs of the
ADP to make it run.
The formatter board needs data
from an ADP, plus timing information
from the control and timing unit. Data
captured from the ADP in its stand-
alone test is combined with timing
information into a large file. The large
file streams out the IO card and is
wired to formatter inputs. Since the
formatter has more inputs than the IO
card has bits, several signals were cross-
strapped (duplicated), making it
appear to the formatter that it was
receiving two ADP boards when it was
in fact receiving two copies of the same
ADP board. In combined ADP/format-
ter integration, the IO card emulates the
timing unit only.
Using IO cards to emulate missing
hardware for bench test is an older tech-
nology. The improvement here is the
ability to stream out fresh data continu-
ously for many tens of seconds with no
gaps at 40 MHz. This allows precise con-
trol over timing with time tag informa-
tion that varies over a wide range. This
allows a much better bench test than
would have been possible in short pulses.
By allowing more complete testing of
the individual boards when they are
ready rather than deferring test to inte-
gration, the delivery of the SMAP digital
system is accelerated.
This work was done by Andrew C. Berkun
and Anhua J. Chu of Caltech for NASAs Jet
Propulsion Laboratory. For more information,
download the Technical Support Package
(free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp
under the Electronics/Computers category.
The software used in this innovation is
available for commercial licensing. Please con-
tact Daniel Broderick of the California
Institute of Technology at danielb@caltech.edu.
Refer to NPO-48231.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012 www.techbriefs.com
Compact
SMD-0.2
MOSFETs
DLA
SMD
P/N
JANSR2N7503U8 JANSR2N7506U8
2N7609U3
(In process)
Slash
Sheet
MIL-S-19500/743 MIL-S-19500/749
R
DS(on)

Max.
0.221 1.2 1 0.29 1
ID @TC
= 25C
6.9 A -3.1 A 6.5 A
@VGS 12 V -12 V 4.5 V
50%
smaller
75%
lighter
8 x 10 x 3.1 mm
3
1.0 g 8M-0.5
5 x 8 x 2.7 mm
3
0.25 g 8M-0.2
For more information call 1.800.981.8699
or visit www.irf.com
For Low Power Applications
FEATURES:
Advaoced theraI desigo,
.8. Fateot No. 1,508,50 2
8pace IeveI aod LA 8M guaIihed
esigoed to accoodate
other device types
ther voItage ratiogs avaiIabIe
100 8A-hard M8FEIs (100 krad}
THE POWER MANAGEMENT LEADER
called mismatches. The mismatches
cause non-ideal closed-loop gain, lead-
ing to higher differential non-linearity.
Traditional solutions to the mismatch
errors are to use larger capacitor values
(than dictated by thermal noise
requirements) and/or complex calibra-
tion schemes, both of which increase
the die size and power dissipation.
The key features of this innovation are
(1) the elimination of the need for
charge redistribution to achieve an accu-
rate closed-loop gain of two, (2) a high-
er feedback factor in the amplifier stage
giving a higher closed-loop bandwidth
compared to the prior art, and (3)
reduced requirement for calibration.
The accuracy of the new amplifier is
mainly limited by the sampling net-
works parasitic capacitances, which
should be minimized in relation to the
sampling capacitors.
This work was done by Gerard Quilligan of
Goddard Space Flight Center. For more informa-
tion, download the Technical Support Package
GSC-16187-1
A large category of scientific investi-
gation takes advantage of the interac-
tions of signals in the frequency range
from 300 to 1,000 GHz and higher. This
includes astronomy and atmospheric
science, where spectral observations in
this frequency range give information
about molecular abundances, pressures,
and temperatures of small-sized mole-
cules such as water. Additionally, there is
a minimum in the atmospheric absorp-
tion at around 670 GHz that makes this
frequency useful for terrestrial imaging,
radar, and possibly communications
purposes. This is because 670 GHz is a
good compromise for imaging and
radar applications between spatial reso-
lution (for a given antenna size) that
favors higher frequencies, and atmos-
pheric losses that favor lower frequen-
cies. A similar trade-off applies to com-
munications link budgets: higher fre-
quencies allow smaller antennas, but
incur a higher loss.
All of these applications usually
require converting the RF (radio fre-
quency) signal at 670 GHz to a lower IF
(intermediate frequency) for process-
ing. Further, transmitting for commu-
nication and radar generally requires
up-conversion from IF to the RF. The
current state-of-the-art device for per-
forming the frequency conversion is
based on Schottky diode mixers for
both up and down conversion in this
frequency range for room-temperature
operation. Devices that can operate at
room temperature are generally
required for terrestrial, military, and
planetary applications that cannot tol-
erate the mass, bulk, and power con-
sumption of cryogenic cooling.
The technology has recently
advanced to the point that amplifiers in
the region up to nearly 1,000 GHz are
feasible. Almost all of these have been
based on indium phosphide pseudo-
morphic high-electron mobility transis-
tors (pHEMTs), in the form of mono-
lithic microwave integrated circuits
(MMICs). Since the processing of
HEMT amplifiers is quite different from
that of Schottky diodes, use of Schottky
mixers requires separate MMICs for the
mixers and amplifiers. Fabrication of all
the down-/up-conversion circuitry on
single MMICs, using all-HEMT circuits,
would constitute a major advance in cir-
cuit simplicity.
Three pHEMT-based subharmonic
670-GHz mixers were developed that are
all subharmonically pumped at about
300 GHz, which greatly simplifies the
local oscillator (LO) source, compared
to a fundamentally pumped mixer
requiring a 600-GHz source. The mixers
use an active topology. Fundamentally,
they are configured as a single-stage,
grounded-source amplifier with a drain
load controlled by the LO. The drain
load is an additional transistor, or pair of
transistors, switched by the LO signal.
This effectively samples the signal from
the amplifier at the LO frequency, and
passes the beat note on to the output ter-
minal of the mixer.
In the down-converting mixer, the
670-GHz RF input is connected to the
670-GHz Down- and Up-Converting
HEMT-Based Mixers
Applications include passive, active, or radar imaging.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
22 NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-749
Highspeed.Miniature.Shockhardened.
Diversied Technical Systems is the leading manufacturer of data acquision
systems and sensors for dynamic tesng and human injury assessment.
Applicaons:aerospace, automove, biomechanics, indummy & blast tesng
Sampling up to 1 Msps/channel with 7 GB of ash memory

Up to 25,000 g survivable
Standalone, modular systems, 3 channels to 1000s
Supports variety of sensors including IEPE, bridge, MEMS
Highperformance angular rate sensors, ranges up to 50,000 deg/sec

2012 DTS
ONBOARDDataRecorders&Sensors
A document discusses the utilization
of embedded clocks inside of operating
network data links as an auxiliary clock
source to satisfy local oscillator monitor-
ing requirements. Modem network inter-
faces, typically serial network links, often
contain embedded clocking information
of very tight precision to recover data
from the link. This embedded clocking
data can be utilized by the receiving
device to monitor the local oscillator for
tolerance to required specifications,
often important in high-integrity fault-
tolerant applications.
A device can utilize a received embed-
ded clock to determine if the local or the
remote device is out of tolerance by
using a single link. The local device can
Real-Time Distributed Embedded Oscillator Operating
Frequency Monitoring
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
gate of the grounded source stage,
whose drain is directly connected to
the source or sources of the LO FETs
(field-effect transistors). One version
has only a single transistor in the
drain load, and relies on the non-lin-
earity of the FET plus the output tun-
ing circuitry to block the RF and LO
signals and passes only the IF to the
output terminal.
The second down-converting mixer
replaces the single LO FET with a pair
having sources and drains connected
together. The LO signal is fed to the two
gates through a network that gives a
180 phase shift to one FET. Hence, the
two FETs are switched on for alternating
half-cycles of the 300-GHz LO, and the
drain FET pair acts like a sampler at
twice the LO frequency. Simulations
indicate about 6 dB of improvement in
the conversion gain, from 6 dB for the
two-FET design to around 0 dB for the
three-FET design.
For the up-converting mixer, the cir-
cuit is similar to the three-FET down-
converter, but with the IF input going
to the gate of the grounded source
stage, and the RF output taken from
the drains of the LO transistors. The RF
and IF matching networks are also
modified to the correct frequency
ranges. Simulations indicate a conver-
sion gain of about 3 dB.
This work was done by Erich T. Schlecht,
Goutam Chattopadhyay, Robert H. Lin,
and Seth Sin of Caltech; and William Deal,
Bryan Rodriguez, Brian Bayuk, Kevin
Leong, and Gerry Mei of Northrup
Grumman for NASAs Jet Propulsion
Laboratory. For more information, down-
load the Technical Support Package (free
white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp
NPO-48204
Electronic Components
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012 23
Suitable for applications subject
to high amounts of vibration
and shock, Mill-Max pins
and receptacles are available in
diameters from .008 (.20mm) to .250
(6.35mm). Receptacles feature a 4 or 6 fnger
beryllium copper or beryllium nickel contact to
ensure integrity of connection for use in the
harshest environments.
Dont see what you need? Rapid
prototyping and custom designs are
our specialty.
OVER 800 STYLES AND
OPTIONS IN STOCK
www.mill-max.com/NASA621
Follow us
MillMaxMfg
Like us
Mill-Max Mfg. Corp.
A document discusses a liquid crystal variable retarder,
an electro-optic element that changes the polarization of
an optical beam in response to a low-voltage electronic sig-
nal. This device can be fabricated so that the element cre-
ates, among other states, a half-wave of retardance that can
be reduced to a very small retardance. When aligned to a
polarized source, this can act to rotate the polarization by
90 in one state, but generate no rotation in the other state.
If the beam is then incident on a polarization beam splitter,
it will efficiently switch from one path to the other when
the voltage is applied. The laser beam switching system has
no moving parts, improving reliability over mechanical
switching. It is low cost, tolerant of high laser power densi-
ty, and needs only simple drive electronics, minimizing the
required system resources.
This work was done by James Baer of Ball Aerospace &
Technologies Corp. for Johnson Space Center. For more information,
download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at
www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Electronics/Computers category.
MSC-25113-1
Lidar Electro-Optic Beam
Switch with a Liquid Crystal
Variable Retarder
determine if it is failing, assuming a single fault model, with two
or more active links. Network fabric components, containing
many operational links, can potentially determine faulty remote
or local devices in the presence of multiple faults.
Two methods of implementation are described. In one
method, a recovered clock can be directly used to monitor
the local clock as a direct replacement of an external local
oscillator. This scheme is consistent with a general clock
monitoring function whereby clock sources are clocking
two counters and compared over a fixed interval of time. In
another method, overflow/underflow conditions can be
used to detect clock relationships for monitoring. These
network interfaces often provide clock compensation cir-
cuitry to allow data to be transferred from the received
(network) clock domain to the internal clock domain. This
circuit could be modified to detect overflow/underflow
conditions of the buffering required and report a fast or
slow receive clock, respectively.
This work was done by Julie Pollock, Brett Oliver, and Christopher
Brickner of Honeywell, Inc. for Johnson Space Center. For further infor-
mation, contact the JSC Innovation Partnerships Office at (281) 483-
3809.
Title to this invention has been waived under the provisions of the
National Aeronautics and Space Act {42 U.S.C. 2457(f)}, to Honeywell,
Inc. Inquiries concerning licenses for its commercial development should
be addressed to:
Aerospace Defense & Space
Honeywell
P.O. Box 52199
Phoenix, AZ 85072-2199
Phone No.: (602) 822-3000
Refer to MSC-24765-1, volume and number of this NASA Tech
Briefs issue, and the page number.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Description and User
Instructions for the
Quaternion_to_orbit_v3
Software
For a given inertial frame of reference,
the software combines the spacecraft
orbits with the spacecraft attitude quater-
nions, and rotates the body-fixed refer-
ence frame of a particular spacecraft to
the inertial reference frame. The conver-
sion assumes that the two spacecraft are
aligned with respect to the mutual line of
sight, with a parameterized time tag. The
software is implemented in Python and is
completely open source. It is very versa-
tile, and may be applied under various
circumstances and for other related pur-
poses. Based on the solid linear algebra
analysis, it has an extra option for com-
pensating the linear pitch.
This software has been designed for
simulation of the calibration maneuvers
performed by the two spacecraft com-
prising the GRAIL mission to the Moon,
but has potential use for other applica-
tions. In simulations of formation
flights, one needs to coordinate the
spacecraft orbits represented in an
appropriate inertial reference frame
and the spacecraft attitudes. The latter
are usually given as the time series of
quaternions rotating the body-fixed ref-
erence frame of a particular spacecraft
to the inertial reference frame. It is
often desirable to simulate the same
maneuver for different segments of the
orbit. It is also useful to study various
maneuvers that could be performed at
the same orbit segment. These two lines
of study are more time- and labor-effi-
cient if the attitude and orbit data are
generated independently, so that the
part of the data that has not been
changed can be recycled in the course
of multiple simulations.
This work was done by Dmitry V.
Strekalov, Gerhard L. Kruizinga, Meegyeong
Paik, Dah-Ning Yuan, and Sami W. Asmar
of Caltech for NASAs Jet Propulsion
under the Software category.
This software is available for commercial
licensing. Please contact Daniel Broderick of
the California Institute of Technology at
danielb@caltech.edu. Refer to NPO-47701.
AdapChem
AdapChem software enables high effi-
ciency, low computational cost, and
enhanced accuracy on computational
fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simula-
tions used for combustion studies. The
software dynamically allocates smaller,
reduced chemical models instead of the
larger, full chemistry models to evolve
the calculation while ensuring the same
accuracy to be obtained for steady-state
CFD reacting flow simulations.
The software enables detailed chemical
kinetic modeling in combustion CFD sim-
ulations. AdapChem adapts the reaction
mechanism used in the CFD to the local
reaction conditions. Instead of a single,
comprehensive reaction mechanism
throughout the computation, a dynamic
distribution of smaller, reduced models is
used to capture accurately the chemical
kinetics at a fraction of the cost of the tra-
ditional single-mechanism approach.
This work was done by Oluwayemisi O.
Oluwole and Hsi-Wu Wong of Aerodyne
Research Inc., and William Green of MIT for
Glenn Research Center. For more information,
Inquiries concerning rights for the commer-
cial use of this invention should be addressed to
NASA Glenn Research Center, Innovative
Partnerships Office, Attn: Steven Fedor, Mail
Stop 48, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland,
Ohio 44135. Refer to LEW-18786-1.
Extended Testability
Analysis Tool
The Extended Testability Analysis
(ETA) Tool is a software application that
supports fault management (FM) by per-
forming testability analyses on the fault
propagation model of a given system.
Software
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Generate tthheee eexxaacct waveforms you want.
Introducing AAgiileennt Trueform technology. m
33500B Series Waveform Generators
Sine waves with 5x lower harmonic distortion
Pulses up to 30 MHz with 10x less jitter
Point-by-point arbitrary waveforms with sequencing
16 -bit resolution with 1 mV
pp
to 10 V
pp
amplitude
8 upgradable models in 20 & 30 MHz
Agilent 33500B Series waveform generators
with exclusive Trueform signal generation
technology offer more capability, delity
and choice than traditional DDS generators.
Get the precision and exibility you need to
characterize new components and designs
with superior condence. And accelerate
development from start to nish.
Scan the QR code or
visit goo.gl/XTpPE
to view a 33500B
Series demo and
learn more about
Trueform technology
Get a 30 MHz 33500B Series waveform
generator for the price of a 20 MHz*
www.newark.com/Agilent_Function_Generator
Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2012 *Certain restrictions apply.
Agilent and our
Distributor Network
Right Instrument.
Right Expertise.
Delivered Right Now.
800-463-9275
www.newark.com/agilent
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Fault management includes the preven-
tion of faults through robust design mar-
gins and quality assurance methods, or the
mitigation of system failures. Fault man-
agement requires an understanding of the
system design and operation, potential
failure mechanisms within the system, and
the propagation of those potential failures
through the system.
The purpose of the ETA Tool software
is to process the testability analysis results
from a commercial software program
called TEAMS Designer in order to pro-
vide a detailed set of diagnostic assess-
ment reports. The ETA Tool is a com-
mand-line process with several user-selec-
table report output options. The ETA
Tool also extends the COTS testability
analysis and enables variation studies with
sensor sensitivity impacts on system diag-
nostics and component isolation using a
single testability output. The ETA Tool
can also provide extended analyses from
a single set of testability output files.
The following analysis reports are avail-
able to the user: (1) the Detectability
Report provides a breakdown of how each
tested failure mode was detected, (2) the
Test Utilization Report identifies all the
failure modes that each test detects, (3)
the Failure Mode Isolation Report demon-
strates the systems ability to discriminate
between failure modes, (4) the
Component Isolation Report demon-
strates the systems ability to discriminate
between failure modes relative to the com-
ponents containing the failure modes, (5)
the Sensor Sensitivity Analysis Report
shows the diagnostic impact due to loss of
sensor information, and (6) the Effect
Mapping Report identifies failure modes
that result in specified system-level effects.
The ETA Tool provides iterative assess-
ment analyses for conducting sensor sensi-
tivity studies, as well as a command-line
option that allows the user to specify the
component isolation level. The tool
accesses system design information from
the diagnostic model to generate detailed
diagnostic assessment reports, and com-
mand-line processing enables potential
batch mode processing of TEAMS
Designer models. The tool also features
user-specified report options that include
internal source calls and access to system
environmental variables features that
enable automation of the previously labor-
intensive manipulation of input files. The
software generates detailed, readable diag-
nostic assessment reports that can be
viewed in an Internet browser or imported
into either Microsoft Word or Excel pro-
grams. Procedural C code provides fast,
consistent, and efficient processing of the
diagnostic model information.
This work was done by Kevin Melcher of
Glenn Research Center, and William A.
Maul and Christopher Fulton of QinetiQ
North America. For more information, down-
Inquiries concerning rights for the commer-
cial use of this invention should be addressed to
NASA Glenn Research Center, Innovative
Partnerships Office, Attn: Steven Fedor, Mail
Stop 48, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland,
Ohio 44135. Refer to LEW-18795-1.
Interactive 3D Mars
Visualization
The Interactive 3D Mars Visualization
system provides high-performance,
immersive visualization of satellite and
surface vehicle imagery of Mars. The
software can be used in mission opera-
tions to provide the most accurate posi-
tion information for the Mars rovers to
date. When integrated into the mission
26 NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012
2012 Measurement Computing Corporation, 10 Commerce Way, Norton, MA 02766 info@mccdaq.com
The Value Leader in Data Acquisition
DASYLab
Software
No programming
Drag and drop, pre-congured modules
Display, analysis, and control capabilities
Develop a custom DAQ application in minutes
From
$
499
USB-1608G Series
High-speed multifunction devices
Up to 500 kS/s, 16-bit
16 analog inputs, 8 digital I/O
Up to 2 analog outputs
From
$
399
A Custom DAQ System
for under
$
1000
Spend Less Time and Money with MCC DAQ
+
mccdaq.com/DASYLab
1.800.234.4232
Watch the DASYLab Video at
Software
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
For a complete product tour, visit
www.OriginLab.com/NasaTech
OriginLab Corporation
One Roundhouse Plaza
Northampton, MA 01060 USA
USA: (800) 969-7720
FAX: (413) 585-0126
EMAIL: sales@originlab.com
Data Analysis and Graphing Software.
Powerful. Flexible. Easy to Use.
New features include:
High-performance 3D Graphing
using OpenGL
3D Parametric Function Plots
Movie Creation
Data Filter
Floating Graphs in Worksheets
Global Vertical Cursor
Implicit Function Fitting
IIR Filter Design
NEW VERSION
NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012 27 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-755
data pipeline, this system allows mission
planners to view the location of the
rover on Mars to 0.01-meter accuracy
with respect to satellite imagery, with
dynamic updates to incorporate the lat-
est position information. Given this
information so early in the planning
process, rover drivers are able to plan
more accurate drive activities for the
rover than ever before, increasing the
execution of science activities signifi-
cantly. Scientifically, this 3D mapping
information puts all of the science analy-
ses to date into geologic context on a
daily basis instead of weeks or months, as
was the norm prior to this contribution.
This allows the science planners to judge
the efficacy of their previously executed
science observations much more effi-
ciently, and achieve greater science
return as a result.
The Interactive 3D Mars surface view
is a Mars terrain browsing software inter-
face that encompasses the entire region
of exploration for a Mars surface explo-
ration mission. The view is interactive,
allowing the user to pan in any direction
by clicking and dragging, or to zoom in
or out by scrolling the mouse or touch-
pad. This set currently includes tools for
selecting a point of interest, and a ruler
tool for displaying the distance between
and positions of two points of interest.
The mapping information can be
harvested and shared through ubiqui-
tous online mapping tools like
Google Mars, NASA WorldWind, and
Worldwide Telescope.
This work was done by Mark W. Powell of
Caltech for NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
For more information, download the
Technical Support Package (free white
paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the
Software category.
Software Modules for the
Proximity-1 Space Link
Interleaved Time
Synchronization (PITS)
Protocol
The Proximity-1 Space Link Interleaved
Time Synchronization (PITS) protocol
provides time distribution and synchro-
nization services for space systems. A soft-
ware prototype implementation of the
PITS algorithm has been developed that
also provides the test harness to evaluate
the key functionalities of PITS with simu-
lated data source and sink.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Software
PITS integrates time synchronization
functionality into the link layer of the
CCSDS Proximity-1 Space Link Protocol.
The software prototype implements the
network packet format, data structures,
and transmit- and receive-timestamp
function for a time server and a client.
The software also simulates the transmit-
and receive-time stamp exchanges via
UDP (User Datagram Protocol ) socket
between a time server and a time client,
and produces relative time offsets and
delay estimates.
This work was done by Simon S. Woo, John
R. Veregge, Jay L. Gao, and Loren P. Clare of
Caltech; and David Mills of the University of
Delaware for NASAs Jet Propulsion
Laboratory. For more information, contact
iaoffice@jpl.nasa.gov.
Rapid Diagnostics of
Onboard Sequences
Keeping track of sequences onboard
a spacecraft is challenging. When
reviewing Event Verification Records
(EVRs) of sequence executions on the
Mars Exploration Rover (MER), opera-
tors often found themselves wondering
which version of a named sequence the
EVR corresponded to. The lack of this
information drastically impacts the
operators diagnostic capabilities as well
as their situational awareness with
respect to the commands the spacecraft
has executed, since the EVRs do not
provide argument values or explanatory
comments. Having this information
immediately available can be instrumen-
tal in diagnosing critical events and can
significantly enhance the overall safety
of the spacecraft.
This software provides auditing capa-
bility that can eliminate that uncertainty
while diagnosing critical conditions.
Furthermore, the Restful interface pro-
vides a simple way for sequencing tools to
automatically retrieve binary compiled
sequence SCMFs (Space Command
Message Files) on demand. It also
enables developers to change the under-
lying database, while maintaining the
same interface to the existing applica-
tions. The logging capabilities are also
beneficial to operators when they are try-
ing to recall how they solved a similar
problem many days ago: this software
enables automatic recovery of SCMF and
RML (Robot Markup Language)
sequence files directly from the com-
mand EVRs, eliminating the need for
people to find and validate the corre-
sponding sequences.
To address the lack of auditing capa-
bility for sequences onboard a spacecraft
during earlier missions, extensive log-
ging support was added on the Mars
Science Laboratory (MSL) sequencing
server. This server is responsible for gen-
erating all MSL binary SCMFs from RML
input sequences. The sequencing server
logs every SCMF it generates into a
MySQL database, as well as the high-
level RML file and dictionary name
inputs used to create the SCMF. The
SCMF is then indexed by a hash value
that is automatically included in all com-
mand EVRs by the onboard flight soft-
ware. Second, both the binary SCMF
result and the RML input file can be
retrieved simply by specifying the hash
to a Restful web interface. This interface
enables command line tools as well as
large sophisticated programs to down-
load the SCMF and RMLs on-demand
from the database, enabling a vast array
of tools to be built on top of it. One such
command line tool can retrieve and dis-
play RML files, or annotate a list of EVRs
by interleaving them with the original
sequence commands.
This software has been integrated with
the MSL sequencing pipeline where it
will serve sequences useful in diagnos-
tics, debugging, and situational aware-
ness throughout the mission.
This work was done by Thomas W.
Starbird, John R. Morris, Khawaja S. Shams,
and Mark W. Maimone of Caltech for NASAs
Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more informa-
tion, contact iaoffice@jpl.nasa.gov.
Mars Relay Lander and
Orbiter Overflight Profile
Estimation
This software allows science and mis-
sion operations to view graphs of geo-
metric overflights of satellites and lan-
ders within the Mars (or other plane-
tary) networks. It improves on the
MaROS Web interface within any mod-
ern Web browser, in that it adds new
capabilities to the MaROS suite.
The profile for an overflight is an
important element for selecting com-
munication/overflight opportunities
between the landers and orbiters with-
in the Mars network. Unfortunately,
determining these estimates is very
computationally expensive and diffi-
cult to compute by hand. This software
allows the user to select different over-
flights (via the existing MaROS Web
interface) and specify the smoothness
of the estimation.
Estimates for the geometric relation-
ship between a lander and an orbiter are
determined based upon the orbital con-
ditions of the orbiter at the moment the
orbiter rises above the horizon from the
perspective of the lander. It utilizes 2-
body orbital equations to propagate the
trajectory through the duration of the
view period, and returns profiles that
represent the range between the two
vehicles, and the elevation and azimuth
angles of the orbiter as measured from
the landers position. The algorithms
assume a 2-body relationship with an
ideal, spherical planetary body, so there-
fore can see errors less than 2% at polar
landing sites on Mars. These algorithms
are being implemented to provide
rough estimates rapidly for the geome-
try of a geometric view period where
more complete data is unavailable, such
as for planning purposes.
While other software for this task exists,
each at the time of this reporting has
been contained within a much more
complicated package. This tool allows sci-
ence and mission operations to view the
estimates with a few clicks of the mouse.
This work was done by Michael N. Wallick,
Daniel A. Allard, Roy E. Gladden, and Corey
L. Peterson of Caltech for NASAs Jet
MER Telemetry Processor
MERTELEMPROC processes teleme-
tered data in data product format and
generates Experiment Data Records
(EDRs) for many instruments (HAZ-
CAM, NAVCAM, PANCAM, microscopic
imager, Mssbauer spectrometer, APXS,
RAT, and EDLCAM) on the Mars
Exploration Rover (MER). If the data is
compressed, then MERTELEMPROC
decompresses the data with an appro-
priate decompression algorithm. There
are two compression algorithms (ICER
and LOCO) used in MER. This pro-
gram fulfills a MER specific need to gen-
erate Level 1 products within a 60-sec-
ond time requirement.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
EDRs generated by this program are
used by merinverter, marscahv, marsrad,
and marsjplstereo to generate higher-
level products for the mission opera-
tions. MERTELEPROC was the first GDS
program to process the data product.
Metadata of the data product is in XML
format. The software allows user-config-
urable input parameters, per-product
processing (not stream-based process-
ing), and fail-over is allowed if the lead-
ing image header is corrupted. It is used
within the MER automated pipeline.
MERTELEMPROC is part of the
OPGS (Operational Product Generation
Subsystem) automated pipeline, which
analyzes images returned by in situ space-
craft and creates level 1 products to assist
in operations, science, and outreach.
This work was done by Hyun H. Lee of Caltech
for NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more
information, contact iaoffice@jpl.nasa.gov.
pyam: Python implementa-
tion of YaM
pyam is a software development frame-
work with tools for facilitating the rapid
development of software in a concurrent
software development environment.
pyam provides solutions for develop-
ment challenges associated with software
reuse, managing multiple software con-
figurations, developing software product
lines, and multiple platform develop-
ment and build management. pyam uses
release-early, release-often development
cycles to allow developers to integrate
their changes incrementally into the sys-
tem on a continual basis. It facilitates the
creation and merging of branches to
support the isolated development of
immature software to avoid impacting
the stability of the development effort. It
uses modules and packages to organize
and share software across multiple soft-
ware products, and uses the concepts of
link and work modules to reduce sand-
box setup times even when the code-
base is large. One side-benefit is the
enforcement of a strong module-level
encapsulation of a modules functionali-
ty and interface. This increases design
transparency, system stability, and soft-
ware reuse.
pyam is written in Python and is organ-
ized as a set of utilities on top of the open
source SVN software version control
package. All development software is
organized into a collection of modules.
pyam packages are defined as sub-col-
lections of the available modules.
Developers can set up private sandboxes
for module/package development. All
module/package development takes
place on private SVN branches. High-
level pyam commands support the setup,
update, and release of modules and
packages. Released and pre-built ver-
sions of modules are available to develop-
ers. Developers can tailor the source/link
module mix for their sandboxes so that
new sandboxes (even large ones) can be
built up easily and quickly by pointing to
pre-existing module releases. All inter-
module interfaces are publicly exported
via links. A minimal, but uniform, con-
vention is used for building modules.
This work was done by Steven Myint and
Abhinandan Jain of Caltech for NASAs Jet
contact iaoffice@jpl.nasa.gov.
A Cut Above
www.dataforth.com
3331 E. ler|sp|ere Loop Tucsor, AZ 85Z0 u3A
To|| Free: 800-111-Z11 Te|: 520-Z11-1101 Fax: 520-Z11-0Z2
Era||: lec||rlodalalorl|.cor
MAQ
20
A Multifaceted
System for
Test & Measurement
and Data Logging
Acqu|re ard Ara|yze
Preserl
Up to 384 channels all in a standard 19 rack!
Industrys Lowest Cost per Channel
Outstanding Isolation
1500Vrms
Unparalleled Accuracy
0.035%
Wide Operating Temperature
40C to +85C
Widest Range Input Power
7-34VDC
Product Integrity Ensured by
48-Hour 85C Factory Burn-in
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
MORE MANUFACTURING & PROTOTYPING TECH BRIEFS
Online at www.techbriefs.com/prototyping
Read these new reports:
3D Printing with FDM: Real Parts, Real Possibilities
Buckyball Nucleation of HIPco Tubes
Joining and Assembly of Bulk Metallic Glass Composites
Sponsored by
Manufacturing & Prototyping
Archway for Radiation and Micrometeorite Occurrence Resistance
This technology can be used where there is a need to rapidly deploy large, rugged structures
including military, emergency services and disaster relief, and camping.
The environmental conditions of the
Moon require mitigation if a long-term
human presence is to be achieved for
extended periods of time. Radiation,
micrometeoroid impacts, high-velocity
debris, and thermal cycling represent
threats to crew, equipment, and facili-
ties. For decades, local regolith has been
suggested as a candidate material to use
in the construction of protective barri-
ers. A thickness of roughly 3 m is suffi-
cient protection from both direct and
secondary radiation from cosmic rays
and solar protons; this thickness is suffi-
cient to reduce radiation exposure even
during solar flares. NASA has previously
identified a need for innovations that
will support lunar habitats using light-
weight structures because the reduction
of structural mass translates directly into
additional up and down mass capability
that would facilitate additional logistics
capacity and increased science return
for all mission phases. The development
of non-pressurized primary structures
that have synergy with the development
of pressurized structures is also of inter-
est. The use of indigenous or in situ
materials is also a well-known and active
area of research that could drastically
improve the practicality of human
exploration beyond low-Earth orbit.
The Archway for Radiation and
Micrometeorite Occurrence Resistance
(ARMOR) concept is a new, multifunc-
tional structure that acts as radiation
shielding and micrometeorite impact
shielding for long-duration lunar surface
protection of humans and equipment.
ARMOR uses a combination of native
regolith and a deployed membrane jack-
et to yield a multifunctional structure.
ARMOR is a robust and modular system
that can be autonomously assembled on-
site prior to the first human surface arrival.
The system provides protection by
holding a sufficiently thick (3 m) arch-
shaped shell of local regolith around a
central cavity. The regolith is held in
shape by an arch-shaped jacket made of
strong but deployable material. No
regolith processing is required. During
the regolith filling process, an inflatable
structure under the arch supports the
mass of the regolith, but once regolith fill-
ing is complete the catenary arch formed
by the regolith and the jacket becomes
i
ii
iii
iv
v
A
B
C
D
Views of ARMOR Construction. The temporary inflatable (A) deploys (i). Then the jacket (B) is deployed (ii). Regolith (C) is then poured into the jacket and initial-
ly supported by the inflatable (iii). When the jacket is filled, the regolith inside the arch of the jacket is self-supporting, and the inflatable is no longer necessary
(iv). Habitat modules and equipment (D) can be moved into the ARMOR (v). The jacket is shown in cutaway in steps (ii), (iii), and (iv) to illustrate regolith filling.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Real parts. Really fast.
Receive
FirstQuote
interactive
quote.
Part ready
for shipping.
Parts ready
for shipping.
Machining begins.
Finalize options, order
with credit card or P.O.
Computerized automated
toolpaths sent to CNC Machine.
Upload
3D CAD le.
115 Days
13 Days
A product development team needs parts
to meet its rapidly approaching deadline.
Receive a
ProtoQuote
interactive
quote.
Finalize
quote and
submit P.O.
Mold design
and milling.
Receive order
conrmation with
gate and ejector
layout. Approve.
Part
production.
110 parts
1010,000+
parts
How Many
Parts?
Check out
our vitual tour!
Visit www.protolabs.com/parts today and request
your FREE 2013 Cool Parts Calendar. Enter code TB12E.
Proto Labs 2012 ISO 9001:2008 Certied ITAR Registered
Its easy to work with Proto Labs. Just upload your
3D CAD model and choose the best process for your project: CNC
machining in 13 days or injection molding in 115 days. Real parts
in real materials, in daysnot weeks. And thats the real story.
Call 877.479.3680 or visit www.protolabs.com
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
self-supporting and the inflatable can be
deflated and removed. When complete,
habitat modules and equipment can be
moved into the protected cavity under the
arch. ARMOR is a near-term system that
would provide a reliable and robust light-
weight structure technology to support
large lunar habitats, drastically lower
launch mass, and improve efficient vol-
ume use, reducing launch costs.
ARMOR also protects from micromete-
orites. The kinetic energy of micromete-
orites and other debris will be absorbed
first by an external, high-strength blanket
held over and slightly away from the
ARMOR jacket. The projectile penetrates
this outer blanket, but becomes frag-
mented and loses energy in the process.
The remnants of the projectile then
impact the exterior of the jacket, and the
jacket and regolith absorb the remaining
kinetic energy. Facilities placed inside the
ARMOR will be protected from direct
sunlight, reducing the extreme tempera-
ture variations. Infrared radiation from
the facility will be reflected by the interi-
or of the ARMOR back onto the facility,
reducing heat loss.
This work was done by Dr. Louis R.
Giersch of Caltech for NASAs Jet Propulsion
under the Manufacturing & Prototyping cat-
egory. NPO-47686
32 NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012
ProtoMat
Benchtop PCB Prototyping Machine

What would your day look like tomorrow if you could
cut yourself free from the board house and produce
true, industrial quality microwave circuits on any
substrate right at your desk? LPKFs ProtoMat
benchtop prototyping systems are helping thousands
of microwave engineers around the world take their
development time from days and weeks to minutes
and hours. In todays race to market, its like having
a time machine.
www.lpkfusa.com/pcb
1-800-345-LPKF
You cant beat an LPKF system
for prototyping. We do up to
three iterations of a design
within a day.
Leonard Weber
Agilent
9:00 AM
Your circuit design is
done and youre ready
to make a prototype.
11:48 AM
Why not try a different
approach before you
head to lunch?
1:03 PM
Your second board is
ready to test.
3:14 PM
After a few tweaks,
youre ready to make
your finished board.
4:09 PM
Your finished board is
ready to go.
5:00 PM
Nice work. You just
shaved weeks off your
development schedule.
10:05 AM
Your first board is
ready to test.
Manufacturing & Prototyping
Process for
Patterning Indium
for Bump Bonding
Goddard Space Flight Center,
Greenbelt, Maryland
An innovation was created for the
Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor
for integration of low-temperature detec-
tor chips with a silicon backshort and a sil-
icon photonic choke through flip-chip
bonding. Indium bumps are typically pat-
terned using liftoff processes, which
require thick resist. In some applications,
it is necessary to locate the bumps close to
high-aspect-ratio structures such as wafer
through-holes. In those cases, liftoff
processes are challenging, and require
complicated and time-consuming spray
coating technology if the high-aspect-ratio
structures are delineated prior to the indi-
um bump process. Alternatively, process-
ing the indium bumps first is limited by
compatibility of the indium with subse-
quent processing. The present invention
allows for locating bumps arbitrarily close
to multiple-level high-aspect-ratio struc-
tures, and for indium bumps to be
formed without liftoff resist.
The process uses the poor step cover-
age of indium deposited on a silicon wafer
that has been previously etched to delin-
eate the location of the indium bumps.
The silicon pattern can be processed
through standard lithography prior to
adding the high-aspect-ratio structures.
Typically, high-aspect-ratio structures
require a thick resist layer so this layer can
easily cover the silicon topography. For
multiple levels of topography, the silicon
can be easily conformally coated through
standard processes. A blanket layer of
indium is then deposited onto the full
wafer; bump bonding only occurs at the
high points of the topography.
This work was done by Kevin Denis of
under the Manufacturing & Prototyping cate-
gory. GSC-16386-1
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012 www.techbriefs.com 33
Technologies of the Month
Sponsored by
TechNeeds Requests for Technologies
TechNeeds are anonymous requests for technologies that you and your organization may be able to fulfill.
Responding to a TechNeed is the first step to gaining an introduction with a prospective buyer
for your technology solution.
ADVERTISEMENT
For more information on these and other new, licensable inventions,
visit www.techbriefs.com/techsearch
Printing Technology for PVA Film
A company seeks technology options for printing on a mov-
ing Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) film web before or during the
production of liquitabs and other unit dose products. The
technology must be able to print on PVA film either on-line
(preferred), at line, or offline. The film production method,
which will require a specific picture, should occur without
damaging the individual pouches. Three colors are needed:
black, red, and white. Printing must be dry in 10 seconds or
less, assuming 2-micron thickness. The finished product
should also maintain the current dilution profile in water.
Respond to this TechNeed at:
www.techbriefs.com/tn/201212c.html
Email: nasatech@yet2.com
Phone: 781-972-0600
Technologies to Stabilize and
Deliver RNA Strands
An organization is looking for technologies that can stabi-
lize and deliver fragile RNA strands to plants and animals out-
side of a laboratory-controlled environment. The RNA
strands may include dsRNA (double-stranded RNA) and
shRNA (short hairpin RNA). A proposed solution must pro-
vide a method to make stable dsRNA or shRNA, and/or deliv-
er the RNA to plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, or viruses at the
organism level. The technology must maintain stability in a
liquid, sprayable formulation, and have a shelf life of at least
one or two years.
Respond to this TechNeed at:
www.techbriefs.com/tn/201212d.html
Phone: 781-972-0600
Conductive Polymers Integrate Antennas
Into an Electronic Device Housing
DuPont
Micron-sized conductive fibers within a thermoplastic
matrix enable polymeric antennas that can be molded in var-
ious shapes and sizes. The polymer antenna technology can
even become an integral part of a device housing, thus reduc-
ing part count, concealing itself, and simplifying the manufac-
turing process. With adhesion, the lead is attached to the
antennas central receptor patch.
The polymer antenna technology inherently has a broader
bandwidth than those of wire or sheet antennas. The thermo-
plastic structural material can be any of several polymers or
copolymers, and it can also be extruded and mixed with con-
ductive fibers. The lightweight, corrosion-resistant polymer
antenna technology is useful for all short- and medium-range
radio frequency applications, such as wireless routers, mobile
phones, Bluetooth, and radios.
Get the complete report on this technology at:
www.techbriefs.com/tow/201212a.html
Phone: 781-972-0600
Long-Wave IR Sensors Enable Remote
Temperature Measurement
Nissan
A 2000-pixel long-wave infrared sensor detects and moni-
tors hot spots, wear points, and friction on operating machin-
ery and other equipment. Using software, the device also dis-
plays the condition of heat-generating tools, including motors
and bearings; collects temperature readings from running
machines, lab equipment, and experiments; monitors objects
being oven-cured or heat-sealed; and signals an alert when
specific temperature conditions are met. The device also fea-
tures an IP65/NEMA4 enclosure.
The device offers two temperature ranges from 20 C to
300 C, or 100 C to 800 C, with a resolution of 0.5 C inter-
vals. The sensor may be networked via LAN in groups of up to
four, and may be connected to an alarm or to a computer for
thermal imaging monitoring. When an alarm or trigger-point
is reached, the device captures and stores one image frame.
Get the complete report on this technology at:
www.techbriefs.com/tow/201212b.html
Phone: 781-972-0600
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Physical Sciences
4D Light Field Imaging System Using Programmable Aperture
This system would be useful for inspections and surgeries, as well as in any stereo imaging
system using two cameras.
Complete depth information can be
extracted from analyzing all angles of
light rays emanated from a source.
However, this angular information is lost
in a typical 2D imaging system. In order
to record this information, a standard
stereo imaging system uses two cameras
to obtain information from two view
angles. Sometimes, more cameras are
used to obtain information from more
angles. However, a 4D light field imaging
technique can achieve this multiple-cam-
era effect through a single-lens camera.
Two methods are available for this:
one using a microlens array, and the
other using a moving aperture. The
moving-aperture method can obtain
more complete stereo information. The
existing literature suggests a modified
liquid crystal panel [LC (liquid crystal)
panel, similar to ones commonly used in
the display industry] to achieve a mov-
ing aperture. However, LC panels can-
not withstand harsh environments and
are not qualified for spaceflight. In this
regard, different hardware is proposed
for the moving aperture.
A digital micromirror device (DMD)
will replace the liquid crystal. This will
be qualified for harsh environments for
the 4D light field imaging. This will
enable an imager to record near-com-
plete stereo information.
The approach to building a proof-of-
concept is using existing, or slightly modi-
fied, off-the-shelf components. An SLR
(single-lens reflex) lens system, which typ-
ically has a large aperture for fast imaging,
will be modified. The lens system will be
arranged so that DMD can be integrated.
The shape of aperture will be pro-
grammed for single-viewpoint imaging,
multiple-viewpoint imaging, and coded
aperture imaging.
The novelty lies in using a DMD instead
of a LC panel to move the apertures for
4D light field imaging. The DMD uses
reflecting mirrors, so any light transmis-
sion lost (which would be expected from
the LC panel) will be minimal. Also, the
MEMS-based DMD can withstand higher
temperature and pressure fluctuation
than a LC panel can. Robotics need near
complete stereo images for their
autonomous navigation, manipulation,
and depth approximation. The imaging
system can provide visual feedback.
This work was done by Youngsam Bae of
Caltech for NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Physical Sciences category. NPO-48604
(a) Two demultiplexed light field images generated by the 4D Light Field Imaging System. The full 4D resolution is 4430392014. (b) The estimated depth
map of the top image of (a). (c, d) Post-exposure refocused images generated from the light field and the depth maps.
(a) (b) (c) (d)
Membrane Shell Reflector Segment Antenna
A tetrahedral truss provides rigidity and integrity for the reflector antenna.
The mesh reflector is the only type of
large, in-space deployable antenna that
has successfully flown in space. However,
state-of-the-art large deployable mesh
antenna systems are RF-frequency-limited
by both global shape accuracy and local
surface quality. The limitations of mesh
reflectors stem from two factors. First, at
higher frequencies, the porosity and sur-
face roughness of the mesh results in loss
and scattering of the signal. Second, the
mesh material does not have any bending
stiffness and thus cannot be formed into
true parabolic (or other desired) shapes.
To advance the deployable reflector
technology at high RF frequencies from
the current state-of-the-art, significant
improvements need to be made in three
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
COLOR SENSORS
Color sensors with fiber
optics or integrated lenses
True color, RGB, L,a,b
High resolution: E from 0.5 to 1.5
Easy to use, Smart color teach in
High speed up to 30,000 Hz
Small spot sizes due to unique
fiber optics and lenses
Repeatable on various targets
(fluorescent, glossy...)
NEW
MICRO-EPSILON
Raleigh, NC 27617 / USA
Phone +1/919 787 9707
me-usa@micro-epsilon.com
www.micro-epsilon.com
NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012 www.techbriefs.com Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-759
major aspects: a high-stability and high-
precision deployable truss; a continuously
curved RF reflecting surface (the function
of the surface as well as its first derivative
are both continuous); and the RF reflect-
ing surface should be made of a continu-
ous material. To meet these three require-
ments, the Membrane Shell Reflector
Segment (MSRS) antenna was developed.
A MSRS antenna is composed of a
deployable tetrahedral truss that supports
a set of MSRSs to form a high-definition,
smooth, and continuous surface. This
high radio-frequency (RF) deployable
reflector is implemented by leveraging
and integrating several recently devel-
oped material technologies: shape memo-
ry polymer (SMP) composite material;
high-precision MSRS casting process;
near-zero coefficient of thermal expan-
sion (CTE) membrane material; and poly-
vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) electro-active
membrane. This reflector technology can
potentially offer almost one order of mag-
nitude higher precision than current
state-of-the-art reflectors, and can provide
very complex reflector shapes.
The structural part of this MSRS anten-
na is a tetrahedral truss that provides
rigidity and integrity for the reflector.
Tetrahedral trusses offer much higher
precision than tensioning cable trusses
that are employed by all current state-of-
the-art mesh reflectors. However, it is
extremely difficult to package a tetrahe-
dral truss by using traditional deployment
mechanisms. The unique characteristic of
the SMP composite makes it possible to
package and deploy the whole reflector.
The fundamental requirement on a high
RF reflector, high precision, will naturally
be met by the intrinsic accuracy character-
istic of the tetrahedral configuration. The
high-definition RF reflective surface is
composed of a number of MSRSs made of
either near-zero CTE Novastrat or PVDF
membrane. The thickness and curvature
of each MSRS provide sufficient shell stiff-
ness for it to be supported by the tetrahe-
dral truss at three points.
This work was done by Houfei Fang and
Eastwood Im of Caltech, John Lin of ILC
Dover LP, and Jim Moore of NeXolve
Corporation for NASAs Jet Propulsion
Laboratory. For more information, download
the Technical Support Package (free white
Radio Frequency Plasma Discharge Lamps
for Use as Stable Calibration Light Sources
Electrode-induced instabilities are eliminated and the lifetime
is not limited by electrode erosion.
Stable high radiance in visible and
near-ultraviolet wavelengths is desirable
for radiometric calibration sources. In
this work, newly available electrodeless
radio-frequency (RF) driven plasma
light sources were combined with
research-grade, low-noise power sup-
plies and coupled to an integrating
sphere to produce a uniform radiance
source. The stock light sources consist of
a 28 VDC power supply, RF driver, and a
resonant RF cavity. The RF cavity
includes a small bulb with a fill gas that
is ionized by the electric field and emits
light. This assembly is known as the emit-
ter. The RF driver supplies a source of
RF energy to the emitter.
In commercial form, embedded elec-
tronics within the RF driver perform a con-
tinual optimization routine to maximize
energy transfer to the emitter. This opti-
mization routine continually varies the light
output sinusoidally by approximately 2%
over a several-second period. Modifying to
eliminate this optimization eliminates the
sinusoidal variation but allows the output to
slowly drift over time. This drift can be min-
imized by allowing sufficient warm-up time
to achieve thermal equilibrium. It was also
found that supplying the RF driver with a
low-noise source of DC electrical power
improves the stability of the lamp output.
Finally, coupling the light into an integrat-
ing sphere reduces the effect of spatial fluc-
tuations, and decreases noise at the output
port of the sphere.
The RF-driven lamps have several
advantages over traditional calibration
sources. Currently, accurate radiance
measurements can be made at infrared
and the red portion of the visible wave-
lengths using tungsten filament-style FEL
lamps. However, the blackbody output of
these lamps is limited to 3,000 K, and
intensity falls exponentially at shorter
wavelengths at the blue end of the spec-
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-760
Physical Sciences
trum. For reproduction of the solar spec-
trum, with an equivalent blackbody tem-
perature of 6000 K, the blue and ultravio-
let wavelengths have typically been pro-
duced using high-pressure xenon arc dis-
charge lamps. These lamps achieve the
high temperature necessary in a narrow fil-
ament of ionized gas between two elec-
trodes. This ion channel suffers from insta-
bilities produced by buoyancy-induced tur-
bulence of the surrounding gas. There is
also longer-term drift associated with the
sputtering of electrode material through
ion impact, which changes both the elec-
trode spacing and surface profile. Due to
the high electric field gradients, these
small changes in geometry result in non-
negligible changes to the light output.
Additionally, much of the sputtered
electrode material is deposited as a thin
layer on the inner surface of the lamp.
This decreases light transmission through
the glass and ultimately limits the useful
life of the lamp to no more than 1,000
hours, over the course of which the radi-
ant flux may decrease by a factor of two.
Additionally, the xenon lamps generate
several undesirable sharp emission lines
with large intensity variation over a small
spectral range. The electrode-induced
instabilities are eliminated in the RF
lamp, and the lifetime is not limited by
electrode erosion. The higher operating
pressure of the RF-driven bulbs produces
a smoother broadband spectrum. The RF
lamps are also more efficient, and have
more conducive geometry for coupling
their light into an integrating sphere.
This work was done by Brendan McAndrew
and John Cooper of Goddard Space Flight
Center; and Angelo Arecchi, Greg McKee, and
Christopher Durell of Labsphere, Inc. For
more information, download the Technical
Support Package (free white paper) at
www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Physical
Sciences category. GSC-16399-1
Device and Container for Reheating and
Sterilization
This device can be used for packaged products that require
heating prior to use.
Long-duration space missions require
the development of improved foods and
novel packages that do not represent a
significant disposal issue. In addition, it
would also be desirable if rapid heating
technologies could be used on Earth as
well, to improve food quality during a
sterilization process. For this purpose, a
package equipped with electrodes was
developed that will enable rapid reheat-
ing of contents via ohmic heating to serv-
ing temperature during space vehicle
transit. Further, the package is designed
with a resealing feature, which enables
the package, once used, to contain and
sterilize waste, including human waste for
storage prior to jettison during a long-
duration mission.
Ohmic heating is a technology that has
been investigated on and off for over a cen-
tury. Literature indicates that foods
processed by ohmic heating are of superi-
or quality to their conventionally processed
counterparts. This is due to the speed and
uniformity of ohmic heating, which mini-
mizes exposure of sensitive materials to
high temperatures. In principle, the mate-
rial may be heated rapidly to sterilization
conditions, cooled rapidly, and stored.
The ohmic heating device herein is
incorporated within a package. While
this by itself is not novel, a reusable fea-
ture also was developed with the intent
that waste may be stored and re-sterilized
within the packages. These would then
serve a useful function after their use in
food processing and storage.
The enclosure should be designed to
minimize mass (and for NASAs purpos-
es, Equivalent System Mass, or ESM),
while enabling the sterilization function.
It should also be electrically insulating.
For this reason, Ultem high-strength,
machinable electrical insulator was used.
Because the pouch would expand
when exposed to heating to sterilization
temperatures (greater than 121 C), it is
necessary to prevent seal rupture by
applying air pressure into the enclosure.
To enable cooling of the package in the
enclosure, a water inlet and outlet are
provided. The electrode tabs could be
modified to form a larger pair of elec-
trodes, which will also allow heating of
water within the enclosure if necessary.
Under normal reheating conditions,
temperatures will not need to go above 100
C, thus the air overpressure feature will be
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
For reliable and high-strength
SEALING and SOLDERING
For more information, scan
with your smart phone or visit:
http://indium.us/C002
Solder
Wire
Solder
Ribbon
Solder
Preforms
Solder
Paste
2012 Indium Corporation
ASI A t CHINA t EUROPE t USA
www.indium.com/gold
medical@indium.com
Gold-Based
Solders
t )JHIRVBMJUZ
QSPEVDUT
t #SPBEnFYJCMF
DBQBCJMJUJFT
t %FTJHOBOE
QSPDFTTTVQQPSU
BWBJMBCMFMPDBMMZ
Contact our
technical team at:
medical@indium.com
unnecessary. The plan is to provide a user
interface with a keypad that will enable
users to dial in the heating protocol
depending on the product that is within the
chamber. This feature could be automated.
The incidence of electrolysis will be
minimized using a solid-state IGBT power
supply at 10 kHz. This is critical in a space
application, since bubble formation at the
electrodes can stop the heating unless
electrolysis can be suppressed.
This work was done by Sudhir K. Sastry,
Brian F. Heskitt, Soojin Jun, Joseph E. Marcy,
and Ritesh Mahna of Ohio State University for
Johnson Space Center. For further information,
contact the JSC Innovation Partnerships Office
at (281) 483-3809.
In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the
contractor has elected to retain title to this inven-
tion. Inquiries concerning rights for its commer-
cial use should be addressed to:
Office of Technology Licensing
1960 Kenny Road 2nd floor
Columbus, OH 43210-1063
Phone No.: (614) 292-1315
Refer to MSC-23999-1, volume and number
of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page
number.
High-Speed Transport of Fluid Drops and
Solid Particles via Surface Acoustic Waves
The innovation can act as a bladeless wiper for raindrops.
A compact sampling tool mechanism
that can operate at various temperatures,
and transport and sieve particle sizes of
powdered cuttings and soil grains with
no moving parts, has been created using
traveling surface acoustic waves (SAWs)
that are emitted by an inter-digital trans-
ducer (IDT). The generated waves are
driven at about 10 MHz, and it causes
powder to move towards the IDT at high
speed with different speeds for different
sizes of particles, which enables these
particles to be sieved.
This design is based on the use of
SAWs and their propelling effect on
powder particles and fluids along the
path of the waves. Generally, SAWs are
elastic waves propagating in a shallow
layer of about one wavelength beneath
the surface of a solid substrate. To gen-
erate SAWs, a piezoelectric plate is used
that is made of LiNbO
3
crystal cut along
the x-axis with rotation of 127.8 along
the y-axis. On this plate are printed pairs
of fingerlike electrodes in the form of a
grating that are activated by subjecting
the gap between the electrodes to elec-
tric field. This configuration of a surface
wave transmitter is called IDT. The IDT
that was used consists of 20 pairs of fin-
gers with 0.4-mm spacing, a total length
of 12.5 mm. The surface wave is pro-
duced by the nature of piezoelectric
material to contract or expand when
subjected to an electric field.
Driving the IDT to generate wave at
high amplitudes provides an actuation
mechanism where the surface particles
move elliptically, pulling powder parti-
cles on the surface toward the wave-
source and pushing liquids in the oppo-
site direction. This behavior allows the
innovation to separate large particles
and fluids that are mixed. Fluids are
An automobile windshield with an Inter-Digital Transducer is shown as a replacement for movable
wiper blades.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-762
Physical Sciences
removed at speed (7.5 to 15 cm/s),
enabling this innovation of acting as a
bladeless wiper for raindrops. For the
windshield design, the electrodes could
be made transparent so that they do not
disturb the driver or pilot.
Multiple IDTs can be synchronized to
transport water or powder over larger dis-
tances. To demonstrate the transporting
action, a video camera was used to record
the movement. The speed of particles was
measured from the video images.
This work was done by Yoseph Bar-Cohen,
Xiaoqi Bao, Stewart Sherrit, Mircea
Badescu, and Shyh-shiuh Lih of Caltech for
NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more
information, download the Technical
Sciences category. NPO-46252
Compact Autonomous Hemispheric
Vision System
System has no moving parts and features expanded capabilities.
Miniature Camera
(1 of 7)
Common Electronics
Box (CEB)
1
6
2
7
3
4
5
Solar System Exploration camera
implementations to date have involved
either single cameras with wide field-of-
view (FOV) and consequently coarser
spatial resolution, cameras on a movable
mast, or single cameras necessitating
rotation of the host vehicle to afford visi-
bility outside a relatively narrow FOV.
These cameras require detailed com-
manding from the ground or separate
onboard computers to operate properly,
and are incapable of making decisions
based on image content that control
pointing and downlink strategy. For
color, a filter wheel having selectable
positions was often added, which added
moving parts, size, mass, power, and
reduced reliability.
View of the Baseline 7-Camera Concept (360 horizontal FOV, >90 vertical FOV )
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Extremely robust Sensors
for angle / inclination /
position measurement
PRAS5V
WB85
PCST25
PCFP25
PTAM27 / PTDM27
PTAM2 / PTDM2
TAM27 / PTDM27
xMeasurement range
0 ... 236.2 in.
xAnalog, 4...20mA, SSI,
CANopen, J1939
xProtection class IP64
/ IP67
x 360 angle sensor
xAnalog, incremental,
SSI, CANopen, J1939
xWith 0.39 in. shaft
/ IP69K
POSITAPE

Tape Extension
Position Sensors
POSIROT

Magnetic Angle Sensors
POSICHRON

Magnetostrictive
Position Sensors
xMeasurement range
0 ... 216.5 in.
x Analog, 4...20mA, SSI,
CANopen, J1939
/ IP69K
x1/2 axes, 180, 60
x Analog output,
CANopen, J1939
x Protection class IP67
POSITILT

Inclinometers
POSICHRON

Magnetostrictive
Position Sensors
xMeasurement range
0 ... 216.5 in.
xAnalog, 4...20mA, SSI,
CANopen, J1939
/ IP69K
x1/2 axes, 180, 60
x In MEMS technology
x Analog output,
CANopen, J1939
x Protection class IP67
/ IP69K
POSITILT

Inclinometers
PRAS5V
R
ASM Sensors, Inc.
www.asmsensors.com
info@asmsensors.com
Tel. 1-888-ASM-USA-1
NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012 www.techbriefs.com Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-763
A system was developed based on a gen-
eral-purpose miniature visible-light cam-
era using advanced CMOS (complemen-
tary metal oxide semiconductor) imager
technology. The baseline camera has a
92 FOV and six cameras are arranged in
an angled-up carousel fashion, with FOV
overlaps such that the system has a 360
FOV (azimuth). A seventh camera, also
with a FOV of 92, is installed normal to
the plane of the other 6 cameras giving
the system a > 90 FOV in elevation and
completing the hemispheric vision sys-
tem. A central unit houses the common
electronics box (CEB) controlling the sys-
tem (power conversion, data processing,
memory, and control software).
Stereo is achieved by adding a second
system on a baseline, and color is achieved
by stacking two more systems (for a total
of three, each system equipped with its
own filter.) Two connectors on the bot-
tom of the CEB provide a connection to a
carrier (rover, spacecraft, balloon, etc.)
for telemetry, commands, and power. This
system has no moving parts.
The systems onboard software (SW)
supports autonomous operations such as
pattern recognition and tracking. For
example, when the system is commanded
to detect and track an object of interest,
the SW continuously reads data from all
the cameras until the object appears in
one (or more) cameras FOV. The SW
then reads these camera(s) and only
returns to Earth the portion of the data
that includes the object of interest.
Each camera weighs 50 g, measures 2
cm in diameter, 4 cm in length, and con-
sumes less than 50 mW. The central elec-
tronics is a cylinder 14 cm in diameter
and 4 cm thick. Variations with different
and smaller form factors are possible.
By using the massively parallel archi-
tecture inherent to field-programmable
gate arrays (FPGAs), per-imager process-
ing may be performed concurrently by
separate computational units within the
FPGA. This architecture allows tracking
algorithms to scan the entire FOV for a
set of features and then switch to a sec-
ond operating mode that performs pro-
cessing targeted to only the imagers cap-
turing those features. This architecture
would provide considerable bonus to sci-
ence by improving the efficiency of long-
range survey with no additional mass
and very small power cost.
This work was done by Paula J. Pingree,
Thomas J. Cunningham, Thomas A. Werne,
Michael L. Eastwood, Marc J. Walch, and
Robert L. Staehle of Caltech for NASAs Jet
contact iaoffice@jpl.nasa.gov. NPO-48172
A Distributive, Non-Destructive, Real-
Time Approach to Snowpack Monitoring
This invention is designed to ascertain
the snow water equivalence (SWE) of
snowpacks with better spatial and tem-
poral resolutions than present tech-
niques. The approach is ground-based,
as opposed to some techniques that are
air-based. In addition, the approach is
compact, non-destructive, and can be
communicated with remotely, and thus
can be deployed in areas not possible
with current methods.
Presently there are two principal
ground-based techniques for obtaining
SWE measurements. The first is manual
snow core measurements of the snow-
pack. This approach is labor-intensive,
destructive, and has poor temporal reso-
lution. The second approach is to
deploy a large (e.g., 33 m) snowpillow,
which requires significant infrastruc-
ture, is potentially hazardous [uses a
200-gallon (760-L) antifreeze-filled
bladder], and requires deployment in a
large, flat area. High deployment costs
necessitate few installations, thus yield-
ing poor spatial resolution of data. Both
approaches have limited usefulness in
complex and/or avalanche-prone ter-
rains. This approach is compact, non-
destructive to the snowpack, provides
high temporal resolution data, and due
to potential low cost, can be deployed
with high spatial resolution.
The invention consists of three primary
components: a robust wireless network
and computing platform designed for
harsh climates, new SWE sensing strate-
gies, and algorithms for smart sampling,
data logging, and SWE computation.
This work was done by Jeff Frolik and
Christian Skalka of the University of Vermont
for Goddard Space Flight Center. For more
information, download the Technical
Sciences category. GSC-16352-1
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
This technology development originated from the need to
assess the debris threat resulting from soil material erosion
induced by landing spacecraft rocket plume impingement on
extraterrestrial planetary surfaces. The impact of soil debris
was observed to be highly detrimental during NASAs Apollo
lunar missions and will pose a threat for any future landings on
the Moon, Mars, and other exploration targets.
The innovation developed under this program provides a sim-
ulation tool that combines modeling of the diverse disciplines of
rocket plume impingement gas dynamics, granular soil material
liberation, and soil debris particle kinetics into one unified sim-
ulation system. The Unified Flow Solver (UFS) developed by
CFDRC enabled the efficient, seamless simulation of mixed con-
tinuum and rarefied rocket plume flow utilizing a novel direct
numerical simulation technique of the Boltzmann gas dynamics
equation. The characteristics of the soil granular material
response and modeling of the erosion and liberation processes
were enabled through novel first principle-based granular
mechanics models developed by the University of Florida specif-
ically for the highly irregularly shaped and cohesive lunar
regolith material. These tools were integrated into a unique sim-
ulation system that accounts for all relevant physics aspects: (1)
Modeling of spacecraft rocket plume impingement flow under
lunar vacuum environment resulting in a mixed continuum and
rarefied flow; (2) Modeling of lunar soil characteristics to cap-
ture soil-specific effects of particle size and shape composition,
soil layer cohesion and granular flow physics; and (3) Accurate
tracking of soil-borne debris particles beginning with aerody-
namically driven motion inside the plume to purely ballistic
motion in lunar far field conditions.
In the earlier project phase of this innovation, the capabilities
of the UFS for mixed continuum and rarefied flow situations
were validated and demonstrated for lunar lander rocket
plume flow impingement under lunar vacuum conditions.
Applications and improvements to the granular flow simulation
tools contributed by the University of Florida were tested
against Earth environment experimental results. Requirements
for developing, validating, and demonstrating this solution
environment were clearly identified, and an effective second
phase execution plan was devised. In this phase, the physics
models were refined and fully integrated into a production-ori-
ented simulation tool set. Three-dimensional simulations of
Apollo Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) and Altair landers
(including full-scale lander geometry) established the practical
applicability of the UFS simulation approach and its advanced
performance level for large-scale realistic problems.
Numerical Simulation of
Rocket Exhaust Interaction
With Lunar Soil
These simulations will help predict suitable
landing sites on the Moon.
John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Information
Technology
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
FOR THE FULL PRODUCT RANGE VISIT
www.picotech.com/pco489
or Call: 1-800-591-2796
200 MHz bandwidth
128 MS deep memory
1 GS/s real-time sampling
Advanced digital triggering
200 MHz spectrum analyzer
Function generator or AWG
ALL MODELS INCLUDE PROBES, FULL
SOFTWARE AND 5 YEAR WARRANTY.
SOFTWARE INCLUDES. MEASUREMENTS,
SPECTRUM ANALYZER, FULL SDK, ADVANCED
TRIGGERS, COLOR PERSISTENCE, SERIAL
DECODING (CAN, LIN, RS232, IC, FLEXRAY,
SPI), MASKS, MATH CHANNELS, ALL AS
STANDARD. FREE UPDATES.
3000 Series
PicoScope
4-CHANNEL
Motion Imagery and Robotics Application
(MIRA): Standards-Based Robotics
MIRA initial results have demonstrated robotic camera control
that is applicable to near-Earth or distant applications.
MIRA Architecture
DTN Node
2099 (OTF
LAN)
SM&C
Client
Node
GUI Emulated
RS422/UDP/Ethernet
Location: Berlin
MIRA/SM&C/AMS/
Ethernet
DTN Node
2099 (OTF
LAN)
SM&C
Provider
GUI Emulated
RS422/UDP/Ethernet
IP Network
(NISNLAN)
MIRA - ISS DTN Network Pass-Through
Ground DTN
Network (ESTL)
IP Network
(OTF LAN)
ISS/DTN Network
Location:JSC
MIRA/SM&C/AMS/DTN
Ethernet
MIRA/SM&C/AMS/DTN
Ethernet
The current Mission Control Center
(MCC) is dedicated to the execution of
human spaceflight missions. As the future
of NASA and human space evolves, it is
clear that robotic artifacts will ultimately
be integrated and immersed into the
human mission. In order to make the evo-
lution and integration as technically capa-
ble at a constrained risk level and with rea-
sonable cost, the robotic elements must
adhere to standards that allow not only
reuse of previous work, but keep the inter-
faces stable and reusable.
The MIRA project integrates several
telerobotic functions into a powerful
Consultative Committee for Space Data
Systems (CCSDS) international stan-
dards-based telerobotic service capable
of running in an International Space
Station (ISS) payload computer. The
MIRA goal was to mature, integrate, and
demonstrate the MIRA concept (see fig-
ure), with Spacecraft Monitoring and
Control (SM&C), Asynchronous Mes -
saging Service (AMS), and the Delay
Tolerant Network (DTN) standards into
a single integrated protocol system.
The ultimate goal of the MIRA project
is to develop an application stack for all
robotics, even complex ones. It will be
capable of status and control of three dif-
ferent cameras on the Exposed Facility
(the porch) of the ISS JEM Module from
MCC. Each successive phase will add
incremental capabilities such as the capa-
bility of handling Human Factors and
Performance (HFP), and automatic/
semiautomatic change detection from
imagery of spaceflight vehicles and equip-
ment. In later project phases, it will
include ground control of robotic assets
over Earth-Moon-Mars time delays, and
remote sensing of planetary surfaces and
surface navigation.
The features and benefits of the devel-
oped simulation system enable the
screening of landing risk scenarios
through: identification of dust and
debris transport footprint to protect sur-
rounding assets; prediction of level of
erosion and cratering as a function of
rocket size and of local soil properties;
input into the design of landing pad
solidification or paving techniques; mini-
mization of debris environment through
optimization of propulsion system layout
and landing approach flight path; and
designing dust and debris impact mitiga-
tion measures such as berms, deflectors,
and fences.
This work was done by Peter Liever and
Abhijit Tosh of CFD Research Corporation and
Jennifer Curtis of the University of Florida for
Kennedy Space Center. For more information,
under the Information Technology category.
KSC-13605
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
newcombspring.com
Forms that
Perform
Precision Springs, Stampings &Wire Forms
For over a century Newcomb Spring has
manufactured the highest quality parts,
combining our experience with
industry-leading production capabilities.
Contact us for a free quote.
!
advanced quality controls/testing
!
rapid prototyping
!
a full line of finishing operations
!
semi-precious & precious materials
!
complex orders & assemblies
!
extensive stock of tooling
!
design assistance
!
specialty packaging
This project seeks to develop a new standard for robotics
such that interoperability with crewed as well as non-crewed
elements is provided, assuring cost effective collaboration
between NASA and the international space community. The
evolution of the proposed standard will be coordinated
through the CCSDS International Standards community.
The confluence of the MIRA, SM&C/AMS/DTN standards,
the robustness of DTN capability, and remote connectivity to
ISS and ground assets (interoperability) will assure the
JSC/MCC will be the hub of human, human precursor, and
robotic missions where the mission components can be
seamlessly integrated with other locations without excessive
reconfiguration and integration costs that would render the
MCC non-competitive.
The MIRA initial results have demonstrated robotic camera
control that is applicable to near-Earth or distant applications
where the DTN provides the bridge across the time delay
impacts. The MIRA, SM&C/AMS/DTN standards-based status
and control system software and protocol could be hardened,
and expanded into the next-generation MCC protocol sup-
porting human, robotic, and human-robotic missions. As such,
this simple robotic camera prototype is a significant first step in
the integration of robotic and human missions into true dis-
tant independent building blocks for future missions.
This work was done by Lindolfo Martinez, Thomas Rich, Steven
Lucord, Thomas Diegelman, James Mireles, and Pete Gonzalez of
Johnson Space Center. For more information, download the Technical
Support Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp
under the Information Technology category. MSC-25164-1
Particle Filtering for Model-
Based Anomaly Detection in
Sensor Networks
Experiments on test stand sensor data show
successful detection of a known anomaly in
the test data.
Stennis Space Center, Mississippi
A novel technique has been developed for anomaly detection
of rocket engine test stand (RETS) data. The objective was to
develop a system that post-processes a csv file containing the sen-
sor readings and activities (time-series) from a rocket engine test,
and detects any anomalies that might have occurred during the
test. The output consists of the names of the sensors that show
anomalous behavior, and the start and end time of each anomaly.
In order to reduce the involvement of domain experts signifi-
cantly, several data-driven approaches have been proposed where
models are automatically acquired from the data, thus bypassing
the cost and effort of building system models. Many supervised
learning methods can efficiently learn operational and fault
models, given large amounts of both nominal and fault data.
However, for domains such as RETS data, the amount of anom-
alous data that is actually available is relatively small, making most
supervised learning methods rather ineffective, and in general
met with limited success in anomaly detection.
The fundamental problem with existing approaches is that they
assume that the data are iid, i.e., independent and identically dis-
tributed, which is violated in typical RETS data. None of these
Information Technology
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Designed to keep working through
wash downs, immersion in water
and in dusty environments, the
Vert-X 13 is only 13 mm in
diameter. That makes it easy to t
almost any application.
Key specs include:
||aeart r 0.1
Bese|at|ea 1t er 14 ||ts
!ea|e4 te |P 8
0atpat ept|eas: re|tage,
PNH, !P|, !!| aa4 |acremeata|
For complete Vert-X 13 information visit
www.novotechik.com/v13
Nee|et|a|| U.'., |at. Ie|ej|eae. SJ&-+&S-ZZ++ |ma||. |ale@aee|et|a||.tem
A tull teatureo oevelopment solutlon
tor all APM Powereo
plattorms.
1-800-348-8051
www.arm.com/os5
Leading Enbedded
DeveIopnent TooIs
techniques naturally exploit the temporal
information inherent in time series data
from the sensor networks. There are cor-
relations among the sensor readings, not
only at the same time, but also across time.
However, these approaches have not
explicitly identified and exploited such
correlations. Given these limitations of
model-free methods, there has been
renewed interest in model-based methods,
specifically graphical methods that explic-
itly reason temporally. The Gaussian
Mixture Model (GMM) in a Linear
Dynamic System approach assumes that
the multi-dimensional test data is a mix-
ture of multi-variate Gaussians, and fits a
given number of Gaussian clusters with
the help of the well-known Expectation
Maximization (EM) algorithm. The
parameters thus learned are used for cal-
culating the joint distribution of the obser-
vations. However, this GMM assumption is
essentially an approximation and signals
the potential viability of non-parametric
density estimators. This is the key idea
underlying the new approach.
Since this approach was model-based,
it was possible to automatically learn a
model of nominal behavior from tests
that were marked nominal. Particle fil-
tering and machine learning were
applied to capture the model of nominal
operations, and voting techniques were
used in conjunction with particle filter-
ing to detect anomalies in test runs.
Experiments on test stand sensor data
show successful detection of a known
anomaly in the test data, while produc-
ing almost no false positives.
A novel combination of particle filter-
ing, machine learning, and voting tech-
niques was developed to detect anomalies
in sensor network data. Although most of
the subsystems are tightly integrated into
the system, the following two subsystems
can also be used as standalone for extra-
neous tasks. A novel, efficient (but
approximate) correlation clustering
method that is currently used for sensor
selection was developed, but it can also be
used to visualize sensor correlations as an
aid to manual analysis. Sensors are detect-
ed that are overactive (large variance) or
underactive (low variance) between com-
mands, which effectively give a high-level
map of the effect of commands on sensor
groups. This may be used as an aid to visu-
al/manual analysis.
This work was done by Wanda Solano of
Stennis Space Center, and Bikramjit Banerjee
and Landon Kraemer of The University of
Southern Mississippi. For more information,
call the SSC Center Chief Technologist at 228-
688-1929. Refer to SSC-00379.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Design and Optimize. Fr
COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3a brings new Liv
and cloud computing. For deta
LiveLink for Excel
Run COMSOL Multiphysics simulations from Microsoft

Excel 2010 on Windows. Parameters and dimensions
are controlled from your spreadsheet and automatically
update the COMSOL model.
Fatigue Module
Evaluate high- and low-cycle mechanical fatigue with this
add-on to the Structural Mechanics Module. Linear elastic
as well as elastoplastic material models are used in a
stress-based or strain-based fatigue-life analysis.
LiveLink for Solid Edge
The LiveLink for Solid Edge ofers fully associative integra-

tion with Solid Edge for multiphysics simulations involving
parametric sweeps and design optimization.
2012 COMSOL. COMSOL, COMSOL Multiphysics, COMSOL Desktop, and LiveLink are registered trademarks or trademarks of COMSOL AB. AutoCAD and Inventor are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. LiveLink for AutoCAD and LiveLink for Inventor are not afliated with,
endorsed by, sponsored by, or supported by Autodesk, Inc. and/or any of its afliates and/or subsidiaries. CATIA is a registered trademark of Dassault Systmes S.A. or its afliates or subsidiaries. SolidWorks is a registered trademark of Dassault Systmes SolidWorks Corporation or its
parent, afliates, or subsidiaries. Creo is a trademark and Pro/ENGINEER is a registered trademark of Parametric Technology Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S and/or in other countries. Solid Edge is a registered trademark of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc.
MATLAB is a registered trademark of The MathWorks, Inc. Excel is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Amazon EC2 and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud are trademarks of Amazon Web Services, LLC or its afliates.
New Products
Chemical
Engineering
CFD
Module
Heat Transfer
Module
AC/DC
Module
Batter
Fuel Cells
Microuidics
Module
Structural Mechanics
Module
RF
Module
Electrode
Mod
Subsurface Flow
Module
Nonlinear Structural
Materials Module
MEMS
Module
Corro
Mod
Pipe Flow
Module
Geomechanics
Module
Plasma
Module
Fatigue
Module
Acoustics
Module
COMSOL Mu
New
C
H
E
M
I
C
A
L
F
L
U
I
D
M
E
C
H
A
N
I
C
A
L
E
L
E
C
T
R
I
C
A
L
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
rom Desktop to Cloud.
veLink products, parameter optimization,
ails visit www.comsol.com/4.3a
ECAD Import Module
Import layouts from the ODB++(X),
GDS-II, or NETEX-G formats.
Layouts are automatically converted
to 3D CAD models with detailed
control of layers, nets, and cells.
Cloud Computing
You can now run COMSOL Multiphysics simulations in
the cloud, through Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud
(Amazon EC2). This gives you access to high-end
hardware on a pay-per-use basis and is available
for any COMSOL Multiphysics user with a oating
network license.
Parameter Optimization
Parameter optimization can now be applied to any
COMSOL Multiphysics model thanks to three new
optimization methods. You can optimize in one
or more geometric dimensions for a CAD model
created directly with COMSOL Multiphysics or linked
through any of the LiveLink products.
New in COMSOL Multiphysics
Optimization
Module
Reaction
g Module
LiveLink
TM

for MATLAB
LiveLink
TM

for Excel
ECAD Import
Module
Material
Library
ries &
s Module
CAD Import
Module
LiveLink
TM

for SpaceClaim
Particle Tracing
Module
eposition
dule
LiveLink
TM

for SolidWorks
LiveLink
TM

for AutoCAD
File Import
for CATIA

V5
osion
dule
LiveLink
TM

for Inventor
LiveLink
TM

for Solid Edge
LiveLink
TM

for Pro/ENGINEER
LiveLink
TM

for Creo
TM
Parametric
ultiphysics
New
New
New
M
U
L
T
I
P
U
R
P
O
S
E
I
N
T
E
R
F
A
C
I
N
G
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Books & Reports
Ka-band Digitally
Beamformed Airborne
Radar Using SweepSAR
Technique
A paper describes a frequency-scaled
SweepSAR demonstration that operates
at Ka-Band (35.6 GHz), and closely
approximates the DESDynl mission
antenna geometry, scaled by 28. The con-
cept relies on the SweepSAR measure-
ment technique. An array of digital
receivers captures waveforms from a mul-
tiplicity of elements. These are combined
using digital beamforming in elevation
and SAR processing to produce imagery.
Ka-band (35.6 GHz) airborne SweepSAR
using array-fed reflector and digital beam-
forming features eight simultaneous
receive beams generated by 40-cm offset-
fed reflector and eight-element active array
feed, eight digital receiver channels with all
raw data recorded and later used for beam-
forming. Illumination of the swath is
accomplished using a slotted-waveguide
antenna radiating 250 W peak power. This
experiment has been used to demonstrate
digital beamforming SweepSAR systems.
This work was done by Gregory A. Sadowy,
Chung-Lun Chuang, Hirad Ghaemi, Brandon
A. Heavey, Lung-Sheng S. Lin, and Momin
Quddus of Caltech for NASAs Jet Propulsion
Laboratory. For more information, download
Composite With In Situ
Plenums
A document describes a high-perform-
ance thermal distribution panel (TDP)
concept using high-conductivity (>800
W/mK) macro composite skin with in situ
heat pipes. The processing technologies
proposed to build such a panel result in a
one-piece, inseparable assembly with high
conductance in both the X and Y planes.
The TDP configuration can also be used to
produce panels with high structural stiff-
ness. The one-piece construction of the
TDP eliminates the thermal interface
between the cooling plenums and the heat
spreader base, and obviates the need for
bulky mounting flanges and thick heat
spreaders used on baseline designs. The
conductivity of the TDP can be configured
to exceed 800 W/mK with a mass density
below 2.5 g/cm
3
. This material can provide
efficient conductive heat transfer between
the in situ heat plenums, permitting the
use of thinner panel thicknesses. The
plenums may be used as heat pipes, loop
heat pipes, or liquid cooling channels.
The panel technology used in the TDP
is a macro-composite comprised of alu-
minum-encapsulated annealed pyrolytic
graphite (APG). APG is highly aligned
crystalline graphite with an in-plane ther-
mal conductivity of 1,700 W/mK. APG
has low shear strength and does not con-
strain the encapsulating material.
The proposed concept has no thermal
interfaces between the heat pipes and
the spreader plate, further improving
the overall conductance of the system.
The in situ plenums can also be used for
liquid cooling applications. The process
can be used to fabricate structural pan-
els by adding a second thin sheet.
This work was done by Mark Montesano of k-
Technology, a Division of Thermacore, for
under the Manufacturing & Prototyping cate-
gory. GSC-16043-1
Multi-Beam Approach for
Accelerating Alignment and
Calibration of HyspIRI-Like
Imaging Spectrometers
A paper describes an optical stimulus
that produces more consistent results, and
can be automated for unattended, routine
generation of data analysis products need-
ed by the integration and testing team
assembling a high-fidelity imaging spec-
trometer system. One key attribute of the
system is an arrangement of pick-off mir-
rors that provides multiple input beams
(five in this implementation) to simultane-
ously provide stimulus light to several field
angles along the field of view of the sensor
under test, allowing one data set to con-
tain all the information that previously
required five data sets to be separately col-
lected. This stimulus can also be fed by
quickly reconfigured sources that ulti-
mately provide three data set types that
would previously be collected separately
using three different setups: Spectral
Response Function (SRF), Cross-track
Response Function (CRF), and Along-track
Response Function (ARF), respectively.
This method also lends itself to expan-
sion of the number of field points if less
interpolation across the field of view is
desirable. An absolute minimum of
three is required at the beginning stages
of imaging spectrometer alignment.
This work was done by Michael L. Eastwood,
Robert O. Green, Pantazis Mouroulis, Eric B.
Hochberg, Randall C. Hein, Linley A. Kroll,
Sven Geier, and James B. Coles of Caltech, and
Riley Meehan of Tufts University for NASAs Jet
download the Technical Support Package (free
white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under
the Physical Sciences category. NPO-47809
JWST Lifting System
A document describes designing, build-
ing, testing, and certifying a customized
crane (Lifting Device LD) with a strong
back (cradle) to facilitate the installation
of long wall panels and short door panels
for the GHe phase of the James Webb
Space Telescope (JWST).
The LD controls are variable-frequency
drive controls designed to be adjustable for
very slow and very-short-distance move-
ments throughout the installation. The LD
has a lift beam with an electric actuator
attached at the end. The actuator attaches
to a rectangular strong back (cradle) for lift-
ing the long wall panels and short door pan-
els from a lower angle into the vertical posi-
tion inside the chamber, and then rotating
around the chamber for installation onto
the existing ceiling and floor.
The LD rotates 360 (in very small incre-
ments) in both clockwise and counter-
clockwise directions. Eight lifting pads are
on the top ring with 2-in. (5-cm) eye holes
spaced evenly around the ring to allow for
the device to be suspended by three crane
hoists from the top of the chamber.
The LD is operated by remote controls
that allow for a single, slow mode for
booming the load in and out, with slow
and very slow modes for rotating the load.
This work was done by William Tolleson of
CSC Applied Technologies LLC for Johnson
Space Center. For more information, download
Mechanics/Machinery category. MSC-25176-1
(Continued on page 65)
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Whats On
Super-Thin Coatings
Technology developed at NASAs Glenn Research Center creates super-thin
ceramic coatings on engine components. Watch how the Plasma Spray Physical
Vapor Deposition rig employs a powerful plasma flame to vaporize ceramic
powder, which condenses to form a uniform coating.
www.techbriefs.com/tv/super-thin-coatings
Drawing Carbon-Nanotube Based Sensors on Paper
Carbon nanotubes offer a powerful way to detect harmful gases in the
environment. However, the methods typically used to build carbon nanotube
sensors are hazardous and not suited for large-scale production. MIT chemists
have created a new method that could overcome this obstacle.
www.techbriefs.com/tv/drawing-nanotubes
Smart, Self-Healing Hydrogel
Bioengineers at the University of California, San Diego have developed a self-
healing hydrogel that binds in seconds as easily as Velcro
and forms a bond

strong enough to withstand repeated stretching. Applications include medical
sutures, industrial sealants, and self-healing plastics.
www.techbriefs.com/tv/hydrogel
New Bacteria-Resistant Materials Discovered
Scientists at The University of Nottingham, UK have discovered a new class of
polymers that are resistant to bacterial attachment. These new materials could
lead to a significant reduction in hospital infections and failures in medical devices
such as urinary and venous catheters.
www.techbriefs.com/tv/newpolymers
Featured Sponsor Video: Low Outgassing Epoxy Compound
Master Bond EP21TCHT-1 is a thermally conductive, heat-resistant epoxy
formulated to cure at ambient temperatures or more rapidly at elevated
temperatures. EP21TCHT-1 passes NASA low outgassing tests and develops
a high bonding strength.
www.techbriefs.com/tv/nasa-epoxy
View these and hundreds of other videos at:
www.techbriefs.tv
Have a video you would like to submit for Tech Briefs TV?
Contact Kendra Smith, managing editor, kendra@techbriefs.com.
For marketing opportunities on Tech Briefs TV, contact Joe Pramberger, joe@techbriefs.com.
M A T E R I A L S C H A N N E L T E R I A L S C H A N N E L M A T E R I A L S C H A N N E L T E R I A L S C H A N N E L T E R I A L S C H A N N E L
Sponsored by
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
W
ith an airborne camera capable
of making precise and detailed
ecological observations, biolo-
gists at Applied Ecological Services
(Brodhead, WI) are bringing satellite im-
agery closer to earth.
After years of using satellite imagery
for larger landscape-scale applications,
AES has acquired a new high-resolution
multispectral camera for imaging and
mapping ecological projects. Instead of
using a high-flying fast plane with a
large format camera, AES and its part-
ner Ayres & Associates (Madison, WI)
have opted for a plane that flies low and
slow over the ground, even beneath
cloud cover, to obtain ecologically rele-
vant imagery.
For AES, the timing of imagery to cap-
ture data on dynamic ecological
processes is important. So is the flexibil-
ity to capture imagery on an as-needed
basis for example, when deciduous
trees have lost their leaves but invasive,
exotic common buckthorn is still dark
green. Flexibility is often difficult for
other aerial photography vendors who
are more accustomed to imaging for en-
gineering or infrastructure purposes
that are not as sensitive to timing issues.
The Leica RCD30 camera acquires im-
agery as resolved as 2-inch, on-ground
pixel size because of its fast shutter and
AES slow-flying plane (see Figure 1).
The digital mapping camera offers four
spectral bands (red, green, blue, and in-
frared) that are capable of achieving en-
gineer-standard mapping accuracy spec-
ifications in association with both
vertical and horizontal measures.
Using the Infrared Band
The infrared band enables specific
applications associated with the study of
vegetation, and it offers a unique look at
the greenness or productivity of veg-
etation. The infrared band is receptive
to capturing reflectance associated with
the amount and type of chlorophyll A or
B pigments present in the tissue or cells
of plants. This sensitivity, associated with
detecting chlorophyll in vegetation,
gives scientists at AES a unique under-
standing of ecological interactions that
might otherwise go undetected (see Fig-
ure 2).
Plant productivity is a measure of the
condition, vigor, moisture, and health
of a plant. Identifying where and how
that productive plant tissue is distrib-
uted on the landscape can be used to
measure ecosystem conditions, includ-
ing crop productivity, biomass volumes,
detection and measurement of pest or
disease impacts, and the mapping of
vegetation community types. In some
cases, it is also used to identify and map
specific plant species including various
grasses, sedges, forbs, or trees, as well as
different aquatic patterns associated
with algae growth.
After aerial images are collected, they
are typically brought into high-powered
software programs designed to seamlessly
Using Multispectral Imaging
for Ecological Observations
Figure 1. Low and slow, and underneath the clouds, is how the Cessna Turbo 206 plane flies to capture four-band multispectral images for ecological in-
terpretation. (Image Credit: Applied Ecological Services)
Figure 2. Color-infared image used for mapping
and monitoring urban tree canopy. Black points
are ash trees and are being used to train spec-
tral characterization methods for species identifi-
cation. (Image Credit: Applied Ecological Services)
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
TM
Biline eaar CMOS AArcchitecture
B|||near co|or OMOS ||ne scan
8k reso|ut|on, 7 m p|xe| s|ze
||ne rates up to 50 kHz
100% f||| factor for Green channe|
Exposure contro|
100x ant|b|oom|ng
On-ch|p ADO and ODS
Oamera ||nk |nterface
GenlOam or ASOll command comp||ant
RGB, RG / BG, or G formats
Powered by Te|edyne DA|SA`s |atest h|gh performance OMOS |mager, the Piranha4 prov|des
outstand|ng s|gna|-to-no|se for h|gh speed |mag|ng and has 8k reso|ut|on w|th a 7 m x 7 m
p|xe| s|ze for opt|m|zed opt|ca| des|gn to |et you |nspect and detect w|th unr|va||ed prec|s|on,
speed, and respons|v|ty.
O O
Get more v|s|on.

Download our complementary white paper:

The Evo|ut|on of OMOS lmag|ng Techno|ogy
www.teledynedalsa.com/d/n2012
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
mosaick multiple images into a single
image or set of image tiles that cover the
entire area of interest. During this
process, imagery is ortho-rectified, which
is a method that adjusts the imagery to ac-
count for the topographic relief of the
landscape. In addition, imagery is color
balanced and histograms are normalized,
which is critical for spectral analysis and
remote sensing applications.
Once the imagery has been processed,
it becomes an ecological tool for a team
of trained remote-sensing and ecological
professionals. By combining the under-
standing of advanced mathematics, statis-
tics, and computer science with ecologi-
cal expertise and in-depth knowledge in
vegetation seasonality, senesence, and
phenology, AES discovers spatial patterns
that become the blueprints to under-
standing landscape change. Features are
mapped using variables such as texture,
size, shape, and reflectance. Analysis of
imaged features offers spatial solutions
to complex ecological trends, and in-
forms critical decisions associated with
landscape restoration.
Mapping an Invasive Shrub
One recent AES project involved the
mapping of a woody invasive shrub, bush
honeysuckle, which has colonized large
forested areas of southern Illinois. The
mapping of this 100-square-mile area,
which includes Shawnee National For-
est, was initiated with the (strategically
timed) aerial flight, followed by on-the-
ground work by AES ecologists. Ecolo-
gists took measurements of plant condi-
tions, and then used survey-quality
GPS-location to find dozens of the indi-
vidual honeysuckle shrubs.
The plants measured on the ground
were used to create a statistical spectral
signature to train the GIS software to
recognize the plant on the imagery. Re-
finement and further calibration pro-
duced maps with very high reliability that
precisely showed the distribution of hon-
eysuckle plants, distinguished from other
desirable shrubs found across the entire
project area, which was more than a mil-
lion acres. AES was able to give private
landowners and public land manage-
ment agency staff precise maps, and the
coordinates of each of the tens of thou-
sands of individual invasive plants, so
they could go to each plant and remove
it as a part of an eradication program.
The imaging produced by AES is not
impaired by cloud cover and lower light
conditions as with higher flying planes
and satellites, whose operations are shut
down as cloud cover develops. The tech-
nology also obtains very precise infrared
and color bands that are all geo-refer-
enced, supporting a new type of analysis
not previously available to ecologists.
The Benefits of Band-Splitting
Most multiple-band cameras have a
separate lens for each band, which does
not support the creation of precise, reg-
istered, and easily normalized imagery.
With the Leica RCD30, all bands are ob-
tained through one lens and register on
aligned photo-receptors. This band-split-
ting technology reduces the down-time
and maintenance required to calibrate
and match multiple lenses in alignment,
and also allows for shooting under lower
light conditions.
The AES/Ayres camera is mounted to
the underside of a Cessna Turbo 206, a
single-engine workhorse capable of
flight speeds of 130 knots, and as slow as
50-60 knots. On a normal, sunny day, it
can shoot several million acres. Data is
stored on portable hard drives, which
are removed from the plane upon land-
ing and over-nighted or sent via file
transfer protocol (FTP) sites to image
processing offices.
More Applications
The camera technology has many
land-based applications. By mapping
water quality impairments in lakes and
rivers, it is possible to identify the need
for sediment management such as
dredging, at least in higher clarity water-
ways. Mapping nuisance algae and even
invasive aquatic plants is easily accom-
plished. Mapping agricultural crop fail-
ures as well, such as those that occurred
during the summer drought of 2012, has
been effective. Also, the imagery is valu-
able for early detection of tree diseases,
such as Emerald ash borer, which helps
to determine the need for and cost of
urban street tree management.
In addition to ecological projects, the
firm has recently found a new use for the
technology. This fall, AES flew over a
small Midwestern airport to produce
precise maps of the conditions of the
surface of the runway pavements. By
mapping the development of cracks in
runways, AES can help airport facility
managers prioritize their maintenance
program to design safe runway surfaces.
The company is also currently exploring
similar applications for highway or
bridge maintenance.
This article was written by Steven I. Apfel-
baum, principal ecologist and founder of Ap-
plied Ecological Services. For more information,
visit http://info.hotims.com/40440-140.
Mapped woody invasive species distribution (yellow/red) within utility corridor. The image shows in-
vasive species distribution expanding from corridor into high-quality forested areas. (Image Credit:
Applied Ecological Services)
Geo-referenced oblique photo shot from 500-ft.
with a hand-held digital camera. Subcanopy
vegetation with green foliage are woody inva-
sive species, most visible along power line.
(Image Credit: Applied Ecological Services)
Multispectral Imaging
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
From science to surveillance, Toshiba
delivers endless compact HD solutions.
With the widest variety of high denition cameras on the market,
Toshiba has a solution for the most demanding imaging
applications. From compact, single body to ultra-small remote
head cameras, get the exibility of 1080i/1080p/720p and DVI
or HD-SDI output options and a host of controller congurations.
Our HD cameras are as small as 1.18 x 1.37 x 1.41, with
weight ranging from 1.76 to 4.3 ounces.
When clear imagery is as critical as your operation, let Toshiba bring
your project to HD life.
Super compact models include
3CCD remote head with prism block technology
Ultra-small CMOS remote head with two controller options
CMOS one-piece camera with true progressive scan
CMOS one-piece camera with selectable output
1080i, 1080p and 720p options
DVI/HD-SDI video outputs

Applications
Life Sciences / Diagnostics / Microscopy
Homeland Security / Surveillance
Aviation
Industrial / inspection
Specialty Broadcast
www.cameras.toshiba.com
High-def solutions for
high-priority applications.
Specializing in high resolution video cameras for
Scientic, Industrial, Broadcast, and Research markets
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
U
sers of machine vision systems
often have one common goal in
mind: increasing system efficiency.
Greater efficiency translates into high
productivity. On the factory floor, higher
speed in an automated optical inspec-
tion system, for example, contributes di-
rectly to profit.
Greater efficiency can directly be cor-
related to the higher speeds of imaging
systems. While machine vision tasks cer-
tainly require high-quality, high-resolu-
tion images and more compact systems,
the universal requirement in machine vi-
sion is faster imaging speed.
Machine vision was born on the fac-
tory floor, increasing product quality by
delegating tedious and repetitive inspec-
tion tasks to computer-based systems.
The benefits of machine vision have now
found numerous applications beyond
the factory. While the factory floor can
be a demanding environment in its own
way, machine vision in transportation
also poses its own unique integration
challenges. These systems face uncon-
trolled lighting conditions and have
tight physical restraints, operating over a
wide range of conditions.
Even on the factory floor, smaller and
easier-to-use systems are in high de-
mand. Factories must promptly adapt to
a rapidly changing environment driven
by global competitive pressures. Price
pressures also favor simpler and easier-
to-integrate systems with reductions in
both installation and operation costs.
As the demand for faster systems in-
creases, however, a new generation of im-
aging sensors delivers images of higher
resolution and frame rates, unattainable
just a few years ago. In particular, CMOS
sensors with global shutter are proving
very attractive in machine vision. The im-
aging sensors deliver frames rates close
to 400 frames per second at megapixel
resolution, combined with 10- and 12-bit
depths. The advanced sensors, which
produce a large amount of data, put
even more pressure on the bandwidth ca-
pability of the data interface.
Benefits of USB 3.0 to
Machine Vision
The USB 3.0 specification, which of-
fers considerable performance improve-
ments over USB 2.0, is a response to the
demand for a high-speed, high-band-
width computer peripheral bus. Com-
puter users who manipulate large files,
such as movies or enormous collection
of high-resolution images, have been the
first to benefit from USB 3.0s ability to
provide the high bandwidth needed for
fast data transfers.
Integrators looking to build a high-
speed, high-resolution machine vision
system can also benefit from this technol-
ogy. Several industrial cameras manufac-
turers acknowledged this trend and have
or will be releasing product lines of USB
3.0-based cameras to meet this need.
As its name implies, USB 3.0 is a tech-
nology step above USB 2.0, one of the
most widely used data interfaces. One of
the most compelling features of the USB
3.0 interface for machine vision systems
is its high bandwidth. USB 3.0 provides
an effective transfer speed of approxi-
mately 5 Gbps, which is ten times faster
than USB 2.0 and five times faster than
the widely deployed Gigabit Ethernet
(GigE) interface. USB 3.0s data transfer
speed is effectively approaching Camera
Link and CoaXPress speeds. Unlike
Camera Link or CoaXPress, however,
USB 3.0 does not require any special in-
terface cards or frame grabber in the
host computer.
Another critical benefit of USB 3.0
over USB 2.0 is the increase in comput-
ing efficiency. Without compromising
on higher transmission speed, the USB
3.0 protocol allows for more efficient, re-
source-friendly data transmission. By
supporting the use of Direct Memory Ac-
cess (DMA), USB 3.0 host controllers
are able to retrieve image data from USB
cameras with minimal CPU involvement,
reducing computer loading and freeing
up resources for mission-critical algo-
rithm processing.
USB 3.0 delivers 4.5 watts of power to
a device, about twice the power of USB
While the factory floor can be a demanding environment, machine vision in transportation poses its own
unique integration challenges, including uncontrolled lighting conditions and tight physical restraints.
USB 3.0: Addressing New
Challenges in Machine Vision
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
2.0. The increase is coupled with more
efficient power management tech-
niques, for example, the elimination of
the power-wasting polling mechanism.
USB 3.0 has enough power to drive most
machine vision cameras right off of the
USB port power.
Unlike many machine vision bus tech-
nologies, USB 3.0 promises to be a true
plug-and-play experience, largely due to
the communication standard becoming
native on new computers. USB 3.0 is cur-
rently supported by the majority of new
computers, and also is finding its way
into embedded machines. USB 3.0 sup-
port is now native in the newest chipsets
from Intel and AMD. Within the next
two years, it is expected that all comput-
ers will support the technology.
In terms of operating systems, Win-
dows 8 will provide native support, while
computer manufacturers are currently
providing their own USB 3.0 drivers for
their Windows 7 based computers. The
specification can now even be found on
some Mac and Linux systems, offering a
wide choice of options to the system de-
signer. The ubiquity of USB 3.0 ensures
the standard has matured to a solid, reli-
able computer peripheral bus with ac-
cess to a vast section of devices.
The machine vision industry has been
quick to latch on to the benefits of USB
3.0. The industry has responded by going
one step further and defining a machine-
vision-specific standardized framework
for the transfers of high-speed images,
video, and related camera controls.
The concept, USB3 Vision, is similar to
the popular GigE Vision standard used
over Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) cameras.
USB3 Vision relies on the GenICam pro-
gramming interface to model cameras
and their controls. The USB3 Vision
standard permits interoperability of cam-
eras, accessories, and software from dif-
ferent manufacturers. USB3 Vision is
scheduled for release later this year, and
components that comply with the stan-
dard will offer plug-and-play compatibil-
ity. Developers will be able to inter-
change components with little or
minimal effect on an overall system.
Applications Beyond
Machine Vision
Designing and building a machine vi-
sion system is a careful exercise in bal-
ancing competing requirements tak-
ing into consideration features and
performance of the image sensor, cam-
matroximaging.com
1-800-804-6243 / +1-514-822-6020
imaging.info@matrox.com
Limited time offer!
New customers who purchase Matrox Iris GT will receive a fully-
licensed version of the camera. Contact your local distributor to
learn more.
Integrators and system builders are making the switch to
Matrox Iris GT smart cameras. Theyve discovered that the
cameras full-featured hardware, intuitive flowchart-based
development environment, and field-proven vision tools are
exactly what they are looking forplus; the Iris GT comes at
a great price.
Make the
smart choice
Rotalec knows smart cameras, weve
been deploying them since 1997.
In 2009, we started replacing rival
smart cameras with the Matrox Iris GT
and have found our customers
delighted with the value every time
one is put on a line.
B K Dickson,
Vice President Sales and Marketing,
Rotalec Group
Imaging Technology, December 2012 53 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-773
USB 3.0 applications exist right on the factory
floors, including automated optical inspection of
semiconductors and electronics.
Building a machine vision system is a careful ex-
ercise in balancing competing requirements and
considering how the features of the image sen-
sor, camera, data interface, and computer host
will achieve a specific mission-critical task like
wafer production.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
ACHIEVING
EFFICIENCY
T
H
E
E
S
S
E
N
T
IA
L
A
U
T
O
M
O
T
IV
E
T
E
C
H
N
O
L
O
G
Y
E
V
E
N
T
April 16-18, 2013
Cobo Center Detroit, Michigan, USA
As we strive to achieve efciency, the resulting signicant
and exciting challenges are once again positioning the
automobile industry as the industry of choice for the worlds
best and brightest engineering minds. Vast opportunities
await those companies and individuals that dare to be
creative and dream big.
sae.org/congress
Host Company
Learn more!
Tier One
Strategic Partner
54 Imaging Technology, December 2012 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-774
Machine Vision
era, data interface, and computer host,
all to achieve a specific mission-critical
task. Advancements in imaging technol-
ogy in recent years, including faster
sensors with higher resolution and
more complex vision processing algo-
rithms, open new possibilities and ap-
plications but also increase demands
put on the system.
USB 3.0 expands the envelope of what
is now achievable within a machine vi-
sion system. The specification delivers a
high-speed data interface with the ease
of use of a consumer-oriented technol-
ogy. The USB 3.0 setup eliminates spe-
cialized frame grabbers, exotic cabling,
or tedious software installation.
By providing higher speed, plug-and-
play operations, and high device power,
USB 3.0 effectively enables new applica-
tions while making vision systems better
and cheaper. Many of these applications
are on the factory floors, including au-
tomated optical inspection of semicon-
ductors and electronics, and more exist
outside of the factory floor like trans-
portation or medical instrumentation.
This article was written by Dany Longval,
Director of Product Management, Lumenera
Corporation. For more information, visit
http://info.hotims.com/40440-141.
Another critical benefit of USB 3.0 is the increase in computing efficiency, which is useful for pharma-
ceutical inspection technologies that require faster systems on the factory floor.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Imaging Technology, December 2012 www.techbriefs.com 55
O
n August 6, 2012, the Mars Curios-
ity rover successfully landed on the
floor of Gale Crater on Mars. The Cu-
riosity rover is about the size of a small
SUV 10 feet (3 meters) long, not in-
cluding the arm, 9 feet (2.7 meters)
wide, and 7 feet (2.2 meters) tall.
During the 23 months after landing,
Curiosity will analyze dozens of samples
drilled from rocks or scooped from the
ground as it explores with greater range
than any previous Mars rover.
The Mars Science Laboratory is man-
aged for NASA by the Jet Propulsion
Laboratory (JPL), a division of the Cali-
fornia Institute of Technology in
Pasadena, California. JPL engineered
Curiosity to roll over obstacles up to 25
inches (65 cm) high and to travel up to
about 660 feet (200 meters) per day on
Martian terrain.
Imaging Components
of the Rover
Unlike earlier rovers, Curiosity carries
equipment to gather samples of rocks
and soil, process them, and distribute
them to onboard test chambers inside,
equipped with analytical instruments.
Similar to the earlier Mars Exploration
Rovers, Curiosity has six-wheel drive, a
rocker-bogie suspension system, a stereo
navigation camera on its mast, and low-
slung, stereo hazard-avoidance cameras.
To ensure that the rover can see its way
successfully across the perilous Martian
landscape, NASA engineers outfitted it
with sensors that provide successful guid-
ance capabilities. The Curiosity rovers
eyes are the cameras and instruments
that give the rover information about its
environment. The rover has seventeen of
these eyes: Four pairs are for hazard
avoidance (Hazcams); two pairs are for
navigation (Navcams); four are for sci-
entific photos and exploration; and one
is a descent imager.
The CCD (charged couple device)
image sensors for the Curiositys Nav-
cams and Hazcams were built in Tele-
dyne DALSAs Bromont, Quebec semi-
conductor foundry, as were those on the
previous Spirit and Opportunity rovers.
The hazard avoidance cameras are in-
stalled on each corner of the rover, and
the 3D stereoscopic navigation cameras
are part of the rovers camera mast. The
Hazcams and Navcams work together to
provide a complementary and compre-
hensive view of the terrain. Each camera
has an application-specific set of optics.
Hazcams: Four Pairs of
Engineering Hazard
Avoidance Cameras
Mounted on the lower portion of the
front and rear of the rover, the Hazcam
black-and-white cameras use visible light
to capture three-dimensional (3D) im-
agery. The imagery safeguards against
the rover getting lost or inadvertently
crashing into unexpected obstacles, and
works in tandem with software that al-
lows the rover to make its own safety
choices and to think on its own.
Curiositys front and rear Hazcams
have fisheye lenses to allow the rover to
see a wide swath of terrain. With a field
of view of about 120 degrees, the rover
uses pairs of Hazcam images to map out
the shape of the terrain as far as 10 feet
(3 m) in front of it, in a wedge shape
that is over 13 feet (4 m) wide at the far-
thest distance.
The cameras must have a wide viewing
range on either side because, unlike
human eyes, the Hazcams cannot move
independently since they are mounted
directly to the rover body. The Hazcams
are also used by ground operators to
drive the vehicle and to operate the ro-
botic arm.
Navcams: Two Pairs of
Engineering Navigation
Cameras
Mounted on the mast of the rover, the
black-and-white Navcam cameras also
use visible light and gather panoramic,
3D imagery of the ground near the
wheels. The navigation camera unit is a
stereo pair of cameras, each with a 45-de-
gree field of view. Scientists and engi-
neers will make surface navigation plans
based on what the images tell them
about nearby rocks or other obstacles.
The Navcams also are used for onboard
obstacle detection. The Navcams work in
cooperation with the Hazcams by provid-
ing a complementary view of the terrain.
The Eyes of the Mars Curiosity Rover
The location of the 17 cameras on NASAs Curiosity rover. Image sensors for the Curiositys Navcams
and Hazcams were built in Teledyne DALSAs Bromont, Quebec semiconductor foundry. (Image Credit:
NASA/JPL-Caltech)
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
more optics | more technology | more service
USA: +1-856-547-3488
EUROPE: +44 (0) 1904 788600
ASIA: +65 6273 6644
JAPAN: +81-3-5800-4751
BETTER OPTICS =
BETTER SYSTEM
PERFORMANCE
Edmund Optics
Performance at the Edge

Competitor Performance at the Edge
WANT TO SEE THE FULL TEST?
www.edmundoptics.com/better-optics
to see how Edmund Optics
outperforms
Actual image
Actual image
Call for Better Optics in Your System
www.techbriefs.com Imaging Technology, December 2012 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-779
In addition to the engineering cam-
eras, Curiosity operates science-pay-
load cameras for finding potential sci-
entific targets. These are the Mast
Camera, used to identify potential tar-
gets for further analysis, the Mars Hand
Lens Imager on the arm, and the Re-
mote Microscopic Imager. The latter
two imagers provide small-scale obser-
vations of textures and features on the
science targets.
Custom CCD Image Sensors
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, high
performance CCD image sensors were
not very common. The Jet Propulsion
Laboratory had design, packaging, and
test expertise, but was looking for a wafer
foundry to build a custom CCD image
sensor that would fit the application.
In terms of process, Teledyne DALSA
engineers went with a conservative and
simple approach, with just enough inno-
vation to get a high-performance CCD
without taking risk for reliability. For ex-
ample, minimum feature size was not
pushed to the limit, and material selec-
tion for some layers was made to avoid
potential reliability problems. CCDs
were chosen because they are a robust
technology and are qualified for space
travel. The CCD is well known for its su-
perior image quality, which is often pre-
ferred over speed.
Eventually custom design was match -
ed to custom process, to build 1k by 1k
frame-transfer CCDs. After approxi-
mately three years of development, a
batch of CCDs was made, and they
passed all tests for the Spirit and Oppor-
tunity rovers.
Custom-manufactured CCD image
sensors from Teledyne DALSA proved
their reliability in these previous Mars
Exploration Rover missions, and the
components were chosen once again to
function as the imaging technology for
the Curiosity rovers navigational eyes.
Teledyne DALSA engineers reviewed
the design with NASA engineers, pro-
posed changes, made masks to build
the devices, and fabricated and tested
the wafers. Then the wafers were sent
to NASA, where the CCD was tested
and assembled.
The Mission Continues
The Curiosity rover has captured the
minds of many, and even has its own
Twitter and Facebook accounts to share
information and photos via social
media. Signals from the Curiositys cam-
eras take about 14 minutes traveling at
the speed of light to reach Earth, and
then they must be downloaded and
processed. Amazingly, these images can
be shared very quickly with the public.
Soon after the landing, the Curiosity
rover started looking around at its envi-
ronment and sending images back to
Earth. As this mission to Mars continues
to search for past or present conditions
favorable for life, the imaging compo-
nents on the rover support the explo-
ration by helping the Curiosity to safely
navigate the Red Planets surface.
This article was written by Robert Groulx,
CCD Product Engineer, and Raymond Frost,
Senior Process Integration Scientist, at Tele-
dyne DALSA Semiconductor (Waterloo, On-
tario, Canada). For more information, visit
With the addition of four high-resolution Navcam images, Curiositys 360-degree landing site
panorama includes the highest point on Mount Sharp visible from the rover. The Martian mountain
rises 3.4 miles (5.5 km) above the floor of Gale Crater. (Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Automakers are in overdrive to meet the U.S.
federal mandate for a 54.5-mpg feet average in
the 2025MY. Thats in addition to a bevy of other
upcoming governmental fuel economy and CO
2

emissions regulations around the globe they and
commercial vehicle makers alike must comply.
Meanwhile, ever-rising gas prices have made
increasing the effectiveness of fuel burned an
even greater priority in the aerospace industry.
According to the U.S. Energy Department,
reducing an automobiles weight by 10% can
improve fuel economy by 7-8% making mass-
reduction technology or lightweighting through
the use of advanced materials a promising path
towards lowering fuel consumption and vehicle
CO
2
emissions.
From the frst engine oil viscosity standards and
common material standards for increased aircraft
product during WWI, SAE International has been
at the forefront of endless vehicle technology
advances for more than 100 years. Through its
market-driven, voluntary consensus standards
program and its library of mobility engineering
information the largest of its kind SAE has
worked hand-in-hand with the ground vehicle
and aerospace communities to solve its greatest
transportation challenges and advance the global
mobility industry.
It can do the same for industrys quest for lighter,
greener vehicles.
Advanced Materials
standards & resources from
SAE International.
Find these and much more at www.sae.org
The quest for lighter, greener vehicles leads
to the society for advancing
the mobility industry.
PUBLICATIONS
Weight Reduction in Automotive Design & Manufacture
(MR-SB-143)
Carbon Fibre in Automotive Applications (MR-SB-113)
Automotive Carbon Fiber Composites (T-124)
Engineering Plastics & Plastic Composites in Automotive
Applications (T-122)
Structural Composite Materials (B-ASM-031)
Technology for Magnesium Castings (B-928)
Composite Materials Handbook Set Volumes 1, 2, & 3
(R-422.SET3)
Polymers in Aerospace Applications (B-RAP-001)
Some 622 Standards and Papers published in the last
3 years on Adhesives and Sealants; Aluminum/Alloys;
Composites; Lightweight Materials; Magnesium/Alloys;
Nanomaterials; Polymers
Recent Developments in Aerospace Manufacturing,
Materials, & Structures SAE Technical Paper Collection
(COLL-TP-00108)
Composite Materials SAE Standards Subscription
(SUB-STD-00008)
AMS Metals: Carbon & Low Alloy Steels SAE Standards
Subscription (SUB-STD-00028)
TRAINING
Engineering Alloys Properties & Applications (C0010)
Fundamental Mass Reduction/Light Weighting Techniques
(WB1129)
Advanced High Strength Steels for Vehicle Weight Reduction
(C0916)
Material Selection & Testing for Plastics (C0134)
Automotive Composites Technology Engineering (ACAD08)
EVENTS
SAE 2013 Design, Manufacturing & Economics of
Composites Symposium
Advances In lightweighting sessions at the SAE 2013 World
Congress
STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT
Known throughout the world for its Aerospace Material
Standards (AMS), offers 32 materials related technical
committees including those that address elastomers,
polymerics, composites, and
non-ferrous alloys
25 Ground Vehicle Committees develop standards on such
material topics as Carbon & Alloy Steels, Plastics, Fatigue
Design & Evaluation, Green Bio-Materials; a new steering
group on Material Substitution has been formed
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
I
ntels new Sandy Bridge microarchi-
tecture is changing how software
applications run and perform on serv-
er platforms. In order for applications to
tap the full power of these new devices,
developers will need to update not only
their application software, but also the
hardware platforms on which those
applications run. Changes to Intels
Xeon E3 and E5 series of microproces-
sors include new instructions used to
accelerate common encryption tasks
and floating point calculations, as well as
increased core counts and cache per
CPU. Paramount to adoption is the crit-
ical thinking that developers need to
consider to successfully transition to the
Sandy Bridge microarchitecture.
General-purpose microprocessors
have traditionally served within the con-
trol plane of communications and net-
working equipment, leaving ASICs
(Application-Specific Integrated Cir -
cuits), FPGAs (Field-Programmable
Gate Arrays) and various accelerator
cards to handle packet processing in the
data plane. But that is all beginning to
change as Intels faster and more effi-
cient processors aim to replace many of
the network processors commonly used
in todays enterprise- and carrier-class
servers. Intels processor enhancements
are also changing how pre-integrated
server application software interoper-
ates with onboard memory, disk drives,
RAID controllers, and the Operating
System (OS).
Enter Sandy Bridge
Sandy Bridge (Figure 1) is the code-
name for Intels next-generation Xeon-
based microprocessor architecture, on
which the E3 and E5 series of Xeon
CPUs are based. As the successor to the
Nehalem microarchitecture, Sandy
Bridge CPUs are manufactured on
Intels 32nm geometry process. Sandy
Bridge is designed to enhance a range of
applications that run on notebooks,
Transitioning Application
Platforms to Sandy Bridge
Figure 1. Intels Tick-Tock Microarchitecture Roadmap
Figure 2. Sandy Bridge Platform Feature Comparison
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
desktop computers, and enterprise-class
servers. This new architecture has been
trial-demonstrated to provide up to 17%
more CPU performance (clock-for-
clock) compared to Lynnfield 45nm
quad-core Xeon X34xx processors.
Sandy Bridge processors will increase
CPU processing, memory, and I/O per-
formance while reducing bottlenecks for
applications that demand real-time data
rates. These processors are far better
equipped to handle applications that
demand greater throughput and com-
pute power, including deep-packet inspec-
tion security algorithms that support net-
work port expansion. Video, multimedia,
and telecom application developers can
also capitalize on its unmatched perform-
ance and deploy more powerful and effi-
cient appliance platforms with highly scal-
able port densities.
Among the more obvious server-based
applications that benefit are packet pro-
cessing, image processing, security (e.g.,
cryptography), and a host of high-speed
(40 Gb/sec) networking platforms.
Developers working on these and other
high-throughput applications need to
move quickly to take full advantage of
the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture for
improved performance.
Whats Under the Hood
Sandy Bridge is optimized to deliver
up to 60% more performance and 30%
greater energy efficiency compared to
its predecessor. With more available
cores, each core running faster, built-in
PCI Express (PCIe) 3.0 capability, more
memory channels, and faster QPI
(QuickPack Interconnects), Sandy
Bridge has the potential to create
entirely new application categories.
Figure 2 depicts key attributes for three
primary device types.
Embedded PCIe
For the first time, PCIe 3.0 I/O is
embedded into each multicore CPU
directly. By integrating PCIe 3.0 into the
Sandy Bridge CPU architecture, platforms
based on Intels Xeon E5 series CPUs can
offer double the payload throughput
compared to PCIe 2.0 when utilizing the
same number of PCIe lanes per device.
Additionally, dual-processor platforms uti-
lizing Xeon E5 series CPUs provide 80
total PCIe 3.0 lanes for device connectivi-
ty as compared to the 36 PCIe 2.0 lanes
commonly available with its predecessor.
Combined, this allows for over a 440%
increase in available I/O bandwidth with
Sandy Bridge-based servers.
This is an important milestone both
for applications using RAID controllers
and for those that must move from 10
Gb/s Ethernet to 40 Gb/s. It also
reduces latencies to accelerate commu-
nications between fiber channel inter-
connects and InfiniBand switched fab-
rics. And as future I/O devices continue
to increase in performance, Sandy
Bridge offers the bandwidth needed for
next-generation technologies, including
emerging standards for technologies
such as 12 Gb/s SAS controllers, direct
connect PCIe Solid State Drives, 100Gb
Ethernet, and high-performance GPUs.
Memory Upgrade
Sandy Bridge also offers more memory
bandwidth. Memory channels running
up to 1,333 MHz on Xeon 5600 series-
based platforms can now achieve 1,600
MHz on Xeon E5-based platforms. And
for applications requiring peak memory
throughput, Xeon E5-2600 series proces-
sors now include four memory channels
per CPU versus just three available on
previous-generation Xeon 5600 series
products. This allows dual processor
servers utilizing E5-2600 CPUs to offer
up to eight independent memory chan-
nels, each running at up to 1,600 MHz.
Embedded Technology, December 2012 59
Smart Measurement Solutions
Loop gain
lanL Lranser uncLion
hase and gain nargin
Lasily deLernine Lhe sLabiliLy using Lhe VecLor NeLwork Analyzer ode 100
in conbinaLion wiLh Lhe Wideband njecLion Transorner WT 100.
More aL www.omicron-lab.com
How stable is your power supply?
Measure in the frequency range
from 1 Hz to 40 MHz:
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Because of this, DDR3 memory mod-
ules should be balanced in groups of
eight for optimal performance. An ideal
configuration would comprise either
eight, 16 or 24 individual memory mod-
ules. Left unbalanced, server functional-
ity may degrade and applications will not
be able to take complete advantage of
the full memory bandwidth available.
Turbo Mode
Turbo Mode Version 2 is extremely
sophisticated and self-adjusts processor
gears depending on the load.
Processors with Turbo Mode 2 are
allowed to factory overclock themselves
when certain cores are underutilized
or when the system has significant ther-
mal headroom. This means that if
developers are using a 2.4 GHz, 8-core
CPU and all eight cores are not utilized
either because the application does
not thread well or certain cores are
dormant the remaining CPU can
automatically run faster.
By taking power away from inactive
cores and applying it to active cores, a
2.4 GHz core can run at a higher multi-
plier, increasing its speed beyond 2.4
GHz and completing tasks and threads
faster. The result is that when new pro-
grams or tasks are called on, they launch
and run faster.
The same is true when certain cores
are in heavy demand. Sandy Bridge will
underclock or turn off unused cores,
and quickly apply that power to the
cores needed to complete other core
tasks. Turbo Mode is controlled by the
operating system and system BIOS and
requires no special coding by an applica-
tion programmer.
New Instructions
Sandy Bridges Advanced Encryption
Standard - New Instructions (AES-NI)
provide new extensions to the x86
instruction set architecture for micro-
processors and promise to boost the
handling of AES-based encryption and
decryption. AES-NI can be used to
accelerate the performance of AES by 3
times to 10 times over software-only
implementations.
Intel AVX is a new 256-bit instruction
set extension to SSE and designed for
applications that are floating point-
intensive. Intel AVX improves perform-
ance with wider vectors, new extensible
syntax and enriched functionality, all of
which enable better management of
data for general-purpose applications
like image, audio/video processing, sci-
entific simulations, financial analytics,
and 3D modeling and analysis.
Model Hierarchy
Several CPU models were scheduled
to become available in 2012 (Figure 3).
They include the E3-1200, E5-2400 E5-
2600 and E5-4600 (names in which the
first number following E3/E5 indicates
the number of CPUs that can be
installed). Accordingly, the E3-1200
CPU is designed for single-socket sys-
tems, the E5-2400 CPU for dual-socket
systems, and the E5-4600 for quad-sock-
et systems.
The sweet spot for most developers
will be the E5-2400 and E5-2600 series.
The E5-2600 includes an extra memory
channel and two QuickPack Inter -
connects, which allow the two CPUs to
communicate twice as fast. And the E5-
2600 also delivers up to 80 PCIe 3.0
lanes (40 per CPU) a tremendous
improvement over earlier CPUs. So if
the application thread running on the
first CPU needs to access a PCI card
plugged into the second CPU, it can use
that QPI to jump over to the other CPU
and complete the request. For applica-
tions requiring several PCIe cards, the
E5-2600 is likely the best choice.
Code Optimization
To get the best performance out of
the Sandy Bridge architecture, it is
essential to use the best available compil-
er, performance primitives, math kernel
libraries, DSP libraries and profiler
tools. Tools like C++ Composer XE,
Parallel Inspector, Trace Analyzer and
Collector, and VTune
TM
Amplifier XE
are available for Windows
and Linux
users. Integrated Performance Prim -

itives (IPP), the Math Kernel Library
(MKL) and Thread Building Blocks
(TBB) help to extract the most out of
the platform and are worth the time to
download and test.
Developers can take advantage of
multi-threaded application develop-
ment to improve performance, and the
proper code will be critical to making
this adjustment successfully. Utilizing
the multiple cores for greater processing
power requires significant attention to
code migration and optimization to
ensure maximum exploitation of Sandy
Bridges processing power.
What It All Means
What is clear to most developers is that
Sandy Bridge can truly be a game-chang-
er, particularly for security, enterprise
communications, telecommunications
and storage applications. Any applica-
tion involving transcoding or decryption,
including most video-related applica-
tions, VoLTE and secure endpoint com-
munications, should consider transition-
ing to the new platform sooner rather
than later to take full advantage of pro-
cessing power and ensure best perform-
ance of new and evolving applications.
This article was written by Austin Hipes,
Vice president of Technology, NEI (Canton,
MA). For more information, contact Mr.
Hipes at Austin.hipes@nei.com, or visit
Figure 3. CPU Models Available in 2012
Sandy Bridge
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Embedded Technology, December 2012 www.embeddedtechmag.com 61
E
mbedded market applications have
entered a new era thanks to exten-
sive software support as well as the
shrinking of borders between different
processor technologies enabling the
software ecosystem to expand to addi-
tional technology platforms. Con -
sequently, the standard form factors at
the board and module level must also be
enhanced to fully realize the multiple
interface options available with new
processor platforms.
This has opened the gates for ARM
processor architecture, which has
evolved to support a wider range of inter-
faces and functionality, allowing a true
open systems approach. For this reason,
there are an increasing number of smart
connected solutions that are now ARM-
based. Embedded systems designers are
realizing ARM is an ideal platform for
low profile, high density platforms such
as new tablet-based applications, as well
as HMI tools, due to this architectures
performance per watt, low power and
interface configuration advantages.
A host of embedded systems hardware
suppliers understand that supporting a
strong ecosystem can bring in new
sources of revenue, and satisfy the mar-
ket demand for efficient development
and scalability from one generation to
the next. However, ARM-based solutions
have typically required more in-depth
development because of their propri-
etary nature with the software directly
tied to the hardware and specific applica-
tion. This has made it necessary to start
virtually from scratch on any new design.
Seen as the foundation for growth, sup-
pliers are coming together to develop a
vendor-independent standardized ultra
low-power Computer-on-Module specifi-
cation. That is why the new Stand -
ardization Group for Embedded Tech -
nologies (SGET) has been formed and
includes broad support from a variety of
companies worldwide.
Setting the Standard
The SGET has taken a dramatic step for-
ward in driving ARM solutions creating a
super group with 23 member companies
that have the charter to speed develop-
ment of standardized hardware and soft-
ware solutions for embedded computing.
SGET supports this group by providing
the appropriate infrastructure that will
facilitate the efficient implementation of
standardization ideas. Other companies
from the embedded computing industry
are invited to join the association to con-
tribute ideas as well. In addition to embed-
ded computer manufacturers at the board
and system level, the invitation also
extends to chip and connector manufac-
turers, research and educational institu-
tions, embedded system integrators, OEM
solution providers, and industrial users.
Helmed by Kontron and other
embedded centric companies,, the
SGETs first target is the definition of
the new ULP-COM (ultra low power
Computer-on-Module) standard to
ensure design security and longevity of
ARM- and SoC (system on chip)-based
applications. This new specification
release candidate for ultra low power
COMs is characterized by the extremely
flat build of its form factor as well as a
newly defined, optimized pinout for SoC
processors. Overall, the new proposed
ARM standard and products shift the
focus to power consumption and per-
formance per watt.
The ULP-COM release candidate uses
a 314-pin connector that has a construc-
tion height of just 4.3 millimeters (the
MXM 3.0) with an optimized ARM/SoC
pin-out definition. This connection
method allows robust and cost-effective
designs that have an extremely thin con-
struction height. Kontron has elected to
use the version of this connector that is
shock- and vibration-resistant to serve
the needs of applications that will
require reliability under rough environ-
mental conditions. Furthermore, the
standard integrates dedicated interfaces
Kontron introduced the FIRST scalable ULP-COM form factor ARM building block, 82mm x 50mm as
defined by the ULP-COM specification with a height profile under 6mm when coupled with the new
ULP evaluation carrier board. The new specification has been developed by SGET to meet market
needs for low power, low profile computer-on-modules.
Strong-ARMing The Market
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
for the latest ARM and SOC processors.
This means that not only LVDS, 24-bit
RGB and HDMI are supported but
embedded DisplayPort for future
designs is supported as well.
As another first for the industry, dedi-
cated camera interfaces are being incor-
porated into the standard. Consequently,
users no longer need to compromise or
work with inefficient specifications that
are stretched between the x86 feature set
and lean ARM I/Os. Two different mod-
ule sizes are specified, in order to offer a
high level of flexibility regarding differ-
ent mechanical requirements: a short
module measuring 82mm x 50mm and a
full-size module measuring 82mm x
80mm. Additionally, ULP-COM will
cover other known requirements analo-
gous to other module standards, so that
the release version 1.0 is already com-
pletely mature for the market.
Standardizing the Benefits of ARM
Up to now, all existing module specifi-
cations have been influenced by x86
technology, with feature sets more close-
ly associated with PC-like operation. As
an example, a classical x86 chipset offers
a multitude of typical PC interfaces such
as PCI, USB and PCI Express graphics
ports. But typical ARM SOCs feature
more classical embedded ports such as
UART, IC, IS and several SDIOs, with
fewer PC-like interfaces. An application
that utilizes PCIe x16 graphics and PCI
are not supported as native. ARM-based
SOC designs also have differences in
video outputs and dedicated camera
interfaces. In ARM processors, these are
often implemented according to the
MIPI
standard, such as Camera Serial

Interface (CSI), and are currently not
implemented in a module standard.
That is why software plays a key role in
enabling board compatibility and inter-
changeability and its impact on system
decisions has been increasing for years.
Unfortunately, it is not really possible
to efficiently combine ARM and x86
technologies. The differences between
them must stay intact in order to utilize
their individual advantages.
Market and Application Needs
Along with the technology, power, and
software needs of smart connected appli-
cations, the expectations of todays
embedded tablet and HMI tool applica-
tions require rugged, long-term availabili-
ty for extended lifecycles. These applica-
tions are evolving toward lighter and fully-
sealed fanless portable systems that must
be smaller and offer extended usage time.
Many markets and applications have
been underserved by existing processor-
based platforms. While OEMs have
found a way to make use of the current
technology that is available to address
their design needs, most of the existing
standards and processor architectures
are not the best-fit solutions in every case
because they are not specifically tuned to
support SOC-based sub-systems. More -
over, the overall power consumption and
TDP exceed the power budgets of many
portable/mobile applications.
There is a sharp contrast to open and
closed systems with ARM and other CPU
architectures. That is why many design-
ers have turned to ARM processors,
which have proven they are powerful
enough to drive an easy-to-use graphical
user interface (GUI) for new mobile
applications such as smartphones and
tablets. At less than 1 Watt operating
power, ARM processor-based platforms
offer extremely low power consumption
that can accommodate extended tem-
perature product offerings with
dual/quad core CPU performance that
is comparable to, and many times
62 Embedded Technology, December 2012 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-778
Strong-ARMing The Market
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Embedded Technology, December 2012 www.embeddedtechmag.com 63
exceeds, the latest low-power x86 or
RISC-based processors. These processor
architectures, of course, have shown
their worth with superior graphics and
interoperability, but designers are realiz-
ing that each has a place in the market
that they can capitalize on for their form,
fit and function needs. ARM-based
embedded computing platforms are not
intended to replace x86 or RISC tech-
nologies; rather these building blocks
are targeted to applications and market
segments that are currently underserved.
What Sets ARM-Based Building
Blocks Apart?
The difference between ARM and
alternative processor solutions is that it
provides a much longer product life
anywhere from 7 years up to 15 years.
ARM processors are small in size and do
not require a supporting chipset to fulfill
comprehensive designs. Many of todays
SoC solutions have simplified, passive
cooling and thermal management solu-
tions which eliminate points of failure
for higher system reliability and provide
a platform for higher density systems. At
the same time, the overall bill-of-materi-
als (BOM) is reduced for a more cost-
effective and streamlined hardware
design, and native features and a broad
range of supported interfaces contribute
to shorter time-to-market.
ARM-based platforms dominate low-
power market segments, especially for
smartphones, tablets and HMI sub-sys-
tems. The fierce competition in these
markets demands that OEMs remain
keenly focused on differentiating their
products. Time spent on finding,
installing, programming and trou-
bleshooting drivers or debugging hard-
ware means they have less time to con-
centrate on their core competencies.
There are many ARM solutions avail-
able in the market, but most offer limited
interoperability and almost none offer a
smooth design migration path. ARM-
based solutions have typically required
more in-depth development because of
their proprietary nature with the software
directly tied to the hardware and specific
application. Consequently, there is a true
need for proven design building blocks
for connected devices and subsystems
such as those being developed for tablet
and HMI-based applications
Pre-Validated Platforms
and Building Blocks
Backed by standardization, a powerful
resource of verified, pre-validated ARM-
based platforms that satisfy the broad
spectrum of design requirements is need-
ed to meet streamlined development and
faster time-to-market demands. Open
architecture ARM platforms offer a build-
ing block solution approach that helps
minimize the time from evaluation to
deployment, providing value in terms of
design flexibility, interoperability, and
smooth design migration.
Leveraging the advantages of verified
open architecture ARM platforms, OEMs
can avoid the delay of validating hard-
ware. Pre-validated platforms are fully
configured and tested to deliver the
required interoperability and functionali-
ty. Application development, operating
system integration and adding middle-
ware can be streamlined because the
process of hardware validation has been
eliminated. With pre-validated building
blocks, customers are assured of compati-
bility, interoperability and high reliability
so designers can fully focus on application
development rather than dealing with
hardware integration. OEMs can readily
reuse their existing library of applica-
tion-specific software and install it on a
ready framework and flexible hardware.
Moving Forward
Fueled by the ULP-COM standard,
ARM solutions meet the requirements in
many embedded systems to reduce
power and the costs of deployment, and
provide high-end graphics demanded by
a growing list of customers and their
users. This new form factor is ideal for
low profile systems, and enables flexible
display options to meet an extensive
range of deployment needs.
The availability of ULP-COM solu-
tions also lets designers achieve
required performance/power ratio
requirements. This key advantage trans-
lates into a more cost-effective design
approach that permits portable and
fully enclosed systems to have a compet-
itive price. Additionally, lower-power-
consumption, ARM-based solutions sup-
port more simplified cooling methods
reducing costs based on a less-compli-
cated mechanical design with less
assembly and higher reliability because
of its fanless design. All of these
requirements are resolvable, however
the ULP-COM dramatically improves
the process, saving time, resources and
design compromises.
SoC-based hardware concentrates on
the needs of connected devices, and as
such requires a different design
approach that addresses a new I/O
mix. Leveraging existing standards
such as Pico-ITX and mini-ITX, as well
as developing new modules to serve as
best-fit building blocks for tomorrows
smart connected devices, makes the
most of innovative ARM technology
and enables smart connected devices
that are service-ready. Overall design
risk and hardware integration needs
are reduced, reusing known building
blocks that allow for leaner develop-
ment schedules.
This article was written by Jack London,
Product Manager, Kontron Computer-on-
Modules (Poway, CA). For more information,
contact Mr. London at Jack.london@us.kon-
tron.com, or visit http://info.hotims.com/
40440-401.
Kontron has designed its ARM building blocks to be implemented as part of a higher level ultra-low
power solution that includes a combination of carrier board, firmware and drivers, and operating sys-
tem. Offering multiple layers that make up a complete ARM solution provides time-to-market devel-
opment benefits and added value for OEMs.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-837 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-836 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-835
Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-832 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-833
Product Spotlight
DATA ANALYSIS
AND GRAPHING
SOFTWARE
Founded in 1992, Origin -
Lab develops data analysis
and graphing software for
users in corporations, government agencies, col-
leges, and universities worldwide. Its flagship prod-
ucts, Origin and OriginPro, provide a comprehen-
sive solution for scientists and engineers at any tech-
nical level to analyze, graph, and professionally pre -
sent data. Origin version 9.0 is now available.
www.originlab.com/Origin9
OriginLab Corporation
POWER & TEMPERATURE
CONTROL
MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS
This publication illustrates our
experience as a UL 508A Cert -
ified Panel Shop in designing and
building custom electrical control panels. It also
presents a user-friendly guide to selecting a tempera-
ture control based on the performance required.
Tempco is an ISO 9001 Certified Quality Company
manufacturing Electric Heaters, Temperature Sen -
sors, Temp erature Controls and Process Heating
Systems. Tempco Electric Heater Corporation; Tel:
800-323-6859; www.tempco.com; info@tempco.com.
Tempco Electric Heater Corporation
ELECTRONIC SURPLUS
STORE LIVES ON
All Electronics continues the tradi-
tion of surplus electronic stores of
the past. Many unusual one of a
kind items can be found, along
with the basic parts that form the
building blocks of your electronic
projects. Whether you are in
Research and Development,
Design, Engineering, Small Run Manufacturing or
just garage experimentation, we have the parts you
need. Stop by our web site to see our extensive inven-
tory. Orders are usually shipped within 48 hours
from stock. Visit us at www.allelectronics.com.
All Electronics Corp.
FAST PULSE TEST SOLUTIONS
Avtech offers over 500 standard models of high-speed
pulse generators for R&D and automated factory-
floor testing. Some of our standard models include:
AVR-EB4-B: for reverse-recovery time tests
AV-156F-B: for airbag tests.
AVO-9A-B: for laser diode tests.
AV-151J-B: for piezoelectric tests.
AVOZ-D2-B: for testing of attenuators.
AVR-DV1-B: for phototriac dV/dt tests
Pricing, manuals, datasheets:
http://www.avtechpulse.com/
Avtech Electrosystems Ltd
THE ULTIMATE
MECHANICAL
CONNECTIONS
POLYGON PROFILES are
the solution to any coupling,
sliding, power transmission,
torque, stress, fatigue, or space problems you may
have. Precision ground to give superb strength, a
high capacity for torque, and long life. Self-aligning,
self-centering feature eliminates alignment
problems, with minimal backlash and reduced
vibration. Suitable for fixed and sliding connec -
tions; available on oval, 3-sided and 4-sided, custom
produced to your specifications. Call 1-877-546-
6378 or visit www.generalpolygon.com; e-mail:
joepitassintb@generalpolygon.com
General Polygon
DIN RAIL POWER
SUPPLIES
AC/DC DIN Rail mount-
able power supplies with
universal input 85-264VAC
have a compact design
and efficiencies up to
93%. With optional 3 phase AC input voltage of 340-
575VAC, short circuit protection and switchable par-
allel function, these units are ideal for automation
applications. Contact MEGA Electronics at 732-249-
2656 or sales@megaelectronics.com for quotations;
www.megaelectronics.com.
MEGA Electronics
EVANSCAPS:
HIGHEST POWER
IN MORE THAN
100 RATINGS
Critical for aerospace and defense, Evanscaps have
the highest power density in hermetic tantalum
packages for -55C to 125C operation proven
in over 100 ratings. Evanscaps provide high reli -
ability and energy density in high power pulse
applications like phased array radar and laser tar-
geting. In avionics displays, communications, and
other applications, Evanscaps also provide backup
power, filtering, and ride-through capability.
Product data sheets, specifications and pricing at
www.evanscap.com. Call 401-435-3555.
Evans Capacitor
PRECISION
ALUMINUM
EXTRUSIONS
New! An informative
brochure from MIN-
ALEX, leader in
cl os e t ol erance
shapes to 3 1/2",
illustrates typical
applications and de -
scribes capabilities
in cluding short
runs. MINALEX,
quality leader, delivers on time, every time.
MINALEX, PO Box 247, Whitehouse Station, NJ
08889; Tel: 908-534-4044; Fax: 908-534-6788.
Minalex
NEW SMALLEY
ENGINEERING &
PARTS CATALOG
Smalleys new catalog combines
existing Spirolox Retaining Ring
and Smalley Wave Spring selec-
tions with series recently
released from Smalley. Now a
single catalog includes new: Hoopster Rings, Metric
Wave Springs, Constant Section Rings and more. Over
10,000 standard parts in carbon and stainless steel; free
samples available. Specials manufactured with No-
Tooling-Costs from .200"-120". Smalley Steel Ring
Company, (847) 719-5900, info@smalley.com,
www.smalley.com/getcatalog.
Smalley Steel Ring Company
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
www.techbriefs.com
(Continued from page 46)
Next-Generation
Tumbleweed Rover
A document describes a next-genera-
tion tumbleweed rover that involves a
split balloon system that is made up of
two half-spherical air bladders with a
disc between them. This disc contains all
the electronics and instruments. By
deflating only the bottom balloon, the
rover can sit, bringing the surface probe
into contact with the ground. The bot-
tom balloon has a channel passing
through it, allowing the surface probe to
reach the surface through the balloon.
Once the sample has been gathered and
analyzed, the rover can re-inflate the
lower air bladder and continue rolling.
The rover will use a small set of instru-
ments and electronics situated at the cen-
ter of its inflatable spherical hull. The
current version is a large beach-ball- like
construction, about 1.8 m in diameter
and weighing roughly 15 kg. The rover
comprises two major parts, an outer
spherical hull (split in half at the central
disc) and an inner, disc-shaped cylindri-
cal section. The balloons are attached to
the bottom and top of the disc. Inside the
disc, there are temperature and pressure
sensors to keep track of the inner and
outer conditions of the rover. A system of
pumps and valves is responsible for inde-
pendently inflating and deflating the bal-
loons as necessary. There are also
accelerometers to record the movement,
together with a GPS receiver. The data
are then sent through a modem to a con-
trol station. This work builds upon the
project Tumbleweed rover for planetary
exploration, described in the Technical
Support Package, as noted below.
This work was done by Jeffrey P. Nosanov
of Caltech for NASAs Jet Propulsion
under the Mechanics/Machinery category.
NPO-47648
Pneumatic System for
Concentration of
Micrometer-Size Lunar Soil
A report describes a size-sorting
method to separate and concentrate
micrometer-size dust from a broad size
range of particles without using sieves,
fluids, or other processes that may mod-
ify the composition or the surface prop-
erties of the dust.
The system consists of four processing
units connected in series by tubing.
Samples of dry particulates such as lunar
soil are introduced into the first unit, a
fluidized bed. The flow of introduced
nitrogen fluidizes the particulates and
preferentially moves the finer grain sizes
on to the next unit, a flat plate impactor,
followed by a cyclone separator, followed
by a Nuclepore polycarbonate filter to
collect the dust.
By varying the gas flow rate and the
sizes of various orifices in the system, the
size of the final and intermediate particles
can be varied to provide the desired prod-
ucts. The dust can be collected from the
filter. In addition, electron microscope
grids can be placed on the Nuclepore fil-
ter for direct sampling followed by elec-
tron microscope characterization of the
dust without further handling.
This work was done by David McKay
and Bonnie Cooper of Johnson Space Center.
paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under
the Manufacturing & Prototyping category.
MSC-25264-1
Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-843 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-842 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-841
MULTIPHYSICS
E-ZINE
Now is your chance to
learn what your peers
have achieved through
the use of multiphysics
simulation. The 2012
Edition of COMSOL
News gives you over 25
user stories that illus-
trate recent achieve-
ments in industry all made possible by COMSOLs
modeling tools. Instantly download your digital copy
today at: www.comsol.com/ntblit
COMSOL, Inc.
COMPACT SMT
DUAL-CHANNEL
LASER DIODE
DRIVER
The PCB-mounted FL500
drives two independent 250
mA lasers or one 500 mA laser
in Constant Current mode. Current limit, slow start,
and brown-out protection help ensure stable and
robust long-term operation of your laser system. The
FL500 can be battery-powered, and the small pack-
age fits easily in your portable hardware. The FL591
Evaluation Board simplifies prototyping; use the
FL593 to USB control the FL500. Call 406-587-4910
or visit www.teamwavelength.com/rd28.
Wavelength Electronics
POROUS
CERAMIC
VACUUM
CHUCK
PhotoMachining of -
fers a porous ceramic
vacuum chuck for use
with thin films and other flat samples. Pore sizes
under 25 microns assure uniform suction and holding
power for even the smallest parts. PhotoMachining
also provides contract laser-manufacturing services,
and designs and builds custom laser-based manufactur-
ing equipment. PhotoMachining, Inc., 4 Industrial Dr.,
Unit 40, Pelham, NH 03076; Tel: 603-882-9944; Fax:
603-886-8844; rschaeffer@photomachining.com;
www.photomachining.com
PhotoMachining, Inc.
GASKETING TAPE
SILICONE SPONGE
Closed cell silicone sponge
and open cell silicone foam
are available with pressure
sensitive adhesive for fast-turn
deliveries of .062", .125", .188" and .250" thick rolls,
slit to your specified width. Silicone is UV and
weather resistant certain formulations are
listed for UL94V0 flame rating. Acrylic adhesive
backing provides long term bonding. (215) 335-3005;
www.stockwell.com/pages/products_gasket_tape.php.
Stockwell Elastomerics
SEAL MASTER
INFLATABLE
SEALS,
ACTUATORS &
GRIPPERS
Solve difficult, awkward
design problems with Seal Master
Inflatable Seals.
Custom-built, fabric reinforced, and fully molded,
these elastomeric seals and other pneumatic special-
ties offer close tolerance capability and resistance to
compression. Use for imaginative production/pro-
cessing applications, too. Design assistance offered.
Seal Master Corporation, Kent, OH; (800) 477-8436
or (330) 673-8410; Fax: (330) 673-8242; email:
info@sealmaster.com; Web: www.sealmaster.com
Seal Master Corporation
TAYLOR DEVICES INC. OFFERS A
FULL LINE CATALOG
Taylor Devices, the leader in innovative shock control
and other energy management devices, offers a Full
Line Catalog with information on a wide array of
Taylors products, including Fluidicshoks and UNI-
SHOK. The Taylor line encompasses both small and
large bore shock absorbers, isolators, dampers, crane
buffers, liquid springs and their exclusive self-adjusting
energy absorbers. Taylor Devices Inc., Tel: 716-694-0800;
Fax: 716-695-6015; Web site: www.taylordevices.com.
Taylor Devices Inc.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
66 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, Month 2007 66 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, December 2012
Find out more about the 12 nominated products and cast your
vote by visiting: www.techbriefs.com/poy
Only one vote per person will be counted. All votes must be submitted by January 22, 2013.
I
ts that time of year when we ask
NASA Tech Briefs readers to vote
for the annual Readers Choice
Product of the Year Awards.
Each month, our editors choose
a Product of the Month that has
exceptional technical merit and
practical value for our design engi-
neering readers.
Youre invited to cast your vote
for the one product among those 12
Products of the Month that you feel
was the most significant new prod-
uct introduced to the engineering
community in 2012. The product
receiving the most votes will be
named NASA Tech Briefs Readers
Choice Product of the Year.
Winners will be announced in
NASA Tech Briefs and on our Web
site at www.techbriefs.com.
The 2012 Nominees Are:
Vote for NASA Tech Briefs
18
th
Annual
Readers Choice Awards
ANSYS
ANSYS 14.0 Simulation Software
Agilent
33500B Series Waveform Generators
Data Translation
DT9862S USB Data Acquisition Module
Dataforth Corp.
tPac Telemonitoring System
Dell
Dell Precision M4700/M6700 Mobile Workstations
Dewetron
DEWE2 Data Acquisition Platforms
Hewlett-Packard
HP Z1 Workstation
MathWorks
MATLAB and Simulink Release 2012b
National Instruments
NI PXIe-5644R RF Vector Signal Transceiver
OriginLab Corp.
Origin & OriginPro Version 8.6 Graphing
& Simulation Software
Saelig Company
WiPry-Combo Power Meter/Spectrum Analyzer
SpaceClaim
SpaceClaim Engineer 2012 3D Direct
Modeling Software
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Product of the Month
MathWorks, Natick, MA, has introduced Release 2012b with updates to MATLAB and Simulink environ-
ments for technical computing, and simulation and design, respectively. The new release includes a
redesigned help system with improved browsing, searching, filtering, and content organization. The
Simulink Editor simplifies modeling through capabilities such as tabbed model windows for improved win-
dow management, an Explorer bar for navigating model hierarchy, smart signal routing to determine opti-
mal signal line path, and debugging capabilities that rewind simulations and set conditional breakpoints on
signals. Simulink Projects manages project files and connects to source control software. The MATLAB
Desktop now features the MATLAB Toolstrip that displays icons for the most frequently used MATLAB fea-
tures, such as selecting the best plot type for data. An apps gallery presents apps from the MATLAB prod-
uct family to allow users to perform common tasks without writing code.
Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation
COMSOL, Burlington, MA, has
introduced Version 4.3a of COM-
SOL Multiphysics
software for mod-

eling and simulating physics-based
systems. The software features
LiveLink for Excel
to connect
multiphysics results with spreadsheets. The new version includes sup-
port for cluster computing on the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud,
and new modules for analyzing fatigue and importing ECAD files.
3D Mechanical Design
SpaceClaim, Concord, MA,
offers SpaceClaim Engineer
2012+ with new capabilities for
manufacturing, simulation,
concept development, and
mesh remodeling. Users can
create, modify, repair, and
enhance 3D CAD geometry without compromising existing processes
and methods. Users can leverage existing 2D and 3D designs, includ-
ing customer and supplier models, analysis and simulation results,
mesh and STL data, and surface models, along with PMI and toler-
ance data. For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/40440-101
3D Design Software
Dassault Systmes, Paris, France, has introduced SolidWorks 2013
that enhances collaboration, speeds model creation, and simplifies the
product development process.
Improvements include design
tools and new drawing capa-
bilities, sub-model simulation,
cost estimation, network ren-
dering, wider sharing, and
increased connectivity. New
packages include modules for plastics, electrical, costing, sustainabili-
ty, and flow simulation. For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/
40440-102
Freeform Modeling
Geomagic
, Morrisville, NC, has

released Freeform
v12 SP2 software

from its Sensable Groups 3D modeling
product lines. Freeform allows users to
design highly detailed and complex
organic models. Freeform Plus users have
advanced auto-surfacing capabilities
incorporated from Geomagic Studio.
Autosurfacing is used to convert Freeforms voxel or polygonal mod-
els into solid and surface models for import into CAD programs.
CFD Meshing
Pointwise, Fort Worth, TX, has
announced Pointwise Version 17.0 R2 com-
putational fluid dynamics (CFD) meshing
software that generates structured, unstruc-
tured, and hybrid meshes; interfaces with
CFD solvers such as ANSYS FLUENT, STAR-
CCM+, ANSYS CFX, and OpenFOAM, as
well as many neutral formats such as CGNS;
runs on Windows (Intel and AMD), Linux (Intel and AMD), and
Mac; and has scripting languages that can automate CFD meshing.
3D Modeling and CAD Translation
Spatial Corp., Broomfield, CO,
offers the R23 release of 3D ACIS
Modeler and 3D InterOp for CAD

file translation. The release
includes support for most CAD file
formats. New 3D InterOp transla-
tors are available for the Parasolid,
SolidWorks, and Unigraphics NX
file formats. The 3D ACIS Modeler extends Boolean and stitching
capabilities. Feature detection functionality in 3D ACIS Modeler
helps in identifying protrusion and depression features as well as
blends. For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/40440-105
Product Focus: Design & Analysis Software
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Humidity/Temperature Monitoring
Omega Engineering, Stamford, CT, offers the
OM-CP-THERMALERT-RH series of wireless
humidity and temperature monitoring and
alarming systems that features real-time notifica-
tion of humidity and temperature deviations,
and features a user-programmable alarm that can
be configured to send a message via text, screen
alarm, or email if an alarm condition occurs. The
systems feature wireless two-way communication,
RTD sensing element, and battery. For Free Info
Visit http://info.hotims.com/40440-106
Engineering Product Sourcing
Thomas Industrial Network, New
York, NY, offers ThomasNet.com, a
Web-based platform for sourcing
more than 100 million parts from
more than 30,000 suppliers, includ-
ing components, equipment, materi-
als, and manufacturing services. A
new feature is Product Search, which
enables users to find specific compo-
nents and products by defining
attributes such as application, mate-
rial, dimensions, and tolerances.
The platform also features a CAD
library of downloadable 2D and 3D
models and drawings. For Free Info
System-On-Chip FPGAs
Microsemi Corp., Alisa Viejo, CA,
offers the SmartFusion
2 system-on-chip
(SoC) field-programmable gate arrays
(FPGAs) that integrate flash-based FPGA
fabric, a 166-MHz ARM
Cortex-M3
processor, security processing accelera-
tors, DSP blocks, SRAM, eNVM, and com-
munication interfaces all on a single
chip. The devices feature 10 milliwatts
(mW) of static power for 50K LUT (look-up table) device, including
the processor. They are available with a range of density from 5K LUT
to 120K LUT, plus embedded memory and multiple accumulate blocks
for digital signal processing (DSP). For Free Info Visit
http://info.hotims.com/40440-108
Battery Test System
The 17020 regenerative battery pack test
system from Chroma Systems Solutions,
Lake Forest, CA, is an integrated solution
for secondary battery module and pack test-
ing. The system features regenerative bat-
tery energy discharge, charge/discharge
modes, and channels paralleled for higher
currents. The system features multiple inde-
pendent channels for dedicated charge/discharge tests on multiple
battery packs, each featuring discrete test characteristics. For Free Info
3D Printing System
The Ex One Co., Irwin, PA, has intro-
duced the M-FLEX 3D printing system
designed for additive manufacturing of
metal parts. It features a build chamber
of 400 x 250 x 250 mm that can achieve
speeds of 30 seconds per layer. It uses a
print head to distribute binder into beds
of specially prepared and formulated
materials. The complete system includes a printer, recycling equip-
ment, printing materials, a furnace, and multimedia training. For Free
Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/40440-110
GigE-Vision Camera
Point Grey, Richmond, BC,
Canada, has announced new 2.8
megapixel models to its Flea
3 line
of GigE Vision digital cameras. The
Flea3 FL3-GE-28S4 monochrome
and color models use the Sony
ICX687 EXview HAD CCD II image sensor.
The FL3-GE-28S4 camera runs 15 FPS at full 1928 x 1448 resolution,
and at faster speeds when using smaller regions of interest. The Flea3,
29 x 29 x 30 mm, weighs 38 grams without optics. Other features
include an 8-pin, opto-isolated GPIO for industrial triggering and
strobe output; 1 MB non-volatile flash memory for user data storage;
and on-camera frame buffer for retransmitting images. The Flea3 com-
plies with version 1.2 of the GigE Vision specification. For Free Info
HD-SDI Camera
The Tauri2-HD 02150 SDI from
Kappa optronics, Monrovia, CA, fea-
tures a 2/3" interline transfer CCD sen-
sor with progressive scan. The Tauri 2
camera can be switched to specified for-
mats: 1080i/25, 1080i/30, 1080p/25, or
1080p/30 (1080i50; 1080i60). The high-resolution, uncompressed 1.5
Gbit real-time data is delivered to the control monitor via the HD-SDI
output. The single-cable connection to the monitor, which can cover
distances of up to 100 m, is qualified for drag chain use. For Free Info
Machine-Vision Camera
The USB uEye ML compact camera
from IDS Imaging Development
Systems, Woburn, MA, offers applica-
tions for metal processing, robotics,
electrical, and medical engineering
vision systems. The product features a
magnesium casing, lockable USB, and
Hirose connector.
The camera is fitted with a 1.3-
megapixel CMOS sensor that provides
four shutter modes, with the ability to
switch between those modes while the camera is in operation. The
camera delivers 25 frames per second at full resolution (1280 x 1024
pixel), and it includes two GPIOs, an optically decoupled trigger, and
flash I/Os. For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/40440-146
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Presenters:
Please visit www.techbriefs.com/webinar131
If you design electrical drives and motor control systems for automotive applications, then you know what a challenge
system complexity and the real-time nature of the application can be. Are you frustrated by the lack of good technical
support that could help get your motor control projects off the ground more quickly and with less stress?
If so, attend this free webinar to learn about a new series of fully loaded motor control development kits from Freescale
Semiconductor that are designed to give engineers a complete out-of-the-box experience for permanent magnet
synchronous motor (PMSM) or brushed DC (BLDC) motor control solutions.
Marek Stulrajter
Freescale Automotive
Systems Engineer
Zdenek Kaspar
Freescale Automotive
Systems Manager
This 60-minute webinar includes:
Live Q&A session
Application Demo
Access to archived event on demand
Webinars
Upcoming...
Simplifying the Design of Automotive
Motor Control Systems
Live Presentation Thursday, December 13, 2012, 2:00 pm ET
Power Supplies
TDK-Lambda Americas, a group
company of the TDK Corporation,
San Diego, CA, offers 500-watt
power supplies that comply with the
European energy-saving require-
ments of the ErP (Energy related
Products) Directive. The GWS500
employs a standby power consumption of <0.5W, no-load. The AC/DC,
forced air-cooled power supply achieves up to 90% efficiency. Featuring
a 4.1" 8.6" footprint and 1.6" height, the GWS500 is well-suited for fit-
ting into 1U enclosures. The series is offered in six models with nomi-
nal outputs of 5V, 7.5V, 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V.
To accommodate non-standard system voltages, the GWS500s out-
put is user-adjustable, either via the built-in adjustment potentiometer
or by injecting an external programming voltage. Where peak power is
needed, the 24V and 36V models deliver up to 600W for 10 seconds.
Dissolvable Spacers
Multi-Seals, Manchester, CT, has introduced Wash-Awaydissolvable
spacers, designed to provide consistent spacing between printed circuit
boards and PCB components. The organic polymer spacers locate PCB
components during soldering operations. After soldering, Wash-Aways
dissolve in water or alcohol solvent baths. The spacers leave uniform
spacing between components and boards. Wash-Aways are available in
a wide range of sizes and shapes to
accommodate a variety of PCB compo-
nents, including resistors, capacitors,
transistors, potentiometers, and integrat-
ed circuits. Wash-Aways contain no ioniz-
able material, salts, sugars, metals, or
soaps. They are non-corrosive, non-con-
ductive, and non-toxic. For Free Info
System-on-Display
ADLINK Technology, San Jose, CA, has
announced the ARM-based SP-860 Smart
Panel. The SP-860 system-on-display com-
bines an LCD panel, CPU, and touch
screen in a single unit. The SP-860 fea-
tures a 4:3 TFT-LCD Display and TI
Cortex A8 Processor. The Smart Panel includes a built-in Wi-Fi+ BT

SIP module and stackable expansion capability. The device supports
two LAN ports. Optional items include a four-wire resistive touch sen-
sor and a high-brightness, sunlight-readable display version. The SP-860
supports Linux 2.6.32, WinCE 6.0, and Android 2.3.4 operating systems.
The SP-860 starter kit includes NAND flash with Linux inside, and
can also be booted from a micro-SD card. If the NAND flash storage is
erased, the OS can be restored from a micro-SD backup. For Free Info
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
NASAs Technology Sources
If you need further information about new technologies presented in NASA Tech Briefs,
request the Technical Support Package (TSP) indicated at the end of the brief. If a TSP is not
available, the Innovative Partnerships Office at the NASA field center that sponsored the
research can provide you with additional information and, if applicable, refer you to the
innovator(s). These centers are the source of all NASA-developed technology.
Ames Research Center
Selected technological strengths: Information
Technology; Biotechnology; Nanotechnology;
Aerospace Operations Systems; Rotorcraft;
Thermal Protection Systems.
Lisa L. Lockyer
(650) 604-1754
lisa.l.lockyer@nasa.gov
Dryden Flight Research Center
Selected technological strengths:
Aerodynamics; Aeronautics Flight Testing;
Aeropropulsion; Flight Systems; Thermal
Testing; Integrated Systems Test and
Validation.
Yvonne D. Gibbs
(661) 276-3720
yvonne.d.gibbs@nasa.gov
Glenn Research Center
Aeropropulsion; Communications; Energy
Technology; High-Temperature Materials
Research.
Kathleen Needham
(216) 433-2802
kathleen.k.needham@nasa.gov
Goddard Space Flight Center
Selected technological strengths: Earth and
Planetary Science Missions; LIDAR; Cryogenic
Systems; Tracking; Telemetry; Remote Sensing;
Command.
Nona Cheeks
(301) 286-5810
nona.k.cheeks@nasa.gov
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Selected technological strengths: Near/Deep-
Space Mission Engineering; Microspacecraft;
Space Communications; Information Systems;
Remote Sensing; Robotics.
Indrani Graczck
(818) 354-4906
indrani.graczck-1@nasa.gov
Johnson Space Center
Selected technological strengths: Artificial
Intelligence and Human Computer Interface;
Life Sciences; Human Space Flight
Operations; Avionics; Sensors;
Communications.
David Leestma
(281) 483-3809
david.c.leestma@nasa.gov
Kennedy Space Center
Selected technological strengths: Fluids and
Fluid Systems; Materials Evaluation; Process
Engineering; Command, Control, and Monitor
Systems; Range Systems; Environmental
Engineering and Management.
David R. Makufka
(321) 867-6227
david.r.makufka@nasa.gov
Langley Research Center
Selected technological strengths: Aerodynamics;
Flight Systems; Materials; Structures; Sensors;
Measurements; Information Sciences.
Elizabeth B. Plentovich
(757) 864-2857
elizabeth.b.plentovich@nasa.gov
Marshall Space Flight Center
Selected technological strengths: Materials;
Manufacturing; Nondestructive Evaluation;
Biotechnology; Space Propulsion; Controls and
Dynamics; Structures; Microgravity Processing.
Jim Dowdy
(256) 544-7604
jim.dowdy@nasa.gov
Stennis Space Center
Selected technological strengths: Propulsion
Systems; Test/Monitoring; Remote Sensing;
Nonintrusive Instrumentation.
Ramona Travis
(228) 688-3832
ramona.e.travis@ssc.nasa.gov
National Technology Transfer Center
Darwin Molnar
Wheeling, WV
(800) 678-6882
NASA HEADQUARTERS
Innovative Partnerships Program Office
Doug Comstock, Director
(202) 358-2221
doug.comstock@nasa.gov
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
Programs
Carl Ray, Program Executive
(202) 358-4652
carl.g.ray@nasa.gov
Published by....................................... Tech Briefs Media Group,
an SAE International Company
Publisher.....................................................Joseph T. Pramberger
Editorial Director ........................................................Linda L. Bell
Editor, PTB and Embedded Technology...............Bruce A. Bennett
Technical/Managing Editor.........................................Ted Selinsky
Technical Writers.........................................................Shirl Phelps
.........................................................................Nick Lukianoff
Managing Editor, Tech Briefs TV...............................Kendra Smith
Associate Editor...........................................................Billy Hurley
Production Manager .............................................Adam Santiago
Assistant Production Manager .........................Danielle Gaglione
Art Director ...............................................................Lois Erlacher
Designer ...........................................................Bernadette Torres
Marketing Director .............................................Debora Rothwell
Marketing Assistant..............................................Felicia Kennedy
Circulation Manager .............................................Marie Claussell
Circulation/Audience Development Coordinator ..........Brandie Wright
Subscription Changes/Cancellations........................nasa@omeda.com
NASA Tech Briefs are provided by the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, Innovative Partnerships Program:
Administrator...............................................Charles F. Bolden, Jr.
Chief Technologist.......................................................Mason Peck
Technology Transfer Program Executive................Daniel Lockney
TECH BRIEFS MEDIA GROUP, AN SAE INTERNATIONAL COMPANY
261 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1901, New York, NY 10016
(212) 490-3999 FAX (212) 986-7864
Chief Executive Officer ..............................Domenic A. Mucchetti
Executive Vice-President.......................................Luke Schnirring
Technology Director .............................................Oliver Rockwell
Systems Administrator ............................................Albert Sunseri
Web Developer......................................................Karina Adames
Online Content Manager/Web Developer..............Peter Bonavita
Digital Media Producer ................................................Phil Abalos
Digital Media Assistant............................................Ranard Miller
Credit/Collection ......................................................Felecia Lahey
Accounting/Human Resources Manager.......................Sylvia Ruiz
Office Manager ...................................................Alfredo Vasquez
Receptionist............................................Elizabeth Brache-Torres
NASA TECH BRIEFS ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
CT, MA, NH, ME, VT, RI, Eastern Canada......................Ed Marecki
.....................................................................Tatiana Marshall
...........................................................................at (401) 351-0274
NJ, PA, DE ..................................................................John Murray
...........................................................................at (973) 545-2132
NY........................................................................Stan Greenfield
...........................................................................at (203) 938-2418
Southeast, TX...........................................................Ray Tompkins
...........................................................................at (281) 313-1004
Western NY, OH, MI, IN..........................................Ryan Beckman
...........................................................................at (973) 409-4687
MN, ND, SD, WI, IL, KY, MO, KS, IA, NE, Central Canada.......Bob Casey
...........................................................................at (847) 223-5225
Northwest, N. Calif., Western Canada.......................Craig Pitcher
at (408) 778-0300
Bill Hague
...........................................................................at (310) 457-6783
CO, UT, MT, WY, ID, NM ...............................................Tim Powers
...........................................................................at (973) 409-4762
S. Calif., AZ, NV ...............................................................Tom Boris
...........................................................................at (949) 715-7779
Integrated Media Consultants................................Patrick Harvey
...........................................................................at (973) 409-4686
Angelo Danza
...........................................................................at (973) 874-0271
Michael Barboza
...........................................................................at (973) 545-2565
Jason Weinstein
...........................................................................at (973) 545-2566
Tom Wright
...........................................................................at (973) 545-2464
Reprints........................................................................Jill Kaletha
.................................................................at (866) 879-9144, x168
w w w . t e c h b r i e f s . c o m
NASAs Technology Sources
If you need further information about new technologies presented in NASA Tech Briefs,
request the Technical Support Package (TSP) indicated at the end of the brief. If a TSP is not
available, the IPO at the NASA field center that sponsored the research can provide you with
additional information and, if applicable, refer you to the innovator(s). These centers are the
source of all NASA-developed technology.
Ames Research Center
Selected technological strengths: Information
Technology; Biotechnology; Nanotechnology;
Aerospace Operations Systems; Rotorcraft;
Thermal Protection Systems.
David Morse
(650) 604-4724
david.r.morse@nasa.gov
Dryden Flight Research Center
Aerodynamics; Aeronautics Flight Testing;
Aeropropulsion; Flight Systems; Thermal
Testing; Integrated Systems Test and
Validation.
Ron Young
(661) 276-3741
ronald.m.young@nasa.gov
Glenn Research Center
Aeropropulsion; Communications; Energy
Technology; High-Temperature Materials
Research.
Kimberly A. Dalgleish-Miller
(216) 433-8047
kimberly.a.dalgleish@nasa.gov
Goddard Space Flight Center
Selected technological strengths: Earth and
Planetary Science Missions; LIDAR; Cryogenic
Systems; Tracking; Telemetry; Remote Sensing;
Command.
Nona Cheeks
(301) 286-5810
nona.k.cheeks@nasa.gov
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Selected technological strengths: Near/Deep-
Space Mission Engineering; Microspacecraft;
Space Communications; Information Systems;
Remote Sensing; Robotics.
Indrani Graczyk
(818) 354-2241
indrani.graczyk@jpl.nasa.gov
Johnson Space Center
Selected technological strengths: Artificial
Intelligence and Human Computer Interface;
Life Sciences; Human Space Flight
Operations; Avionics; Sensors;
Communications.
John E. James
(281) 483-3809
john.e.james@nasa.gov
Kennedy Space Center
Selected technological strengths: Fluids and
Fluid Systems; Materials Evaluation; Process
Engineering; Command, Control, and Monitor
Systems; Range Systems; Environmental
Engineering and Management.
David R. Makufka
(321) 867-6227
david.r.makufka@nasa.gov
Langley Research Center
Selected technological strengths: Aerodynamics;
Flight Systems; Materials; Structures; Sensors;
Measurements; Information Sciences.
Michelle Ferebee
(757) 864-5617
michelle.t.ferebee@nasa.gov
Marshall Space Flight Center
Selected technological strengths: Materials;
Manufacturing; Nondestructive Evaluation;
Biotechnology; Space Propulsion; Controls and
Dynamics; Structures; Microgravity Processing.
Terry L. Taylor
(256) 544-5916
terry.taylor@nasa.gov
Stennis Space Center
Selected technological strengths: Propulsion
Systems; Test/Monitoring; Remote Sensing;
Nonintrusive Instrumentation.
Ramona Travis
(228) 688-3832
ramona.e.travis@ssc.nasa.gov
NASA HEADQUARTERS
Daniel Lockney, Technology Transfer
Program Executive
(202) 358-2037
daniel.p.lockney@nasa.gov
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small
Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs
Rich Leshner, Program Executive
(202) 358-4920
rleshner@nasa.gov
w w w . t e c h b r i e f s . c o m
NASAs Innovative Partnerships
Office (IPO)
NASAs R&D efforts produce a robust supply of promising technologies with applications in many indus-
tries. A key mechanism in identifying commercial applications for this technology is NASAs national
network of laboratories and business support entities. The network includes ten NASA field centers,
and a full tie-in with the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) for Technology Transfer. To explore tech-
nology transfer, development, and collaboration opportunities with NASA, visit www.ipp.nasa.gov.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Advertisers Index
For free product literature, enter advertisers reader service numbers at www.techbriefs.com/rs, or visit the
Web site listed beneath their ad in this issue.
Advertisers listed in bold-face type have banner ads on the NASA Tech Briefs Web site www.techbriefs.com
Reader Service
Company Number Page
Reader Service
Company Number Page
ACCES I/O Products ......................................778 ..........................62
Aerotek................................................................744 ..................COV III
Agilent Technologies..........................................742, 753 ..............11, 25
All Electronics Corporation ..............................829 ............................64
AllMotion, Inc.....................................................760 ............................36
ASM Sensors, Inc. ..............................................763 ............................39
AutomationDirect ..............................................746 ............................17
Avtech Electrosystems Ltd. ................................830 ............................64
C-Flex Bearing Co., Inc. ....................................785 ............................8a
Centricity Corporation ......................................783 ............................5a
COMSOL, Inc. ................................741, 751, 838 ..........13, 44-45, 65
Crane Aerospace & Electronics ........................740 ..............................8
Dataforth Corporation ......................................756 ............................29
Dewetron Inc...................................................747 ..........................19
Digi-Key Corporation ........................................737 ..............................2
Dimension ......................................................745 ....................15, 30
Diversified Technical Systems, Inc.....................749 ............................22
Edmund Optics ..................................................779 ............................56
Evans Capacitor Company ..............................831 ..........................64
Exlar Corporation ..............................................787 ............................9a
Forest City Gear ..................................................769 ............................40
FORTUS 3D Production Systems ....................................................30
General Polygon Systems ..................................832 ............................64
Imagineering, Inc. ..........................................738 ............................3
Indium Corporation ..........................................761 ............................37
Intech Corp.........................................................762 ............................38
International Rectifier........................................748 ............................21
Keil, Tools by ARM ............................................764 ............................43
LPKF Laser & Electronics ..................................758 ............................32
Master Bond Inc. ................................................743 ............................12
MathWorks ..........................................................775....................COV IV
Matrox Imaging ..................................................773 ............................53
Maxon Precision Motors, Inc. ........................782 ..........................3a
Measurement Computing Corp.........................754 ............................26
MEGA Electronics, Inc. ......................................833 ............................64
Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH....................759 ............................35
Mill-Max Mfg. Corp. ..........................................750 ............................23
Minalex Corporation..........................................752, 834 ..............24, 64
Mouser Electronics, Inc. ..................................739 ............................7
MPL ....................................................................770 ............................40
National Aperture ..............................................786 ............................8a
National Instruments..........................................735 ....................COV II
Newcomb Spring Corporation ..........................766 ............................42
Novotechnik........................................................768 ............................43
Omega Engineering ........................................736 ............................1
Omicron USA ....................................................777 ............................59
OriginLab Corporation......................................755, 835 ..............27, 64
Parametric Technology Corporation ................822............................4-5
PhotoMachining Inc...........................................839 ............................65
Pico Technology..................................................765 ............................41
Pittman................................................................780 ............................1a
Proto Labs, Inc. ..................................................757 ............................31
SAE International ..............................................774, 815 ..............54, 57
Seal Master Corporation ....................................840 ............................65
Seastrom Mfg. ....................................................767 ............................42
Smalley Steel Ring Company ............................836 ............................64
Stockwell Elastomerics ......................................841 ............................65
Taylor Devices Inc. ..............................................842 ............................65
Tech Briefs TV........................................................................................47
Tech-X Corporation ........................................776 ............................9
Teledyne DALSA ............................................771 ..........................49
Tempco Electric Heater Corp. ..........................837 ............................64
Toshiba Imaging Systems Div. ............................772 ............................51
uPrint SE ........................................................................................30
US Digital ............................................................784 ............................7a
Visumatic Industrial Products............................781 ............................2a
Wavelength Electronics ......................................843 ............................65
yet2.com ................................................................................................33
Reader Service
Company Number Page
NASA Tech Briefs, ISSN 0145-319X, USPS 750-070, copyright 2012 in U.S. is published
monthly by Tech Briefs Media Group, an SAE International Company, 261 Fifth Avenue,
Suite 1901, New York, NY 10016. The copyright information does not include the (U.S.
rights to) individual tech briefs that are supplied by NASA. Editorial, sales, production,
and circulation offices at 261 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1901, New York, NY 10016. Subscription
for non-qualified subscribers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, $75.00 for 1 year; $135 for 2
years. Single copies $6.25. Foreign subscriptions one-year U.S. Funds $195.00. Remit by
check, draft, postal, express orders or VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. Other
remittances at senders risk. Address all communications for subscriptions or circula-
tion to NASA Tech Briefs, 261 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1901, New York, NY 10016. Periodicals
postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes and cancellations to NASA Tech Briefs, P.O. Box
3525, Northbrook, Il 60065.
Ridealong Enclosed in Versions: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 & 14
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Spinoff
Economic Development Done Right
NASA and MIT pioneer new technologies for lightweight aircraft.
Spinoff is NASAs annual publication featuring successfully commercialized
NASA technology. This commercialization has contributed to the development
of products and services in the fields of health and medicine, consumer goods,
transportation, public safety, computer technology, and environmental resources.
G
reek mythology tells of the inven-
tor Daedalus using wings of his
own fashioning to escape from
imprisonment on the island of Crete. In
1988, a similar adventure was launched,
though in this case, carbon-fiber compos-
ites, gears, and driveshafts were featured
instead of wax and feathers.
In 1987, a group of students, alumni,
and professors from the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT) gathered
at Dryden Flight Research Center in
California. Inspired by the Greek myth,
the team started work on a series of
lightweight, human-powered aircraft
designed to reenact Daedalus flight. In
April 1988, the 69-pound Daedalus 88
launched from Crete. Powered only by
the pedaling of the pilot, a Greek cham-
pion cyclist, the aircraft flew nearly four
hours and approximately 123 miles
before winds drove it into the sea just off
the coast of the island of Santorini.
Setting distance and duration
records for human-powered flight that
are still unmatched today, the Daedalus
project provided NASA and the MIT
team the opportunity to explore new
technologies for lightweight aircraft
and high-altitude, long-duration flight.
From this effort also came the kernel of
a company that with the help of
NASA partnerships is producing
some of the worlds most advanced avi-
ation technologies.
In 1989, John Langford founded
Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation in a
small office in Alexandria, VA. Langford
had managed the Daedalus project and
saw great potential in applying the tech-
nologies developed for that effort to the
innovation of high-altitude unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs) for global climate
change research.
Almost immediately, Aurora estab-
lished a pattern of partnership with
NASA that continues today. The compa-
ny has engaged in numerous Small
Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
and Small Business Technology Transfer
(STTR) projects with NASA. These part-
nerships have provided opportunities for
Aurora on multiple fronts, Langford says.
Aurora, now headquartered in
Manassas, VA, also partnered with
Goddard Space Flight Center in
Maryland and West Virginia University
through a Space Act Agreement. As a
result of the partnership, Aurora devel-
oped low-cost composite materials fabri-
cation capabilities and opened a manu-
facturing facility in West Virginia. This
enabled Aurora to provide cost-efficient
airframe parts for the Northrop
Grumman Global Hawk UAV, designed
for the U.S. Air Force.
Creating Jobs and Advancing Science
Aurora now has 350 employees and
has facilities in Mississippi and Mass -
achusetts, in addition to its West Virginia
and Virginia operations. The company
employs 160 people in its NASA-enabled
West Virginia plant, and about one-third
of Auroras work force is dedicated to
the companys Global Hawk efforts.
Aurora now supplies all the composite
structures for Global Hawk, except for
the wings.
This is an example of economic
development done right, Langford
said. You want to build up the economy
across the country, and this was a move
that NASA participated in that has been
very successful.
The partnership has also allowed
Aurora to contribute to the use of UAVs
for scientific endeavors; NASAs two
Global Hawk aircraft recently completed
long-duration science missions to study
climate change and hurricane behavior.
In the meantime, Aurora is continu-
ing work on a number of UAV projects,
including a solar-powered aircraft that
may one day perform flights of up to five
years at a time.
This article was written by Bo Schwerin for
Spinoff. Visit www.techbriefs.com/component/
content/article/10658 for the full story.
The Daedalus 88 aircraft on its last flight at
Dryden Flight Research Center in 1988. The air-
craft set records for human-powered flight that
still hold today.
Aurora provides much of the composite airframe
for the Global Hawk UAV.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
17 who speak Mandarin
The perfect t
12,874 mechanical engineers
4,390 who have experience with CAD apps
1 who speaks the Jin dialect of Mandarin
229 who have their PMP Certication
Your stafng situation is unique. So we customize our proven Aerotek process
precisely to your needs. Your account manager lives and breathes your industry,
organization and requirements. Our recruiters know how to nd candidates who
will best meet your needs. And they interview each one face-to-face to ensure
you receive only the person whos the perfect t. To learn more about our Perfect
Fit
process, please call 1-888-564-8105 or visit us at AerotekPerfectFit.com.

Aerotek is an equal opportunity employer. An Allegis Group Company. 2012
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
TRY IT TODAY
visit mathworks.com
2012 The MathWorks, Inc.

DISCOVER
THE NEW
LOOK AND FEEL
Simulink
of
With Simulink
Release 2012b,
its even easier to build, manage,
and navigate your Simulink and
Stateow
models:
Smart line routing
Tabbed model windows
Simulation rewind
Signal breakpoints
Explorer bar
Subsystem and signal badges
Project management

Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
w
w
w
.t
e
c
h
b
r
ie
f
s
.c
o
m
/
m
o
t
io
n
December 2012
IIa
Tool Changer
4a
New Products
6a
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
IIa www.techbriefs.com/motion Motion Control and Automation Technology, December 2012
F
itting the right type of linear posi-
tion sensor to an application
requires at least a working knowl-
edge of the attributes of this electro-
mechanical device. Starting with the
basics, the LVDT (linear variable differ-
ential transformer) is a common type of
linear position sensor widely used in
electromechanical systems today. It con-
sists of two basic elements: a stationary
coil assembly and a movable core or
armature. While most LVDTs are funda-
mentally AC-in/AC-out devices, some
have electronics built-in to make them
DC-in/DC-out devices. This gives rise to
the terms AC-LVDTs and DC-LVDTs.
An LVDT has a natural null point in
the magnitude of its AC output because
it is typically connected differentially.
With no end position stops on the LVDT,
the null position, located in the middle
of the range of motion of the LVDTs
core, is the stake in the ground for
determining core position.
With the myriad of linear position sen-
sors available on todays market, select-
ing the right LVDT for an application
involves two high-level choices based on
interfacing to the LVDT, as well as some
lower-level choices based on the LVDTs
performance specifications and the
application environment.
First, an engineer should be con-
cerned about the mechanical interface,
followed by the electrical input/output
(I/O). After high-level choices have
been made, lower-level choices must be
made based on an LVDTs performance
specifications and environmental rat-
ings. Environmental ratings for either
an AC-LVDT or a DC-LVDT are typically
fairly easy to interpret. However, the per-
formance characteristics of an LVDT
often require a more detailed explana-
tion. This is true both when choosing an
available LVDT or developing the speci-
fications for one for an OEM applica-
tion. The following five terms and
parameters often cause the most confu-
sion when choosing an LVDT.
Nominal Linear Range
The basic variable in LVDT selection is
the maximum range of core motion,
which produces an analog output of spe-
cific linearity. Full-scale displacement is
the distance a core can travel from its
null position in this linear region. Since
the core can be displaced from null
toward either end, the linear operating
range is twice the full-scale displacement.
When stated as plus or minus () full-
scale displacement, it is referred to as the
nominal linear range. When stated with-
out a polarity, it is called the LVDTs full
range, full stroke, or total stroke.
The nominal linear range of any
LVDT varies somewhat with frequency.
When the LVDT is used with the correct
core for the specified frequency, the
actual linear range will always equal or
exceed the nominal value. When opti-
mum linearity is not essential in an
application, the practical operating
range may extend well beyond the spec-
ified nominal linear range. Nominal lin-
ear range is specified for a high imped-
ance load, typically 50 kOhm to 0.5
MOhm. A low load impedance can have
a deleterious effect on linearity and
nominal linear range.
Factors to Consider When Selecting and
Specifying LVDT Linear Position Sensors
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Linearity Error
As LVDT output is a nominally linear
function of core displacement within
its linear range of motion, a plot of out-
put voltage magnitude versus core dis-
placement is essentially a straight line.
Beyond the nominal linear range, out-
put begins to deviate from a straight
line into a gentle curve. From a statisti-
cally best-fit straight line versus core
displacement within an LVDTs nomi-
nal linear range, the maximum devia-
tion of LVDT output is defined as the
linearity error or the non-linearity of
the LVDT.
Linearity error is typically expressed
as a percentage of full-range output
(FRO), or in terms of an error band
width that envelopes the straight line
and deviations. The statistically best-fit
straight line is usually determined by
applying the method of least squares to
a series of calibration readings. The
proper interpretation of the linearity
error specification for an LVDT
depends on the ultimate application
on the LVDT in a measuring system.
Some users use non-linearity as a meas-
ure of system accuracy as it is often the
largest error.
2a Motion Control and Automation Technology, December 2012 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-781
Shown are the components of a typical LVDT linear position sensor. The electromechanical transduc-
ers internal structure consists of a primary winding centered between a pair of identically wound sec-
ondary windings, symmetrically spaced about the primary.
Build the Perfect
Beast of a Line
when you partner
with Visumatic
Fastening Components.
t'FSPDJPVTQFSGPSNBODF
t5JNFEFGZJOHEVSBCJMJUZ
t4QMJUNJDSPOBDDVSBDZ
Ready to drop in place,
congured to your specs,
AND every Visumatic
product is backed with our
unmatched Human Touch
customer service.
Smarter Machines from Creative Engineers for Smart Machine Builders
859. 255. 7907
7* 46."5* $ $0.
Rise of the
Machines
5)&/&8#3&&%0'
&3303'3&&"44&.#-:
THE VPD
POWER DRIVER
Our No.1 seller installs
screws, nuts, rivets, and
push pins over a
wide torque range.
One or multiple locations.
Handles very small to
extra large fasteners.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
While typical linearity errors of 0.25%
of full range output are common with
standard LVDTs, improvements to these
specifications are possible with special
construction techniques or by the use of
onboard signal processing. Linearity
errors as low as 0.05% of full range out-
put can be obtained in this manner. In
some cases, improved linearity may also
be obtained by using an AC-LVDT at less
than its full range, or on only one side of
null. Linearity error means the same for
AC-LVDTs as well as DC-LVDTs.
Full-Scale Output
For an AC-LVDT, full-scale output is the
output of an LVDT with its core posi-
tioned at full-scale displacement and with
its primary excited at a specified nominal
input voltage. In most cases, though, a
better way to compare AC-LVDTs of the
same linear range is through sensitivity.
Sensitivity is usually specified in terms of
milliVolt output per thousandths of an
inch core displacement per Volt of excita-
tion (mV/mil/Volt). Sensitivity varies with
excitation frequency, which must also be
specified. Sensitivity mostly affects the
gain required of the LVDTs signal condi-
tioning electronics.
For most DC-LVDTs, the comparable
characteristic to sensitivity is scale factor,
which is usually expressed as Volts DC out-
put per inch of core displacement. Some
legacy DC-LVDTs use a ratiometric config-
uration, which requires that they also use
the same units as sensitivity, or have their
scale factor specified for a particular DC
input voltage. There are also DC-LVDTs
whose output is into a 4-20mA current
loop, so their scale factors are expressed
as milliamperes per inch (mA/in) or mil-
liamperes per mil (mA/mil).
Resolution
Resolution is the smallest core posi-
tion change that can be observed in
LVDT output. An LVDTs resolution is
essentially infinite, as it operates on the
principle of magnetic coupling. An
infinitesimal change in core position will
produce an output change. In practice,
the limitation on system resolution is the
ability of the associated electronic equip-
ment to sense the change in LVDT out-
put, which is called the signal-to-noise
ratio of the system. With a properly
designed LVDT measuring system,
microinch resolution is not uncommon.
Repeatability
The ability of a sensor to reproduce
the same output for repeated trials of
exactly the same input under constant
operating and environmental condi-
tions is the single most important factor
for sensor selection. Called repeatability,
this parameter is the only irreducible
and uncorrectable source of static error
in any electromechanical measuring sys-
tem. Repeatability error is the limiting
factor in making any sensor-based meas-
urement.
A well-made LVDT is so repeatable
that overall transducer repeatability is
affected only by the mechanical factors
of the physical members or structures to
which the LVDTs core is attached, and
to which the LVDTs coil is mounted.
Both repeatability and resolution con-
tribute to overall measurement error,
and are usually expressed as a percent-
age of full-scale output. These parame-
ters apply equally well to AC-LVDTs and
DC-LVDTs.
This article was written by Lee Hudson,
Application Engineer at Macro Sensors,
Pennsauken, NJ. For more information, visit
SAFFiR (Shipboard Autonomous FireFighting Robotj
- Dr. Dennis Hong, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director
of RoMeLa (Robots & Mechanisms Laboratoryj at virginia Tech
For our high performance robots,
we need high speed, light weight,
high torque actuators. The only
solution is maxon.
What drives Dr. Dennis Hong is
his quest to create truly humanoid
robots that can do useful work.
What drives his robots are maxon
motors and controllers. Where
precision, consistency, and easy
integration are critical, maxon pro-
vides the intelligent drive systems
to bring tomorrow's designs to life.
Learn how we can help you keep
your projects moving. visit us at
maxonmotorusa.com.
:JHUJVKL[VZLL]PKLVVM
+Y/VUNKPZJ\ZZ^VYRPUN
^P[OTH_VUTV[VYZ
Motion Control and Automation Technology, December 2012 3a Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-782
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
4a www.techbriefs.com/motion Motion Control and Automation Technology, December 2012
Applications
Connectors Enable Precise Movement of Lunar Robotic
Tool Changer
N
ASAs Langley Research Center in
Hampton, VA hired Honeybee
Robotics Spacecraft Mechanisms Corp.
to develop a totally mechanical tool
changer for the end of what Langleys
Lunar Surface Manipulation System
(LSMS) team describes as a robot that
could unload landers. Then, after the
landers were unloaded, it could, in addi-
tion to doing base assembly, mate with
tools to take science experiments. This
robot could be likened to a crane, but
with more dexterity.
The crane was designed to work
remotely so that it could be used on an
unmanned mission without human
interaction. It is completely autonomous
one of the driving factors. The tool
changer does have other applications if
they decide they want to use it on Mars
or even in outer space for a robotic arm
and end effectors.
Since Honeybee has been developing
harsh-environment, mission-critical end
effectors for over 25 years and has
worked on the equipment for other
space missions, they were specially suited
to tackle this challenge.
Making It Work
Basically, Honeybee was given a foot-
print to stay within, and all the require-
ments for load ratings and misalignment
allowances. Explained Lee Carlson, a sys-
tems engineer who was part of the
Honeybee team, The crane might be
sitting on the lander deck or on the
lunar surface and would be driven from
quite a distance away from the tool to be
mated to. This required designing for
large misalignment allowances. This was
our first design challenge. The end of
the crane and target tool could be mis-
aligned by as much as a couple inches in
any direction with up to 20 degrees
angular misalignment when attempting
a mate.
But, Carlson continued, there were
other considerations. The tool changer
had to be capable of carrying around
1,000 pounds, so (the tool changer) had
to be very robust. Also, since this was a
lunar project, it has to be tolerant to
moon dust. These two design criteria
required special seals to protect large
roller bearings. If this design was for
space, it becomes considerably simpler.
All of the loads would be reduced and
dust is no longer an issue. But the Moon
is a very harsh environment, and lunar
dust is a major concern when designing
for missions there.
The original assignment called for
dummy tools requiring no power; the
crane would do all the work. Tools
would range from a forklift attachment,
a shovel, or scoop for acquiring surface
samples or digging, to a bucket for lift-
ing human passengers.
Then NASA decided it wanted the
capability of attaching an electronic or
electromechanical tool to the end of the
crane. Now, the tool changer would have
to provide an electrical connection as
well. Solving this problem fell to
Carlson. The contract was expanded to
add an electrical connector to the exist-
ing mechanical connector. Youd have a
power source on the LSMS, on the crane
itself. Your tools could then be powered.
So your tools capabilities could expand
into the realm of cameras, or tools with
cameras on them, or even a light jack-
hammer. However, they had not left
space to accommodate an electrical con-
nector because it was not a part of the
original contract and the budget did not
allow for starting from scratch.
A Crucial Ten Square Inches
Carlson had to work within the con-
straints of the current design because
NASA did not want a redesign of the
whole tool changer. They just wanted to
add an electrical connector to it without
increasing the current envelope. He
only had roughly 2-1/2 by 4" of free
space to incorporate the male side of the
new autonomous connector. The con-
nector has to mate itself to a female con-
nector mounted on the tool. Carlson
said, We make small stuff all the time
and if there were more space, there are
many different ways that I could have
designed it.
Honeybee designed both the male
and female sides of the connector. The
female side had to be inexpensive and
Diagram of NASAs Lunar Crane.
Applications
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
easy to create because each tool would
have to have its own female connector,
versus a single male connector
attached to the crane. The female con-
nector has no moving parts, but is
slightly compliant.
The male connector has all the mov-
ing parts. It is cylindrical and populated
with 11 1/16" diameter aluminum pins
that are plated with gold over nickel con-
figured in a standard MIL/Spec pattern.
The connector rides on compact slides
miniature guides made by NB
Corporation called SEBS. The top
faces of the two glides are facing each
other and Honeybees components are
in between the two glides, supporting
this connector. This configuration
reduces the moment loads on the slides.
Precise Movements
Carlson described how it works: We
actually used a total of 6 slides within the
space three on each side. The slides
ride on each other in the manner of
drawer slides that are stacked to extend
the distance they can open a drawer.
Our configuration achieves an exten-
sion of the movement equal, approxi-
mately, to the length of three slides. So
instead of a half-inch stroke, we could
get an inch-and-a-half stroke within a
very, very small footprint. Low mass, low
load, and very low profile were all
required for this application.
Carlson said the reason they chose
these particular guides was that they
were some of the smallest slides he could
find. His one caveat was that he wanted
to work with one of the slide suppliers
that Honeybee had worked with before,
and not take chances on a new supplier.
It also had to be a guide that, even
though this was a prototype, was com-
pletely made of stainless steel without
any plastics. Plastics are generally avoid-
ed unless they are specially chosen and
approved. As for lunar dust tolerance,
the whole electrical connector assem-
blage will be sealed in a bellows to pro-
tect it from the harsh lunar regolith.
Honeybee was able to choose from
the widest selection of miniature linear
slide guides on the market. The stan-
dard SEBS guides major advantage is
that they have a standard radial clear-
ance that is twice as accurate as other
standard miniature guides. Most manu-
facturers do not claim that their preload
eliminates all clearance. Their standards
are plus to minus, which allows gaps, i.e.
clearance, to exist. Minus means there is
some preload so theres no gap. NBs are
from zero to minus as a standard, mak-
ing for greater accuracy because there is
no clearance. In other words, a negative
clearance means the ball is larger than
the space, adding more pressure and
greater rigidity. This increased rigidity is
desirable in high-precision applications.
NBs standard fabrication requires more
control in the assembly and manufactur-
ing process in order to adhere to this
higher quality standard.
There can be instances where no pre-
load is desired, where one might want
to remove all friction and trade off
accuracy and rigidity for minimal fric-
tion. In such a case, one might want
clearance. But the space mission was
not such a case.
This article was contributed by NB
Corporation, Hanover Park, IL. For more
information, visit http://info.hotims.com/
40440-321.
Motion Control and Automation Technology, December 2012 5a Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-783
Top isometric view of the connector within the
enclosure.
A CAD rendering of the extended male connec-
tor (without enclosure). The mini-guide appears
white.
(330| 545-5624 www.centr|c|ty.net sa|es@centr|c|ty.net
,HZ`[V0U[LNYH[L9VI\Z[*VUZ[Y\J[PVU
5V4HPU[LUHUJL
LARGE SERVO DRIVEN
ROTARY TABLES
High precision Servo Indexing System
with touch screen pendant control
Dial diameters greater than 20 with
load capacities in the tens of
thousands of pounds
Rotary unions, slip rings, shot pins,
z-axis positioning, and many other
features available
Sealed/air purged, washdown, and
hazardous location versions
Unique modular construction. Even
large dials ship standard freight and
are easily assembled on site
%XLOWWR\RXUH[DFWLQJVSHFLFDWLRQV

Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Products
NEW
CNC Machine Controllers
B&R Industrial Automa -
tion Corp. (Roswell, GA)
offers standardized system
modules for CNC machines.
Consisting of hardware com-
ponents, all necessary soft-
ware functions, and available
simulation options, the soft-
ware package makes it possi-
ble to quickly implement automation processes. The system integrates
CNC, PLC, and motion control in one controller, and the function
modules in the standard CNC package are designed to provide all
important functions for CNC processing machines, including func-
tions for operation, configuration, and diagnostics of the system, and
in particular, all the axes and CNC channels.
The CNC package consists of a 15" panel in portrait format, based
on a Power Panel 400 with additional integrated operating elements.
Programmable function and navigation keys enable users to control
the visualization system, and a navigation wheel can also be used for
input elements on all pages of the visualization application. The CNC
panel is complemented by a handheld device that lets the machine
operator move around the machine and make required entries at the
ideal location.
Automation Control Platform
GE Intelligent Platforms (Charlottesville, VA) has announced the
PACSystems
control and computing platform designed for the indus-

trial Internet. It incorporates COM
Express architecture with multi-core
CPUs. The RXi platform offers
high-speed interfaces, with multi-
ple gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0
ports. These features are cou-
pled with GEs PACSystems con-
trol engine. The controllers fea-
ture built-in redundant PROFINET
interfaces, and can run HMI, Historian, and
analytics applications at the machine, even in
harsh environments.
The platforms industrial PC (IPC) is rugged and fanless for factory
floor computing. The design includes connectors on the controller
and IPC so that the two products can be mounted together for cable-
less communications for applications where both control and comput-
ing are desired. The IPC can also be mounted on the back of a series
of touchscreen displays creating a family of modular panel IPCs.
Harmonic
Gearhead
Nexen Group (Vadnais
Heights, MN) has announced
a harmonic gearhead that
directly replaces much larger,
high-ratio planetary gear-
heads utilizing the latest har-
monic strain wave gearing
technology. In addition to its
compact size, the gearhead features high torque, true zero backlash,
and positional accuracy. A gearing-forward design overlaps compo-
nents and allows the gearing to be integrated into the same plane as
the bearing, resulting in a short and rigid gearhead. This narrow, rigid
design is combined with a large, rugged, crossed-roller output bear-
ing, designed to handle all combinations of radial, axial, and over-
turning moment loads in a single, compact envelope. The gearhead
can fit virtually any machine, and can operate in less than half the
space of conventional planetary gearheads.
Helical Gearbox
GAM Gear (Mt. Prospect, IL) has
introduced the SPH series inline plan-
etary gearbox featuring helical gear-
ing. It is designed for dynamic and
cyclic motion control applications, and
can be optimized for high-speed and
continuous-duty applications. The
gears are cut at an angle to help reduce
axial forces associated with helical
gearing, and then are ground for
reduced noise levels and improved
smoothness. The gear teeth are wider,
allowing for larger permissible torques
relative to the frame size, and heavy-duty taper roller bearings enable
large loading capabilities.
Available in six frame sizes from 50 mm to 180 mm, and with ratios
up to 100:1, the gearbox offers several output configurations for
machine integration, including shaft (smooth or keyed), hollow with
housing, and integrated coupling.
Microstepping Drive
Servo2Go.com (Greenville, DE) offers
Applied Motion Products STR2 stepper
drive, a compact, digital step and direc-
tion drive for applications requiring
basic step and direction control
of a 2-phase step motor. The
drive outputs up to 2.2
A/phase to the step motor,
and is compatible with a vari-
ety of 2-phase step motors that
have been selected to optimize per-
formance of both the drive and motor.
The drive features microstepping perform-
ance and current control with anti-resonance. Anti-resonance elec-
tronically damps motor and system resonances, which improves motor
smoothness and torque over a wide speed range.
Each step motor drive operates in either Step & Direction or
Pulse/Pulse control mode. Selecting between these two modes is done
by moving a jumper located under the cover of the drive. Each drive
can microstep up to 20,000 steps/rev with a 1.8 step motor (1/100
step), and can microstep the step motor when the command pulses are
low-resolution. All drive setup is done via dip switches on the side of
the drive, including motor selection, running current, idle current,
and step resolution.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Motion Control and Automation Technology, December 2012 7a
Encoders for OEMs
Motion Control Solutions from US Digital
usdigital.com
360-260-2468
sales@usdigital.com
EM1/HubDisk
Improved Replacement
for HEDS-9000 Series
Encoder Module
Multiple Resolutions
Supported
Reective
Quick Assembly,
Compact Form
Cost Efective Stepper
Motor Feedback
100 720 CPR
EC35
U/V/W Commutation
Outputs, Diferential or
Open Collector
Quick, Simple Assembly
500 10000 CPR
Order today,
get it tomorrow.
Orders placed before
11 A.M. PST, ship same day.
Proud to manufacture in the USA.
Position Sensor
Honeywell (Minneapolis, MN) offers the SMART rotary configura-
tion position sensor that provides 360 non-contact angular position
sensing. The sensor enables users to replace an optical encoder, or to
utilize a sensor instead of a resolver. The sensor utilizes
non-contact magnetoresistive (MR) technology to
determine the objects position, which allows it to
sense position in dirty and harsh environments. It
is designed to measure values down to 0.01.
Potential applications include steering angle,
articulation angle, and boom arm detection, as
well as solar panels or wind turbines. A combination
of an ASIC and an array of MR sensors is used to deter-
mine the position of a magnet collar attached to a rotat-
ing object to identify and control the objects position. The sensors
automotive-grade potting makes it more resistant to vibration, shock,
and extreme temperatures.
Positioning Stages
Rollon (Hackettstown, NJ) has in -
troduced the Actuatorline TT series of
high-precision linear positioning stages.
Available in a range of sizes and configu-
rations, the stages are suited for use in robotic
handling systems, semiconductor equipment, X-Y-Z
Cartesian robots, machine tools, and automated assem-
bly lines. The stages are made of anodized aluminum extrusions, and
bodies are CNC machined on all outer surfaces and where mechanical
components are attached, such as ball bearing guides.
For the drive system, the stages use preloaded precision ball screws
along with ball screw nuts available in ISO 5 and ISO 7 accuracy class-
es. Long pitch screws support high speeds. Precision guides with
ground rails and preloaded blocks ensure accurate parallelism, and
rigidity and reduced wear. Body dimensions measure 100 x 50 mm, 155
x 60 mm, 225 x 75 mm, and 310 x 105 mm. Maximum dynamic axial
load capacities range from 336 to 3,800 N, and stroke lengths range
from 46 to 3,000 mm.
Linear Guides
Lee Linear (Piscataway, NJ)
offers the SBC Linear Profile SBI
linear guide system that uses a low
profile and wide base design for
less noise, less vibration, and
increased life over caged ball
assemblies. The extra load capaci-
ty, which is the same in all direc-
tions, includes a dynamic load rat-
ing from 14.1232.5 kN, and a static capacity from 24.1354.1 kN. The
available guide sizes are 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 45, 55, and 65. Block types
available are flanged (FL), flanged long (FLL), slim (SL), and slim long
(SLL). Raydent coatings are available for protection against corrosion.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
8a Motion Control and Automation Technology, December 2012 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-786
104 Industrial Drive
Frankfort, NY 13340 USA
TEL: 315-895-7454
FAX: 315-895-7268
www.c-ex.com
email: cex@c-ex.com
C-Flex Pivot Beari ngs
Make C-Flex Bearing Co., Inc. part of your Companys Green
supply chain and a promise to give technology a greener future
BEARING CO., INC.
e CC e C e CCCCCC Fl Fl Fl Fll Fl Fl Flex ex ex ex ex exxx ex e Bea Bea Bea BBBea Bea ea B a e iii rin rin rin rin rin rin rin ring CC g CC g CCC g CCCooooooo In In In In IIn Inn In Inn Incccccccc par par par par par p t o tt o t o ttt f y f y f y f y f y f yyour our our our ouur our CCCo CCo Co Coompa pa mpa mpa mm ny ny ny ny ny ny s ssGre Gre Gre GGre e Gre Green n en n en en en en n
www.c-ex.com
Frictionless, self centering, repeatable
No lubrication required
Innite cycle life within rated values
A cylindrical, limited rotation bearing
up to +/-30 degrees
Standard units from stock or special
designs/materials available
Innovative Solutions To Limited Angle Rotation Applications
Products
NEW
Robotics Simulation Software
Siemens PLM Software (Plano, TX)
has introduced RobotExpert software
for robotics simulation and program-
ming. The software enables the design,
simulation, optimization, and offline
programming of robotic applications to
maximize the speed, flexibility, and
operation of automated systems. It fea-
tures an intuitive 3D environment and
combines the ability to optimize robotic
paths and improve cycle times, with the ability to simulate virtual mock-
ups of manufacturing cells and systems.
The software includes a library of robots, and enables 3D modeling
of additional robots and automation. It generates configurable motion
paths based on the controller features, and allows calculation of cycle
times and analysis of real-time performance. The software can detect
collisions during robot simulation and motion.
Linear Shaft Supports
The SBL and LPB series of linear shaft
supports from Ondrives.US Corp.
(Freeport, NY) feature removable top
clamps that enable easy removal of shafts
and permit reassembly without upsetting
the critical alignment between parallel
shafts. At reassembly, the shafts return to
their exact, original position. The sup-
ports are precision machined and sup-
plied in anodized aluminum. The stan-
dard SBL series is a drop-in replacement for popular industry supports.
They have the same mounting hole locations, base dimensions, and
shaft height. The overall height is slightly shorter. The LPB series is a
low-profile support that has the lowest possible shaft height for clear-
ance of ball bushing pillow blocks. Both series are available in shaft
diameters from
1
4" to 2", and from 8 mm to 50 mm.
Speed Controls
Four controls from Bodine
Electric (Northfield, IL) provide
speed control for low-voltage 12 or
24V permanent magnet DC
(PMDC) gearmotors and motors
(up to 1/3 HP/250 Watts). The
controls utilize pulse width mod-
ulation (PWM) technology for
quiet operation, low operating
temperature, and optimal brush life. The con-
trols feature five trim pots to adjust min/max speed, torque (current)
limit, and acceleration time. In addition, DIP switches allow the user to
match a motor/gearmotor to the controls. System speed may be con-
trolled with a single-turn speed pot, or an isolated 0-5 VDC remote sig-
nal. Models are available with either
1
4" quick connect tabs or a plug-in
terminal block. The type WPM low-voltage motor speed controls are
suited for portable or remote applications where connection to an AC
line is not possible. Typical applications include accessories on electric
vehicles, mobile medical equipment, solar powered devices, chemical
injection pumps at oil wells, and automatic gate openers.
National Aperture, Inc. is a world leader in the production of precision
stages for Motion Control. Products include linear and rotary stages
(manual and motorized) and several different Controllers depending
upon your system requirements. Our larger rotary stage (MM-4M-
R) shown above, will carry a load of 4.5kg and has an accuracy of
2 arc-minutes and repeatability of 30 arc-seconds. This unit has
optical limits and is available with several different Gear Heads
options. Also available is a smaller version (MM-3M-R) which is
capable of carrying a top load of 2kg. With a few exceptions, most
NAI Stages are available for use in vacuum. New products are
constantly being developed, please visit our web site.
National Aperture, Inc., 16 Northwestern Drive, Salem,
NH 03079, P: 800-360-4598, F: 603-893-7857
Web Site: www.nationalaperture.com
Contact.sales@nationalaperture.com
MINIATURE MICROPOSITIONING
LINEAR AND ROTARY STAGES
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Motion Control and Automation Technology, December 2012 9a
Exlar patented roller screw actuators
outperform ball screw actuators in life,
load, speed and acceleration.
Move with Superior Power & Survivability.
Exlar Delivers on All Fronts.
Exlar electric actuators deliver the power of legacy hydraulic systems but with greater efciency and
easier maintenance; eliminating valves, pumps and leak-prone uid lines. Their compact, lightweight
design allows for simplied solutions that are quieter and more reliable in harsh environments for
mission critical applications involving high temperatures, humidity, vibration and shock.
Learn more at exlarcorp.com
Linear Motion Platform
PBC Linear
, a Pacific Bearing Company

(Roscoe, IL) has introduced the SIMO
Series
linear motion platform. Options allow a design
engineer to meet multiple application require-
ments with a single platform. Options include a
low-profile rail for tight spaces or a tall version
for greater structural integrity. Each aluminum
base rail is qualified with the SIMO process
(Simultaneous Integral Milling Operation).
Three bearing tribologies are available: self-lubricating FrelonGOLD
plain bearings for contaminated environments, V-wheel roller bearings

for high-speed applications, and profile rail linear guideways with recir-
culating ball bearings for rigidity and precision. Three drive types are
available: lead screw with machined nut or anti-backlash nut, ball screw,
or two versions of belt drives.
DC Micromotors
Pittman
Motors, a division of
AMETEK/Precision Motion Control
(Harleysville, PA), offers high-per-
formance slotless brushless DC
motors for medical applications such
as high-speed surgical tools, dental
tools, medical instruments, and other
small medical devices. The miniature
motors produce little or no EMI emission (electromagnetic interfer-
ence), provide long life, and have low audible noise. In addition, the slot-
less design eliminates magnetic cogging. The stator teeth are completely
eliminated by forming and encapsulating the entire stator winding along
the inside surface of the back iron.
The smallest motor is 0.375" (9.53 mm) with a maximum speed of
up to 70,000 RPM and a torque rating of up to 0.3 oz-in (0.002Nm).
Overall length is 2.00" (50.8 mm). The motor has a 2-pole permanent
magnet rotor, a 3-phase stator, and sensorless commutation. Larger
diameters include 0.5" (12.7 mm), 0.8" (20 mm), and 1.1" (28 mm).
Maximum speeds are available up to 60,000 RPM, and torque ratings
from 0.9 oz-in (0.006 Nm) to 14.9 oz-in (0.105 Nm). Each diameter has
two available stack lengths. Standard features include shielded ball
bearings, stainless steel construction, and high-energy neodymium
rotor magnets.
Drives
Danfoss VLT Drives (Loves Park, IL) has
introduced D-Frame VLT
drives available
in a power range from 125-450 HP (90-315
kW). They leverage back channel cooling
to remove 90% of the heat generated by
the drive. The drives are available with
IP20, IP21 (NEMA 1), or IP 54 (NEMA 12)
enclosure protection ratings. They come
standard with conformal-coated printed cir-
cuit boards, which together with the optional heat sink access panel,
help to extend drive lifetime and reliability. The units can be factory-
fitted with optional semiconductor fuses. Additional options such as
mains disconnect, contactor, and circuit breaker are available.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro
Products
NEW
Motor Drive Transistors
International Rectifier (El Segundo, CA)
has introduced a family of 600V insulated-
gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) for motor
drive applications operating below 10 kHz,
including compressors for refrigerators and
air-conditioners. The Gen7 F devices
employ punch-through Trench technology
to deliver high power density, and the abili-
ty to optimize conduction and switching losses for a specific frequency
of operation. They offer smooth switching to reduce EMI and over-
shoots, and are short-circuit-rated for motor drive applications. The
IRG7RC10FD and IRG7IC30FD are co-packaged with a soft recovery
diode, while the IRG7SC12F is a single IGBT that allows the designer to
choose a specific diode for the application.
Two motor control reference designs featuring Gen 7 F IGBTs are
available. The IRMDKG7-400W features the IRG7SC30FD DPAK IGBT
and IRS2334S 3-phase HVIC driver for motors up to 400W. The IRMD-
KG7-600W features the IRG7SC30FD DPAK IGBT and IRS2334S 3-
phase HVIC driver for motors up to 600W. Both reference designs
include an optional heat sink.
Motion and Automation Control
Kollmorgen (Radford, VA) offers the AKD
PDMM that combines a multi-axis motion con-
troller, IEC61131-3 soft PLC, EtherCAT

master,
and AKD
servo drive in a single, compact package.

The system is suited for applications in printing,
packaging, converting, and medical, as well as other
automation applications where precise synchroniza-
tion of multiple axes of motion is vital. It is fully pro-
grammable through the KAS Integrated
Development Environment (KAS IDE), providing
an automation solution that is scalable from a single axis up to 128 axes
with a single controller. Features include the ability to master seven or
more additional axes over an EtherCAT network, plus additional
EtherCAT connected devices such as I/O and MODBUS-connected
devices such as HMIs. Kollmorgen Automation Suite is a complete
machine automation solution comprised of software, motion compo-
nents, and engineering services. It simulates the machines operation in
advance of connecting all components.
Rod-Style Actuators
ERD electric cylinders from Tolomatic
(Hamel, MN) are available with a reverse-
parallel motor mount that makes a more
compact package. The motor is mounted
in parallel with the actuator instead of
inline, which reduces the length of the
total package and, with the addition of a
rear clevis pivot mount, provides greater
versatility in mounting the actuator. The ERD is a rod-style electric actu-
ator designed as an alternative to pneumatic cylinders, and as an option
for automating manual processes. The products are suitable for prod-
uct changeovers, pick-and-place, pressing, diverting, and heat-
staking/sonic welding. The actuators can be built in stroke lengths up
to 24" (609.6 mm). The cylinders are available in four body sizes that
are approximately equivalent to 5/8" (15.9 mm), 1" (25.4 mm), 1.5"
(38.1 mm), and 2" (50.8 mm) bore pneumatic cylinders. They are avail-
able in stroke lengths from 8 to 24" (203.2 mm to 609.6 mm), and
forces up to 500 pounds (2,224 N). They are compatible with most
NEMA and metric mount stepper and servo motors.
The actuators can accommodate six different sensing or switching
choices: reed, solid-state PNP (sourcing) or solid-state NPN (sinking),
normally open, flying leads, or quick-disconnect. The switches are acti-
vated by a standard internal magnet located inside the thrust tube.
These switches allow clamp-on installation anywhere along the actua-
tor tube. All switches are CE-rated and are RoHS-compliant for envi-
ronmental compatibility.
Linear Positioning Stages
Mini-MAG precision linear position-
ing stages from Dover (Boxborough,
MA) are available with a complete con-
trols package. Users can combine a
Mini-MAG linear motor stage with a
board-level, single-axis servo drive for
integration into a control cabinet, or a
Kollmorgen AKD servo drive for single- or multi-axis applications
with a graphical user interface for setup and programming, and real-
time performance feedback. Both options provide Ethernet communi-
cation for data acquisition.
The stages are available in aluminum-based versions with an option-
al single-phase motor. Operation in a vertical orientation is possible
without requiring a counterbalance. Steel-based versions are available
for use in demanding environments. For XY sample positioning, sus-
tained throughput of up to 2,000 moves per minute is possible. Four
options, with 25 mm, 50 mm, 100 mm, or 150 mm travel, are available.
An integral anti-creep linear guideway eliminates the need for homing
moves typically required to reset standard crossed roller bearing retain-
er cages.
Linear Actuator
BEI Kimco Magnetics (Vista, CA) has introduced
the Model LA100-93-000A high force linear actu-
ator with a peak force of 500 pounds. It features
a continuous force of 292 pounds with 2" total
stroke. Other features include semi-housed con-
struction with built-in shaft and bushings that ori-
ent the coil assembly concentric to the field assembly.
The unit measures 10" in diameter and 9.3" long at mid-stroke. The
LA100 is suitable for use in applications that require an actuator force
of 500 pounds and high speed.
Brush Motors
Crouzet, a brand of Custom
Sensors & Technologies (San
Diego, CA), has introduced
the DCmind Brush range of
direct-current brush motors.
The motors, even under full
load, offer a range of gear-
boxes and accessories. The
new motors have a noise level
of 35 db. The motors are
available in 15-, 25-, and 55-Watt configurations with a 42-mm diame-
ter, and 55 and 104 Watts with a 63-mm diameter. They support 12, 24,
and 48V power supplies.
Cov ToC
+
A
Intro

NTB1212 PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

NTB1212 PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Cov ToC

2012 The MathWorks, Inc.

Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-775

LiveLink for Excel

CAD Import Module

LiveLink for SpaceClaim

LiveLink for Inventor

LiveLink for AutoCAD

LiveLink for Creo Parametric

LiveLink for Solid Edge

File Import for CATIA

3D Printer, I know my model will represent my idea exactly.

Sampling up to 1 Msps/channel with 7 GB of ash memory

Benchtop PCB Prototyping Machine

Run COMSOL Multiphysics simulations from Microsoft

The LiveLink for Solid Edge ofers fully associative integra-

and forms a bond

3CCD remote head with prism block technology

Ultra-small CMOS remote head with two controller options

CMOS one-piece camera with true progressive scan

CMOS one-piece camera with selectable output

1080i, 1080p and 720p options

DVI/HD-SDI video outputs

Life Sciences / Diagnostics / Microscopy

Homeland Security / Surveillance

Performance at the Edge

users. Integrated Performance Prim -

standard, such as Camera Serial

software for mod-

, Morrisville, NC, has

v12 SP2 software

Modeler and 3D InterOp for CAD

Cortex A8 Processor. The Smart Panel includes a built-in Wi-Fi+ BT

process, please call 1-888-564-8105 or visit us at AerotekPerfectFit.com.

2012 The MathWorks, Inc.

Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/40440-775

control and computing platform designed for the indus-

, a Pacific Bearing Company

plain bearings for contaminated environments, V-wheel roller bearings

servo drive in a single, compact package.

You might also like