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Intro

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Welcome to your Digital Edition of

NASA Tech Briefs, Imaging Technology, and

Motion Control and Automation Technology 

Included in This June Edition:

 NASA Tech Briefs Imaging Technology Motion Control and Automation Technology 

How to Navigate the Magazines:

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You can also use the standard Acrobat Reader tools to navigate through each magazine.

June 2014 www.techbriefs.com Vol. 38 No. 6

Industry Roundtable:

3D Printing

Space Station

Air Scrubber

Purifies Homes

Imaging Technology

Motion Control and

Automation Technology

DIGIKEY.COM/NEW

NEW PRODUCTS ADDED DAILY

Last Chance to Enter!

See page 8

THE

DESIGN CONTEST 2014

June 2014

Smart cameras, including the NI 1742

(shown) and NI 1752 from National

Instruments, are used to inspect beer

bottles on a production line. The

strobe light control, image acquisition,

analysis, and communication to the

sorting machine all happen onboard

the smart camera. See page 68.

(Image courtesy of National Instruments)

High-Temperature Actuators for Aircraft Propulsion Systems......................................IIa

Probe Positioning System for Antenna Range ...............................................................6a

Fluidic Actuators with No Moving Parts .........................................................................7a

Submersible Pressure Transducer for

Tank Fluid Level Monitoring ............................................................................................8a

New Products ..................................................................................................................10a

www.techbriefs.com/motion

June 2014

Supplement to NASA Tech Briefs

HAWE Hydraulics’ loadsensing valves are designed

for both fixed and variable

displacement systems. 

See page 10a.

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
June 2014 www.techbriefs.com Vol. 38 No. 6

Industry Roundtable:

3D Printing

Space Station

Air Scrubber

Purifies Homes

Imaging Technology

Motion Control and

Automation Technology

DIGIKEY.COM/NEW

NEW

PRODUCTS

ADDED DAILY

Last Chance to Enter!

See page 8

THE

DESIGN CONTEST 2014

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NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 www.techbriefs.com 1

Technologies of

the Month

Sponsored by

ADVERTISEMENT

For more information on these and other new, licensable inventions, visit www.techbriefs.com/techsearch

Fabrics with an Inherent Thickness

A foam shape must be replaced with a knitted, woven, or

nonwoven fabric that derives its thickness from the geometric structure of its components. The current application

uses polyurethane foams that range from millimeters to 2

cm thick. The foams offer little or no ventilation in a situation where air circulation can be critical. New materials at

the fiber level must be used to create a light fabric with a

build-in structural thickness and loft. Possible solution areas

include mathematical models of knitting matrices and nonwoven manufacturing techniques. 

Respond to this TechNeed at:

www.techbriefs.com/tn/201406c.html

Email: nasatech@yet2.com

Phone: 781-972-0600

Sterility Verification of a Flowing Liquid

A client seeks a device capable of detecting contamination

in a liquid flow. The system needs to detect non-liquid particles, bacteria, yeasts, mold, and/or spores in a continuous

liquid stream. Any proposed sensing methodology must not

physically interact with the liquid flowing in the interior of

the channel. In operation, the detection system should

report any contamination; the nature of the contamination

can be determined later. A proposed solution need not identify the specific contaminant. An optical or light-based system

is desired, but a variety of technologies may be acceptable if

they do not require the fluid flow to be sampled directly.

Respond to this TechNeed at:

www.techbriefs.com/tn/201406d.html

Email: nasatech@yet2.com

Phone: 781-972-0600

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.

Reseatable Pressure Relief Valve 

Prevents Leaks

DuPont

A new technology prevents leaks in low-pressure (less than

50 psi) relief valves. To form a tight seal, the valve spring compresses the valve’s O-ring between two planar mating surfaces.

Both the valve seat and the sealing surface of the valve head

are oriented substantially perpendicular to the valve axis. A

pressure differential increases the extent of compression

between the resilient valve seal and both sealing surfaces. 

The resilient valve seal is an annular O-ring that deforms to

a predetermined extent into sealing engagement against both

sealing surfaces. When the pressure of a fluid within the vessel exceeds the desired spring biasing force, the valve face lifts

from the valve seat to relieve pressure within the vessel.

Applications include lab glassware and gloveboxes, or vacuum

commercial operations where the content environment must

be rigorously controlled.

Get the complete report on this technology at:

www.techbriefs.com/tow/201406a.html

Email: nasatech@yet2.com

Phone: 781-972-0600

Sounding Technology Analyzes

Reservoir Beds

Laser Consult

A novel technology investigates reservoir beds of oil, gas,

freshwater, and thermal water deposits. The system, which

uses electromagnetic frequency broadband sounding, gathers

information to a depth of up to 7,000 meters. For effective

operation on deposits, the technology draws up scientifically

substantiated references for the allocation of injection wells.

The sounding system discloses and identifies mineral types;

nonconventional hydrocarbons/shales; and dynamic changes,

including the process of mass movement. Using a helicopter

or small airplane, deposits in swamps, mountains, and other

hard-to-reach places can be explored, and a system information model can be constructed. The method is ecologically

safe, and searches are achieved in abnormal operation conditions, including crystalline shield, salt beds and pillars.

Get the complete report on this technology at:

www.techbriefs.com/tow/201406b.html

Email: nasatech@yet2.com

Phone: 781-972-0600

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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4 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

1a – 14a

Motion Control and

Automation Technology

Follows page 40 in selected editions only.

June 2014 • Vol. 38 No. 6

26 Technology Focus: Data Acquisition

26 Real-Time Minimization of Tracking Error for 

Aircraft Systems

26 Detecting an Extreme Minority Class in Hyperspectral 

Data Using Machine Learning

28 KSC Spaceport Weather Data Archive

30 Visualizing Acquisition, Processing, and Network Statistics

Through Database Queries

30 Simulating Data Flow via Multiple Secure Connections

32 Systems and Services for Near-Real-Time Web Access to NPP Data

34 Electronics/Computers

34 CCSDS Telemetry Decoder VHDL Core

36 Thermal Response of a High-Power Switch to Short Pulses

38 Manufacturing & Prototyping

38 Solar Panel and System Design to Reduce Heating and

Optimize Corridors for Lower-Risk Planetary Aerobraking

38 Low-Cost, Very Large Diamond-Turned Metal Mirror

40 Very-High-Load-Capacity Air Bearing Spindle for Large

Diamond Turning Machines

42 Materials & Coatings

42 Elevated-Temperature, Highly Emissive Coating for 

Energy Dissipation of Large Surfaces

42 Catalyst for Treatment and Control of 

Post-Combustion Emissions

44 Thermally Activated Crack Healing Mechanism for 

Metallic Materials

44 Subsurface Imaging of Nanocomposites

45 Self-Healing Glass Sealants for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells 

and Electrolyzer Cells

46 Micromachined Thermopile Arrays with Novel Thermoelectric

Materials

47 Low-Cost, High-Performance MMOD Shielding

48 Mechanics/Machinery

48 Head-Mounted Display Latency Measurement Rig 

49 Workspace-Safe Operation of a Force- or ImpedanceControlled Robot 

50 Cryogenic Mixing Pump with No Moving Parts 

51 Seal Design Feature for Redundancy Verification 

52 Dexterous Humanoid Robot 

53 Tethered Vehicle Control and Tracking System 

54 Physical Sciences

54 Lunar Organic Waste Reformer 

54 Digital Laser Frequency Stabilization via Cavity Locking

Employing Low-Frequency Direct Modulation 

1 Technologies of the Month

8 UpFront

10 Who’s Who at NASA

12 NASA Patents

78 NASA’s Technology Transfer Program

79 Advertisers Index

14 Industry Roundtable: 3D Printing

24 Application Briefs

80 NASA Spinoff: Space Station Air

Scrubber Purifies Homes

8

74

FEATURES 

SOLUTIONS

DEPARTMENTS

74 Product Focus: Test Instruments

75 New Products/Software

NEW FOR DESIGN ENGINEERS

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

High-Temperature Actuators for Aircraft Propulsion Systems......................................IIa

Probe Positioning System for Antenna Range ...............................................................6a

Fluidic Actuators with No Moving Parts .........................................................................7a

Submersible Pressure Transducer for

Tank Fluid Level Monitoring ............................................................................................8a

New Products ..................................................................................................................10a

www.techbriefs.com/motion

June 2014

Supplement to NASA Tech Briefs

HAWE Hydraulics’ loadsensing valves are designed

for both fixed and variable

displacement systems. 

See page 10a.

(Solutions continued on page 6)

80

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6 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/ NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 49746-743

55 Deep UV Discharge Lamps in Capillary Quartz Tubes with

Light Output Coupled to an Optical Fiber 

55 Speech Acquisition and Automatic Speech Recognition for

Integrated Spacesuit Audio Systems, Version II 

56 Advanced Sensor Technology for Algal Biotechnology 

57 High-Speed Spectral Mapper

58 Information Technology

58 ”Ascent – Commemorating Shuttle” — A NASA Film and

Multimedia Project DVD 

59 High-Pressure, Reduced-Kinetics Mechanism for 

N-Hexadecane Oxidation 

59 Method of Error Floor Mitigation in Low-Density 

Parity-Check Codes 

60 X-Ray Flaw Size Parameter for POD Studies 

61 Large Eddy Simulation Composition Equations for Two-Phase

Fully Multicomponent Turbulent Flows

62 Scheduling Targeted and Mapping Observations with State,

Resource, and Timing Constraints 

63 Imaging Technology

64 Blurring the Boundaries: 

 IP and Machine Vision Cameras Converge

68 Defining the Smart Camera

72 Indoor/Outdoor Cameras Improve School

 District’s Security

73 New Products

Contents continued

The 3D Printer in Zero-G Technology

Demonstration payload, seen here undergoing

final flight certification testing at NASA’s Marshall

Space Flight Center, will launch soon to the

International Space Station. Designed and built by

Made in Space, it will be the first 3D printer to fly

in space. Learn about this one-of-a-kind application, and find out how executives at leading 3D

printer companies are dealing with an explosion in

both technology and customers in the Industry

Roundtable beginning on page 14.

(Photo by Emmett L. Given, NASA MSFC)

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

ON THE COVER

74

The USB-2404-UI from

Measurement Computing

(Norton, MA) is designed for

multi purpose testing.

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

June 2014

Smart cameras, including the NI 1742

(shown) and NI 1752 from National

Instruments, are used to inspect beer

bottles on a production line. The

strobe light control, image acquisition,

analysis, and communication to the

sorting machine all happen onboard

the smart camera. See page 68.

(Image courtesy of National Instruments)

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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8 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

UP

FRONT

The European Union-funded Solar chemical reactor demonstration and Optimization for

Long-term Availability of Renewable JET fuel (SOLAR-JET) project has successfully demonstrated the production chain for renewable kerosene obtained directly from sunlight,

water, and carbon dioxide, potentially revolutionizing the future of aviation. 

The SOLAR-JET project demonstrated an innovative process technology using concentrated sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water to a so-called synthesis gas (syngas).

This is accomplished by means of a redox cycle with metal-oxide based materials at high

temperatures. The syngas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, is finally converted into kerosene by using commercial Fischer-Tropsch technology.

Although still at an early stage of development, the processing of syngas to kerosene is

already being deployed by companies, including Shell, on a global scale. This combined

approach has the potential to provide a secure, sustainable, and scalable supply of renewable aviation fuel, and more generally for transport applications. Fischer-Tropsch derived

kerosene is already approved for commercial aviation.

Visit www.solar-jet.aero to learn more.

The lower limbs for the humanoid Robonaut 2 (R2) are

aboard the International Space Station (ISS) awaiting

attachment by a station crewmember to R2’s torso, which

arrived on the ISS in February 2011 during the last flight

of the space shuttle Discovery. That event signaled the

first human-like robot to arrive in space to become a permanent resident of the laboratory. Jointly developed by

NASA and General Motors, R2 showcases how a robotic

assistant can work alongside humans, whether tasks are

done in space or on Earth in a manufacturing facility.

R2 now consists of a head and a torso with two arms

and two hands. With the addition of the climbing legs,

the robot can augment its chief role: to help astronauts by taking over some of their duties on the space

station. But before R2 is up and running with its new

limbs, there’s some assembly required.

“We’ve got a number of upgrades we’re doing,” said

Ron Diftler, Robonaut Project Manager at NASA

Johnson Space Center. “In sending up the legs, we also

have to change things inside R2’s body.” That includes new computers, new wiring, mechanical assembly, and interfacing the legs to R2’s main processor. “We see about 20 hours of ISS

crew time to do the task, following detailed procedures and done over at least a month,”

Diftler said.

Right now, R2’s torso, head, and arms are secured to a stationary base, so crewmembers

take tasks to the robot. But getting a “leg up” on mobility extends the jobs R2 can perform. “We call them the 3 Ds: the dull, dangerous, and dirty,” Diftler noted. “That’s what

robots are for. The astronauts are highly capable individuals that should not have to do all

the tasks that require a human-like hand.”

Watch Robonaut 2’s climbing legs in motion on Tech Briefs TV at www.techbriefs.com/tv/

robonaut-legs. For more information on Robonaut2, go to: http://robonaut.jsc.nasa.gov.

Linda Bell

Editorial Director

A Step Up for R2

Jet Fuel from Sunlight

facebook.com/NASATechBriefs

linkedin.com/company/

tech-briefs-media

twitter.com/NASATechBriefs

CONNECT WITH NTB

Robonaut 2 with his climbing legs.

(NASA)

The July issue will feature special

coverage on Data Acquisition &

Sensing, as well as new electronics

products on the market. 

> Next Month in NTB

The Lunar Organic Waste Re -

former (LOWR) converts organic

waste from human space exploration outposts into useful

methane and oxygen products. It

reduces risks associated with handling organic wastes while recycling waste into products that otherwise would be imported from

Earth. In addition, LOWR can be

used for converting terrestrial

organic waste into fuel for power

generation. Find out more in the

article on page 54.

Editor’s Choice

The 12th annual “Create the

Future” Design Contest, sponsored by

COMSOL and Mouser Electronics,

along with Intel® and Analog Devices,

closes for entries on July 1, 2014. If

you haven’t submitted your entry, go

to www.createthefuturecontest.com

today for your chance to receive global recognition and a Grand Prize of

$20,000 for your new product idea.

Entries can be submitted in seven different categories. Don’t miss your

chance to “Create the Future.” Visit

www.createthefuturecontest.com to

submit your entry today.

> Last Chance to 

“Create the Future”

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Agilent’s Electronic Measurement Group,

including its 9,500 employees and 12,000

products, is becoming Keysight Technologies.

Learn more at www.keysight.com

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Dr. Mary Ann

Meador, Sen -

ior Research Sci en -

t ist at NASA Glenn,

guides pr o jects that

will synthesize new

types of aerogels.

Her research has

focus ed on the de -

sign and development of new polymers

for a variety of applications, including

high-temperature composites.

NASA Tech Briefs: What are aerogels

used for?

Dr. Mary Ann Meador: Aerogels are

low-density solids with a high degree of

porosity — 85 to 98%. Different than

foams, aerogels have extremely small

pores, on the nanometer scale. This

makes them 2 to 5 times better insulators

than foams, since gas phase heat conduction is very poor. Since they are comprised mostly of air, they also have very

low dielectric constants, and hence have

application as low-dielectric substrates

for devices such as lightweight antennas.

Aerogels also have very large internal surface areas, which means they could also

be used as sensor platforms. However,

the main application is as insulation for

aerospace, housing, and construction, or

high-performance clothing. 

NTB: What are the weaknesses of previous aerogels?

Dr. Meador: The issue with aerogels is

their fragility. They have a lot of interesting properties. Because of the way

they’re made, they have very small pore

sizes; that leads to really good insulation

qualities, and also very low thermal conductivities, low dielectric, and high surface areas. Because they also have typically been very fragile, it’s difficult to put

them into use as a monolithic material. 

NTB: What were your biggest challenges when creating a polyimide aerogel?

Dr. Meador: With the polyimides, our

goal was to improve the mechanical properties so that you would retain all the

interesting properties of aerogels, but add

the mechanical integrity. We actually were

working on a project to design a flexible

insulation for inflatable aerodynamic

decelerators for Entry, Descent and

Landing (EDL). These are essentially

large structures that inflate in order to

provide drag to slow a spacecraft down, or

to slow down another payload to land on

the surface of a planet like Mars or even

bring things back to Earth. The challenge

was to make the aerogel in a flexible form. 

The insulation has to be able to withstand certain heat of re-entry, so we

chose polyimide as a very-high-temperature stable polymer. Making the aerogel

structure from the polymer gives us the

ability to make thin films of the aerogel.

That’s what provides the flexible form of

the insulation. 

NTB: What are the possibilities with

this new flexibility?

Dr. Meador: If you can make a thin

film that can now be wrapped around

structures, it’s a much more conventional way to deliver insulation. Thin films

could be used to wrap around a cryotank, to wrap around pipes that are

handling cryogenic liquids, or they can

be wrapped around things that you want

to keep heat in. We think the commercial potential for other types of polymer

aerogels would be higher since they may

be more cost-competitive with conventional insulation. We are working on

polyimide aerogels as an alternative,

lower-cost option. 

To read a full transcript of the interview or

listen to a downloadable podcast, visit

www.techbriefs.com/podcast.

10 NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-708

Novotechnik U.S., Inc.

155 Northboro Road • Southborough, MA 01772

Telephone: 508-485-2244 Fax: 508-485-2430

For complete information on T/TR sensors visit www.novotechnik.com/ttr



	

	






	

	




T/TR family of absolute position 

sensors feature repeatability to 

2μm. They are ideal for 

machine automation

and control 

applications 

where precise repeatability and long life

are requirements. These sensors offer 

a proven solution for applications with

alignment errors. T/TR position sensors

are available with a return spring too for

use in auto-retraction systems.

Novotechnik’s T/TR family shares 

these key specs:

• Repeatability to ±0.002 mm 

• Stroke lengths from 10 to 150 mm 

• Long life of >100 million movements

• Linearity to ±0.075%

• Plug or cable connection

Dr. Mary Ann Meador, Senior Research Scientist, 

Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH

Who’s Who at NASA

Want to learn more? 

Register for a live webcast on NASA

Glenn’s aerogel technology featuring Dr. Meador on June 19. Go to

www.techbriefs.com/webinar214

to register for the free presentation.

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

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For more information on the inventions described here, contact the appropriate NASA

Field Center’s Innovative Partnerships (IP) Office. See page 78 for a list of office contacts.

Over the past three decades, NASA has granted more than 1000 patent licenses in virtually every area 

of technology. The agency has a portfolio of 3000 patents and pending applications available now

for license by businesses and individuals, including these recently patented inventions:

Non-Collinear Valve Actuator

U.S. Patent No. 8,322,685

James A. Richard, Marshall Space

Flight Center, AL

To regulate the flow of a quarter-turn

valve, the weight of a flight system’s valve

actuator must be reduced. Previous actuators have placed a pressure-actuated

piston and return spring system exclusively in line with one another. The

weight of return spring systems in the

valve actuators, therefore, has depended

upon the piston’s displacement.

A non-collinear valve actuator includes

a primary actuating system and a return

spring system. Both systems act on different points of a rotably affixed transmission link, which is one component of a

linkage technology responsible for opening and closing a quarter-turn valve.

Having the primary actuating system

apply force at a greater radial distance

than the return spring system increases

stroke length while minimizing displacement. By allowing the primary actuating

system to undergo longer strokes, the

weight of the primary actuating system

may be optimized. Furthermore, the

non-collinear positioning and diminished displacement reduces the weight

of the return spring system and ultimately the weight of the valve actuator.

Ultraminiature Broadband

Light Source with Spiral

Shaped Filament

U.S. Patent No. 8,264,134

Joseph S. Collura, Henry Helvajian,

Michael Pocha, Glenn A. Meyer,

Charles F. McConaghy, Barry L. Olsen,

and William W. Hansen, Glenn

Research Center, Cleveland, OH

White light sources are used to calibrate spectrometers in the visible range.

It is desirable, therefore, to have an output source that spans past the visible

light spectrum: red, orange, yellow,

green, blue, indigo, and violet.

An ultraminiature light source features a generally planar, double-spiralshaped tungsten filament suspended

within a ceramic base. A lid, which is partially transparent, is placed over the

ceramic base. The lid may also be coated

with dielectric material to selectively

transfer specific radiation bands that are

selective to the application. The ceramic

enclosure includes a reflective bottom, a

ledge, and a raised perimeter having a

metallic surface. The ledge features

metallic surfaces embedded therein for

electrical communication with the double-spiral shaped tungsten filament. 

Variably Transmittive,

Electronically Controlled

Eyewear

U.S. Patent No. 8,411,214

John J. Chapman, Louis J. Glaab,

Timothy D. Schott, Charles T. Howell,

and Vincent J. Fleck, Langley

Research Center, Hampton, VA

Specific pilot training and evaluation

procedures for instrument flight rating

qualification currently involve the use of

an opaque hood draped across an aircraft’s windscreen. The hood restricts or

obscures the student pilot’s vision during instrument-only flight sessions.

There is a need for a training technique

that restricts the pilot’s field of view

while providing a more realistic and

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
NASA Tech Briefs: 3D printing is being

referred to as the next industrial revolution. Is

it really on a par with where the personal computer was in the 1980s – on the cusp of being

a ubiquitous technology that pervades both

our work and home lives, or is that democratization of the technology still years away?

Greg Mark: Nobody knows. Tech -

nology has a way of sneaking up on you,

but it’s impossible to predict exactly when

that will occur, or how people will use it. 

Bre Pettis: We do see the 3D printing

industry paralleling the personal computer industry. Thirty years ago, consumers

used to ask the question, “why do I need a

computer in my home? I have a calculator.” Today, everyone has a computer more

powerful than we ever dreamed of right in

his or her pocket – their smartphone. We see 3D printing going in

the same direction. 

Jeff Moe: 3D printing technology is a few years away from

becoming ubiquitous. Today, we do have customers around the

world using our machines, but right now, the 3D printing market reminds me of Linux in the 1990s. For us, ease of use cannot and will not come at the expense of making good hardware.

Jon Cobb: 3D printing could be the next industrial revolution because it has a broader impact. Individuals have the capability to design and print personal products. Embracing this

innovative technology will fuel not only a change in the design

and manufacturing process, but also distribution.

Conor MacCormack: I relish our industry’s challenge of creating a 3D printer for everyone, an ecosystem to support it, and

the true democratization of innovation. A new group of users,

everyday consumers, are less technically skilled, less driven to

master every aspect of 3D printing, but just as interested in the

technology’s ability to make things they need. 

NTB: There is a new job title in design and manufacturing called

“maker.” How does that incorporate what the designer and engineer currently do, and what does the “maker” do that is a separate function?

Cobb: I believe today’s makers are what we called “craftsmen” in the past. Makers look at a problem and design a

solution. The 3D printer, along with software that is becoming much easier to use, allows the maker to solve his or her

own problem, on their own terms, and within their own

timeframe.

Mark: I suspect it means different things to different people.

In the consumer space, it may be a synonym for “hobbyist.” In

the industrial space, it may be a synonym for fabricator. 

MacCormack: Makers are technically savvy early adopters

who have gone online, purchased hobbyist 3D printers, and

tinkered with the technology. Many makers are designers and

engineers, but not all. These are the people who constantly

push the envelope of what the technology can do for them

both professionally and personally. 

Moe: As the maker movement gets more sophisticated, it follows that companies are creating positions for these types of

talented individuals with diverse skill sets. Generally, we understand makers to be inquisitive self-starters who aren’t afraid to

get their hands dirty. Ultimately, a maker’s job function will

depend on what companies need. 

Pettis: Today, with the help of 3D printing, creative individuals are now being heralded as the new “makers” of our

generation. Their talents and skills to move ideas from concept to reality through the process of making are being celebrated. 3D printing brings innovation and iteration to the

forefront. 

Industry Roundtable: 3D Printing

It’s being called a revolutionary change in the way we design and make products – a disruptive

technology that will have far-reaching effects for both engineers and consumers. It’s 3D printing,

and it is shaping the future of manufacturing. NASA Tech Briefs spoke recently with executives at

four of the leading 3D printer vendors about what 3D printing is today, what it will be tomorrow,

and if it really will change the world.

Our roundtable panel members are Jeff Moe, Founder and CEO of Aleph Objects; Bre Pettis, CEO

of MakerBot; Greg Mark, CEO of MarkForged; Conor MacCormack, Co-founder and CEO of Mcor

Technologies; and Jon Cobb, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Stratasys.

We focus on customer

feedback – people looking to

print parts with the strength

of metal, at their desk. That

will enable thousands of

engineers to fabricate parts

when they need them, without waiting in a long queue

for machine time.

Greg Mark

”

MarkForged

“

14 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
NTB: Industry has seen the introduction of 3D printers that use a

variety of materials – or multiple materials in one machine. How do

manufacturers decide, in many cases, between function and aesthetics

when selecting the right machine and material?

Moe: Manufacturers should not be forced to choose a

machine because it comes with a certain proprietary printing

material, or is designed to only use one type of printing material. Material developers around the world are consistently innovating and we enjoy bringing their new products to our community. When experimental materials face constraints, developers

will introduce new tools and accessories to overcome them. 

MacCormack: Users will dictate applications, and applications will dictate material requirements. For example, we

selected ordinary paper as the primary build medium for our

3D printers because people couldn’t get access to the technology. They demanded much lower cost and ubiquitous consumables,. However, if you want to make an injector nozzle for an

engine, the real-world loading will dictate the material and

hence the technology.

Mark: We focused on customer feedback — people looking

to print parts with the strength of metal, at their desk. That will

enable thousands of engineers to fabricate parts when they

need them, without waiting in a long queue for machine time.

Pettis: We focus on desktop 3D printing and because of that,

we also focus on safe and easy-to-use

material that can be used in the office,

home, or classroom. We empower individuals to be creative right at their desk.

Cobb: Manufacturers are looking to

solve a specific problem. Frequently,

3D printing is seen as a potential solution. 3D printing is similar to many

manufacturing processes that are

employed today, and these processes

can and often rely on secondary

processes. The part material takes

precedent.

NTB: While stereolithography (SLA) and

fused deposition modeling (FDM) seem to be

the most popular 3D printing methods, are

there technologies on the near horizon that

could become the prominent ones in the

future?

Moe: Today, these technologies

appear well positioned for the foreseeable feature. As a flurry of 3D

printing-related companies grow out

of open-source hardware projects like

RepRap, we are seeing comparable

growth in related materials, technologies, software, and services. Then

again, we never know when the market will surprise us because something new could always be near the

horizon.

Mark: Everything has a niche. SLA

is really great for jewelry and dental

applications. FDM is unbeatable for

tooling and structural parts. Objet is

great for simulating plastic with overmolding. And carbon filament fabrication (CFF) is great for printing parts with the strength of

metal, and the low-friction surface of Nylon. It’s also useful to

tailor the composite to the application. For example, fiberglass

can be used if you want the part to be transparent to RF. Carbon

fiber can be used if you want to attenuate RF and provide heat

syncing. 

MacCormack: I think people believe that all the methods for

making 3D objects have already been invented. On the contrary, we’re working on new ways to print 3D objects in our

R&D labs that, if successful, will really cause a revolution, not

just an evolution. 

Pettis: MakerBot is currently committed to FDM 3D printing. Our focus is about making 3D printing affordable and

accessible on your desktop, and FDM is the safest, most versatile form of 3D printing. 

Cobb: I believe all other companies are working to deliver more materials that are well defined in their strength,

flexibility, and other properties. I think PolyJet technology

gives us good insight into the future where 3D printers can

print multiple materials with colors, clear or opaque, and

smooth or textured surfaces. In short, it’s manufacturing in

a box.

NTB: We’re seeing the evolution of the technology in 3D printing

machines. What about the evolution on the software side? Are CAD

16 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

3D Printing

3D printing technology

is a few years away from

becoming ubiquitous. Right

now, the 3D printing market

reminds me of Linux in the

1990s. For us, ease of use cannot and will not come at the

expense of making good

hardware.

Jeff Moe

”

Aleph Objects

“

Today, everyone has a

computer more powerful

than we ever dreamed of

right in his or her pocket –

their smartphone. We see 3D

printing going in the same

direction. 

Bre Pettis

”

MakerBot

“

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
vendors keeping pace with the necessary software to work with these printers? Is the software keeping up with the hardware?

Mark: The CAD vendors are doing a

great job.

Cobb: Software to drive 3D printing is

proliferating. Software that is easy to use

is becoming available to a wide segment

of the population. I believe manufacturers will need to work on developing software that will bridge the design-to-manufacturing process, making it seamless. 

MacCormack: Just as the iPod relies

on a vast content store from which to

buy your music, the 3D printer of the

future will be part of a lush ecosystem of

content and capabilities. And this

ecosystem needs to develop at the same

rate as the machines. Elements of the

necessary ecosystem include computeraided design software, which used to be

too complex for anyone but designers

and engineers. Now a kid can create 3D

shapes with a finger on a tablet. We

need to refine these capabilities.

Pettis: This past year has been especially exciting with all of the software

releases that have come out to support

3D printing. We’ve worked hard to create a 3D ecosystem that makes 3D printing easy and accessible for everyone,

and that includes our own software that

drives the 3D printing process. 

Moe: We are seeing rapid development on the software and hardware sides

of the 3D printing market. The most

exciting developments have been in the

Free Software community, where programs like Blender, Slic3r, and FreeCAD,

are competing head-to-head with costly

closed-source, proprietary alternatives. 

NTB: It has been estimated that the market for 3D printing equipment will grow

from about $1.5 billion this year to $4 billion in 2025. What does it look like for new

entrants to the 3D printing market in the

next 5 to 10 years? Are the larger printer

companies more likely to continue acquiring

the smaller players, or is there room in the

market for more diversity?

Mark: I would suspect larger companies will continue to acquire the smaller

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3D printing could be

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because it has a broader

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innovative technology will

fuel not only a change 

in the design and 

manufacturing process, but

also distribution.

Jon Cobb

Stratasys

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3D Printing

”

“

18 NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
ones. And smaller companies should be

accepting of this reality. 

Cobb: I believe there will continue to be

consolidation in the market as larger companies look to smaller organizations to

complete or expand their current product

lines — not too much different than what

is happening in social media today. This

does not preclude companies being started that will serve very distinct market. 

MacCormack: I believe there is definitely room for more diversity in the

industry, and users will continue to

demand it in order to achieve greater

innovation. The true essence of “democratization of innovation” means that

everyone can now participate more than

at any time in the past with the help of

3D printers, and this will enable innovation to grow in an exponential way.

Moe: There will always be room for

more diversity in the 3D printing market,

not only manufacturing printers themselves, but also in printing materials,

parts, and accessories; training and education; writing software; designing and

modeling; and much more. The future

of 3D printing is bright, and we are eager

to do our part to innovate and share our

knowledge with the community.

Pettis: 3D printing has been around for

25 years and has had only a handful of

major players in the industrial sector. Today,

there are more companies entering the

market. This just helps further the appeal

of 3D printing, and helps communicate its

power to change work, play, and lives.

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3D Printing

RESOURCES

Aleph Objects (LulzBot printers)

http://info.hotims.com/49746-122

MakerBot

http://info.hotims.com/49746-123

MarkForged

http://info.hotims.com/49746-124

Mcor Technologies

http://info.hotims.com/49746-125

Stratasys

http://info.hotims.com/49746-126

I relish our industry’s

challenge of creating a 3D

printer for everyone, an

ecosystem to support it, 

and the true democratization

of innovation. It’s part of 

the personal quest I’ve been

on for most of my life – 

to revolutionize the way 

we design, innovate, and

communicate.

Conor MacCormack

Mcor Technologies

”

“

20 NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

(Continued on page 22)

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22 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

A Revolution That’s Made in Space

The 3-D Printing In Zero-G experiment is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) in August,

and will be the first demonstration of 3D printing in space. The printer, designed and built by Made in Space

(Moffett Field, CA), will be able to print parts from files sent to the crew on the ISS. We recently spoke with

Michael Snyder, Director of R&D for Made in Space, and Niki Werkheiser, 3D Printing in Zero-G Project Manager

in the Technology Development and Transfer Office at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (Alabama).

3D Printing

NASA Tech Briefs: How does the printer differ from a commercial 3D printer?

Michael Snyder: We

started off doing simulated flights in the zero-g parabolic aircraft with the

ambition to modify commercial printers to work in

microgravity. Through a

couple days of testing, we

realized that the things

we’d end up modifying to

make the systems work

were pretty substantial. It

ended up being a lot better for us to build it from

the ground up because of the differences from microgravity to Earth gravity. The process itself is basically the same.

There was no “eureka” moment in terms of the process

being totally different. The mechanics are slightly different, and those slight differences cause substantial defects in

the prints.

We’ll be able to email parts to space as soon as the printer is installed in the glovebox. We’ll be in our offices in

Silicon Valley, be able to hit “send,” and the part file will be

on the printer in a matter of seconds.

NTB: How are NASA and Made in Space working together on

this project?

Niki Werkheiser: Made

in Space, although they

are making the first 3D

printer in space, is interested in the longer term

and creating an industry.

Enabling space exploration is the ultimate goal.

To enable exploration,

the key first step would be

to manufacture and have

independence from Earthbased launches – to manufacture the part you need

on demand. All of the

flight certification and mission testing for the printer

is occurring at NASA, and

we’re packing it so it’s safe

for launch.

The goal is to take a plastic part made out of the feedstock materials and recycle it back into filament. That will

be a very exciting day in space when you can do that,

because then you’re actually showing the first concept of

true independent sustainability. Imagine a day when we

can take old food packaging and recycle it back into feedstock material. It’s not that far off. 

NTB: Are there other applications for this printer?

Snyder: We see this technology being very useful for a

wide variety of applications – not just based on space. We’re

in conversations with a lot of people in pretty much every

industry and government arm you can think of. It’s really

exciting and this is relatively brand new — thinking of this

technology as more than just a toy. We can really revolutionize how things are made and how quickly they can be made.

Imagine in war, your Humvee breaks down but you have a

printer. You can fix your Humvee and be back on the road

in a matter of hours instead of waiting for people to come

help you.

Werkheiser: The Navy is very interested in its use in

submarines. Obviously, it’s very remote, like the space station, and we’ve been working together with Made in

Space with these entities. Ultimately, to develop the technology, our endpoint applications may be different, but

there is overlap in the core set of capabilities we both

need to see developed.

NTB: This project will reduce the distance goods will need to go,

and reduce launch costs?

Snyder: Absolutely. That’s what we set out to do is disrupt

the supply chain and make it more convenient, eventually

eliminating the need for launch vehicles. When you’re out

exploring places like Mars, you won’t have the capability

you have on the station. Imagine going to Mars and having

feedstock that you can transform into backup environmental control systems or refrigerators. You can do that with

the same material and not have to store spares, which

reduces mass. 

Right now, this technology is capable of doing great

things, and it needs to be viewed the same way we view a drill

press or a CNC machine. It’s actually better because of the

extended capability it gives you. It will be a matter of time

before people finally open their eyes fully and realize how

much this changes everything. 

For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/

station/research/experiments/1115.html or www.madeinspace.com.

Michael Snyder, Director of R&D

for Made in Space. (Emmett Given/

NASA MSFC)

NASA’s Niki Werkheiser holds a 3D

printed Cubesat structure, one of

the many potential applications

that an in-space manufacturing

capability will provide. (Emmett

Given/NASA MSFC)

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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E ZVI Technology Cleans Up

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A groundwater technology developed at Kennedy Space

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A p p l i c a t i o n B r i e f s

24 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

Workers with Jacobs Engineering Group and CORE Engineering and

Construction used more than 9,000 gallons of EZVI to treat subsurface contaminants near the RRMF at Kennedy Space Center. (NASA/Anne Chrest)

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 25

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with Jacobs Engineering Group and

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used more than 9,000 gallons of EZVI in

the treatment area. The site will be monitored for several years, ensuring that

cleanup objectives are achieved.

Groundwater samples will be collected

over time.

Invented by Jackie Quinn, a NASA

environmental engineer, EZVI currently is one of several available groundwater remediation technologies that can

treat chlorinated solvent source material, known as dense nonaqueous phase

liquids (DNAPLs). The liquids are

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
26 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

Technology Focus: Data Acquisition

In many cases when an aircraft/spacecraft vehicle encounters a failure (such as

a jammed control or loss of a part), there

are still enough redundant actuation

mechanisms to safely maneuver the vehicle. However, most pilots/autonomous systems are unable to adapt to the altered

configuration and learn to control the

damaged aircraft in the very short time

available for safe operation. Fortunately,

the flight computer may have the necessary information as well as bandwidth

available to learn the new dynamics and

determine mechanisms to control the

vehicle quickly. The flight computer needs

an intelligent controller that flies the vehicle with the baseline controller during

normal conditions, and adapts the design

when the vehicle suffers damage. Using

information about the vehicle from all the

available sensors, the system determines

whether the vehicle is damaged. Direct

adaptive control (DAC) looks directly at

the errors, and updates the control law

accordingly. This technology looks not just

at the tracking error, but rather its characteristics over time to determine whether

the controller needs to be adapted or left

alone. This is typically fast and meets the

timing considerations for aircraft/spacecraft system implementation.

This technology presents a novel, stable, discrete-time adaptive law for flight

control in a DAC framework. Where

errors are not present, the original control design has been tuned for optimal

performance. Adaptive control works

towards achieving nominal performance

whenever the design has modeling

uncertainties/errors or when the vehicle

suffers substantial flight configuration

change. The baseline controller uses

dynamic inversion with proportionalintegral augmentation. On-line adaptation of this control law is achieved by

providing a parameterized augmentation signal to a dynamic inversion block.

The parameters of this augmentation

signal are updated to achieve the nominal desired error dynamics. 

If the system senses that at least one

aircraft component is experiencing an

excursion and the return of this component value toward its reference value is

not proceeding according to the expected controller characteristics, then the

neural network (NN) modeling of aircraft operation may be changed. 

This work was done by John T. Kaneshige,

Kalmanje S. Krishnakumar, and Nilesh V.

Kulkarni of Ames Research Center; and John

Burken of Dryden Flight Research Center. For

more information, download the Technical

Support Package (free white paper) at

www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Physical

Sciences category. 

NASA invites companies to inquire about

partnering opportunities. Contact the Ames

Technology Partnerships Office at 1-855-627-

2249 or ARC-TechTransfer@mail.nasa.gov.

Refer to ARC-16235-1.

Real-Time Minimization of Tracking Error for Aircraft Systems 

Direct adaptive control looks at errors and decides if and when corrections are needed. 

Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 

Orbital remote sensing provides a powerful way to efficiently survey targets for

features of interest in inaccessible regions

of the Earth as well as on other planets.

One such feature of astrobiological relevance is the presence of surface sulfur

deposits, which may be present on icy

moons such as Europa. All hyperspectral

instruments face the difficult task of spectral feature selection (finding the spectral

bands that matter), especially those that

operate in previously unstudied arenas

encountered in planetary missions. This

software demonstrates how manually annotated labels can enable automated feature

discovery that boosts science return.

This work evaluates the ability of automated classifiers to detect sulfur in

remote sensing observations by the

Hyperion spectrometer on the EO-1

(Earth Observing-1) spacecraft. A datadriven machine learning solution was

required because it is not possible to reliably detect sulfur in hyperspectral data by

simply matching observations to sulfur lab

spectra, as is common for in-situ mineral

imaging. Several methods (manual and

automated) were evaluated to select the

most relevant attributes (spectral bands)

for successful sulfur detection.

Data was taken from an Earthly analog

for Europa: a northern island where

bioactivity has produced surface sulfur

deposits on ice. This software uses

machine learning algorithms to automatically discover the best spectral features

that discriminate interesting spectra from

uninteresting surrounding spectra such

as observations of ice, rock, and exposed

sulfur deposits. Unique aspects of this

study include ground validation using terrestrial sulfuric ice springs, modern

machine learning feature detection using

a Support Vector Machine (SVM), and

real-time execution onboard the EO-1

spacecraft. A primary technical innovation is the ability to handle a severe imbalance between extremely rare positive

Detecting an Extreme Minority Class in Hyperspectral Data

Using Machine Learning

Automated classifiers can detect surface sulfur in orbital remote sensing observations.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
28 NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

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Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-721

The Spaceport Weather Data Archive

provides a fully searchable database of

weather data gathered at Kennedy Space

Center and the Cape Canaveral Air Force

Station. Weather data includes wind, temperature, and humidity data from a surface meteorological tower network; upper

air soundings from both weather balloons

and radar wind profilers; and data from

the extensive rain gauge network. Not

only can the user easily retrieve data and

download it, but the user can also view

graphically the weather data on a map

overlay. For example, the user can enter

search criteria to view all lightning strikes

ending at a particular date/time, and

graphically see the lightning strikes colorcoded based on elapsed time for the prior

seven hours. A unique feature of the software is the capability to invoke an automated playback for cloud-to-ground lightning events on a geographic overlay for a

selected date and time interval.

This innovation separates the publicfacing Web application from the

KSC/CCAFS internal Web application

software, and has eliminated ftp downloads. The look and feel has been

designed to be similar to current state-ofthe-art weather research Web sites, and

provides common, standardized interfaces for the various weather data types.

The archive has been designed for the

handling of new data for automated quality control (empty files, duplicate data,

reasonableness verification, and validity

checks).

The data are updated every 60 minutes for certain instruments, and as

frequently as every 15 minutes for othKSC Spaceport

Weather Data

Archive

John F. Kennedy Space Center,

Florida

examples (sulfur deposit locations) and a

plethora of negative examples.

The experimental results show that a

classifier can be trained to successfully

detect sulfur-bearing pixels in data collected by the Hyperion instrument

onboard EO-1 while accommodating

the particular computational challenges

and constraints imposed by the

onboard environment. The best results

were achieved by using Recursive

Feature Elimination (RFE) to select the

12 most discriminative bands (a limitation imposed by the EO-1 hardware),

modeling the problem using four classes by decomposing “sulfur” into “bright

sulfur” and “dark sulfur” populations,

and employing Pair-Wise Expectation

Max imization (PWEM) to filter out likely mislabeled items from the training

set. Automated feature selection is

effective on this problem. RFE tended

to select bands similar, but not identical,

to those chosen manually by an expert,

and RFE’s bands often yielded higher

accuracy performance, as well as a smaller number of false positive detections.

This work was done by Lukas Mandrake,

Kiri L. Wagstaff, and Umaa D. Rebbapragada

of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

For more information, contact iaoffice@

jpl.nasa.gov. 

This software is available for commercial

licensing. Please contact Dan Broderick at

Daniel.F.Broderick@jpl.nasa.gov. Refer to

NPO-46564.

Data Acquisition

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
30 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-723 NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

ers. Data is available 24/7 over a publicly accessible Web site. The data is

used by researchers to validate launch

commit constraint criteria, and to

ensure safe operations for workers at

KSC. The site provides links to technical publications and other resources,

and allows data to be downloaded for

further investigation.

This work was done by Francis Merceret

and Jennifer Wilson of Kennedy Space Center;

and Barbara Kaysen, Philip Gemmer, Timothy

Ritter, Daniel Strohschein, Ryan Arnold,

Evan Bonnett, Jothimani Nallasamy, Aldwin

Ebuen, Daniel Krainas, Terence Tully, and

Brice Crossley of Abacus Technology

Corporation. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free

white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp

under the Information Technology category.

KSC-13803

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Given a date range, the UAVSAR

MySQL database is queried to evaluate

data acquisition, processing status, and

network performance, and uses the

Google Charts API to dynamically return

images of pie and bar charts to visualize

processing and network statistics. The

MySQL database is populated with relevant data that includes processing status,

as well as network performance (ping

and sample file downloads). Then, using

the open Google Charts API, the metrics

are displayed for any desired date range.

This innovation is meant to be a flexible method to display metrics based on

MySQL database entries. Given a date

range and various other search criteria,

this software queries the UAVSAR

MySQL database for data acquisition,

processing, and network statistics.

These are visualized in a Web browser

using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Perl, and

the Google Charts API. The data acquisition and processing information are

automatically populated into the database once new data is acquired or

processed. The network performance

information is populated by running a

script that checks the network uptime

and download rate.

This type of interface for processing

metrics and network statistics would be

valuable to any task that reports processing

metrics, or any task that is partnering with,

via the Internet, a data center that receives

and distributes the processed data.

This work was done by Sarah L. Flores,

Wayne W. Tung, Yang Zheng, and Bruce D.

Chapman of Caltech for NASA’s Jet

Propulsion Laboratory. For more information, contact iaoffice@jpl.nasa.gov.

The software used in this innovation is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Dan

Broderick at Daniel.F.Broderick@jpl.nasa.gov.

Refer to NPO-47889.

Visualizing Acquisition, Processing, and Network Statistics

Through Database Queries

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

A software simulator was developed to

simulate data flow from the Interface

Data Processing Segment (IDPS) to the

Science Data Segment (SDS) for the

NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) via

multiple Secure FTP (sftp) connections.

The simulator is a multithreaded Java

program that handles the continuous

sftp transfer of large amounts of data

with some error-handling capabilities

built in.

The simulator takes one orbit of data

and pushes it via sftp to user-defined

locations. Users have the option of specifying the number of sftp connections

and the number of minutes between

each orbit.

All data file names are updated with

proper time-stamps simulating different

orbits of data. A corresponding CRC

(Cyclic Redundancy Check) file is creatSimulating Data

Flow via Multiple 

Secure Connections

Goddard Space Flight Center,

Greenbelt, Maryland

Data Acquisition

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Voltage Preamplifier

SR560

Low-Noise

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SR560

Low-Noise

Voltage Preamplifier

The SR560 is ideal in applications where noise

matters  like low-temperature or optical detection

measurements. The SR560 offers a true-differential (or

single ended) front-end, configurable high/ low pass

filtering, and rechargeable batteries that provide up 15 hours

of line-free operation. With a microprocessor that ‘sleeps’

except when the instrument’s setup is changed, no digital

noise will contaminate your low-level analog signals. 

Stanford Research Systems, Inc. 

Voltage Preamplifier

• 1 MHz bandwidth

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• 100 M input impedance

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• RS-232 interface

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Current Preamplifier Current Preamplifier

• 1 MHz bandwidth

• 5 fA/Hz input noise

• 1 pA/V maximum gain

• Adjustable DC bias voltage

• Line or battery operation

• $2595 (U.S. list)

 Low Noise Preamplifiers

SR570 

Low-Noise 

Current Preamplifier 

SR570 

Low-Noise 

Current Preamplifier

Designed for low-noise signal recovery experiments, the

SR570 Current Preamplifier is the industry’s standard. It

offers current gain up to 1pA/V, configurable high and low

pass filtering, and input offset current control. The SR570

can be powered from the AC line or its built-in batteries,

and is programmable over RS-232. High-bandwidth, lownoise, and low-drift gain modes allow you to optimize the

instrument for different applications.

Low Noise Preamplifiers

Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-733

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
32 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-725 NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

Data Acquisition

ed for each HDF5 file so that the data7ingest software would ingest the data

files without issue. The use of the simulator is crucial for testing the interface,

load, and performance requirements of

the SDS for the NPP.

This work was done by Chiu Wiegand,

Jacqueline LeMoigne-Stewart, and LaMont

Ruley of Goddard Space Flight Center. For

further information, contact the Goddard

Technology Transfer Office at (301) 286-

5810. GSC-16402-1

Systems and Services for Near-Real-Time Web Access to NPP Data

Software for processing and interpreting S-NPP observations and related data has become

publicly available and more readily usable.

Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama

The recently launched Suomi Na -

tional Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) satellite, operated by NASA and

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration(NOAA), is providing

multispectral global observations over

the next several years to support a broad

array of research and applications. SNPP data products consist of a complex

set of data and metadata files in highly

specialized formats, and the U.S. government’s operational ground segment

delivers these to users with delays of several hours to a few days.

A growing set of antennas around the

globe is capable of receiving S-NPP’s

continuous, unencrypted data broadcast, and sharing the raw data via the

Internet. Furthermore, software for processing and interpreting S-NPP observations and related data has become publicly available and more readily usable.

A suite of software was developed to

couple near-real-time S-NPP data feeds

with a streamlined, scalable processing

chain and geospatial Web services, running in a scalable cloud computing

environment. The system provides

near-real-time access to data from the

Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer

Suite (VIIRS), the Moderate Resolu tion

Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS),

and other observations. It functions

24/7 to retrieve these data from multiple sources over the Internet, processes

them as quickly as possible using a scalable cloud computing environment,

and delivers data products and visualizations on demand via standard Web

services that can interoperate with a

variety of end-user display and analysis

tools.

The first component of the system (a

Retrieval server) monitors data repositories at several remote S-NPP and

Aqua MODIS receiving sites and fetches new satellite data files as soon as they

become available. The second component (one or more Processing servers)

runs science-validated algorithms on

the newly fetched data, and prepares

data products and visualizations for

Web presentation to end users. The

third component (a Map/Data server)

draws on these data and visual products, using industry-standard protocols

to serve a variety of software clients.

Each component is distributed as an

integrated machine image, ready to be

instantiated on virtual machines in a

cloud computing environment. As virtual machines, the three components

can be reconfigured easily to monitor

different data sources, and to perform

different processing workflows on the

retrieved data.

One advantage is the use of cloud

computing for low-cost entry into fullscale scientific computing and radical

scalability to meet wide variations in processing demand at moderate costs.

Another is the use of virtual machines

capable of running many different workflows, easily reconfigured to fetch,

process, and deliver a variety of products

from distributed sources.

This work was done by John Evans,

Eduardo Valente, Wei Hao, and Samir

Chettri of Global Science & Technology, Inc.

for Marshall Space Flight Center. For more

information, contact Sammy Nabors, MSFC

Commercialization Assistance Lead at

sammy.a.nabors@nasa.gov. Refer to MFS33076-1. 

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

Space Grade 

DC-DC Converter 

with OVP 

FEATURES

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Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-727

Electronics/Computers

Pin 

Check PN Error

PN Lock

PN Select

Conv

Enable NRZM

Enable

I

Q

Viterbi

Decoding

NRZM

to

NRZL

Viterbi

Decoding

NRZM

to

NRZL

Conv

Enable NRZM

Enable

Pin 

Check PN Error

PN Lock

PN Select

Path used for

Dual Source Frame 

Synchronize

QPSK

Select

Bit

Interleave

(part of 

Frame

Sychronizer)

Frame 

Synchronize Pseudo

Derand

Frame 

Length,

Frame 

Marker

Frame

Lock

Frame

Start

Pulse

PR Enable

RS Enable,

Interleave,

Block length

Error Info

CRC

Enable

CRC

Error

Reed 

Solomon

Decode

VCDU

CRC

Check

Data Ready

Data

D

E

I

N

T

L

V

I

N

T

L

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Frame 

Length Frame 

Marker

Frame

Lock Frame

Start Pulse

PR Enable

Pseudo

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RS Enable,

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Block Length

Reed 

Solomon

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D

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N

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CRC

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Data

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B

CCSDS Telemetry Decoder VHDL Core

Costly ground support equipment can be eliminated.

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

This portable, comprehensive CCSDS-Compatible Hardware Decoder was written in VHDL (a hardware

description language) and has been developed to verify telemetry data in both simulation and lab

environments. Since it is written in VHDL, it can be both simulated easily and ported to lab hardware

for verification of telemetry data. The TDC has a wide range of flexibility and can fit into different

FPGAs from different vendors.

A flexible Telemetry Decoder Core

(TDC) has been designed to decode

Consultative Committee for Space Data

Systems (CCSDS) encoded telemetry

data. The TDC can be used to eliminate

costly ground support equipment by

placing the telemetry decoding functions in an inexpensive, commercially

available field programmable gate array

(FPGA) integrated circuit instead of

special-purpose printed circuit boards.

The TDC can also be used in the design

of telemetry systems by enabling end-toend simulation of these systems’ upfront simulation before any hardware is

built. The TDC was developed for the

Global Precipitation Measurement

(GPM) project and because of its success on that project, it will be used to

verify telemetry on the Magnetospheric

Multiscale (MMS) project. 

The TDC has a wide range of flexibility as shown in the figure. A number of options can be enabled or

bypassed including: a 1⁄2 rate Viterbi

decoder, a NRZM Converter, a bit

interleaver, a Reed Solomon decoder,

pseudo derandomization, and a CRC

checker. The Viterbi decoder can be

either hard or soft decision and can

resync itself based upon a user-configurable bit error rate (BER). The TDC

also does frame synchronization and

can detect standard pseudorandom

patterns PN7, PN15, and PN23. It can

accommodate a dual source system by

processing two sets of frame data

streams.

This work was done by Thomas Winkert

and Omar Haddad of Goddard Space Flight

Center, and Iraj Sardari of MEI Technologies.

For more information, download the

Technical Support Package (free white

paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the

Electronics/Computers category. GSC16088-1

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Agilent and our 

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Semiconductor switch modules composed of Super Gate Turn-Off Thyristors

(SGTOs) have been evaluated. The

switches are intended to handle kiloamplevel currents and may dissipate peak

powers measured in megawatts. Recent

experiments measured the response of a

switch module composed of eight

SGTOs to single-short, high-current pulses. Simulations of those experiments

were performed to calculate the temperature changes that occur inside the

devices, where measurement is not possible. Worst-case operating conditions in

which the switches handle several pulses

within the space of 4 or 5 seconds (s) also

were simulated. Modeling and simulation were performed with SolidWorks 3D

modeling software and SolidWorks

Simulation computational fluid dynamics software from Dassault Systèmes.

The original switch model includes a

module composed of eight SGTO die,

lugs and spacers, and base, as well as an

aluminum cold plate to conduct heat

from the module. In order to reduce the

computation time spent in thermal simulations, the original model was simplified,

reducing the curves and fillets to a geometry suitable to a rectangular mesh, while

attempting to preserve the dimensions

and volume of the parts (and materials)

for time-dependent thermal calculations.

The model was further simplified, and

simulation run times reduced, by taking

advantage of the symmetry of the model

and using one-quarter of the simplified

model for simulation. Spacers were eliminated from the model; they have no significant influence on the thermal

response of the switch in the timespans

studied (see figure).

The initial temperature of the model

and of the air surrounding it was defined to

be 70 °C. The bottom surface of the cold

plate on the switch module was also defined

to be 70 °C; this served as a sink for heat

generated in the SGTOs. The top surface

36 NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-729

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Electronics/Computers

The simplified Super Gate Turn-Off Thyristor Switch models in (a) full model, and (b) quarter model.

The model was simplified, and simulation run times reduces, by taking advantage of the symmetry of

the model and using one-quarter of the simplified model for simulation.

Thermal Response of a High-Power Switch to Short Pulses

Simulations are used to calculate temperature changes that occur inside semiconductor switch

modules, where measurement is not possible. 

Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

a b

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
of the circuit board was subject to natural

convection, which was included in the simulation by defining those surfaces to have a

convection coefficient of 10 W/m2-K.

The time-dependent thermal inputs for

the simulations were derived from measurements of voltage drops and current in

the SGTOs made during experimental

characterizations performed with the solidstate switch modules. Curves of power versus time were culled from much larger files

of data recorded at 0.1-microsecond (μs)

intervals. It was assumed that the switch

module distributes the power equally

among the SGTOs. In the simulation,

power was applied uniformly throughout

the active part of the die, rather than applying it solely to a junction within the die.

While the active part of the die reached

a temperature in excess of 130 °C, that part

of the die is covered with a lid, and the

observable part of the module has reached

a maximum temperature of about 100 °C.

Little of the heat in the first pulse has been

conducted outside the active die in 35 μs.

The “off” time is 1.66 s, at the end of which

the die has almost returned to its initial

temperature of 70 °C.

Next, how the temperature of the

SGTOs rose and fell during a series of pulses was calculated. Two cases were used. The

first was five 35- s pulses in a 4-s period, and

the second was four 35- s pulses in a 5-s

period to see whether or not the temperature of the devices stays within a safe operational range. SGTOs return almost to the

original baseline temperature between

pulses, and the average temperature rises

with each pulse to just over 130 °C. Silicon

devices may not operate as efficiently at

such temperatures as they do at room temperature, but are not likely to be damaged

by such short transits to high temperatures.

There still is little sign of heat spreading

through the module after 5 s, and visible

temperatures are within one degree of

those at the peak of the first pulse.

The second set of calculations used a

54-μs-wide pulse as a thermal input to the

SGTO switch model. Peak power is 1.5

MW per SGTO, assuming equal distribution of power among the SGTOs in the

module. As with the 35-ms pulse case, the

thermal effects of a single pulse, a series

of five pulses in 4 s, and four pulses in 5

s were calculated. The longer pulse raises

the device temperature over 140 °C,

about 10 °C higher than the 35-ms pulse.

The effects of 4- and 5-pulse trains with

the 54-ms pulse were calculated. As each

pulse was applied, the average temperature in the active part of the SGTOs rose

to more than 140 °C, and returned

almost to the baseline temperature

between pulses. The SGTO temperature

at the end of the last pulse in both cases

was approximately 144 °C.

The model shows a quick rise in the temperature of the SGTOs during the pulse,

but peak temperatures are within safe

operating limits for Si devices. The heat in

the devices dissipates quickly into the surrounding package and into the cold plate

to which it is mounted. Heat conduction

occurs rapidly enough that the devices’

temperature returns very close to their initial temperature within about 1 s after the

end of the pulse. Calculations predict that

the peak temperatures in the SGTOs will

increase little over time when a series of

short pulses over 4 or 5 s is applied. This

indicates that the switches should be able

to withstand repeated cycling at high

power levels without sustaining heat-related damage or suffering serious degradation of performance.

This work was done by Gregory K. Ovrebo

of the Army Research Laboratory. For more

information, download the Technical

Support Package (free white paper) at

www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Elec -

tronics/Computers category. ARL-0164

NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 37

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38 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

Manufacturing & Prototyping

Low-Cost, Very Large Diamond-Turned Metal Mirror

Reliable plating and diamond-turning technologies produce visible quality mirrors for

applications such as semiconductor manufacturing.

Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama

This innovation is a method for fabricating a low-cost, lightweight, large-aperture mirror by constructing only the mirror substrate by electroforming on a

master form machined from plastic

foam. Electroformed tubes of the same

NiP alloy are installed in the foam mirror substrate master. Installing electroformed NiP tubes in the plastic mirror

master before plating on the plastic

foam mirror substrate allows the mirror

faceplate and the back surface of the

mirror to be plated onto the ends of the

connecting tubes in the foam plastic.

Removal of the foam after plating is

complete results in a very stiff and lightweight mirror substrate made only of a

single material. The low cost of the electroformed mirror substrate is made possible by very fast production of a master

surface made of plastic foam that can be

rapidly machined with modern, highspeed machining technology to very

good mechanical tolerances in only a

few hours. 

No expensive and laboriously produced master surface is required for

replication as in traditional electroforming of optical mirrors. After the plastic

form has been encapsulated with a suitably thick NiP deposit, the plastic is dissolved away with a solvent. This leaves a

hollow, electroformed mirror substrate.

The excellent diamond machinability of

the high-phosphorus nickel allows the

electroformed surface to be diamond

turned to produce a highly accurate and

very smooth optical surface. 

The extremely low cutting forces of

diamond turning can produce visible

wavelength quality optical surfaces without applying any heavy forces to the mirThis innovation presents a spacecraft

aerobraking approach that reduces

heating and optimizes corridors, which

reduces overall risk. This is accomplished by combining solar panel aspect

ratio and edge features with simple

spacecraft packaging optimization and

integrated thermal-analysis techniques

that also allow specifying a more benign

temperature corridor.

There has been a perceived general

aerobraking risk in early-stage mission

designs. The aero-heating of the solar

panels during aerobraking in the warmer

Venus thermal environment is considered riskier than Mars aerobraking.

Most missions were not optimized for

aerobraking, particularly the solar-panel

and spacecraft-shape aspect ratio and

thermal features. Mars aerobraking had

more uncertainty, but lower solar heating rates and more actual mission data.

Venus has more solar heating, higher

initial temperature conditions, and

fewer real-life examples, but less atmospheric change. Lingering aerobraking

risks applied to such missions in the

early stage required more aggressive

early-phase reduction of risks. Older

designs did not pursue aggressive solar

panel thermal load reduction features,

or optimization of temperature, and

instead focused on heat rate corridors.

This approach combines multiple new

features into one combined solution.

The first feature is lower heating from

past designs by applying the lowest

aspect ratio solar-panel layout, resulting

in lowest heating for the solar-panel area

required for the mission. A new “picture

frame” edge is added to solar panels.

The outside 3 to 6 in. (≈7.6 to 15.2 cm)

of the panels are directed 45 to 30° into

the flow. This reduces heating by an

additional 15%. The projected drag surface is increased, which reduces the ballistic coefficient that can be used to

either decrease aerobraking duration or

increase thermal margin. These edges,

which receive higher heat flux, are protected with high-temperature multi-layer

insulation.

The new high-temperature solar panel

features high-temperature graphite epoxy

facesheet and solar array design. The

solar arrays are pre-cooled by turning

away from the Sun a mission-specific number of minutes before the drag pass. The

developed thermal analysis integrated

with the trajectory simulation approach is

used to fly a temperature corridor instead

of a heat-rate corridor, which results in

better control of temperatures. This yielded an overall aerobraking approach with

shorter aerobraking durations and substantial temperature margins.

This work was done by Charles Baker,

Michael Amato, David Steinfeld, and Jeff

Stewart of Goddard Space Flight Center; and Jill

Prince, Derek Liechty, and John Dec of Langley

Research Center. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free

white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp

under the Manufacturing & Prototyping category. GSC-16407-1

Solar Panel and System Design to Reduce Heating and

Optimize Corridors for Lower-Risk Planetary Aerobraking

New approach features aggressive load reduction to reduce risk.

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Large-load-capacity oil hydrostatic bearings generate prohibitive amounts of heat in large sizes when run at speeds useful

for diamond turning of optical components. The viscosity of

air is more than three orders of magnitude less than the

thinnest oil; therefore, the frictional heating of large-diameter

air bearings is very small and very manageable. A formidable

manufacturing problem with large air bearings is that the

extremely low viscosity of air requires that the thickness of the

bearing film is also very small. This very small bearing clearance of 5–8 micrometers means that the required accuracy of

geometry and dimensions of air bearing components is

extremely difficult to achieve. 

In the case of meter-size air bearing dimensions, the

required precision is comparable to high-quality optical components in most cases because exact dimension is required in

addition to near-perfect geometry. With current technology,

the cost to fabricate, and the time to produce large mirrors, is

one of the limiting factors for many missions. Research tools

require large-aperture, lightweight optics that will perform

well in a space cryogenic environment. Currently, no mirror

technology has been demonstrated that meets the mission

requirements at an affordable cost. 

Diamond turning has been proven to produce highly aspheric optical contours to visible wavelength tolerances with

extremely smooth surfaces. Diamond turning has the additional enabling capability to not only produce extremely smooth

and accurate optical surfaces, but also mechanical attachment

surfaces and datums that allow extremely fast and complex optical components to be quickly and easily aligned. The productivity of diamond turning allows the production of quantities of

optical components with exacting duplication of optical surfaces and datums, which allow “snap-together” optical systems. 

The large diamond turning machines that have been built

all have oil hydrostatic work spindles that fail in diamond- turning very large optical components because of excessive heat

generation when this type bearing is made large enough to

have the required load capacity for very large optics diamond

turning.

The solution to this problem is to make large vertical air bearings with hard metal journals running against porous graphite

bearing surfaces. Porous graphite air bearings do not friction

weld in the event of the spindle bearing surface contacting the

bearing journal surface, and the result is only slight polishing of

the graphite surface. The porous graphite flow structure provides extremely uniform flow of the air film, and the tortuous

flow path acts to damp the flow-induced dynamic instability that

is a severe problem in both oil and air hydrostatic bearings.

This work was done by John Casstevens of Dallas Optical Systems for

Marshall Space Flight Center. For more information, contact Sammy

Nabors, MSFC Commercialization Assistance Lead, at sammy.a.nabors@

nasa.gov. Refer to MFS-32880-1

40 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-740 NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

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Manufacturing & Prototyping

ror face plate, as would be the case with conventional optical

lapping and polishing processes. The plated-in array of tubular

structures allows the interior of the hollow mirror to be open

and easily vented in a vacuum. The very low cutting force of

diamond turning allows the mirror faceplate to be made very

thin to lower the areal density of the mirror. The low cutting

force also minimizes the tendency for print-through of the

internal support points of the tubular sections connecting the

mirror face plate to the mirror back plate.

Excellent visible quality optical figure and surface finish can

be produced by diamond turning. Surface finishes on diamond-turned NiP alloy as smooth as 0.6 nm rms have been

obtained without any post-polishing of the diamond turned

surface. The fast and flexible machining of a very-low-cost,

expendable master form made of plastic foam, combined with

a proven electroplating process to produce a thick deposit of

diamond machinable NiP, results in a process for producing

mirror substrates at a cost as small as one-thousandth the cost

of comparable one-square-meter beryllium mirror substrate.

This work was done by John Casstevens of Dallas Optical Systems,

Inc. for Marshall Space Flight Center. For more information, contact

Sammy Nabors, MSFC Commercialization Assistance Lead, at

sammy.a.nabors@nasa.gov. Refer to MFS-33035-1.

Very-High-Load-Capacity Air Bearing Spindle for Large

Diamond Turning Machines

Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
42 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

Materials & Coatings

Catalyst for Treatment and Control of Post-Combustion Emissions

This oxidation/reduction catalyst can be used in diesel and natural gas applications, and in nonautomotive pollution sources.

Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia

Emissions from fossil-fuel combustion

contribute significantly to smog, acid rain,

and global warming problems, and are

subject to stringent environmental regulations. These regulations are expected to

become more stringent as state and

regional authorities become more

involved in addressing these environmental problems. Better systems are needed

for catalytic control.

In general, existing catalytic converters used for NOx and He emission control use precious metal (PM) or their

combinations as wash coats with various

architectures over alumina on ceramic

This coating demonstrates high emittance above 80% or better at broad

wavelengths within the infrared spectrum. It has shown to have an extremely

stable emittance at lower wavelengths

within the infrared (IR) spectrum,

where energy dissipation is critical at elevated temperatures. The coating has

demonstrated increases in surface texturing, and ultimately an increase in

emissivity when exposed to temperatures up to 2,050 °F (1,120 °C). It is

also stable at continuous run, elevated

temperatures, and shows no signs of

spalling or erosion. 

Radiation-cooled nozzles for liquid

rocket engines require high emissivity,

approaching near black body, in order to

properly dissipate energy from the component. A common means of increasing

the emittance of metallic components is

to perform a high-temperature heat treatment of the material, allowing the surface

to oxidize, thus increasing the emissivity.

However, an oxidized surface will reduce

when exposed to the hydrogen-rich steam

from the propellant by-products of liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen (LH2/LOX)

combustion in addition to being reduced

when exposed to a hard vacuum environment. Another disadvantage of the hightemperature material oxidation is reduction of the base material properties.

Some materials, such as superalloys,

require a minimum heat treatment temperature to be obtained; otherwise, the

structural properties of the material can

be reduced due to carbide precipitation.

Additionally, distortion of larger parts

can occur at elevated temperatures when

performing heat treatment oxidation

cycles of the material. 

A unique silica-based coating was

adapted from industry to meet the emissivity needs of the rocket nozzle. The

Cetek coating system is an aqueous-based

material that is applied using a handheld

sprayer that could be readily adapted to

an automatic robot sprayer. Spray application allows even distribution of the

coating over the entire surface of the

component exposed to both hot gas and

the vacuum of space. The coating is

applied in a series of air-sprayed layers

that combine to produce a total thickness of less than 0.005 in. ( 127 μm). The

thin coating allows for minimal weight

impact by increasing the emittance of

the surface, ultimately decreasing component temperatures and allowing for

reduced weight of the engine component. The cure cycle for the coating consists of an ambient air cure under controlled humidity conditions, followed by

oven heating at low temperatures for a

period of a few hours. 

The development of this coating was

necessary to increase the emittance of

the surface of the nozzle extension for

the radiation-cooled metallic nozzle

extension for the J-2X Upper Stage

Engine. Because the temperatures of the

nozzle wall are dependent upon the

radiation effectiveness, emissivity is

extremely important. The material

properties of the nozzle extension are

dependent on the temperature in which

they operate. A lower temperature wall

(based on emissivity) would allow a higher strength of the base material, and

eventually weight savings of the nozzle

based on optimization of the design.

Thus, a higher emittance for the nozzle

results in weight savings for the design

and also a design that yields additional

thermal margin. This coating successfully completed a series of high-temperature emissivity and durability certification testing and has been shown to survive a rocket nozzle’s extreme operating

environment through both subscale and

full-scale testing.

This work was done by Paul Gradl of

Marshall Space Flight Center, Jeff Haynes of

PWR WPB, and Naiping Zhu of Cetek Ltd.

For more information, contact Sammy

Nabors, MSFC Commercialization Assistance

Lead, at sammy.a.nabors@nasa.gov. Refer to

MFS-32856-1.

Elevated-Temperature, Highly Emissive Coating for Energy

Dissipation of Large Surfaces 

This coating can be used in high-temperature rocket nozzles, control surfaces, industrial

furnaces, and transfer lines.

Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
substrates to effect catalytic conversion.

Some of the more common are coatings

of Pd, Pd/Rh, or Pt/Rh. Existing catalytic converters are less effective for

removal of methane HC emissions due

to the high light-off temperatures for

methane on these catalysts.

The present invention utilizes at least

two PMs with at least two different metaloxides (for example, tin-oxide plus one

or more promoters) in a layered matrix

to convert CO, HCs, and NOx to CO2

and N2 by oxidation of the first two components (CO, HCs) and reduction of

the third (NOx) in a moderately hightemperature gaseous environment (for

example, between about 200 to about

500 °C) containing excess oxygen.

Preparation of ruthenium/platinumtin-oxide-based catalyst coatings for

pellets, beads, granules, fabrics, and

especially ceramic honeycomb monoliths can be accomplished by successive

layering of the desired components, as

follows:

1. A clean, dry substrate is deaerated in a

solution containing tin (II) 2-ethylhexanoate (SnEH). The substrate is

removed from the solution, and

excess solution is removed from the

substrate. Residual solution components are evaporated leaving an SnEH

layer on the substrate that is thermally

decomposed in air to tin-oxide at 300

°C. Several layers are applied in the

same manner to achieve the desired

loading of tin-oxide.

2. The promoters are added to the catalyst matrix in a similar fashion. For

example, an iron oxide promoter is

added to an existing tin-oxide-coated

substrate by deaerating in an iron

nitrate solution, removing excess solution, evaporating the solvent, and

finally thermally decomposing the

nitrate to oxide.

3. Platinum is added to the coated substrate as above using an aqueous solution of tetraamine platinum (II) dihydroxide or other platinum salt, and

then thermally decomposing the salt.

Instead of the thermal decomposition, a reductive decomposition can

be used. For example, the catalystcoated substrate is heated in an atmosphere containing a reducing gas, such

as carbon monoxide or hydrogen, to

induce reduction of the platinum salt

to platinum. A similar process can be

used to add the second precious metal

(i.e., ruthenium), for example, by

starting with an appropriate salt, or

the mixed PMs may be applied in one

step.

The instant catalyst can absorb the

NOx species and convert them to NO. As

such, nitrosyl complexation takes place

with a noble metal in order to allow it to

react with a reducing agent and therefore be converted to nitrogen. Preferred

metal-oxide promoters are Fe2O3, NiO,

and CO2O3. The metal-oxide adduct

with NOx is converted to NO on desorption. The NO is subsequently transferred and bound to the PM until

reduced by CO and HCs to N2. The CO

and HCs are similarly oxidized by NO or

O2 and SnO2 at the PM interface site.

The advantages of the present invention include:

• Lower light-off temperatures can

enable oxidation of methane emissions

to CO2 for natural gas fueled vehicles

at lower exhaust gas temperatures.

• Lower light-off temperatures for CO

and HCs enable more efficient catalytic conversion to CO2 at lower

cost.

• A tin-oxide base wash-coat on a ceramic substrate minimizes loss of coating

through cracking, peeling, or dusting

mechanisms.

NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 43

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• The PM coatings are on the top surface and are enabled to be more efficiently used, thus requiring less PM

resulting in lower PM costs.

• The mixed PMs result in a more efficient oxidation/reduction catalyst and

may be applied in one step.

This work was done by David Schryer and

Billy Upchurch of Langley Research Center. For

more information, download the Technical

Support Package (free white paper) at

www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Materials

& Coatings category. LAR-16001-1

Materials & Coatings

A thermally activated healing mechanism is proposed and experimentally

validated to mitigate crack propagation

damage in metallic materials. The protected structure is coated with a thin

metallic film of a low-melting-temperature healing agent. To heal or mitigate

crack damage, the structure is heated to

the melting temperature of the healing

agent, allowing it to flow into the crack

opening. Once in the crack mouth, the

healing agent has two benefits: (1) by

adhering to the crack surfaces, the healing agent bridges the crack, reducing

the amount of load at the crack tip; and

(2) any voluminous substance in the

crack mouth causes crack closure (premature crack-face contact during cyclic

loading) that also reduces the crack-tip

loading.

The technology is a coating that could

slow crack propagation in metal aircraft

and spacecraft structures. In practice, a

structure is coated with a low-temperature healing agent. When a crack is

detected, heat melts the healing agent

and it flows into the crack. As the temperature is reduced, the healing agent

hardens and heals the crack by reducing

the crack-tip stress intensity factor

through closure and bridging.

Currently, the technology is only

applicable for cracks that have reached

the surface. It requires an external heat

source to heat the coated sheet to 250 to

300 °F(120 to 150 °C) and must be

processed in a vacuum. The coating has

been prototyped on a titanium alloy

sheet with an indium-tin eutectic alloy

coating. Development continues with

the ultimate goal of developing the technology into an in situ healing mechanism that can work automatically with

structural health monitoring detectors.

The goal of the technology is to heal

cracks in metal on aircraft and spacecraft.

Ultimately, the goal for the technology is

to incorporate smart coatings that will

enable truly self-healing materials, which

would provide enormous safety and

maintenance benefits. Falling short of

the ultimate goal of true self-healing

properties, the technology would still

have value as an in-shop repair tool.

This work was done by Stephen W. Smith,

John A. Newman, Robert S. Piascik, and

Edward H. Glaessgen of Langley Research

Center. For more information, download the

Technical Support Package (free white

paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the

Materials & Coatings category. LAR17681-1

Thermally Activated Crack Healing

Mechanism for Metallic Materials

A thin metallic film of a low-melting-temperature healing agent

is used.

Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia

Subsurface Imaging of Nanocomposites

Applications include sensors and actuators, aerospace

structures, and tissue infusion in medical areas.

Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia

A nondestructive method that is based

on modified atomic force ultrasonic

microscopy (AFUM) methods has been

developed for characterizing nanomaterials. The technology allows imaging and

quantifying of material properties at the

surface and subsurface levels. The technology reveals the orientation of nanCov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 www.techbriefs.com 

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otubes within a composite structure and

offers the ability to determine subsurface characteristics without destroying

the nanomaterial structure. The

method is widely applicable for basic

nanomaterials characterization, including distribution and orientation of particles in a nanocomposite, localized elastic constants and changes in elastic constants, adhesive surface properties,

sound velocity, and material damping

coefficient.

The technology is: 

• Nondestructive: Previous methods

require destructive sampling.

• Ubiquitous: A wide range of materials

characterization for nanomaterials is

enabled.

• Elegant: Design is based on modifications to commercially available atomic

force ultrasonic microscopy (AFUM)

hardware.

The manufacturing of nanocomposites produced by the embedding of

nanostructural constituents into matrix

materials has placed increased demands

on the development of new measurement methods and techniques to assess

the microstructure physical property

relationships of such materials. Al -

though a number of techniques are

available for near-surface characterization, this new method allows assessment

of deeper (subsurface) features at the

nanoscale.

This new scanning probe microscope

methodology is called resonant difference

frequency atomic force ultrasonic

microscopy (RDF-AFUM). It employs an

ultrasonic wave launched from the bottom

of a sample while the cantilever of an atomic force microscope engages the sample

top surface. The cantilever is driven at a

frequency differing from the ultrasonic frequency by one of the contact resonance

frequencies of the cantilever. The nonlinear mixing of the oscillating cantilever and

the ultrasonic wave at the sample surface

generate difference-frequency oscillations

at the cantilever contact resonance. The

resonance-enhanced difference-frequency

signals are used to create amplitude and

phase-generated images of nanoscale nearsurface and subsurface features.

The technology offers wide-ranging

market applications such as functional

nanocomposites for aerospace structures, biomedical uses such as infusion

of tissue with nanoparticles, verification

of drug delivery to tissue targets, and

sensors/actuators.

This work was done by John Cantrell and

Sean Cantrell of Langley Research Center. For

further information, contact the Langley

Innovative Partnerships Office at (757) 864-

8881. LAR-17440-1

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is an

electrochemical device that converts

chemical energy into electrical power. A

solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC)

operates in a reverse mode of SOFC, and

produces O2 and H2 gases. SOFCs are

being developed for a broad range of

applications including portable electronic devices, automobiles, power generation, and aeronautics. The salient

features of SOFCs are all-solid construction and high-temperature electrochemical reaction-based operation, resulting

in clean and efficient power generation

from a variety of fuels. SOFCs of two different designs, tubular and planar, are

currently under development. Planar

SOFCs offer several advantages such as

simple manufacturing and relatively

short current path, resulting in higher

power density and efficiency. However,

planar SOFCs and SOECs require hermetic seals. Various glass and glassceramics based on borates, phosphates,

and silicates are being examined for

SOFC seals. Silicate glasses are expected

to perform superior to the borate and

phosphate glasses as sealing materials.

Planar SOFCs and SOECs require

hermetic seals along the edges of each

cell and between the stack and gas manifolds to separate and contain fuel and

oxidant within the cell and to bond cell

components together. The requirements for SOFC and SOEC sealing

materials are severe since the cells will

operate at 600 to 1,000 °C for thousands

of hours, with sealing materials exposed

Self-Healing Glass Sealants for Solid

Oxide Fuel Cells and Electrolyzer Cells 

Operational requirements are 600 to 1,000 °C for thousands of

hours.

John H. Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
46 NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

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Materials & Coatings

to both oxidizing and reducing conditions.

Quaternary silicate glasses containing

MgO, CaO, Al2O3, and SiO2 have been

identified as seal materials for SOFCs

and SOECs. These glasses are free of the

detrimental constituents such as boron

and alkali metals. A representative glass

composition in this quarternary system

has been prepared by melting the constituents together. Properties of these

quarternary silicate glasses are appropriate for use as hermetic sealing materials

at operating temperatures of these

devices. Seals made out of these glasses

will be self-healing as operating temperatures of SOFC and SOEC are higher

than the softening point of these glass

sealants.

Physical, thermal, mechanical, and

electrical properties of these glass sealants

are compatible with those of other SOFC

and SOEC components: electrolyte, cathode, anode, and interconnect. 

This work was done by Narottam Bansal of

Glenn Research Center. For more information,

download the Technical Support Package (free

white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp

under the Materials & Coatings category. 

Inquiries concerning rights for the commercial use of this invention should be addressed

to NASA Glenn Research Center, Innovative

Partnerships Office, Attn: Steven Fedor, Mail

Stop 4–8, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland,

Ohio 44135. Refer to LEW-19100-1.

Micromachined

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Goddard Space Flight Center,

Greenbelt, Maryland

Future missions to outer planets will

have stringent limits on payload mass.

Thermal imaging instruments to map

planetary surfaces will be part of those payloads, and, consequently, will have to be

compact and low mass. For thermal

instruments, another key requirement will

be state-of-the-art, highly sensitive detectors. Thermopiles are prime candidates

for high-resolution thermal mapping in

the far-infrared (17- to 250-μm wavelength) spectral range. Thermopile detector arrays can be made to be very lightweight and compact. Furthermore, they

require very few ancillary components

(e.g., readout electronics, optics, amplifiers), which can add to instrument volume and mass. The implementation of

thermopiles on these missions is likely

because they (1) generate an output voltage that is proportional to the incoming

radiation within the spectral range being

mapped; (2) do not require an electrical

bias or an optical chopper; (3) have negligible 1/f noise; (4) are radiation hard; and

(5) have a reported specific detectivity of 1

× 109 cm·Hz1/2/W at room temperature.

The focus of this work is to fabricate

thermopiles using unique semimetallic

materials developed in the Detector

Development Laboratory (DDL). Novel

semimetallic materials, which have been

developed for other projects, were evaluated in terms of a thermoelectric figure of

merit, as candidate thermopile materials.

Intermetallic thermopiles, which have

high Seebeck coefficients and, consequently, high detector sensitivity, require

highly specialized fabrication techniques

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-739 47

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and are susceptible to aging. Semiconductor thermopiles have a

limited operating range and are susceptible to high radiation

environments. An alternative approach can address these issues,

but, in the former case, they are not radiation hard, or in the latter case, they are unstable to environmental conditions (temperature, oxygen). The advantage of using semimetallic materials is

that they are radiation hard and their thermoelectric properties

do not change appreciably in the temperature range of interest.

This work was done by Ari Brown, Emily Barrentine, and Shahid Aslam

of Goddard Space Flight Center. For more information, download the

Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp

under the Materials & Coatings category. GSC-16837-1

Low-Cost, High-Performance

MMOD Shielding

Relatively inexpensive fiberglass fabric is

proposed in place of costlier materials.

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas

High-performance micro-meteoroid and orbital debris

(MMOD) shielding can be constructed from low-cost, off-the-shelf

materials. The advantage in using this innovation is in achieving

considerable reduction in both cost and mass of the shielding necessary to protect spacecraft from hypervelocity MMOD particle

impacts. For instance, in a typical application of this technology for

a visiting vehicle used to transport cargo to the International Space

Station (ISS) over ten years, an estimated $330,000 is saved (at the

time of this reporting) in using a less-expensive MMOD fabric over

conventional materials, and an estimated 2,000-kg mass is reduced

from the MMOD shielding using the materials and techniques

described here compared to conventional means. 

Micro-meteoroid and orbital debris shields typically contain

relatively expensive ceramic fabrics. For instance, the majority

of the MMOD shields on the ISS US Laboratory module contain six layers of ceramic cloth. The purposes of the ceramic

fabric in MMOD shields are to break up the incoming MMOD

particle or hypervelocity projectile, and cause the debris resulting from the break-up to disperse laterally before impacting

subsequent layers of the shield. Ceramics have excellent

dynamic properties to achieve good projectile breakup, for

either high-density orbital debris particles or lower-density

meteoroid particles, by creating relatively high shock pressures

in the impacting projectile. Analytical evaluation of various

potential materials was conducted to determine which material has suitable characteristics for MMOD protection. Based on

these evaluations and cost estimates, materials that could provide suitable MMOD protection at lower cost were identified.

Using inexpensive fiberglass fabric in place of the more

expensive ceramic cloth is currently used to protect the

SpaceX Dragon commercial cargo vehicle from MMOD particles. This innovation will likely be used on future inflatable

modules, and is being considered by Orbital Sciences for use

on the Cygnus commercial cargo vehicle. Other future spacecraft can also use this technology in their MMOD shields.

This work was done by Eric Christiansen and Dana Lear of Johnson

Space Center, and Frankel Lyons and Bruce Davis of Jacobs

Technology. For more information, download the Technical Support

Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the

Materials & Coatings category. MSC-25250-1

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
48 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

Mechanics/Machinery

Head-Mounted Display Latency Measurement Rig

This technique can be used to characterize systems for product improvement by

virtual/augmented reality display manufacturers.

Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia

The device and method are used to

quantify end-to-end latency of head- or

helmet-mounted display with head tracking systems in a laboratory or in situ. All

commercial or custom head-mounted display systems that track the user’s head for

the purpose of virtual or augmented reality applications encounter positional display errors due to system latency. A basic

head-mounted display (HMD) with headtracking system is comprised of (1) a nearto-eye display, (2) the head-tracking system, (3) one or more symbology or image

sources, and (4) the display/image

processor. Each element, and the communication among them, contributes a portion to the total latency. HMD system

latency manifests as erroneous alignment

of the virtual and real surroundings as the

head is slewed, and is known to induce

simulator sickness and other physiological

issues. Therefore, minimal system latency

is a design goal to reduce these physiological symptoms. The overall latency budget

is the sum of time required to measure

the dynamic head position, communicate

the position to the display processor, compute the scene based on the position, integrate imagery, and render the scene to

the display. 

The Head-Mounted Display Latency

Measurement Rig (HeLMR) device (see

figure) consists of a 3D-printed, anatomically approximate human head that is able

to “wear” all available commercial and custom HMD systems. A high-speed camera is

installed in place of the eye(s) in the correct image plane location. The head is

mounted on a precision rotary stage that

moves the head in a left-right-left “No-No”

fashion at a precise angular rate. The

device’s native geo-referenced virtual

image is rendered and aligned to overlay a

real-world reference. Static and dynamic

lasers are used for reference to aid the

alignment. The head is moved and

tracked dynamically while the high-speed

(300 fps) video image from the camera

shows the angular skew of the virtual-toactual image due to the system latency. A

snapshot image is captured and the angular difference of the virtual image to the

actual image is measured with computeraided design software. With the error

angle measurement and the precision rate

information, the total system latency is calculated. The HeLMR device/method

quantifies the end-to-end latency of the

entire system and can be mounted on a

synthetic torso for in situ measurements of

flight simulators or other applications. 

Initial testing was conducted on a custom HMD for a lunar lander application.

As with a standard tracking HMD system,

symbology (e.g., terrain, attitude, guidance) is rendered that is referenced to a

world coordinate system. As the head is

slewed, the symbology is misaligned with

the surrounding terrain due to the system

latency. This head tracker system uses a

hybrid combination of optical and inertial

sensors where both the display and tracker are mounted to clear-lens glasses with a

head-borne weight of 4 oz. (113 g). The

total system latency of the lunar HWD system was measured to be 67 milliseconds

with detailed lunar terrain rendering, and

33 milliseconds without terrain. This indicates that the latency is content-dependent in addition to several other factors,

including the display update rate. This system is novel with the ability to non-intrusively quantify system latency and has

been successfully used on several HMD

systems. The apparatus combines precision COTS equipment in a unique

arrangement, enabling the measurement

of a difficult-to-quantify parameter.

This work was done by Kevin Shelton,

Randy Bailey, Trey Arthur, Steve Williams,

Lance Prinzel, Lynda Kramer, Denise Jones,

and Kyle Ellis of Langley Research Center. For

more information, download the Technical

Support Package (free white paper) at www.

techbriefs.com/tsp under the Mechanics/

Machinery category. LAR-17884-1

The HeLMR System consists of the head, camera, rotary stage, stage controller, and dc light source.

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Precise motion control of a robot by

controlling its various robotic manipulators may be organized by the required

level of task specification. The levels

include object-level control, which

describes the ability to control the behavior of an object held in a single or a cooperative grasp of the robot; end-effector

control, which is control of the various

manipulators such as robotic fingers and

thumbs; and joint-level control.

Collectively, the various control levels

achieve the required mobility, dexterity,

and work task-related functionality.

This invention relates to the automatic

control of a force- or impedance-controlled robot in an operating environment in which a robotic manipulator of

the robot may come into unexpected

direct physical contact with an object

and/or an operator within its workspace.

A method of controlling a robotic

manipulator of a force-or impedance-controlled robot within an unstructured

workspace includes imposing a saturation

limit on a static force applied by the

manipulator to its surrounding environment. Should the robotic manipulator

unexpectedly contact an object in its

workspace, the static force applied by the

manipulator is limited. Upon contact, the

robotic manipulator proceeds with its

assigned task without “fighting” through

the object after the object is encountered.

The control strategy also may include

automatically executing a predetermined

dynamic reflex upon a threshold contact

force with the object. The dynamic reflex

alleviates any inertial impulse of the contact that is not already addressed by the

saturation-limited static force. The

dynamic reflex can rely on either dynamic modeling or exteroceptive sensing in

order to detect the contact. 

The controller provides a control strategy for the robot using an algorithm. The

control strategy provides a static compliance phase at all times, and may also provide an additional dynamic reflex phase to

help ensure the safe operation of the robot.

The controller may be a server or host

machine with one or more microprocessors

or CPUs. Individual control algorithms resident in the controller may be stored in

ROM (read only memory) or other suitable

memory and automatically executed to

provide the control functionality.

This work was done by Philip Strawser of

Johnson Space Center; John Yamokoski and

Brian Hargrave of Oceaneering Space Systems;

and Muhammad Abdallah of General Motors

Corp. For more information, download the

Technical Support Package (free white paper) at

www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Mechanics/

Machinery category. MSC-25121-1

Workspace-Safe Operation of a Force- or Impedance-Controlled

Robot

This technology can be used for automatic control of a robot that may come into contact with an

object or operator in its workspace.

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas

NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-741 49

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
50 NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-745

Mechanics/Machinery

Refueling spacecraft in space offers

tremendous benefits for increased payload capacity and reduced launch cost,

but the problem of thermal stratification

in long-term storage tanks presents a key

challenge. To meet this challenge, a reliable, compact, lightweight, and efficient

cryogenic mixing pump was developed

with no moving parts. The pump uses an

innovative thermodynamic process to

generate fluid jets to promote fluid mixing. This thermodynamic process eliminates moving parts to generate pumping

action. Inherent to its design, the pump

is self-priming and can efficiently pump

two-phase fluid. The device will significantly enhance the reliability of pressure

control systems for storage tanks.

In thermal stratification, vaporized hot

spots develop inside the storage chamber,

elevating pressure and creating an overpressure hazard. Mechanical mixing to

de-stratify the fluid and create a uniform

bulk temperature in microgravity is an

effective approach for controlling the

pressure inside a large propellant tank.

Reliable operation at cryogenic temperature is a challenge for pumps because no

lubricants can be used. Pumping a saturated cryogenic fluid poses several unique

challenges for a mechanical pump.

Existing pumps for cryogenic fluid transfer require a high degree of subcooling at

the pump inlet to prevent pump cavitation or de-priming.

The thermodynamic process is well

known and has been previously used to

develop heat pumps and refrigeration

devices. This innovation applies this scientific principle to two-phase room-temperature and cryogenic refrigerants to produce pumping from cyclic pressurization

and depressurization of the fluid through

a thermal process. The thermodynamic

process enables efficient use of the heat

absorbed during the depressurization

step to thermally raise the cryogen pressure during the pressurization step, thus

minimizing the net heat input to the cryogen due to the pumping process. 

On the pressurization process, the

pumping chamber heats the cryogen,

increasing pressure within the pump.

The increased pressure displaces some

of the fluid within the pump.

On the cooling cycle, the pumping

chamber cools the cryogen. The vaporized cryogen in the pumping chamber

then condenses, creating a suction pressure within the pump that draws in addition fluid. Check valves are used to

ensure that the fluid is one-directional

for efficient pumping. 

This work was done by Weibo Chen and

Adam Niblick of Creare Incorporated for Glenn

Research Center. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free

white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp

under the Mechanics/Machinery category. 

Inquiries concerning rights for the commercial use of this invention should be addressed

to NASA Glenn Research Center, Innovative

Partnerships Office, Attn: Steven Fedor, Mail

Stop 4–8, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland,

Ohio 44135. Refer to LEW-19140-1.

Cryogenic Mixing Pump with No Moving Parts

The pump is self-priming and can efficiently pump two-phase fluid.

John H. Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
NASA has requirements for redundant seals to protect human-occupied

cabin atmospheres, as well as fluid and

gas systems in space vehicles exposed to

the harsh environments. Comparable

requirements have been passed down

to the International Space Station (ISS)

Program, and are now levied on the

Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle

(MPCV).

The purpose of this invention is to

allow independent verification of

redundant critical seals, which are seals

through which leakage would constitute a catastrophic or critical failure.

The problem, in the case of the Orion

Crew Module (CM) side hatch, is access

to the seals. In most cases with other

hatches, access to the seals does not

present the same problem because the

area where the seals are located can easily be bagged with plastic material and

tape. Bagging the area creates a containment volume for a trace gas around

the entire perimeter (inside and outside) that allows ease of seal leakage

verification using a mass spectrometer

leak detector (MSLD) per requirements.

In the case of the CM side hatch, seals

are not accessible from either side, and

are buried deep in the configuration

when the hatch is closed. In the case of

the Shuttle Orbiter, side hatch seal leakage verification was performed by pressurizing between the redundant seals,

and performing a leak decay test. This

verified that both seals together met the

leakage requirement; however, it did not

meet the requirement to verify each

redundant seal path independently as

required by the Orion requirement version levied to the program by NASA and

thus was the driver for this invention.

The leak rate specification is much

smaller for the Orion vehicle than the

Shuttle Orbiter or any other manned

vehicle in NASA’s history, and cannot be

verified accurately by performing a leak

decay test. 

In this invention, a two-beaded silicone rubber molded seal with a metal

substrate retainer is used and the interstitial area between the two seal beads is

connected to the leak detector (MSLD)

via the test port connector on the CM

Hatch Service Panel. The outer area of

each seal bulb is shrouded by a helium

environment that is contained by the following features designed into the seal

retainer, which is the core of the invention:

1. A series of machined through holes

called conductance passageways in the

metal seal retainer that are connect ed

to one another by conductance grooves

encompassing the entire outer

perimeter of each seal bulb.

2. An elastomeric material is permanently adhered to the outer corners

of the metallic seal retainer. When

the hatch is closed, the elastomeric

material is compressed together creating a containment dam and thus a

NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 51

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Seal Design Feature for Redundancy Verification

The technology may be of interest to designers of high-altitude aircraft and submarine vessels.

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-744

Mechanics/Machinery

containment area for the helium

trace gas. 

This containment volume is evacuated

and then back-filled with helium to facilitate the test of each seal bead. The volume

between the seal beads is evacuated by the

MSLD, which quantifies any leakage

across that seal bead. The same process is

then repeated for the other seal bead.

Similar type seals (with redundant

seal beads mounted in metal retainers)

are currently used in other humanrated space vehicles, and do include

design features such as leak test ports

and conductance grooves within the

seal interstitial area to accommodate

redundant seal verification. Now with

the added features that this invention

brings, a common leak test method

known as the Helium Leak Test,

Vacuum Method – Hood Test can be

employed to not only verify the redundancy of the seal, but actually quickly

quantify the leakage rate of each seal

path independently.

This work was done by Doug Harrison of

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co. for

Johnson Space Center For further information, contact the JSC Technology Transfer

Office at (281) 483-3809. MSC-24680-1

A humanoid robot has been created

that includes a torso, a pair of arms, a

neck, and a head. The torso extends

along a primary axis and presents a pair of

shoulders. The pair of arms movably

extends from the shoulders. Each of the

arms is fully jointed. The neck movably

extends from the torso along the primary

axis, and has at least one neck joint. The

head movably extends from the neck

along the primary axis. The head has at

least one head joint. The shoulders are

canted toward one another at a shrug

angle that is defined between each of the

shoulders such that a workspace is

defined between the shoulders.

In another aspect of the invention, a

human robot is created as described

above, but also includes a pair of hands

and a skin layer. Each of the hands

includes at least five fingers such that

each hand has at least 12 degrees of freedom (DOF). The skin layer substantially

covers the robot. The multiple DOF provide the robot with a level of dexterity

required to manipulate standard tools

and assembly components. The robot

may also be configured to achieve

strength and sensing levels that are consistent with manipulating substantial

tools and hardware. The hands may be

strong enough to solidly grasp heavy

payloads, e.g., 20 pounds (9 kg) and

the like, with the hands in any orientation. The arms, the hands, and the fingers may also be configured to have

force control, or the dexterity to manipulate flexible materials, small objects,

human tools, etc.

Each robotic joint contains and/or is

driven by one or more actuators, e.g.,

joint motors, linear actuators, rotary

actuators, and the like. As a result, the

robot is configured to perform significant work. Specifically, the robot can perform assembly, construction, and maintenance tasks that are currently performed

by humans. Additionally, the robot may

be configured to be of the human scale,

allowing the robot to share the same

workspaces that are typically designed

for human workers. 

This work was done by Robert O. Ambrose,

Myron A. Diftler, Scott R. Askew, Robert Platt,

Joshua S. Mehling, Nicolaus A. Radford,

Philip A. Strawser, and Lyndon Bridgewater

of Johnson Space Center; Charles W. Wampler

II, Muhammad E. Abdallah, Chris A. Ihrke,

Matthew J. Reiland, Adam M. Sanders, and

Donald R. Davis of General Motors Corp.;

and David M. Reich, Brian Hargrave, Adam

H. Parsons, and Frank Noble Permenter of

Oceaneering Space Systems. For further information, contact the JSC Technology Transfer

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 General Motors Corporation.

Inquiries concerning licenses for its commercial development should be addressed to:

General Motors Research & Development Center

30500 Mound Road

Warren, MI 48090-9055

Phone No.: (313) 556-5000

Refer to MSC-24739-1, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the

page number.

Dexterous Humanoid Robot

This robot can replace human workers in dangerous, lifethreatening conditions. 

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
This innovation can control the flight

of a tethered vehicle, in an airborne

wind energy (AWE) generation system,

through the use of a pan-tilt platform

and a visible spectrum digital camera,

combined with tracking and control

software running on a standard PC.

One of the main technical challenges involved in building a feasible

AWE system is developing the control

system. It is not sufficient to stabilize

the kite — it must be flown in a highspeed crosswind trajectory for power

generation. Additionally, the behavior

of the kite is highly nonlinear and difficult to model due to flexible structures

that assume a shape in response to

aerodynamic loads. In this invention,

all sensors are kept on the ground,

allowing the kite to be as light as possible. A fuzzy logic system was chosen to

perform this control task because a

reliable model of the kite is unavailable, and the operation of the kite is

relatively easy to explain. A commercial, two-line-controlled, ram-air kite

was used for developing and testing the

control system. 

The system uses measurements of the

tension in each line, the length of each

line, and the estimated position of the

kite from a vision-based tracking system

as input. It then outputs a commanded

difference in length between the lines,

as well as an average reel rate for both

lines.

A predictor-corrector approach is

used to track the air vehicle. The previously estimated position and velocity are

propagated to a position estimate.

Detecting the air vehicle is accomplished using three algorithms: change

in time of brightness, a change in time

of hue, and spatial maximum of hue. A

pan-tilt platform is used to keep the air

vehicle within the camera frame. A fuzzy

logic-based controller is used to generate steering and reeling commands for

the air vehicle from the position and

velocity estimated by the tracking system, as well as the line tension, velocity,

wind speed, and direction. Groundbased visual tracking is likely to have

higher error in localization compared

to a combination of onboard sensors,

but has a significant advantage in

expense, complexity, and the weight of

the air vehicle. A fuzzy controller has

advantages in robustness over many

other control methods. 

This innovation makes use of

OpenCV code for some vision processing tasks, Microsoft DirectX and

XAudio2 code for communicating with

some computer hardware, proprietary

libraries for communicating with

weather stations, and tension-measuring hardware.

This work was done by David North and

Mark Aull for Langley Research Center. For

more information, download the Technical

Support Package (free white paper) at

www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Mechanics/

Machinery category. LAR-18246-1

NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 53

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Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-742

Tethered Vehicle Control and Tracking System

Kite-like wind energy generation systems can power a generator on the ground.

Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
54 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

Physical Sciences

The Lunar Organic Waste Reformer

(LOWR) is a novel technology to convert organic wastes from human space

exploration outposts into useful propellant constituents. The LOWR meets

NASA’s Trash to Supply Gas (TtSG)

objective under the Advanced Ex -

ploration Systems Logistics Reduction

and Repurposing project by integrating

steam reformation, methanation, and

electrolysis to convert organic waste into

methane and oxygen products. At

reformer temperatures above 700 °C,

oxygenated steam reacts with organic

matter to produce a gas mixture largely

composed of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. After condensing and removing excess water, the

reformer exhaust gases are fed to a catalytic Sabatier reactor where they are

combined with supplemental hydrogen

at 350 to 500 °C to produce methane

and water. The methane product can be

liquefied for storage.

Electrolysis of water obtained from

the reformer and Sabatier reactors provides the supplemental hydrogen needed for methanation, while simultaneously producing oxygen used during

steam reforming. Excess oxygen is

stored as a product. The LOWR system

design requires minimal feed preparation and results in nearly complete

conversion of feeds to valuable products with minimal consumables, resulting in rapid payback. The thermochemical production of hydrogen in

the LOWR reformer leads to significantly reduced electrolysis power

requirements compared to other waste

treatment methods.

The primary application of the LOWR

is for conversion of organic wastes from

human exploration outposts into valuable propellant components. The

LOWR reduces risks associated with handling and storing organic wastes while

recycling waste constituents into products that would otherwise be imported

from Earth.

Adaptations of the LOWR are suitable

for conversion of terrestrial organic

wastes into fuel for power generation or

into feedstock for chemical manufacture. Such usage would reduce effluents

otherwise discharged into the environment while reducing the need for new

fuels.

This work was done by Stacy L. Carrera,

Robert M. Zubrin, and Mark Berggren of

Pioneer Astronautics for Glenn Research

Center. For more information, download the

Technical Support Package (free white

paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the

Physical Sciences category. 

Inquiries concerning rights for the commercial use of this invention should be addressed

to NASA Glenn Research Center, Innovative

Partnerships Office, Attn: Steven Fedor, Mail

Stop 4–8, 21000 Brookpark Road,

Cleveland, Ohio 44135. Refer to LEW19093-1.

Lunar Organic Waste Reformer

Possible applications also include conversion of terrestrial organic wastes into fuel for power

generation or into feedstock for chemical manufacture.

John H. Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio

This project’s goal was to simplify laser

frequency stabilization. A simpler system

will have many benefits, including reduction of power consumption, complexity,

volume, mass, and risk of failure. To

implement the Pound-Drever-Hall

(PDH) technique requires both RF modulation and demodulation electronics,

including an electro-optic modulator, a

photoreceiver of sufficient bandwidth to

detect the RF modulation fields, demodulation electronics of sufficient bandwidth, and an RF function generator. For

a space mission, this equipment can be

costly and power-hungry, in addition to

the difficulty of being rated to operate in

the harsh space environment.

The need for laser frequency stabilization will occur in many planned missions

employing multiple lasers on multiple

spacecraft (SIM, LISA, GRACE Follow-on,

GRACE C). In addition, many laboratory

measurements require laser frequency

stabilization. This software-based system

obviates the need for RF components

(modulator, detector, frequency/function

generator, and associated electronics),

both in the laboratory and on a spacecraft, to perform laser frequency stabilization in a digitally controlled system.

The code-based (digital) technique

was demonstrated for laser frequency

stabilization to an optical reference cavity without requiring any RF electronics

or RF equipment. The process is coded

using LabVIEW and employs field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for digital input and output from the photoreceiver and laser, respectively. Instead of

employing an external phase-modulator

driven by a function generator, the digital code directly modulates the laser’s

piezoelectric transducer (PZT).

This work has shown that high laser

frequency stability performance can be

Digital Laser Frequency Stabilization via Cavity Locking

Employing Low-Frequency Direct Modulation

Direct modulation reduces complexity, volume, and mass.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 www.techbriefs.com Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-746

Deep UV Discharge Lamps in Capillary

Quartz Tubes with Light Output Coupled

to an Optical Fiber

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Researchers at Jet Propulsion Lab ora -

tory have come up with a novel approach

to the simplification of the 194-nm light

source and optical guidance in mercury

trapped ion spectroscopy research.

Mercury plasma is generated in a capillary tube with a diameter of a few hundred microns (in contrast to current

lamp bulbs with a diameter of 13 mm).

The deep ultraviolet (DUV) light from

the plasma can be guided directly to the

ions held in an ion trap in a vacuum system via a piece of DUV fiber that is fused

at the end of the capillary tube.

Argon and isotopically enriched mercury (202Hg) are prepared and sealed in

a piece of capillary tube with a diameter

of a few hundred microns. The mercury

plasma can be generated inside the tube

with externally applied RF or microwave

power. Coils or surface strip electrodes

can be used as a capacitive resonator to

sustain the plasma. One end of the tube

is sealed, and the other end of the tube

is fused with a piece of large-core DUV

step-index fiber, where the DUV radiation from the plasma is collected. A gradient-index lens can be manufactured at

the output tip of the fiber to deliver the

condensed light to the ions. The fiber

output can be brought close to the ion

trap assembly and coupled through a

UV window or fiber feedthrough assembly. Alternatively, the miniature plasma

and delivery assembly could be placed

entirely in the ion trap vacuum assembly.

This work was done by Robert L. Tjoelker,

Eric A. Burt, and Shouhua Huang of

Caltech; and Lin Yi for NASA’s Jet

Propulsion Laboratory. For more information, contact iaoffice@jpl.nasa.gov. NPO48845

achieved using optical cavity references,

without the need for the traditional

PDH RF electronics. This was demonstrated using digital software codes and

control, significantly simplifying the analog electronics. This technique reduces

mass and power associated with the RF

electronics. This software technique is

implemented via hardware that will

already exist onboard the spacecraft.

This also reduces complexity, power

consumption, volume, and risk of failure.

This work was done by Glenn DeVine,

Brent Ware, Kirk McKenzie, Robert J.

Thompson, William M. Klipstein, William

M. Folkner, and Robert E. Spero of Caltech

for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For

more information, download the Technical

Support Package (free white paper) at

www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Physical

Sciences category. 

The software used in this innovation is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Dan

Broderick at Daniel.F.Broderick@jpl.nasa.gov.

Refer to NPO-48530.

Speech Acquisition and Automatic Speech

Recognition for Integrated Spacesuit

Audio Systems, Version II

System offers superior performance from prior version, and a

number of commercial applications.

John H. Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio

Astronauts suffer from poor dexterity

of their hands due to the clumsy spacesuit gloves during Extravehicular Activity

(EVA) operations, and NASA has had a

widely recognized but unmet need for

novel human-machine interface technologies to facilitate data entry, communications, and robots or intelligent systems control. A speech interface driven

by an astronaut’s own voice is ideal for

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
56 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-748 NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-747

EVA operations, since speech is the most natural, flexible, efficient, and economical form of human communication and

information exchange.

The current solution is a Communication Carrier Assembly

(CCA)-based audio system. While the close-talking, noise-canceling microphone used in the CCA system can deliver speech

signals with high intelligibility, its performance is sensitive to

the microphone’s distance and orientation to the suit subject’s

mouth. An integrated audio (IA) system is imperatively pursued. In order to possess similar performance to a CCA, the IA

system will consist of multiple microphones that form an array

to reduce noise and enhance speech intelligibility.

The developed speech human-machine interface will enable

both crewmember usability and operational efficiency. It

employs a fast rate of data/text entry, small overall size, and is

lightweight. In addition, it frees not only the hands, but also

the eyes of a suited crewmember.

The system contains the following key technical components/steps: beam-forming/multichannel noise reduction, single-channel noise reduction, speech feature extraction, feature

transformation and normalization, feature compression,

model adaptation, ASR (automatic speech recognition) HMM

(hidden Markov model) training, and ASR decoding.

Potential applications include in-helmet voice communication for the design of new spacesuits; telecollaboration via multimedia telepresence; human-machine interface for intelligent

systems; hands-free, in-car voice communication and processing; mobile phones; military voice communication and speech

processing systems; telemedicine and telehealth; multi-party

teleconferencing; and acoustic surveillance.

This work was done by Yiteng (Arden) Huang, Sherry Q. Ye, and

Yao (Yaron) Zhou of WeVoice, Inc. for Glenn Research Center. For

more information, download the Technical Support Package (free

white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Physical Sciences

category. 

Inquiries concerning rights for the commercial use of this invention

should be addressed to NASA Glenn Research Center, Innovative

Partnerships Office, Attn: Steven Fedor, Mail Stop 4–8, 21000

Brookpark Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44135. Refer to LEW-18930-1.

Physical Sciences

Advanced Sensor Technology

for Algal Biotechnology 

Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California

Advanced Sensor Technology for Algal Biotechnology

(ASTAB) is an integrated package of water quality and algal

physiology sensors designed to enable algae growers to increase

significantly productivity and efficiency of their operations,

optimize harvesting periods, and avoid losses of “batches” of

algae through nutrient deficiencies and/or population shifts.

This sensor technology is expected to increase process automation and performance in large-scale algal production facilities. 

ASTAB is a neutrally buoyant instrument package (e.g., a

sphere) that travels around algal growth systems (e.g. photobioreators, raceways, ponds, bags, and tubes) with water flow.

The parameters to be sensed and included in the package

cover physical, chemical, and biological areas. Position information, and data on physical and biological parameters in the

raceway or pond, is transmitted via a wireless network. Wireless

connectivity allows for accurate position reporting, which will

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-749 57

enable the creation of 3D maps and

detect “dead spots.” 

The data are used to control local

automatic devices to make appropriate

changes to water quality (e.g. nutrient

additions, pH controls). The package

will determine a suite of important water

quality attributes using conventional

techniques, while simultaneously determining the photophysiological state of

the algae using PAM (pulse amplitude

modulation) fluorometry. PAM fluorometry is an optical technique that provides an immediate assessment of the

photosynthetic efficiency (e.g., conversion of light into chemical energy) of

algae, or the “health” of the algae.

Additionally, the system features solar

power, and anti-fouling and/or selfcleaning technologies. 

This work was done by Brad Bebout of

Ames Research Center. For more information,

download the Technical Support Package

(free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp

under the Physical Sciences category. 

NASA invites companies to inquire about

partnering opportunities. Contact the Ames

Technology Partnerships Office at 1-855-627-

2249 or ARC-TechTransfer@mail.nasa.gov.

Refer to ARC-16342-1.

The Hyperspectral Infrared Imager

(HyspIRI) spaceborne mission has two

imaging sensors operating in the visible

to shortwave infrared (VSWIR) and the

thermal infrared (TIR), respectively.

The HyspIRI-TIR imaging instrument is

being developed for infrared mapping

of the Earth in 8 spectral bands with a 5-

day revisit time at the equator. The system will have 60-m ground resolution at

nadir, 200-mK noise-equivalent temperature difference (NETD) for 300 K

scenes, and 0.5 oC absolute temperature

accuracy. As the spacecraft moves in its

polar orbit, a rotating scan mirror allows

the telescope to view a 51o cross-track

nadir strip, an internal blackbody target,

and space, every 2.1 s. Combining the

overlapping strips will yield a 51o (597-

km) wide swath below the spacecraft.

The detector array will be 256×256

pixels in size and consist of 13.5-μm cutoff HgCdTe material delineated into 40-

μm pixels. Eight spectral filters spanning

4 to 12 μm in wavelength will be assembled into a butcher-block assembly in

close proximity to the detector array.

Four columns of 256 detectors in each

spectral channel will be combined using

time delay and integration (TDI) to

form a single 256-element-wide strip. A

custom readout integrated circuit will

provide the high speeds needed for the

required 32-μs frame time.

This work was done by Marc C. Foote,

Simon J. Hook, and William R. Johnson of

Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion

Laboratory. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free

white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp

under the Physical Sciences category. NPO48394

High-Speed Spectral Mapper

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
58 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-750 NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

Information Technology

NASA seeks to preserve, and make

readily accessible, historical Space

Shuttle launch footage to inspire and

educate NASA stakeholders both in and

outside the NASA family through the

dissemination of the Ascent production

materials as a DVD, and through both

NASA Television and online social

media avenues without incurring distribution and media costs.

“Ascent - Commemorating Shuttle” is a

NASA technical and documentary film

record comprised of engineering footage

from Space Shuttle launches. The production uniquely serves as a NASA technical, historical, and public outreach document. Various elements of the completed Ascent project were distributed as a

professionally produced DVD, on NASA

Television, and viewed by millions as

streaming video through YouTube. 

The Ascent compilation represents the

best shuttle film and high-definition video

acquired during the program. As part of

the Ascent DVD, viewers can choose from

three separate commentary tracks to listen to shuttle engineers, launch trackers,

and members of the post-launch film

analysis team detail the different technical

aspects of the film subject matter. These

highly engaging and informative interviews, combined with the film, represent

perhaps NASA’s only official visual and

oral record documenting the complex

architecture and the men and women

who made shuttle launch photography

possible. The project took extensive

advantage of both traditional and contemporary methods to reach not only a

national, but a global audience for little or

no cost to the Agency. Contributing to the

success of “boosters” was a collaboration

between the Ascent project team and

engineers at Skywalker Sound, who mastered a 5.1 Surround Sound audio track

for the DVD production — possibly

another first for a NASA production.

The production has demonstrated

itself not only to be a technical record,

but to also serve as an inspirational,

motivational, and educational tool. The

value and significance of this is perhaps

best measured by viewing statistics and

feedback comments on the social media

sites. Nearly two years after the shuttle

program ended, the Ascent project team

still receives a steady stream of inquiries

about the film.

As a permanent historical record in

NASA’s video archive, the ascent DVD

will provide an easily accessible document of shuttle launch footage capturing the knowledge and lessons of the

Space Shuttle and its launch imagery system for future generations.

This work was done by Matt Melis of Glenn

Research Center; and Gerald Nolan, Eric

Mindek, Hugh Aylward, and Jim Firak of Wyle

Information Systems. For more information,

download the Technical Support Package (free

white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp

under the Information Technology category. 

Inquiries concerning rights for the commercial use of this invention should be addressed to

NASA Glenn Research Center, Innovative

Partnerships Office, Attn: Steven Fedor, Mail

Stop 4–8, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland,

Ohio 44135. Refer to LEW-19059-1.

“Ascent - Commemorating Shuttle” — A NASA Film and

Multimedia Project DVD

The production has demonstrated itself not only to be a technical record, but to also serve as an

inspirational, motivational, and educational tool.

John H. Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio

+1 800 348 8051

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 59 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-752

Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-751

Method of Error Floor

Mitigation in Low-Density

Parity-Check Codes

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes often suffer from an

“error floor” in which increasing signal-to-noise ratios do not

lead to substantially better error rate performance. Error

floors of LDPC codes are often not an inherent problem of the

code design, but rather, a limitation of the standard decoding

algorithms.

In this new technology, small but critical variations in standard belief propagation decoding algorithms dramatically

lower the error floor of LDPC codes, including the set of

Combustion of realistic fuels is described by thousands of

reactions involving thousands of species. Coupling these

detailed chemical mechanisms with turbulence simulations is

completely impractical because there is no computer powerful

enough to solve the resulting equations.

A reduced-kinetics mechanism has been developed that uses

only a few important species to duplicate the detailed mechanism at much lower computational cost. The compact reducedkinetics mechanism has been developed for n-C16H34 oxidation

that is based on a local full similarity of the detailed mechanism.

The reduced mechanism employs only 20 light species and since

the light-species reaction rates are more accurately known than

those for heavy species, the present reduced mechanism has a

smaller relative error than a reduced mechanism employing

reactions involving heavy species. 

The model was exercised in the context of a fixed-mass, constant-pressure reactor, and results were obtained over the

entire range of equivalence-ratio validity of the detailed mechanism at the high pressures encountered in diesel, gas-turbine,

and HCCI (homogeneous charge compression ignition)

engines, and at both cold-ignition and hot-ignition temperatures. The results uniformly show excellent accuracy on the

temporal evolution of the temperature, the major species mass

fraction, and the OH mass fraction when compared to those of

the detailed mechanism.

One advantage of the developed reduced kinetics is that it

consists of the same 20 species for n-C7H16, n-C10H22, nC12H26, n-C16H34, and i-C8H18, making it easy to use a reduced

model for mixtures of species composing a practical fuel.

This work was done by Josette Bellan, Panagiotis D. Kourdis, and

Kenneth Harstad of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For

more information, contact iaoffice@jpl.nasa.gov. 

The software used in this innovation is available for commercial licensing.

Please contact Dan Broderick at Daniel.F.Broderick@jpl.nasa.gov. Refer to

NPO-49408.

High-Pressure, Reduced-Kinetics

Mechanism for N-Hexadecane

Oxidation

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
60 NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

2014

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Information Technology

AR4JA LDPC codes that are recommended by the Consultative Committee

for Space Data Systems (CCSDS), an

international standards organization.

A modification of standard belief propagation message passing is made in a special way that allows the new decoder to

converge to the correct codeword with a

higher probability than was previously

possible. The key innovation that leads to

the lower error floors, particularly for the

rate 4/5 AR4JA LDPC code and for any

of the AR4JA codes when used with higher order modulations, is the introduction

of a “partial hard-limiter” for decoder

messages coming from the check nodes

of the decoding graph.

Nearly every space mission NASA flies

uses channel codes to protect the reliability of transmitted bits. LDPC codes are

the way of the future, as they are contained in the standards not just for civilian space use, but also for terrestrial WiFi,

WiMAX, and digital video broadcasting.

This work was done by Jon Hamkins of

Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

For more information, contact iaoffice@

jpl.nasa.gov.

In accordance with Public Law 96-517,

the contractor has elected to retain title to this

invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its

commercial use should be addressed to:

Innovative Technology Assets Management

JPL

Mail Stop 321-123

4800 Oak Grove Drive

Pasadena, CA 91109-8099

E-mail: iaoffice@jpl.nasa.gov

Refer to NPO-48076, volume and number

of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the

page number.

X-Ray Flaw Size

Parameter for POD

Studies

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center,

Houston, Texas

Nondestructive evaluation (NDE)

method capability is determined by a statistical flaw detection study called probability of detection (POD) study. In many

instances, the NDE flaw detectability is

given as a flaw size such as crack length.

The flaw is either a crack or behaving

like a crack in terms of affecting the

structural integrity of the material.

Although the crack size relates to structural integrity of the part, it may not be

the only factor that affects the flaw

detectability for most NDE methods.

Crack length, depth, and opening may

relate differently to the flaw detectability. Part surface roughness and cleanliness may affect the flaw detectability.

The proposed flaw size parameter and

the computer application described

here give an alternative approach to

conduct the POD studies and apply

results of the POD study to reliably

detect small flaws through better assessment of effect of interaction between

various geometric parameters.

Many factors affect X-ray crack

detectability. Therefore, crack depth-topart-thickness ratio is not an accurate way

of defining X-ray flaw detectability.

Models that relate selected factors such as

surface crack dimensions, orientation,

part geometry, and technique parameters

to film or image contrast for a simulated

crack in a plate were developed. A geometric flaw size parameter is intended to

be monotonically related to the POD

under these conditions. This approach

assumes that the flaw size parameter and

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-755 61

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technique requirements, including the detector response calibration characteristics, together provide a complete description

of the X-ray flaw detection application, and provide sufficient

information for assessment of the NDE capability, i.e., whether

the flaw size under consideration can be reliably detected. A simulated contrast model could do the same assessment if correlations are established between the simulated contrast and the

actual contrast, and the simulation contrast and the POD.

This work was done by Ajay Koshti 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-25351-1

Liquid sprays are commonly used to inject fuels into combustion devices, making it important to study multicomponent

(MC) two-phase flows in order to reveal their physics.

“Multicomponent” is the terminology describing all fuels that

are combinations of a myriad of species. Single-component simulations lack a detailed representation of the complex composition and reaction mechanisms of realistic fuels, which can contain hundreds to thousands of species. Some species may be

responsible for fuel ignition, other species may be the initiators

of soot formation, and yet others may be involved in surface corrosion, all of which demonstrates the importance of being able

to track the multitude of species.

A new formulation has previously been developed that mitigates this problem: the fluid equations are deterministic whereas

the composition equations are statistic and the composition is

described statistically in terms of the molar densities. Thus,

instead of tracking individual pseudo-components, this previous

study used a statistical model, based on continuous thermodynamics (CT), to represent the composition by means of a probability density function (pdf) having an assumed shape. This

approach considerably reduced the computational effort, since

to obtain information of the type needed to predict mixing and

combustion, it turns out that transport equations for only a small

number of the lower moments of the pdf must be solved.

That previous formulation was valid when solving all scales of

the flow, in a type of computation called direct numerical simulation (DNS). However, DNS requires very fine grids and is not

practical in engineering applications where coarser grids are

necessary for computational efficiency. For these engineering

applications, the formulation called large eddy simulation (LES)

is used instead of DNS. In LES, the larger scales are computationally resolved and the small scales, called subgrid-scales

(SGSs), are modeled. A previous study deriving the LES equaLarge Eddy Simulation

Composition Equations for

Two-Phase Fully

Multicomponent Turbulent

Flows

The composition probability density function

moment variables are based on a new type of

filter.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
 NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

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tions showed that the SGS terms identified from the conventional methodology to derive the LES composition equations dominated the activity of all other terms, in contrast to the general

assumptions of LES. Therefore, it was clear that a more adept

formulation for the composition equations must be found.

In this study, a new set of equations was developed that leads

to a formulation respecting the LES assumptions. To derive

these LES composition equations, instead of the Favre mass density weighted filtering typically used to filter the equations, vapor

partial molar density filtering is used. In this new LES formulation, the composition pdf moment variables are based on a new

type of filter akin to, but different from, Favre filtering. For the

SGS terms in the pdf composition equations that originate from

the advective terms, the predictive capabilities of the dynamic

Smagorinsky and the approximate-deconvolution-model-issued

SGS models have been evaluated in an a priori analysis, and it was

found that the latter showed superior capabilities compared to

the former LES model for the composition equations.

This work was done by Josette Bellan of Caltech and Michael R. Gloor

of Institute of Fluid Dynamics for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For

more information, contact iaoffice@jpl.nasa.gov. NPO-48002

Scheduling Targeted and

Mapping Observations with

State, Resource, and Timing

Constraints 

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

This innovation creates observations of both targeted geographical regions of interest and general mapping observations, while respecting spacecraft constraints such as data volume, observation timing, visibility, lighting, season, and science priorities. This tool, therefore, addresses both geometric

and state/timing/resource constraints by using a grid-based

approach. These set covering constraints are then incorporated into a greedy optimization scheduling algorithm that incorporates operations constraints to generate feasible schedules.

The resultant tool generates schedules of hundreds of observations per week out of potentially thousands of observations. 

Using greedy combinatorial optimization with gridded coverage

representation, both targeted mapping observations (small geographical regions that can be covered in one or a small number of

observations) and general mapping observations (large geographical regions that would take large numbers of observations, e.g.

hundreds or more) can be scheduled. Using gridded coverage representation of a planetary surface, which maps all polygons

(regions) into sets of points on a grid, makes polygon intersection

very fast, and compiles the coverage problem into a set point covering the problem. At this point, the problem can be attacked

using one of a set of combinatorial optimization techniques. 

This work was done by Steve A. Chien, Gregg R. Rabideau, David A.

McLaren, and Russell L. Knight of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion

Laboratory. For more information, download the Technical Support

Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the

Information Technology category. 

This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact

Dan Broderick at Daniel.F.Broderick@jpl.nasa.gov. Refer to NPO47603.

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
June 2014

Smart cameras, including the NI 1742

(shown) and NI 1752 from National

Instruments, are used to inspect beer

bottles on a production line. The

strobe light control, image acquisition,

analysis, and communication to the

sorting machine all happen onboard

the smart camera. See page 68.

(Image courtesy of National Instruments)

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
64 www.techbriefs.com Imaging Technology, June 2014

I

n modern production facilities, users

are more frequently combining two

different strands of camera technology. Classic machine vision cameras

manage inspection tasks and yield management, while network cameras (also

called IP cameras) handle process monitoring and bringing production to a

standstill when necessary. 

In many ways, the two camera breeds

are actually similar. Industrial GigE cameras typically work with the same Gigabit

Ethernet technology as IP cameras. Both

camera types also use the same technical

protocols, including TCP/IP and UDP.

The similarities, in fact, make the separate technologies — both engineered

from the ground up to serve different

purposes — easy to combine. Customers

now want to implement both camera

types to fit their specific applications,

and new products are being developed

that combine the best features from the

IP and machine vision devices.

IP vs. Classic Industrial Cameras

The core differences between a classic

machine vision camera and a network

(or IP) device come in the areas of

image data compression, multi-streaming, and real-time compatibility. 

IP cameras are specially designed to

work with low bandwidths to ensure that

they can fit seamlessly in existing networks without overloading them. The

camera is configured via a PC on the

network to send a compressed video

stream, such as MPEG-4, MJPEG, or

H.264. The IP camera primarily provides a strong visual impression on the

operator’s monitor. 

Industrial cameras, by contrast, are

engineered to work with large bandwidths and optimal image quality as part

of closed image processing systems.

While network cameras compress the

image data down to a fraction of its original data volume, in an effort to reduce

the bandwidth required to transport

that data, industrial cameras deliver raw

images. The unprocessed images allow

users to review even the most minute of

details, as is necessary for quality inspections or detail measurements. If image

data is missing and the error occurs precisely in that area, leading to a false positive by the inspection system, then the

system has failed in its mission.

IP cameras are also capable of multistreaming, meaning the camera sends

multiple streams in different compression formats, such as H.264, MPEG-4,

and MJPEG. Each end device then accesses a suitable stream. An operator, for

example, can call up a high-resolution

MJPEG stream offering strong detailing

on his or her monitor, even while a

space-saving version in the H.264 format

is submitted for archiving. Machine vision cameras work with post-processed

data that has already been evaluated,

such as production statistics. The devices

also optimize equipment performance

and adapt the equipment to eliminate

recurrent errors. In general, the images

are only stored after inspection. 

Real-time capability, another functional distinction between the two technologies, means that image capture starts

immediately after a trigger signal has

been sent to the camera. Image data must

be acquired, transmitted, and evaluated

within a set timeframe. The requirements

Blurring the 

Boundaries: 

IP and Machine Vision

Cameras Converge

Industrial camera and IP camera systems are typically found within the same production environment,

carrying out their own specific tasks. 

Small and light cameras like the Basler

ace are especially well suited for use in

robotics applications.

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
66 www.techbriefs.com Imaging Technology, June 2014

for the maximum acceptable reaction

time between trigger signal and image acquisition can vary from microseconds up

to seconds. For industrial cameras, realtime images are a prerequisite. When inspecting components in a production

process, for example, the components

are transported on the conveyor belts at

high speed. For a precise inspection, the

camera must acquire the images as

quickly as the components are being

transported. Timing this precisely requires low latency: a small time delay between receiving the trigger signal and acquiring the image. Further, the time

delay must not vary; no jitter can affect

the moments of image acquisition. For an

application with high image rates (e.g.

300 images per second), the required latency times can only be microseconds. 

Similar requirements also exist outside

of the factory, especially in traffic applications. In speed control systems, the camera activity must be synchronized with

other system components, such as illumination devices. Many classic IP cameras

are not real-time capable. In typical surveillance situations, such as monitoring

the activity on a banking floor, the user

needs an automatically captured, continuous stream of images without the need

to trigger a camera. If a camera is set for

a frame rate of 30 frames (images) per

second, it will internally generate the signals required to initiate an image capture every 1/30th of a second. In some

other situations, however, it would be desirable to be able to trigger an image capture at a specific point in time. For example, in a traffic control situation the user

may want to trigger an image acquisition

immediately after a car passes a sensor

on a highway. 

Converging the Cameras

Despite the different technologies

and objectives, many applications are

compatible with both types of cameras.

There are now even solutions that operate IP cameras and GigE industrial cameras in one single Ethernet-based system

using the same software.

The setup is already daily practice in

the paper industry. Similar concepts are

also in place for steel and foil production.

Equipment used for these tasks typically

involves numerous sequential process

steps spread out over a physical space, including multiple sub-systems that need to

pass products like paper webs to one another. IP cameras monitor the individual

process steps and the transfer of the

product to the next machine. The network devices ensure optimal interplay between all equipment systems, identify

threats and sources of disruption, initiate

a production stop where necessary, and

generally help to optimize the machine

configurations. If, for example, problems

tend to arise in a given location, then the

engineers will know to give that area a

closer look. At the same time, classic cameras operate within the individual inline

systems and test for quality, completeness,

or dimensions.

Additionally, in the world of robotics,

machine vision systems have long been

used to “teach robots to see.” After all,

robot arms can only perform their highprecision gripping and positioning maneuvers once cameras and image processing tell them precisely where to move.

Small, light industrial cameras, like the

Basler ace, are typically used in robots.

The devices are ideal for “pick and place”

applications: gripping, mounting, and positioning tasks during computer chip assembly. Industrial cameras are also

needed for measurement and quality controls of the various product characteristics

between and during all production steps. 

Safety during the production process

is a prime concern for robotics applications. Previously, barriers were built to

prevent workers from entering into the

danger zones containing the rotating robots. The structures were expensive,

cumbersome, and inflexible. IP cameras

have changed the situation fundamentally. The network technologies can now

be placed around the robots to create a

“virtual cage” based on markings on the

floor. The camera monitors those

marked zones and is authorized to stop

the machine if material, or an employee,

enters into the robot’s working area.

In daily use, the boundaries between

the two camera technologies are largely

becoming blurred. IP cameras, which

classically have served in the monitoring

field, are more and more frequently

being used in industrial contexts to support process monitoring and production

workflows. Camera manufacturers are

also offering customers a range of cameras and accessories to ensure an optimal interplay between all components.

This article was written by Eva Tischendorf, Senior Communications Specialist at

Basler AG (Ahrensburg, Germany). For more

information, visit http://info.hotims.com/

49746-151.

Production robots in the automotive industry often combine both camera types: small and light industrial cameras inside the robots, and network cameras for process control.

IP and Machine Vision Cameras

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
68 www.techbriefs.com Imaging Technology, June 2014

Smart cameras have been used in

industrial applications for roughly

two and a half decades, but advances in processor technologies have

made the devices much more accessible

and popular within the past 7 years, especially in areas such as machine vision and

surveillance. However, when the term

smart camera is mentioned, a wide variety of ideas still come to mind among individuals because there is no widespread

agreement upon the definition of what a

smart camera technically is. It is generally agreed upon that the basics of a

smart camera include not only the image

sensor, but also some type of processing

chip: a CPU, DSP, FPGA, or other type of

processing device (see Figure 1). 

Today, however, even an off-the-shelf,

point & shoot digital camera has some

type of built-in image processing to remove the red eye effect, conduct facial

recognition, apply a filter, or perform

another type of image processing. So, if

the inclusion of a processor along with

an image sensor is not the defining attribute of a smart camera, what makes a

smart camera “smart?” The key lies in

the output. 

Unlike most cameras, the primary output of a smart camera is not an image,

but a decision or information. Since the

image processing or machine vision algorithm is done directly on the smart camera, the image does not need to be passed

onto a PC or another device. Instead, the

result of the processing can be passed directly to an operator or another device in

the system. For example, a smart camera

may be selected for use in an in-line inspection system for a manufacturing line.

The output of the smart camera could be

a pass/fail report over a network to a

database, a digital signal triggering a sorting system, or a serial command to a programmable logic controller (PLC).

A smart camera is a decision maker.

Still, if you conduct an internet search

for a smart camera, you will receive a

large variety of results with very different features and appearance options.

Let’s review some essential properties

of smart cameras and how they have

progressed:

Defining the Smart Camera

Figure 1. A smart camera typically includes an image sensor, processor, and some type of I/O. Other

features can be added, such as direct drive lighting control, industrial I/O, and a display port.

Figure 2. Most smart cameras come with relatively intuitive programming software, reducing the need

for an advanced knowledge of programming skills. The program should not only be easy-to-use, but

should also be flexible enough to scale to different hardware targets without a complete rewrite.

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
AT BASLER WE KNOW WHAT’S PRECIOUS TO OUR CUSTOMERS. From the time we 

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Processor Performance

As previously mentioned, the growing popularity of smart

cameras can mainly be attributed to the increase in processor performance over the past decade. A 1 MHz smart camera 15 years ago would have been four times the size and

cost of a >1 GHz smart camera of today. Many may be surprised when they realize the processing performance on

some smart cameras rival what can be done on PC-based systems. An in-line inspection application, for example, that

requires barcode reading, multiple geometric pattern

matching, color analysis, line detection, and particle analysis can be done with a yield of over 25 parts per second. Additionally, this type of application can include triggering,

lighting control, communication with other devices, and

display all within the same compact package. Smart cameras come with a range of available processors, including

DSPs, PowerPC-class, and Atom-class. There are also options with a mixed offering, such as a CPU with a DSP coprocessor for certain algorithms.

Size

One benefit to using a smart camera is that multiple components of a vision system are integrated into a single package, resulting in a small size and the potential to save a lot of

space. The top-of-the-line, high-performance smart cameras

keep getting faster without having to affect size, but the devices are also heading further into the low-end market. Reducing the functionality from an all-purpose smart camera to one

that is designed for specific algorithms, such as barcode verification/reading and optical character recognition (OCR), reduces the number of components and complexity. With sizes

smaller than 55 x 50 mm and weights of less than 60 grams,

these types of smart cameras have been significantly growing

in market availability.

Image Sensor 

Of course, a smart camera is still a camera and must acquire

images. Both CMOS and CCD sensors can be found in smart

cameras with resolutions of 5 MP, available in both color and

monochrome. Smart cameras are not just limited to area scan

anymore. Line-scan smart cameras are also available with frequencies over 10 kHz. While smart cameras do not cover the

full range of options as normal cameras, they feature some of

the most popular sensors. 

A key downfall with smart cameras, however, comes when an

application requires multiple image sensors connected to the

same processing unit. One way to solve the problem is to synchronize multiple smart cameras, but that can add significant

cost and complexity. In these cases, it is best to explore alternatives, such as compact vision systems or PC-based systems.

Software

Most smart cameras today come with relatively simple-to-use

software. Advanced knowledge of programming is not required to use the technology, but it is important to keep flexibility and scalability in mind. The investment to learn a new

piece of software and write an application should be a somewhat long-term one. That is, the software should scale with application requirements and future projects. 

Sensor and processor technologies are advancing rapidly, so

the best-case scenario takes place when the smart camera model

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70 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-759 Imaging Technology, June 2014

Figure 3. Smart cameras like the NI 1772 camera from National Instruments

have high IP ratings for protection against environmental exposures like

dust and water. Higher IP ratings are beneficial for applications in harsh environments, including outdoor monitoring and industrial vision inspection.

Smart Cameras

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and software are well integrated, but not

exclusive to each other. As a result, if you

change smart camera models to a new

version or need to move to a different

hardware platform, such as a PC or operating system, a complete rewrite of the

application or IP should not be required.

The operating system running on the

camera itself can also be a critical factor

as Windows-based smart cameras connected to a plant network may fall under

IT restrictions (see Figure 2).

Ruggedness 

The level of ruggedness required is

dependent upon the environment in

which the smart camera is to be deployed. It is important to note that many

applications take place in fairly harsh environments. In food inspection applications, for example, the cleaning process

washes all parts on the line, including

the camera. Smart cameras are available

with an IP rating of at least 67, which offers total protection against dust and

submersion in water up to 1 m deep (see

Figure 3). 

Integration 

Those who have completed a vision

application know that vision is often

part of a much larger system. Since the

primary output of a smart camera is a

decision, result, or some other information beyond an image, most smart cameras have built-in I/O to communicate

or control other devices in the system.

With industrial automation, the smart

camera may need to control actuators to

sort products; communicate inspection

results to a robot controller, PLC, or

programmable automation controller

(PAC); save images and data to network

servers; or communicate inspection parameters and results to a local or remote

user interface. With USB and display

ports, smart cameras can completely replace PC vision systems where an operator interface is required; the parts are

integrated in a single device. 

Often, for scientific imaging applications, the vision must integrate with motion stages, data acquisition systems, microscopes, specialized optics, and

advanced triggering. As a result, many

smart cameras today include I/O such as

industrial digital inputs and outputs, encoder inputs for image synchronization,

and communication ports. 

Models are also available with built-in

lighting, however, an integrated light cannot be independently positioned, and the

feature is useless if a backlight is used.

Built-in light controllers, an available alternative, can modify illumination directly

from the smart camera. To effectively

communicate to other devices, more and

more industrial communication protocols, including DeviceNet, EthernetIP,

and serial, are also being supported natively in smart cameras. It is therefore critical to understand how the smart camera

will best integrate into an overall system

(see Figure 4). 

Decision Making

With the capabilities of today’s smart

cameras, the adoption of these devices

continues to grow, and newer technologies are being integrated that could help

accelerate the growth. The devices, for

example, are moving into the 3D vision

space by providing solutions with multiple image sensors integrated into stereoscope or laser triangulation packages.

These days, smart cameras can come in

all shapes, sizes, and performance levels,

but there is still one attribute that still

defines them as smart cameras: the ability to perform image processing and

make decisions directly on the camera.

It is the decision making that makes a

camera smart, and with the potential

cost savings, ease of integration, and increasing performance, smart cameras

are a cutting-edge option for many vision applications.

This article was written by Carlton Heard,

Product Engineer – Vision Hardware and

Software, at National Instruments (Austin,

TX). For more information, visit http://info.

hotims.com/49746-152.

Figure 4. Since the primary output of a smart

camera is a decision or some type of signal other

than an image, many smart cameras include integrated I/O and communication ports: lighting,

digital I/O, serial, Ethernet, and USB buses, as

well as display ports for user interfaces.

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
72 www.techbriefs.com Imaging Technology, June 2014

Located in Texarkana, Texas, LibertyEylau Independent School District

(LEISD) has been serving communities

since 1886. Today, the district has more

than 2,700 K-12 students across six

schools, including a high school, a middle-intermediate school, an elementary

school, a primary school, a pre-K center,

and a School of Success. 

With safety being a core part of LEISD’s

vision statement, it is no surprise that district leaders strive to do all they can to ensure the safest school environments possible. In early 2013, however, the district

realized that it needed to make some serious improvements to its security infrastructure. According to Matt Fry, LEISD

Media Coordinator, 40 analog cameras

were being used district-wide, and some

campuses were not covered at all. 

“The cameras offered some basic coverage outside, but not a lot inside,” he

said. “Worse yet, they had very poor picture quality and big lag time lapses between frames, so we couldn’t really use

the video for much. We knew it was time

to update to a more modern, digital solution with a lot higher resolution.” 

Fry took these challenges to the TCEA

(Texas Computer Education Association)

conference in February 2013, where he

met security networking experts from DLink, a developer and manufacturer of

network solutions and IP surveillance,

who proposed a follow-up meeting to discuss the district’s specific needs. 

“We also wanted a system that was scalable so we could take it district-wide,

plus provide the ability to do remote

monitoring,” Fry said.

The Solution

Shortly after the conference, the team

brought in a local technology integrator,

CMC Network Solutions, and met on site

to examine the district’s existing network infrastructure and physical layout,

while discussing its specific IP surveillance requirements.

“Among other things, the district

needed the ability to archive video data

for up to 30 days, so they could review

incidents after the fact, if necessary,”

Indoor/Outdoor Cameras Improve School 

District’s Security 

Liberty-Eylau Independent School District utilizes D-Link switches (above) in conjunction with an array

of indoor/outdoor cameras and SAN arrays for its surveillance technology.

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
said Scott Broekemeier, Principal at the Plano, TX-based

CMC Network Solutions. “After the site survey, we created a

custom design that provided the performance, resolution,

and coverage they desired.”

Having reviewed bids from multiple providers, LEISD ultimately chose the technology from D-Link: IP cameras, switches,

video storage, and access control. The district purchased a complete 240-camera security system that included a mix of D-Link

IP indoor and outdoor cameras (most offering Full HD 2

megapixel resolution), as well as D-Link switches, SAN Storage,

Video Insight video management software, dedicated VMS

servers, and access control products for tighter security at doors

and entry points. D-Link Indoor Day and Night Dome IP Cameras also offer integrated mechanical IR filters and infrared

LEDs to allow the viewing and recording of video, even in complete darkness.

CMC Network Solutions hosts all of the traffic on a separate

VPN network, which does not conflict with the district’s existing data network traffic. Fortunately, CMC was able to use

some of LEISD’s existing fiber backbone, which helped keep

costs down.

IP Cameras in Action

The solution was installed over the summer, giving the district the surveillance it needed for when the new school year

began. The high-definition IP cameras provide higher-quality

video images and simplified remote monitoring — even from

mobile devices. Additionally, the new solution is making life

easier for the local police department.

“Officers really like

the mobile capability,

where they can access

video from their

phones or tablets and

see what’s happening

on campus,” said Fry.

“One time an officer

called because he noticed lights on in the

gym after hours.

Even though I was

out of town, I was

able to pull up video

images on my smartphone and see for

myself, so I could address the situation.” 

Thanks to the solution’s centralized management, each campus can keep a watchful eye on its own facility, while administrators at the district office can view video from all six campuses at the same time. The district is already planning to add

a few more to provide extra visibility and more zoom on a few

additional areas like entry gates. 

“This was a huge purchase for our school district; and since

we’re using taxpayer dollars, we take that very seriously,” said Fry. 

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-153.

The Liberty-Eylau Independent School District

currently uses over 100 DCS-6113 cameras

from D-Link, shown here. 

Imaging Technology, June 2014 www.techbriefs.com 73

Line-Scan Camera

The 3DPIXA 3D line scan color camera from Chromasens (Burlington,

MA) employs factory-calibrated stereo

engineering. To output both color images and 3D altitude data in real time,

the Chromasens 3DPIXA simultaneously captures two images of the same

object. Height and shape are calculated

using special algorithms running on

the GPU.

The cameras are available in two different principle designs: a compact system with a resolution of 15μm / 30 μm and a line frequency of

up to 22 kHz, and the 3DPIXA dual system with a resolution of e.g.

10μm and a line frequency of up to 50 kHz. The latter variant inspects

at speeds of up to 500mm/s, at 10 μm optical resolution. 

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-140

Frame Grabbers

The PIXCI® EB1mini frame grabber

from EPIX (Buffalo Grove, IL) captures

from any base Camera Link device. The

frame grabber includes trigger input, strobe

output, shutter control, bit-packing capability,

64 bit memory addressing, and video rate sequence capture. The XCAP-Lite imaging program, provided with the PIXCI® EB1mini, provides

control of image capture, as well as all board functions, through the Capture & Adjust Dialog. 

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-141

X-Ray CCD Cameras

Andor Technology (Belfast, UK) has announced the iKon-M SY and Newton SY series of CCD cameras. The ‘standalone’ detectors offer -100°C deep cooling,

optimized for the soft X-ray region. The

200-micron-thick Beryllium window blocks

unwanted lower energies and visible wavelengths, with

minimal beam hardening. The detectors are integrated and supported

in a range of third-party software using Andor’s SDK, including MATLab, LABView, and EPICs. 

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-142

Camera Link Selector

The CLM-602 Camera Link Multiplexer from Vivid Engineering

(Shrewsbury, MA) interfaces two

Camera Link cameras of any configuration (base, medium, full, 80-bit)

to one frame grabber. The CLM602 incorporates high-speed (85 MHz) interfaces. Multiple camera selection methods are provided, including rear-panel switch settings,

Camera Link interface signals (serial or camera control), and an external RS-232 port. The selector is housed in a sturdy, compact aluminum

enclosure.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-144

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
74 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

Product of the Month

The USB-2404-UI from Measurement Computing, Norton, MA, offers simultaneous sampling at

up to 100 S/s, per channel, on four 24-bit channels of universal analog input. The device is designed

for multi purpose testing, and can measure voltage, current, thermocouples, RTDs, resistance, and

bridge-based sensors. The device features a built-in thermistor for cold-junction compensation, and

a six-position spring terminal that allows different measurement types to be performed on each

channel. It includes channel-to-channel isolation to protect the entire system from harmful voltage

spikes and eliminate measurement errors caused by ground loops. It also includes 250 Vrms channel-to-chan nel and channel-to-ground isolation, and does not require an external power supply.

TracerDAQ® software acquires and displays data, and generates analog signals. 

 For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-120

Digital Oscilloscope

Rohde & Schwarz, Munich, Germany,

has introduced the R&S RTE digital

oscilloscope with bandwidths from

200 MHz to 1 GHz, and an acquisition

rate of more than one million waveforms

per second. The scope features a digital

trigger system with virtually no trigger jitter, a sampling rate of 5 Gsamples per second, maximum memory depth of 50 Msamples per channel, and a

10.4" XGA touchscreen. For Free Info Visit http://info.

hotims. com/49746-100

Electrical Safety Test Systems

Slaughter Co., Lake Forest, IL,

offers electrical safety test systems that

perform AC Hipot, DC Hipot,

Insulation Resistance, and Ground

Bond tests. The systems include a 2900

Series Hipot tester and 2600 Series

Ground Bond tester. Features include 10 test memory locations for

setup, edit, and recall of test settings for different types of DUTs; a

milliohm offset feature that allows users to factor out additional lead

and fixture resistance; and standard PLC I/O for remote control

applications. For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-101

High-Voltage Device Testing

Keithley Instruments, Cleveland,

OH, has introduced the Model 2290-

5 5kV and Model 2290-10 10kV

power supplies for high-voltage

device and materials testing. Both

power supplies have a built-in interlock circuit to disable the output voltage if a high-voltage test fixture’s

access door is not closed. Front panels provide voltage and current

output displays, as well as a third display that shows the user’s choice

of four settings: output voltage, voltage limit, current limit, or current trip. For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-102

Capacitance Manometer

MKS Instruments, Andover, MA,

has introduced the a-Baratron®

absolute capacitance manometer

that is internally heated to 45, 80, or

100 °C. It offers full-scale measurement ranges from 0.1 to 1,000 Torr.

The manometer can be configured

for both new and existing processing systems, operates on ±15VDC input voltage, and has a standard

0–10VDC analog output signal. For Free Info Visit http://info.

hotims.com/49746-103

Optical Micrometer

The LS-9000 series multi-axis optical micrometer from Keyence Corp.

of America, Itasca, IL, offers a standard sampling rate of 16,000 Hz and

repeatability of 1.2 millionths of an

inch. Other features are an LED system, HS-CMOS, and no moving parts

in its design. Incorporating a customdesigned vibration isolation system

within the head, the instrument is

able to resist damage from vibration and impact. For Free Info Visit

http://info.hotims.com/49746-104

Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Applicos BV, Heerde, The Netherlands,

has announced the AWG18 arbitrary waveform generator that features 18-bit resolution at a 300-Msps data rate. Users may

select interpolated oversampling at

600Msps or 1.2 Gsps. The generator

has two signal paths: one that starts at

DC for time-domain and general-purpose measurements, and one that runs from 10 to 100 MHz for

dynamic signal generation in the frequency range. For Free Info

Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-105

Product Focus: Test Instruments

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-764

Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-765 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-766 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-767

Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-762 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-763

ADHESIVE FOR

ADVANCED

APPLICATIONS

Master Bond EP79FL

adhesive is widely used

in the electronic, electrical, computer and semiconductor industries. It

offers high flexibility and outstanding bonding and

sealing properties while maintaining low volume

resistivity and shrinkage. EP79FL features a one to

one mix ratio by weight or volume making it easy to

handle. www.masterbond.com/tds/ep79fl

Master Bond, Inc.

INTERACTIVE

MECHANICAL

ENGINEERING

SHOWCASE

Explore the exciting new

COMSOL mechanical engineering showcase: video tutorials and stories about engineers and researchers demonstrate everything from

thermal stresses and deformations, to acoustics,

multibody dynamics, and more: www.comsol.com/

show/mech

COMSOL, Inc.

EVANSCAPS –

STUD MOUNTED

THQ & THS

HYBRIDS

Evanscap Stud Mounting

provides threaded mounting studs welded directly to

the leaded end of the capacitor. The studs are suitable

for insertion into a pre-drilled circuit board to provide

rigid support and stability for even high shock and

vibration applications. Studs are 0.312-56 CDA 75 in a

variety of standard lengths. Studs are available on any

THQ or THS Hybrid. Visit http://www.evanscap.com/

Stud-Mount-Hybrid-Caps.html; Call: 401-435-3555.

Evans Capacitor

PRECISION

DISPENSERS &

METERING PUMPS

Fluid Metering, Inc. offers a full

line of Dispensers and Metering

Pumps for Laboratory, Industrial

and OEM applications. FMI’s

unique piston-type positive displacement units feature no valves, low-dead volume, 1% accuracy and a

ceramic/fluorocarbon fluid path. Flows from 2.5

μl/dispense to flows of 4,600 ml/min with pressures

to 200 psig. Fluid Metering is certified as compliant

with ISO 9001 quality standards. Call toll free (800)

223-3388 or 1-(516) 922-6050; Fax: 1-(516)624-8261;

Email: pumps@fmipump.com; www.fmipump.com.

Fluid Metering Inc.

DATA ANALYSIS

AND GRAPHING

SOFTWARE

Founded in 1992, OriginLab

develops data analysis and

graphing software for users

in corporations, government

agencies, colleges, and universities worldwide. Its

flagship products, Origin and OriginPro, provide a

comprehensive solution for scientists and engineers

at any technical level to analyze, graph, and professionally present data. Origin version 9.1 is now available. www.originlab.com/91

OriginLab Corporation

LASER MICROMACHINING 

PhotoMachining, Inc.

performs precision laser

micromachining on a 

variety of different materials including plastics,

metals, glass, ceramics,

etc. Our eleven different

types of lasers allow us

wide flexibility to

address many applications. We also design and

manufac ture custom laser machine tools. Contact

sales@photomachining.com, or phone 603-882-

9944. www.photomachining.com

PhotoMachining, Inc.

NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 75

Varistors

The AUMOVTM Series of

low-voltage, high-surge-current, radial-leaded varistors

for automotive applications is

available from Littelfuse,

Chicago, IL. Maximum peak

surge current is rated up to 5KA (8/20 s pulse). The varistors offer a

voltage range of 16 to 50 VDC and are available in disc sizes of 5, 7, 10,

14, and 20 mm. For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-107

Embedded Computer Module

congatec, San Diego, CA, offers

the conga-MA3 COM Express Mini

Type 10 module based on the

Intel® AtomTM E3800 series processors. The module comes in four

different Intel Atom processorbased versions ranging from the

single-core Intel Atom E3815 with

1.46 GHz and power consumption

of 5 Watts, up to the quad-core

Intel Atom E3845 with 1.91 GHz and 10 Watts maximum power consumption. For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-108

Signal Editing Software

X-COM Systems, LLC, a

subsidiary of Bird Technolo -

gies, Reston, VA, has introduced RF Editor Version 3.0

graphical signal editing software that provides editing

capability for waveforms and

waveform segments that have

been captured over the air, offloaded from a signal analyzer, or created

in programs such as MATLAB. It allows users to manipulate I&Q data

files for RF signals of any length. For Free Info Visit http://info.

hotims.com/49746-109

Mezzanine Connectors

TE Connectivity, Harrisburg,

PA, has introduced the Mezalok

mezzanine connectors that feature

a stack height of 15 mm and a 320

position size, which fills a height

gap and adds additional pin density. The connectors are designed for mezzanine cards in rugged applications and are standardized as the interconnect for XMC 2.0 (VITA

61). For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-110

www.techbriefs.com

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Singai Krishnamoorthi 

Technical Specialist and Staff 

Engineer 

Tesla Motors

Jason Spera

CEO and Co-Founder

Aegis Software

Upcoming...

Webinars

Tesla Motors Utilizes Altair HyperStudy 

to Explore and Optimize Pedestrian 

Impact Performance

Tuesday, June 10, 2014, 2:00 pm ET

The design group at Tesla Motors has faced the challenge of meeting legal pedestrian impact requirements and the New Car

Assessment Program (NCAP) without affecting the vehicle styling. 

This Webinar will introduce the capabilities of Altair’s HyperStudy software for use in optimization and design exploration leading into

the analysis of Tesla use cases.

This 60-minute Webinar includes: 

• Live Q&A session

• Application Demo

• Access to archived event on demand

Presenters:

Fatma Koçer 

Director of Business 

Development, Math Solutions 

Altair

Please visit www.techbriefs.com/webinar212

Making Traceability a Competitive

Advantage, Instead of Burden

Thursday, June 12, 2014, 2:00 pm ET

Traceability has variable and narrow definitions depending on the industry, product, and application. 

This Webinar will discuss how a holistic approach to traceability yields invaluable process and product intelligence of such scope and

depth that real manufacturing improvement can be achieved by the managers and engineers responsible for the factories.

Presenter:

Please visit www.techbriefs.com/webinar213

This 30-minute Webinar includes: 

• Live Q&A session

• Application Demo

• Access to archived event on demand

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Dr. Mary Ann Meador

Glenn Research Center

Aerogels with Improved Properties for

Aeronautic and Space Applications

Thursday, June 19, 2014, 2:00 pm ET

Current aerogel products on the market today are silica–based and break down on handling, shedding small dust particles. 

In contrast, polyimide aerogels are flexible, mechanically robust, and do not shed dust. 

You will hear from the manager of NASA Glenn’s Technology Transfer and Commercialization Office, who will discuss the innovative

work being done at the center.

Presenters:

Please visit www.techbriefs.com/webinar214

Differentiated Technologies of Fluid Hoses

& Air Springs for Lower Total Cost of

Ownership

Tuesday, June 24, 2014, 2:00 pm ET

Today’s system designers and operators not only expect quality products, but also expect longer-lasting components that offer 

long-term value through extended mean time between failures. 

In this Webinar, learn how Continental’s ContiTech Division offers industrial hoses and air springs that exceed lifecycle expectations,

thus lowering the total cost of ownership of automated machinery, capital equipment, and off-highway vehicles.

This 60-minute Webinar includes: 

• Live Q&A session

• Application Demo

• Access to archived event on demand

Presenters:

Peter Tiedemann

ContiTech North America, Inc.

Product Sales Manager – 

Industrial Hoses, NAFTA Region

Please visit www.techbriefs.com/webinar215

Douglas A. Duesing, CFPS

ContiTech North America, Inc.

Product Manager – Industrial Air 

Springs, NAFTA Region

Testing Astronaut-Controlled Surface 

Robots from the International Space Station

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) are currently developing robots

that can be remotely operated on planetary surfaces by astronauts in orbiting spacecraft. 

In this Webinar, we summarize the tests that have been done to date, describe the tests that are being prepared for flight, and

discuss future directions for our work.

Presenters:

Terry Fong

Ph.D. Director

Intelligent Robotics Group

NASA Ames Research Center

Please visit www.techbriefs.com/webinar204

Philippe Schoonejans

Head of Robotics 

European Space Agency

Klaus Ehrenberger

Commercial Solutions

Business Development Manager

Hewlett-Packard EMEA

Munich, Germany

This 60-minute Webinar includes: 

• Live Q&A session • Application Demo • Access to archived event on demand

This 60-minute Webinar includes: 

• Live Q&A session

• Application Demo

• Access to archived event on demand

Amy Hiltabidel

Technology Transfer Specialist

Glenn Research Center

On Demand!

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
78 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

NASA’s 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

Selected technological strengths:

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/DeepSpace 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

www.techbriefs.com

NASA’s 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 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

Armstrong Flight Research Center

Selected technological strengths:

Aerodynamics; Aeronautics Flight Testing;

Aeropropulsion; Flight Systems; Thermal

Testing; Integrated Systems Test and

Validation.

Laura Fobel

(661) 276-3967

laura.j.fobel@nasa.gov

Glenn Research Center

Selected technological strengths:

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/DeepSpace Mission Engineering; Microspacecraft;

Space Communications; Information Systems;

Remote Sensing; Robotics.

Dan Broderick

(818) 354-1314

daniel.f.broderick@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.

Kathy Dezern

(757) 864-5704

kathy.a.dezern@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

www.techbriefs.com NASA’s Technology Transfer Program

NASA’s R&D efforts produce a robust supply of promising technologies with applications in many industries. A key mechanism in identifying commercial applications for this technology is NASA’s 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 technology transfer, development, and collaboration opportunities with NASA, visit technology.nasa.gov.

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at (408) 778-0300

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

Scott Williams

...........................................................................at (973) 545-2464

Rick Rosenberg

...........................................................................at (973) 545-2565

Reprints........................................................................Jill Kaletha 

.................................................................at (866) 879-9144, x168

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014 www.techbriefs.com 79

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

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Company Number Page

 Reader Service

Company Number Page

Aerotech Inc. ......................................................743 ..............................6

Aerotek................................................................702 ..............................2

Agilent Technologies..........................707, 728, 724 ..................9, 35, 41

AllMotion, Inc.....................................................744 ............................52

AutomationDirect ..............................................718 ............................23

Basler AG ............................................................758 ............................69

Bishop-Wisecarver Corp.....................................770 ............................1a

BitFlow, Inc. ........................................................759 ............................70

Bluebeam Software, Inc. ....................................711 ............................13

Boyd Coatings Research Co., Inc.......................734 ............................43

C-Flex Bearing Co., Inc. ....................................778 ..........................12a

Centricity Corporation ......................................777 ..........................11a

COMSOL, Inc.................................................712, 762 ............15, 75

Create the Future Design Contest ....................722 ............................29

Data Image Corp. USA ......................................755 ............................61

Data Translation ................................................720 ............................27

Dewetron Inc...................................................719 ..........................25

Digi-Key Corporation ......................................701 ......COV I, COV II

DSM ....................................................................714 ............................18

dSPACE, Inc. ......................................................706 ..............................7

Eagle Stainless Tube ..........................................735 ............................44

Edmund Optics ..................................................760 ............................71

Edwards Vacuum ................................................745 ............................50

ESI Motion ..........................................................779 ..........................13a

Evans Capacitor ..................................................763 ............................75

Fabco-Air, Inc. ....................................................774 ............................6a

FARO ..................................................................716 ............................20

Field Precision LLC............................................751 ............................59

FineLine Prototyping, Inc. ................................715 ............................19

Fluid Metering Inc. ............................................764 ............................75

HaydonKerk Motion Solutions ........................773 ..........................5a

Helical Products Co., Inc. ..................................772 ............................4a

Imagineering, Inc. ..............................................703 ..............................3

Indium Corporation ..........................................736, 738 ..............45, 47

International Rectifier ....................................727 ..........................34

Keil, Tools by ARM ............................................750 ............................58

Krohn-Hite Corporation ....................................754 ............................61

L.S. Starrett Company ........................................732 ............................51

Lin Engineering..................................................776 ............................9a

Lumenera Corporation......................................756 ............................65

Master Bond Inc. ................................................739, 765 ..............47, 75

MathWorks ..........................................................769....................COV IV

Measurement Computing Corp. ......................721 ..........................28

Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH....................746 ............................55

Minalex Corporation..........................................725 ............................32

Mouser Electronics, Inc...................................704 ............................5

National Instruments..........................................709 ............................11

National Reconnaissance Office........................726 ............................33

Newark/element14 ............................................768 ..................COV III

Newcomb Spring Corporation ..........................747 ............................56

Novotechnik........................................................708 ............................10

OriginLab Corporation......................................730, 766 ..............37, 75

Parker Hannifin Corporation............................717 ............................21

PennEngineering................................................742 ............................53

PhotoMachining Inc...........................................767 ............................75

Positronic Industries, Inc. ..................................710 ............................12

Pro-Dex, Inc. ......................................................775 ............................7a

Proto Labs, Inc. ..................................................731 ............................39

PTI Engineered Plastics, Inc. ............................713 ............................17

Schneider Electric Motion USA ........................771 ............................3a

Sealevel Systems, Inc...........................................723 ............................30

Seastrom Mfg. ....................................................748 ............................56

Smalley Steel Ring Company ............................741 ............................49

Stanford Research Systems, Inc. ........................733 ............................31

TAL Technologies Inc. ......................................752 ............................59

TDK-Lambda Americas Inc. ..............................749 ............................57

TE Connectivity — 

 Aerospace, Defense & Marine..........................729 ............................36

Tech Briefs TV........................................................................................62

Teledyne DALSA ................................................757 ............................67

US Space Foundation ........................................753 ............................60

Visumatic Industrial Products............................740 ............................40

Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company ........737 ............................46

yet2.com ..................................................................................................1

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Company Number Page

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Supplement to NASA Tech Briefs: 2 and 3.

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Spinoff

80 www.techbriefs.com NASA Tech Briefs, June 2014

Spinoff is NASA’s 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. 

I

n the 1990s, NASA scientists were

thinking of what astronauts would

need to survive long-term missions to

the Moon and other planets. One

important requirement was a dependable source of food, which could be

accomplished by astronauts growing

their own produce in space-age greenhouses. But cultivating crops in a sealedoff environment results in the buildup

of an undesirable gas called ethylene.

Plants release the odorless, colorless

fume into the air, which has the unfortunate effect of accelerating decay, hastening the wilting of flowers and the ripening of fruits and vegetables.

To address the problem, Marshall

Space Flight Center’s Space Product

Development Program funded the

Wisconsin Center for Space Automation

and Robotics at the University of

Wisconsin to develop plant growth chambers that included an ethylene reduction

device. In this “scrubber,” air is drawn

into tubes coated with thin layers of titanium dioxide (TiO2). When an ultraviolet (UV) light source located in the tubes

strikes the TiO2, the ethylene gets converted to water and carbon dioxide, both

of which are beneficial for plants.

The ethylene scrubber was first used

in 1995 aboard a Space Shuttle

Columbia mission, successfully preserving a crop of potato seedlings. Updated

versions of the device were subsequently

flown on several missions to the

International Space Station. 

While NASA’s main objective was to

get rid of ethylene, the scrubbers were

capable of purging all kinds of unwanted organic particles from the air.

Recognizing its powerful air purification

abilities, KES Science & Technology

(Kennesaw, GA) licensed the technology

from the University of Wisconsin. The

company then partnered with Akida

Holdings (Jacksonville, FL), which marketed the technology as Airocide.

In 2013, Airocide finally found its way

into people’s homes when Akida

Holdings adapted the technology for

home use by developing an eye-catching

portable unit with enough power to

purge an entire room of pathogens. The

Airocide unit is the only air purifier that

completely destroys airborne bacteria,

mold, fungi, mycotoxins, viruses, volatile

organic compounds, and odors. Grocery

stores and produce distribution facilities

now use it, in addition to a host of wineries, distilleries, and floral businesses. The

device has also found its way into refrigerators used for both homes and for distributing food aid to remote towns. In

hospitals and clinics, Airocide’s germkilling properties are used to purge the

air of harmful bacteria.

The home Airocide unit has a sleek,

glossy, rectangular body and can either

be mounted on a floor stand or hung on

a wall. Airocide works differently from

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)

filters, which are designed to capture

particles that are 0.3 microns across and

larger. Airocide is simple to operate —

just plug it into an outlet, turn it on, and

forget about it. The only upkeep

required is replacing the reaction chamber, which houses the UV light source,

every 12-14 months. There are high- and

low-intensity modes, as well as automatic, which alternates from high in the day

to low at night. 

According to users, the product helps

relieve symptoms associated with asthma, allergies, and sinus problems. 

Visit http://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2013/

cg_4.html for the full story.

Home Air Purifiers Eradicate Harmful Pathogens

An air scrubber used in space station plant growth helps you breathe easier at home.

The Airocide home unit can be placed on a flat

surface, hung on a wall, or mounted to a floor

stand.

Mizuna lettuce growing aboard the Intern ational

Space Station. Ethylene scrubbers are used to

remove the gas from the air, keeping vegetables

fresh in space.

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
" Access to the right technology is key 

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
RUN MATLAB

PROGRAMS

IN PARALLEL 

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If you can write a FOR-loop, you can 

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MATLAB programs to run on your multicore 

computer, GPU or cluster, with features for 

task-parallel and data-parallel programs.

Find it at

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datasheet

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
May–July 2014

Agilent 

Basic Instruments

Right Instrument. Right Expertise. 

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
2

Agilent and our network of Agilent Authorized Distributors 

have teamed up to provide fast, easy access to the 

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Eliminate the uncertainty and generate the signals you expect to see

When your tests demand a precise and predictably shaped signal, can you be 

sure your signal generator is outputting the signal you expect?

The drawbacks of DDS

Direct digital synthesis (DDS) is a simple and inexpensive method that produces 

approximations that are acceptably close to the ideal for many applications, which 

is why lower-cost waveform generators typically use this technology.

However, these signals are indeed approximations, which can create problems 

with harmonic distortion, jitter, aliasing, and even skipped points in the waveform.

Because DDS generators have a fixed sample clock, if they output one unique 

point for each sample clock, they would be able to output only one frequency. 

When a lower frequency is needed, the generator needs to use many clock cycles 

to output a single point and will repeat points. When a higher frequency is needed 

and the generator can’t output all of the points in waveform memory, it will skip 

over some points. The higher the frequency, the more points are skipped—and 

the less the output resembles the signal you expect to see.

Moreover, DDS generators use internal algorithms to determine which points are 

skipped. These algorithms put a priority the phase of a signal, which results in 

signals that don’t necessarily skip the same samples in every cycle. 

True signals with Trueform technology

Trueform waveform generators use proprietary technology that allows waveforms 

to be expressed with the same shape, regardless of frequency. Designers working 

with complex waveforms can use Trueform generators to generate signals with 

complex modulation and abnormalities. Digital waveforms with transients and 

pulses can be reproduced with the same characteristics every time.

Figure 1 shows an example of the dramatic differences between DDS and 

Trueform waveforms. Note the three small peaks in the Trueform signal and compare the DDS output; these signal characteristics are distorted or missing entirely.

Dramatic reduction in jitter

Another key benefit of the Trueform architecture is extremely low jitter. 

Cycle-to-cycle jitter for the new Agilent 33600A Series, for example, is specified 

at less than 1 ps for all waveforms, including arbitrary, sine, and square waves. 

That’s about 200 times less jitter than DDS-based generators (Figure 2).

Missing the point

Figure 3 illustrates the problem of missing points in DDS outputs. At 1 kHz, both 

generators were able to create an accurate waveform with all seven aberrations, but when the frequency was dialed up to 2 MHz, three of the seven signal 

features disappeared from the DDS output. At even higher frequencies, the aberrations can be become intermittent or distorted—or all of them can disappear 

completely.

To learn how to overcome your function generator challenges with 

Trueform technology, view videos and download free measurement briefs, 

visit www.agilent.com/find/trueformTC

Figure 1:

Signals at the same 

frequency created by a 

DDS generator (upper 

trace) and a Trueform 

generator (lower trace)

Figure 2:

This 40 MHz sine wave 

from the 33600A shows 

less than 800 femtoseconds of jitter.

Figure 3:

A DDS generator 

(upper trace) was 

unable to output all 

seven aberrations in 

this 2 MHz arbitrary 

waveform.

SPOTLIGHT

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
3

M E A S U R E M E N T

3

You need it when? Agilent distribution 

partners offer expedient delivery.

Need to visualize multiple instrument measurements simultaneously? Capture data, screen shots, 

or system states? Return your entire bench to an 

earlier state to replicate tests? Remotely monitor and control 

your bench with a mobile device? You can do it all with Agilent 

BenchVue. Data capture simplified: Click. Capture. Done.

 Frequency, frequency ratio, time interval, 

rise/fall time, phase, and much more

 Histograms, trending, data logging, and built-in 

math and statistical functions 

 53230A offers: 20 ps single-shot, burst microwave, and continuous gap-free measurements 

with time stamped edges

 Optional 6 or 15 GHz RF channel

 USB, GPIB and LAN (LXI) connectivity

 Sine, square, ramp, triangle, noise, pulse 

generation with variable edge, DC waveform, 

AM, FM, and more

 Linear and logarithmic sweeps and burst 

operation modes

 USB, GPIB and LAN (LXI) interfaces included

 BenchVue software compatibile

53200 Series RF and 

universal frequency 

counters

33200 Series 

waveform 

generators

High performance, multifunction counters cover the 

RF and microwave spectrum from 50 MHz to 46 GHz 

General purpose function generators with arbitrary 

waveform capabilities and high signal fidelity 

Model Key specifications

Price from 

(US)

33210A 10 MHz, 1-Ch, 14-bit, 50 MSa/s, 8 K point, 5 MHz pulse (optional arb) $1,321

33220A 20 MHz, 1-Ch, 14-bit, 50 MSa/s, 64 K point, 5 MHz pulse $2,487

33250A 80 MHz, 1-Ch, 12-bit, 200 MSa/s, 64 K point, 50 MHz pulse $4,953

33500B Series 

waveform 

generators

33600A Series 

waveform 

generators

Validate your most challenging designs with realistic 

test signals using exclusive Trueform technology 

Higher frequency with Trueform technology delivers 

unparalleled signal integrity.

Model Key specifications

Price 

from (US)

33509B (Arb optional), 33511B 20 MHz, 1-Ch, 20 MHz pulse $1,707

33510B (Arb optional), 33512B 20 MHz, 2-Ch, 20 MHz pulse $2,607

33519B (Arb optional), 33521B 30 MHz, 1-Ch, 30 MHz pulse $1,914

33520B (Arb optional), 33522B 30 MHz, 2-Ch, 30 MHz pulse $2,922

33502A Isolated amplifier, dual channel, 

50 V peak-to-peak

$2,812

WAVEFORM GENERATORS 

FREQUENCY COUNTERS

WAVEFORM GENERATORS 

FREQUENCY COUNTERS

 Superior graphical I-V Curve

 High sourcing and measurement resolution 

(61⁄2 digit)

 Wide output range (210 V / 3 A DC / 10.5 A pulse)

Price from (US): $6,133

 Ultra-low noise performance with the external 

low noise filter (10 μVrms)

 High sourcing resolution (61⁄2 digit, 100 nV/10 fA)

 Innovative sourcing capability such as ARB and 

DC emulation

Price from (US): $6,133

B2900A Series 

source measure 

units (SMUs)

B2960A Series 

low-noise power 

sources

Quickly and accurately evaluate your DUTs with 

precision/low-noise sourcing and easy-to-use GUI

 20 Hz to 300 kHz / 500 kHz / 1 MHz

 Exceptionally low noise at both low and high 

impedance to improve test quality; 0.05% basic 

impedance accuracy

 High speed at an affordable price: 12 ms (SHORT), 

118 ms (MED), 343 ms (LONG) @ 1 MHz

 16 impedance parameters

 100 μV to 2 Vrms, 1 μA to 20 mA variable 

test signal

 201-point programmable list sweep

Price from (US): $4,266

E4980AL precision 

LCR meter

Speed, accuracy, and measurement versatility

li t t

NEW

Model Key specifications

Price 

from (US)

33611A 80 MHz, 1-Ch 660 MSa/s arb, 60 MHz pulse $3,995

33612A 80 MHz, 2-Ch 660 MSa/s arb, 60 MHz pulse $5,695

33621A 120 MHz, 1-Ch 1 GSa/s arb, 100 MHz pulse $4,695

33622A 120 MHz, 2-Ch 1 GSa/s arb, 100 MHz pulse $6,695

Model Key specifications

Price from 

(US)

53210A 350 MHz RF frequency counter, 10 digits/s $2,165

53220A 350 MHz universal frequency counter/timer, 12 digits/s, 100 ps $2,507

53230A 350 MHz universal frequency counter/timer, 12 digits/s, 20 ps $3,918

 Exclusive Trueform technology generates 

high-fidelity, gap-free signals with very low 

jitter and low harmonic distortion

 Arbitrary waveforms: 4 M points (64 M optional), 

sequencing, and embedded editor

 Sine, square, ramp, triangle, noise, DC, AM, 

FM, PWM, Sum, PRBS, and more

 14 bits of resolution, 1 mVpp to 10 mVpp

 USB, LAN (LXI), and optional GPIB connectivity

 BenchVue software compatibile 

 Trueform waveform technology generates 

signals with the low jitter (<40 ps) and 

harmonic distortion (<0.04% THD)

 Arbitrary waveforms: 1 M points (16 M optional), 

sequencing, and embedded editor

 Sine, square, ramp, triangle, noise, DC, AM, 

FM, PWM, Sum, PRBS, and more

 16 bits of resolution, 1 mVpp to 10 Vpp 

 USB, GPIB and LAN (LXI) connectivity

 BenchVue software compatibile



Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
4

High performance DC power

Anticipate new demands with high speed, 

versatility, and accuracy

 Stable and accurate: these loads are 

easy to integrate into your test system

 Automated command list execution 

reduces workload on system controller

 1800 W mainframe accepts up to six 150 

to 600 W modules for simultaneous testing

 Maximum inputs up to 240 V and 120 A 

 GPIB connectivity

Price from (US): $1,833

N3300 DC 

electronic load 

mainframe

POWER SUPPLIES

For applications that require precise, accurate 

measurements and efficient analysis of AC power

 One-box solutions provide generation, measurement, and AC power analysis by combining 

the capabilities of a multimeter, oscilloscope, 

harmonic analyzer, arbitrary waveform generator, and power analyzer

 Available in 375, 750, and 1750 VA models, 

with 300 Vrms, 3.25 to 13 Arms, and 40 to 

80 A peak

Price from (US): $7,610

6810B Series AC 

power sources/

power analyzers

High value

Solid performance and robust features help you 

achieve more on lower budgets

 Basic, high-power, single-output power 

supplies

 45 affordable models in compact 1 U (750 and 

1500 W) and 2 U (3.3 and 5 kW) packages

 Up to 600 V or up to 400 A

 Programmability and built-in V & I measurements simplify test set ups

 USB, GPIB and LAN (LXI) connectivity

Price from (US): $2,611

N5700 and N8700 

Series system 

DC power supplies

 Autoranging to do the job of multiple 

power supplies

 240 or 1200 W output, up to 500 V and 

up to 120 A

 Programmability and built-in V & I 

measurements simplify test setups 

 GPIB connectivity

Price from (US): $5,338

6030 Series 

basic autoranging 

DC supplies

 5 kW and 10 kW basic, single-output, 

autoranging programmable DC power for 

ATE applications

 Just the right amount of performance at just 

the right price

 18 models that offer up to 1000 V or 340 A

 Easily parallel units to create “one” power 

supply with 100 kW of power 

 USB, GPIB, LAN (LXI) connectivity and analog 

programming

Price from (US): $7,722

N8900 Series 

autoranging 

high-power 

system supplies

 The free Agilent Power Product Catalog

helps you choose your instrument by the number of outputs, 

output power characteristics, packaging, special features 

and application specific solutions. 

www.agilent.com/find/highpower

Agilent offers more than 

300 power products to meet 

your specific needs.

DC POWER SUPPLIES

6600 Series 

high-performance 

DC supplies

 Fast, low-noise outputs improve 

measurement accuracy and test throughout

 40 to 6600 W, single output, up to 120 V, 

and up to 875 A

 Programmability and built-in V & I 

measurements simplify test setups

 GPIB connectivity

Price from (US): $2,488

Th

helps you choose you

 T

N6700 

low-profile 

modular 

power system

 Ideal DC power supply solution for automated 

test systems: small, fast, and flexible

 Small 1 U high mainframe (400, 600, 1200 W) 

with slots for up to 4 programmable DC 

power modules

 Mix and match the performance you need 

with your choice of over 30 programmable 

DC power modules: basic, high performance, 

and precision (mA and μA); available in 50, 

100, 300, and 500 W

 USB, GPIB and LAN (LXI) connectivity

 BenchVue software compatible 

Price from (US): $2,627



E3600 Series 

DC power supplies

 Output noise as low as 1mVp-p/0.2mVrms

 Tight 0.01% load and line regulation

 Fast load transient response time (<50 μs)

 30 to 200 W outputs

 BenchVue software compatible 

Price from (US): $657



N6705B DC 

power analyzer

 Get deep insight into DUT power consumption— 

without assembling a complex test system

 Integrate up to four DC programmable power 

modules with DMM, scope, arb, and data 

logger features; up to 600 W total power

 New source/measure units and applicationspecific modules for battery-drain analysis, 

functional test and more

 USB, GPIB and LAN (LXI) connectivity

 BenchVue software compatible 

Price from (US): $7,471



Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
5

Configure a low-cost, high-performance RF solution 

for wireless transceiver measurements by pairing a 

N9320B/N9322C spectrum analyzer with the N9310A 

RF signal generator using a 33500B/33600A Series 

waveform generator as its modulation input. You can 

measure any wireless connectivity device with ASK, 

FSK, or GFSK modulation across a range of industrial, 

automotive, and consumer electronics.

M E A S U R E M E N T

Agilent distribution partners: fast, local 

response with a direct line to Agilent’s 

test and measurement experts

 Low-cost, 3-slot unit with 61⁄2 digit DMM and 

built-in signal conditioning 

 Choose from 8 plug-in modules, up to 120 

1-wire (60 2-wire) channels or 96 cross points

 BenchLink Data Logger software included, 

optional 34830A BenchLink Data Logger Pro

 GPIB & RS-232 connectivity (34970A) 

USB & LAN (LXI) connectivity (34972A)—

built-in web interface for easy control

Price from (US): $1,745/$2,015

Model Key specifications

34901A/02A/08A 

multiplexers Up to 300 V, 16, 20, or 40 channels

34903A GP switch 300 V, 20 actuator channels

34904A matrix 4x8 matrix 

34905A/06A 

RF switches 2 GHz dual, 50 and 75 Ω 

34907A multi-function DIO, DAC, totalizer 

Model Key specifications

34921A–34925A 

multiplexer switch modules Up to 300 V, 40, 70, or 80 channels

34937A–34939A 

GP switch modules Up to 64 channels, 5 A, 300 V

34931A–34934A 

matrix switch modules Up to 512 crosspoints per module

34941A–34947A RF & 

μWave switch modules Up to 26.5 GHz bandwidth

34950A–34952A 

system control modules

DIO, DAC, totalizer, frequency 

period, counter

34970A/72A plug-in modules

34980A plug-in modules

 High performance, 8-slot mainframe with 

61⁄2 digit DMM and built-in signal conditioning 

 Choose from 21 plug-in modules, up to 1024 

1-wire (560 2-wire) channels or 4096 cross pts.

 Optional 34832A BenchLink Data Logger Pro

 GPIB, USB,LAN (LXI) connectivity—

built-in web interface for easy control

Price from (US): $2,803

34980A 

multi-function 

switch/ 

measurement unit

N9310A 

RF signal generator

34970A/72A 

data acquisition 

switch units

Modular flexibility and universal channels for a 

wide range of measurements with no external 

signal conditioning

DATA ACQUISITION/SWITCH UNITS

Achieve more on a tight budget: Solid performance 

with robust measurement features

Professional performance and compact size 

for general purpose testing needs

 Frequency range: 25 MHz to 4 GHz

 3.0 ms/data point sweep time

 VSWR/return loss/cable loss; distance-to-fault

 4-hour battery life

Price from (US): $5,248

N9330B handheld 

cable and antenna 

tester

 Frequency range: 9 kHz to 3 GHz

 One-button features: channel power, ACPR, 

OBW, field strength, spectrum emission mask

 3 GHz tracking generator: insertion loss, 

amplifier gain, filter passband

 AM/FM IBOC and xDSL measurement

Price from (US): $8,599

N9340B handheld 

spectrum analyzer 

(HSA)

SPECTRUM ANALYZERS

RF SIGNAL GENERATORS

N9320B 

basic spectrum 

analyzer (BSA)

 Frequency range: 9 kHz to 3 GHz

 DANL: -148 dBm with pre-amp on

 RBW: 10 Hz to 1 MHz

 LAN, GPIB, and USB connectivity

 3 GHz tracking generator

 PowerSuite: channel power, occupied 

bandwidth, and more 

 AM/FM and ASK/FSK demodulation analysis

 Free remote control PC software

 BenchVue software compatible 

Price from (US): $8,452



P

N9322C 

basic spectrum 

analyzer (BSA)

 Frequency range: 9 kHz to 7 GHz

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
High-Temperature Actuators for Aircraft Propulsion Systems......................................IIa

Probe Positioning System for Antenna Range ...............................................................6a

Fluidic Actuators with No Moving Parts .........................................................................7a

Submersible Pressure Transducer for 

Tank Fluid Level Monitoring ............................................................................................8a

New Products ..................................................................................................................10a

www.techbriefs.com/motion

June 2014

Supplement to Supplement to NASA Tech Briefs

HAWE Hydraulics’ loadsensing valves are designed

for both fixed and variable

displacement systems. 

See page 10a.

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
IIa www.techbriefs.com/motion Motion Control and Automation Technology, June 2014

Future “more electric aircraft”

(MEA) will require electric actuation systems for control surfaces

and engine controls. Electric motors,

drive electronics, and mechanisms are

essential elements of aircraft actuation

in MEAs that incorporate ElectroMagnetic Actuators (EMAs). High-temperature environments experienced in

aircraft applications place demands on

actuator components, materials, and

insulation systems that dictate the use of

new technologies and materials. 

High Temperature Electromagnetic

Actuator (HTEMA) options for hightemperature aircraft environments

include appropriate motor types, drive

and control electronics, mechanisms,

materials, and construction methods.

These options are evaluated to identify

candidates that meet the challenges of

tomorrow’s MEA actuators. 

Efforts to design, build, and test a prototype demonstrating a high-temperature, high-reliability class of all-electromagnetic actuator design with minimal/no heat load on aircraft cooling systems are ongoing. Size and weight goals

are consistent with the aircraft engine

limits. The key technical aspects being

addressed include operation in the high

temperature and vibration environment, actuator force, power, weight, size,

efficiency, speed, stroke, mechanical

robustness and reliability, lifecycle cost,

failure modes and effects, and maintenance predictions.

Engine nozzle actuation is presently

accomplished using fuel as a hydraulic

working fluid (fueldraulic actuation) for

the current-generation engine actuators. While the nozzle actuation has a

low duty cycle, the heat generated is continuous and presents a significant load

on the ircraft/engine thermal management system. 

An electrically driven actuator can

reduce the heat load of the aircraft. The

present engine fueldraulic actuators and

aircraft fuel systems are highly interrelated, leading to a challenging thermal management problem that has an

impact on aircraft performance.

Elimination of this fuel heat load

reduces the fuel system’s thermal issues.

High-temperature, electromagnetic

actuator component solutions that meet

the technology challenges and performance requirements for an actuator system operating engine nozzle actuation

have been identified.

Convergent Nozzle Actuation

The design and development of

HTEMA technology for a Convergent

Nozzle Actuation System (CNAS) actuator has been completed. The CNAS is

the first critical application of the

HTEMA technology, providing the

power to position the nozzle as required

for the pilot-selected engine Power Level

Angle (PLA). The CNAS actuators are

mounted to the aft end of the engine.

Current fueldraulic actuators for the

CNAS are limited by the actuator O-ring

material. In the CNAS application, fluid

temperature limits approach 325 °F and

seal temperature limits approach 400 °F.

The current engine actuators are able to

operate in a temperature environment

approaching 325 °F continually and up

to 560 °F for transients of 10 seconds by

using the hydraulic fluid (fuel) as a

means of cooling.

The CNAS actuators have a linear

stroke of 4", a combined stall load (for 4

actuators) of 42,000 lbf, and weigh

about 52 lbm (actuation system hardware including routing). Envelope goals

provided by the AFRL are 11 × 2.5 × 6.5".

The power type is 270 VDC. 

Key technologies evaluated included

motor, insulation, bearings, electronics,

gearing, cooling, and signals and sensors

for a notional actuator. The best candidates for detailed design and optimization were identified. 

The notional CNAS HTEMA employs

five actuators, each capable of 10,500 lbs

(46.7 kN) of force, producing a total of

42,000 lbs (186.8 kN) with one actuator

missing. Given the requirement for an

electromagnetic solution, a direct drive

actuator was considered first. Aerospace

machines typically develop a pressure of

3-5 psi2 in the air gap due to magnetic

High-Temperature 

Actuators for Aircraft

Propulsion Systems

Figure 1: HTEMA actuator package (left) and interior view.

High-Temperature 

Actuators for Aircraft

Propulsion Systems

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
GROUP

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
2a www.techbriefs.com/motion Motion Control and Automation Technology, June 2014

fields. This dictates a gap area of at least

2.1 × 103 square inches is needed to generate the required force. Based on the 5

psi curve, an actuator with an 18" gap

diameter has roughly a 2' outer diameter

and 3' length. An approximate actuator

weight would be greater than 1,000

pounds, which is clearly unacceptable.

Given the envelope requirement of 

11 × 2.5 × 6.5", an 11"-long machine

would have over a 60" diameter, an unacceptable result.

Therefore, the CNAS application

requires mechanical advantage to

decrease the required electromagnetic

actuator force and size, while increasing

speed. The Navy investigated electromagnetic actuator replacements for

hydraulic cylinders and found planetary

roller screws to be a good candidate for

rotor-to-linear conversion and mechanical advantage. Typical COTS roller

screw ratings indicate a screw diameter

in the 30- to 48-mm (~1.2 to 1.9") range

is appropriate. 

Inclusion of a single-pass, 5 to 1 planetary gear between the planetary roller

screw and motor improves this situation. COTS planetary gears show a significant performance advantage for a

small weight (<2.8 lbs). Issues with dry

lubrication, life, and seals must be

addressed in a custom detailed design

for this high-temperature application.

However, this information is sufficient

for trade studies. Assuming a ~3:1

length-to-diameter ratio, the motor

weight is less than 12 pounds. 

Harmonic drives were considered for

higher gear ratios in smaller packages.

However, concerns about the ability to

back-drive the unit in some failure

modes prevented inclusion in the baseline design. Magnetic gearing is also an

option but concerns about permanent

magnet (PM) demagnetization during

flux reversals at high temperature were

considered high risk.

Care must be exercised in the lead

screw and gear ratio selection if the

actuator must be back-driven with the

power off. There is a critical angle in

lead screws where the unit will act as a

friction lock at and below the critical

value. Similarly, the gearing will multiply any drag and cogging torques present in the motor, which can also inhibit

the ability to back-drive an actuator. It is

important to keep this in mind during

detailed trades.

Baseline Actuator Concept

The system design includes the following key components and technologies:

roller screw, planetary gearing, hightemperature coatings, high-temperature

motor materials and insulation system,

high-temperature power electronics,

and sensors.

Several motor types have been considered with high efficiency and minimal weight and volume. These include

surface mount PM, Halbach Array PM,

buried magnet PM, and hybrid stepper.

Others that do not require PMs

include wound rotor DC (brush and

brushless), variable or switched reluctance (VR or SR) machines, and squirrel cage induction motors. Trades have

identified brushless DC PM and SR

machines are of primary interest. Both

motors can use sensorless commutation methods. A VR resolver can be

incorporated in the design if required

for control feedback.

VR motors are robust with simple

windings, facilitating application of

high-temperature insulation. Because

VR motors have no permanent magnets,

they do not generate a back Electro

Motive Force (EMF) voltage when

Figure 2: HTEMA representation in Simulink.

High-Temperature Actuators

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49-

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
unpowered, which may be advantageous

in some failure modes. 

The PM motor design includes a band

to contain the surface-mount PMs. VR

machines do not require such containment requirements, but have quite small

mechanical gaps that must be maintained over temperature and life. Both

machines can be back-driven, with VR

machines having an advantage of no

back EMF generated when unpowered.

This may be an advantage in failure

modes and effects analyses (FMEA).

Given the motor is used in an aircraft

application, high-saturation flux density

lamination material is highly desirable.

Brushless DC PM motors provide

excellent efficiency with high bandwidth

for servo applications. Brushless commutation is appropriate for life, reliability, and maintenance issues. High motor

pole count is a big factor in minimizing

weight. Maximum slew rate, speed,

switching speed, and/or geometry will

be the limiting factor, but the higher the

number of poles, the better.

Mechanical gears are a mature technology with a long and rich history.

When properly designed, applied, and

maintained, they can provide long, failure-free performance. In addition, cost

and manpower limitations are pushing

hardware toward more robust, no-maintenance technologies.

Planetary gears were selected in the

baseline design for their power-dense,

high-torque transmission capacity and

form factor. A COTS gearhead was identified with 5:1 gear ratio in a single pass.

Modifications to the COTS gearhead

with a 98- 95% efficiency for a single pass

and 150,000 to 200,000 hours of life at

room temperature to meet the hightemperature environment are anticipated. Flex spline or harmonic drives can

also be used if failure modes and effects

analyses show their inability to be backdriven is not an issue.

A simulation study of HTEMA was performed based on flow-down requirements. The simulation tool used was

Simulink together with its

SimPowerSystems (SPS) toolbox from

MathWorks. Instead of using SPS library

models, custom models were created for

the permanent magnet synchronous

motor, the motor drive, and some of the

mechanical elements. The main reason

for creating custom models is that the

existing SPS models do not provide the

flexibility needed for detailed study of

the HTEMA.

As shown in Figure 2, a nested controller structure is used to provide the

servo performance. The outermost control loop is the position controller,

which generates the motor speed reference used by the speed controller. The

speed controller calculates the motor

current reference, and the innermost

current controller regulates the motor

current to follow this reference.

Key elements of the HTEMA have

been investigated, and the baseline

design meets the space, weight, and performance requirements. Development

continues to mature the HTEMA system

for the CNAS application, perform

detailed design, build and test a prototype unit, and validate analytical models. This work will lead to efforts that

transition the HTEMA to military flightcertified hardware supporting future

engine upgrades and commercial aviation applications.

This article was written by Gerald Foshage,

Richard Young, Yuntao Xu, Edward Wagner,

and Dennis Mahoney of RCT Systems

(Linthicum Heights, MD); and Alireza R.

Behbahani of the Air Force Research

Laboratory. For more information, visit

http://info.hotims.com/49746-320.

4a Motion Control and Automation Technology, June 2014

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High-Temperature Actuators

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Haydon Products Division

1500 Meriden Road

Waterbury, CT 06705 U.S.A. 

Telephone: 203.756.7441

Fax: 203.756.8724

Kerk Products Division

1 Kerk Drive

Hollis, NH 03049 U.S.A. 

Telephone: 603.465.7227

Fax: 603.465.3598

Call 1.8OO.243.2715

www.HaydonKerk.com

Haydon Kerk Linear Actuators...

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Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions hybrid and can-stack linear actuators continue to offer equipment designers new motion control 

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
In situ measurements of antenna patterns on rovers in a simulated terrain are

difficult to make with conventional

antenna range techniques. The desired

pattern data covers a hemisphere above

the antenna of interest, which is close to

the ground. This is incompatible with

traditional measurements that place the

antenna under test on a movable support that tilts and rotates.

The solution is to suspend the probe

from three or more flexible cables

attached to computer-controlled winches that are supported above the test volume. By varying the length of the cables,

the position of the probe can be moved

anywhere in the test volume. A separate

metrology system can be used to

increase the accuracy of knowledge of

the probe position and orientation.

The probe carrier, at the junction of

the suspension cables, has actuators to

alter the probe orientation. Power is

supplied by passing current through

the suspension cables, or by battery

power on the probe carrier. Multiple

sets of cables and probe platforms can

be used to simulate multiple orbiting

assets. The probe can be a transmitter,

a receiver, or both, and can be at any

frequency that is needed for the test

scenario. A calibration reference, for

phase and/or amplitude, can be transmitted to the probe carrier by RF, optical, or wired means.

This technology has been used to “fly”

a video or film camera over a football

stadium, but has never been used for

antenna measurements or simulation of

moving sources over an area. For lowprecision applications, the lengths of the

cables can be mathematically transformed into the position of the probe.

An external tracking system, using optical or RF means, can be used for higher

precision. Closed loop control can be

implemented from the tracking system

to the winch controllers to allow very

precise and repeatable control of the

position of the probe.

The cables can be made of any reasonably strong material, although materials with low elasticity (e.g. Kevlar or

Spectra) are preferred for precision

positioning. Steel cables have been used

in the commercial flying camera applications. However, a non-conductive

cable has significant advantages for the

antenna and RF application, since it

does not perturb the RF fields as much

as a conductive cable; however, with

suitable probe design, a conductive

cable may be acceptable. Non-conductive cables improve safety, since the

cables won’t conduct dangerous voltages or currents, as from an inadvertent

contact with some energized conductor

or lightning.

Power for the probe is provided either

by batteries, solar cells, or other means.

If it is desired to use conductive support

cables, they can be used to carry power.

In this case, the addition of suitable RF

absorbing materials may be needed to

6a Motion Control and Automation Technology, June 2014

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Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-774

Probe Positioning System for Antenna Range

Three or more cables provide the desired positioning.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Motion Control and Automation Technology

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Motion Control and Automation Technology, June 2014 Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-775 7a

reduce the effect on the measurement

accuracies. Control and telemetry signals from the moving probe can be carried by an optical fiber or other wireless

means. While three cables are the minimum to provide the desired positioning,

the use of more cables can provide a

wider range of motion, and can allow

positioning of the orientation of the

probe.

This work was done by James P. Lux of

Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

For more information, download the

Technical Support Package (free white

paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the

Mechanics/Machinery category. NPO-44090

Fluidic Actuators with No Moving Parts 

Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia

Two new fluidic actuator designs were

developed to control fluid flow in ways

that will ultimately result in improved system performance and fuel efficiency in

toimprove the aerodynamic performance

of a variety of vehicles. These flow control

actuators, often referred to as fluidic oscillators or sweeping jet actuators, utilize the

Coanda effect to generate spatially oscillating bursts (or jets). They can be embedded directly into a control surface (such

as a wing or a turbine blade) to help

reduce flow separation, increase lift,

reduce drag, enhance mixing, or increase

heat transfer. Recent studies show up to a

60% performance enhancement (such as

increased lift or reduced drag) with fluidic actuators. 

One of the actuator designs effectively

decouples the oscillation frequency from

the amplitude (i.e. mass flow through the

actuator). A decoupled actuator can deliver

high mass flow rates without changing the

frequency, or deliver high- or low-frequency

oscillating jets at minimal mass flow rates.

The second actuator design enables inphase or anti-phase synchronization of the

oscillating jets. This overcomes issues

caused by the random oscillation of individual actuators when they are used in an array

of actuators, and has particular benefit for

flow-control applications. These new

designs will provide better control authority

over the fluidic actuator, increased actuator

efficiency, decreased mass flow, and

improved system performance.

The new actuator designs do not

require any additional equipment—

oscillations, decoupling, and synchronization are achieved in a passive manner, entirely via internal flow dynamics.

Since these actuators have simple and

compact structure and do not have any

moving parts, they are basically maintenance-free, and highly scalable. They

can be manufactured from many different materials and therefore can also be

used in harsh environments. 

This work was done by Mehti Koklu of

Langley Research Center. For more information, download the Technical Support Package

(free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp

under the Mechanics/Machinery category.

LAR-18089-1/90-1

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
8a www.techbriefs.com/motion Motion Control and Automation Technology, June 2014

Applications

Submersible Pressure Transducer for Tank Fluid 

Level Monitoring 

Monitoring the level of liquid can be

accomplished through the use of a

pressure transducer. The density of the

liquid and its height create pressure on

the diaphragm of the pressure transducer to generate an accurate and cost-effective level measurement. Generally, pressure transducers can be used for level

measurement from 10 inches of water

column up to 10,000 PSI (700 bar).

Designed with stainless steel and

Hytrel materials, submersible pressure

transducers are reliable, cost-effective

instruments to measure the level of various liquids including water and diesel.

These pressure sensors are an ideal

choice for mobile applications such as

ships, train cars, or when the tank is

transported between locations such as

for construction sites, chemical totes for

industrial processing, or well site injection chemicals. 

A variety of factors should be considered when installing a submersible pressure transducer in a tank. The figure

shows one installation method used by

American Sensor Technologies for its

AST4510 submersible transducer using

a rigid pipe. The transducer comes standard with a 1/2" NPT male conduit connection at the base of the cable connection. In tanks that are turbulent due to

an inlet/fill pipe or the use of an agitator, the transducer can have rigid plastic

or metal conduit installed over the

cable to prevent sensor movement within the tank. 

The conduit over the cable is mounted to a bung at the top of the tank. Parts

that thread onto a 1.5" female NPT

bung and have a 1/2" female NPT

thread can mate the ridid conduit. The

cable exits the tank and is held in place

by a cord grip that runs to the control

box. The same cable grip can be used at

the junction box, ensuring that the vent

tube is clear. Depending on hazardous

location requirements, this can be in the

non-hazardous area with connection to

the intrinsically safe barrier. In this

example, it is expected that the junction

box is properly vented to the atmosphere to prevent water ingress.

In this application, the pressure sensor was installed above the base of the

bottom of the tank. As sludge and silt

tend to line the bottom of the tank, a

height of 100 millimeters was calculated

to ensure the process connection did

not clog over time. The diaphragm of

the transducer is close to the top of the

process connection hex, so operators

can calculate the offset from when the

tank is empty. 

Other applications may have the submersible pressure transducer installed

directly into an intrinsically safe radio

device at the top of the tank. This

reduces the cost of the transducer, as

less cable and less time are required for

the installation. With shorter cable

lengths, a voltage output signal with low

current consumption is an option if the

system is battery operated. Less current

consumption means longer battery life

and less maintenance.

This article was contributed by American

Sensor Technologies (AST), Mount Olive, NJ.

For more information, visit http://info.

hotims.com/49746-322.

Applications

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Proven Application Support,

Performance, and Quality

Extensive Product Line 

& Value Added Services

Unrivaled Application Support

x98% application success rate

x95% of prototypes shipped in less than 1 week

Why Every Day More Engineers 

Choose Lin Engineering

Why Lin?

High Performance

xHighest torque output 

xHigh accuracy = no skipping steps

xReduced vibration and resonance

Reliable Quality

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Satisfied Customers

Customers in 2004 Customers in 2014

Over the past decade, Lin Engineering has 

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“Leader in Step Motor Technology.”

The Step Motor Specialists

The Step Motor Specialists

16245 Vineyard Blvd., Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Tel. (408) 919-0200 - Fax: (408) 919-0201

Email: sales@linengineering.com

Website: www.linengineering.com

xStepper Motors ranging from NEMA 8 to NEMA 34

xThe most complete line of high accuracy and low 

resonance 0.9 degree stepper motors

xValue added options such as: configurable shafts, 

 windings, and cable assemblies

xStepper Motors for vacuum, laboratory, and 

 wash-down environments 

Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-776

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
10a www.techbriefs.com/motion Motion Control and Automation Technology, June 2014

Products NEW

Drive Kits

Avnet Electronics Marketing (Phoenix, AZ) offers the Zynq®-

7000 All Programmable SoC/Analog Devices Intelligent

Drives Kit for prototyping motor control applications. Combining the Xilinx® Zynq7000 All Program mable SoC

ARM® dual-core CortexTM-A9

+ 28 nm programmable

logic with the Analog

Devices data converters

and digital isolation, the

kit enables motor control

and dual Gigabit Ethernet

industrial networking connectivity. The kit is supported by Simulink®, Embedded Coder®, and HDL

CoderTM from MathWorks, allowing engineers to use an integrated

hardware/software workflow to prototype on hardware directly from

Simulink and deploy into production using the Xilinx Vivado® Design

Suite. A pre-built Zynq reference design of Field Oriented Control features Analog Devices Ubuntu Linux framework to provide an infrastructure for designers to build their own control algorithms.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-300

Step Motors 

Applied Motion Products (Watsonville,

CA) has announced the HT range of step

motors for DC powered drives available

with 10' shielded cables. The motors are

available in single- or double-shaft versions with additional encoder or encoder

and cover options. The motors are suitable for rugged and industrial applications with stepper drives. HT23-598,

HT23-601, and HT34-506 are designed

for the ST and STR series DC stepper

drives. HT23-552/553/554 and HT34-

495/496/497 are designed for the STAC5

and STAC6 high-voltage AC stepper drives.

The motors are available with a single shaft or dual shafts. The YAA

and ZAA versions include a 2,000-line (8,000-count/turn) optical

encoder with differential output signals for noise immunity. The YAC

and ZAC versions include a rugged metal housing and 10' strainrelieved, shielded cable. The encoders support position verification,

stall detection, and stall prevention.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-301

Actuator

NB Corp. (Hanover Park, IL)

offers the BG compact, single-axis

actuator with a U-shaped integrated

slide and ball screw. The actuator’s

rigid structure can be one-end supported. There are four ball circuits

contained in the single block.

For Free Info Visit

http://info.hotims.com/49746-317

Hydraulic Valves

HAWE Hydraulics (Charlotte, NC)

offers the PSL/PSV proportional

directional spool valve series that can

be configured for the hydraulic functions of a silage trailer. These functions include raising/lowering the

tailgate or front gate, and operating

the scraper floor drive and conveyor

drive systems. A modular design permits adjustments via manual, remote

hydraulic pilot, or electrical control.

The flange-mounted design simplifies plumbing/hose runs, and uses a

twin solenoid configuration that reduces wiring and allows for both

proportional and on/off operation. 

These load-sensing valves are designed to keep the input pressure

constant without being affected by the individual work units, enabling

independent pressure control between the work sections/functions of

the valves. They feature operating pressures of up to 420 bar and maximum flows up to 200 lpm. 

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-302

Motor

The EC-4pole 32 HD motors from

maxon precision motors (Fall River,

MA) are designed for operation in

air or in oil (flooded in

hydraulic oil). The power rating depends on the surrounding medium and amounts to

220W in air and, due to the much

higher heat flow, 480W in oil. They are

designed for ambient temperatures of more than 200 °C and atmospheric pressures of up to 1700 bar. The motors also withstand vibrations of up to 25 grms, as well as impacts of up to 1000 G. 

The motors feature high efficiency (up to 89% in air and more

than 80% in oil), making them suitable for use in battery operated

applications. The motors are used in environments with extreme temperatures, subject to high vibration, or under ultra-high vacuum. 

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-303

Nanopositioning System

The P-736.ZR Large Aperture piezo-Z

nanopositioning system

from PI LP (Auburn, MA)

is designed for imaging

and fast focusing applications. It consists of a largeaperture piezo stage and a digital

controller. The flexure-guided piezo

nanopositioning stages are optimized for high resolution and fast step

and settle. The system enables travel ranges of up to 220 μm with subnanometer closed-loop resolution. The digital nanopositioning controllers can be switched between focus tracking and closed-loop positioning, and also accommodate fast focus and freeze applications. The

system is equipped with a compact digital servo piezo controller, as well

as user interfaces such as USB, SPI, RS-232, and real-time analog. 

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-307

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Motion Control and Automation Technology, June 2014 11a

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Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-777

Tilt Display Mount

Southco (Concordville, PA) has introduced

the T Series Tilt Display Mounts with or without counterbalanced constant torque. The AVD25 Tilt Display Mount Basic provides tilt positioning for moving and positioning heavy panels and displays. The counterbalanced version

provides even lower operating efforts. The T

Series enables adjustment of a display’s tilt

angle and features integrated positioning technology that provides control and customization of

operation. It eliminates the need for constant maintenance and

readjustment, and enables fingertip positioning.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-304

Inclinometer Sensors

Jewell Instruments (Manchester, NH)

offers the Emerald Series inclinometer

MEMS sensors in a small rectangular package, enabling installation in areas with

space constraints. They can withstand

up to 500g shock, and offer single- or

dual-power input. Custom ranges and

bandwidths are available. The inclinometers can be used for industrial and

railway applications including wheel alignment, construction equipment,

antenna positioning, cross rail management, and tilt safety systems.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-306

Rotary Encoders

HEIDENHAIN (Schaumburg, IL) offers

the ExN rotary encoders for Potentially

Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX) that feature a 12-mm blind hollow shaft in a sturdy

design with increased wall thickness. The

encoders are resistant to shock up to 1500

m/s2 (for 2ms), and vibration up to 100

m/s2. The IP 66 encoders handle shaft

speeds up to 6000 rpm in a temperature range from -20 °C to 60 °C.

The encoders feature ASIC scanning technology, available with EnDat

or SSI interfaces for improved signal generation and less interpolation

error. The encoders are certified for operation in Zones 1 or 21 of

equipment group II (above ground applications).

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-308

Air Cylinders

Fabco-Air (Gainesville, FL) has announced

the OEM NFPA cylinders. The FCQN Series is

a repairable NFPA interchangeable cylinder

line that comes with magnetic pistons for

position sensing. Adjustable cushions at both ends

of the cylinders are included as a standard option. Stainless steel tierods are incorporated into the cylinder construction, as well as

anodized end caps. Each cylinder includes both bottom tapped and

end-cap sleeve nut mounting configurations. NFPA mounting is accomplished by adding a detachable NFPA mount to the standard cylinder. 

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-311

Rotary Position Sensor

Penny + Giles, a business group of CurtissWright Controls (Christchurch, UK), has

introduced the NRH275DR rotary position

sensor featuring a low-profile sensor housing

and separate permanent magnet assembly.

With no contacting mechanical parts that can

wear, the sensors can be used in extreme and

hostile environments where installation space

may be limited. The sensor features a fully

encapsulated 12-bit

Hall effect sensor system that can withstand high shock and

vibration, can operate

at temperatures from

-40 to 140 °C, and is

IP67-rated for dust

protection and water

immersion to a depth

of 1m for 24 hours. 

The sensor operates from a 5Vdc regulated

supply, and has two independent sensor

power supplies and outputs that enable full

redundancy. It enables a range of output configurations such as CH1/CH2 angle, output

type, and output direction. It also features

maximum output signal noise of less than

1mV, which means no additional signal filtering is required on the output signals.

For Free Info Visit

http://info.hotims.com/49746-305

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Motion Control Chip

Mouser Electronics (Mansfield, TX) offers the LPC1500 Motion Control Chip from NXP Semiconductor. The flexible controller can drive a variety of different motors including brushless DC, sensored, sensorless, and permanent magnet motors. The integrated circuit is powered by a 72-MHz ARM Cortex M3 core combined with specialized motor control peripherals. Two 12-bit, 12-channel ADCs and a quadrature encoder interface provide support to drive two motors

at the same time. The ADCs sample at 2 Msamples/sec, and allow for motor position sensing and speed control.

Precision PWM generators provide motor drive control, including stepper motors.

A 12-bit DAC samples at 500 Ksamples/sec, and provides precision voltage control of DC motors. An on-chip temperature sensor monitors system temperature to correct overheating conditions. External control is achieved via a CAN or

USB bus; I2C and SPI interfaces are also available. Programming for specific motor control applications can be performed with free microcontroller firmware that provides pre-written motor control code. 

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-309

Motorized Actuators

Newport Corp. (Irvine, CA) has

introduced the TRB motorized

actuator series that provides motorized linear motion with up to 25 mm

travel in a lightweight package. The actuators

are designed as a direct replacement to the micrometers found in manual positioners or other applications requiring a linear pushing motion like deformable mirrors, inserters, or delay lines.

The actuators are available in stepper and closed-loop DC servomotor

versions. They include fixed integrated optical limit switches to prevent

component or motor damage. They also provide a base for repeatable

referencing and homing. The actuators include test results and are

available with 6-, 12-, and 25-mm linear travel. 

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-310

Gearboxes

Lenze Americas

(Uxbridge, MA) has

introduced g500 gearboxes that enable

speed-controlled operation with frequency

inverters. They minimize losses, so the motor can generate less energy. The lower level of

generated heat increases the overall service life. The gearboxes are

designed for total integration with a Lenze Smart Motor, which provides integrated functions for material handling applications, including

adjustable speeds between 500 and 2,600 RPM. The helical, helicalbevel, and shaft-mounted helical gearboxes are available in sizes from

45 to 600 Nm constructed in aluminum housings.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-312

Speed Controller

Lin Engineering (Morgan Hill,

CA) offers the BL-100 intelligent,

compact brushless DC speed controller that can be used with a large

majority of BLDC motors. It features an

input operating voltage of up to +48VDC, and

up to 10 amps of continuous current, 20 amps peak. It

also features closed-loop control with adjustable P and I values for finer

tuning. The controller can be used in either analog or digital modes.

The analog mode allows users to adjust speed and direction via the

onboard potentiometer or an external potentiometer for higher resolution. The digital mode allows for communication via RS-485 (RS-232

and USB converter cards are available), and comes with a complimentary Graphical User Interface (GUI). The GUI enables users to configure acceleration and deceleration profiles, along with controlling multiple speed controllers through assigned character addresses.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-314

DC Motor Controls

Groschopp (Sioux Center,

IA) has introduced brushless DC motor controls for

BLDC motors and gearmotors. Designed to provide

commutated power and variable speed

control, the closed-loop controls provide speed regulation over a range

of loads. Features include line and low-voltage options, chassis-mount

and NEMA 4X enclosures, and analog and digital options. The brushless speed controls are suitable for use where high torque, high speed,

and quiet operation are needed. 

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-327

12a Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-778 Motion Control and Automation Technology, June 2014

Products NEW

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
Motion Control and Automation Technology, June 2014 www.techbriefs.com/motion 

Rugged Servo 

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s 5 A – 65 A

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Roadwind s12 V – 56 VDC

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Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/49746-779

Linear Position Transmitters

Macro Sensors (Pennsauken, NJ) offers the HSIR

Series LVDT linear position transmitters that can serve

as level sensors to measure liquid level changes from a

few inches to several feet in gauging tank level volumes

when configured with a float. In this configuration, a

stainless steel float coupled to a nonmagnetic stainlesssteel rod is attached to the armature core of the LVDT.

The 4- to 20-mA loop-powered position transmitter senses the position of the core and, therefore, the level of

the float. Sensitivity to the change in level depends on

the length of LVDT. 

As water level changes, the float moves up or down, raising the LVDT core along with it. A

threaded stainless steel rod that protrudes from the other end of the core carries two jam nuts

that are used to adjust the position sensor output at the desired low water level.

Core position is sensed using magnetic induction. Electronics of the LVDT are hermetically

sealed inside a stainless steel housing for protection against water and other environmental elements. A Teflon liner inside the bore minimizes any friction to core motion. As there are no

springs to fatigue or parts to wear out, the LVDT sensors are nearly friction-free.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-313

Motion Stages

Bell-Everman (Goleta, CA) offers the

SLS line of ballscrew- and linear-motordriven sealed motion stages that feature a

lip seal design that keeps debris, particulate, and liquid contaminants from gumming up the internal drive and bearing components. Made from a ruggedized polyurethane elastomer, the seal integrates with the stage’s anodized aluminum housing. The seal’s design allows it to be field-replaceable without disassembling the

stage. Linear motor configurations can achieve accuracies of ±4 μm per meter of travel, and bidirectional repeatability of ±2 μm. Ballscrew configurations can achieve accuracies of ±10 μm per

meter of travel, and bidirectional repeatability of ±5 μm.

Standard travel lengths are available from 100 to 1,000 mm, with custom lengths to 2,000

mm. Speeds to 4 m/sec for linear motor drives and 0.4 m/sec for ballscrew drives are achievable. Continuous linear force to 300 N is achievable for linear motor drives, and 1,540 N for

ballscrew drives. Applications include laser machining, welding, semiconductor, machining,

and other contamination-sensitive precision motion applications.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-316

Position Sensor

The Micronor MR330 Series fiber optic absolute position

sensor system from Micronor (Newbury Park, CA) features

14-bit single-turn resolution. Rotary sensors are offered in

two models: Standard MR332 and MRI Safe MR338. The

absolute rotary encoder measures absolute angular position from 0° to 360° via programmable 13-bit (8,192

count) or 14-bit (13,950 count) resolution at

speeds exceeding 2500 rpm. System firmware

also tracks turns up to 12 bits (4096 revolutions).

The controller features multiple built-in interfaces: SSI, USB, RS485 Serial, Modbus RTU, two

analog outputs (4-20mA and ±10V), and two digital set points.

The position sensor is an all-optical design that resists electromagnetic interference such as

lightning, radiation, magnetic fields, and other harsh environmental conditions. It uses an optical technique embedded in a passive sensor and active controller connected by a duplex fiber

optic link. The controller transmits a burst of light to the code disk in the sensor that modulates

the spectral components of the light based on angular position. The position information is

imprinted in the optical spectrum of the light and guided back to the controller for position

readout. The sensor requires no electrical power and houses no electronic components.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-325

Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro
14a www.techbriefs.com/motion Motion Control and Automation Technology, June 2014

Products NEW

Accelerometers

Meggitt Sensing Systems

(Irvine, CA) offers Endevco

Models 41A, 42A, and 43A

Isotron accelerometers.

The general-purpose, single-axis accelerometers feature 10, 25, 100, 500, and 1000 mV/g sensitivities for the 41A and 42A,

with 100, 500, and 1000 mV/g for the 43A. Amplitude response of ±5%

is 1 to 10,000 Hz. The stud-mounted accelerometers have a 10-32

threaded hole. The Model 41A mounting bottom is a hex with 10-32

top connector; Model 42A mounting bottom is hex with 10-32 side

connector; and Model 43A has a cube shape that allows mounting in

two different orientations, with the sensitive axis parallel to the connector and 10-32 connector. Optional accessories include cables, adhesive mounting adapter, and signal conditioners.

The Model 45A is a general-purpose, high-sensitivity triaxial

accelerometer in a 20-mm cube shape with 500 mV/g (10 g range) and

1000 mV/g (5 g range) options. Amplitude response of ±5% is 1 to

6000 Hz for y- and z-axes, and 1 to 3000 Hz for x-axis. They are also

stud-mounted with a 10-32 threaded hole. 

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-318

EtherCAT Drive Modules

ACS Motion Control (Bloomington, MN)

has introduced UDMMC compact EtherCAT

modules that feature two and four universal

drives with ratings of 12 Vdc to 80Vdc, and

2.5A (5A peak) to 20A (40A peak) per drive.

Each drive is programmable to control a twoor three-phase servomotor, a DC brush motor,

a voice coil motor, and a two- or three-phase

step motor. The motor drives address the

needs of multi-axis motion applications with

limited space. 

The safe torque off (STO) cuts the power to the motor without

removal of the power source for applications that are required to comply with SIL-3 and PLe safety levels. The four-axis modules can be

ordered with mixed current specifications. It is a slave drive that runs

under any ACS EtherCAT masters. The MMI Application Studio, a set

of software support tools, is provided for configuration, setup, tuning,

and diagnostics.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-319

Workholding Vice

The RZM Centric Vice from Röhm Products of

America (Lawrenceville, GA) provides workholding rigidity and contributes to higheraccuracy 5-axis machining. The vice’s

design features clamping jaws positioned relatively high, and a horizontal

spindle situated at the top of the vice and

closer to the jaws. The jaws are shorter and complement the vice’s overall compact height of 7.7" to minimize interference.

The double jaw-guidance system moves jaws along their axes to accommodate a range of part sizes without having to remount the jaws. In operation, the first jaw moves along an outside guideway as the second jaw

travels on an inside one. This quasi-telescopic arrangement allows for a

greater guidance length without placing significant limits on machining

operations. When fully opened, the RZM presents little, if any, interference, and its telescoping design allows the jaws to close to the zero point. 

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/49746-326

Motion Controllers

Trio Motion Technology (Freeport, PA) has

introduced the MC403-Z motion controller in two versions offering

control of two or three axes. The

core axis connections can be configured as pulse and direction outputs to drives, or as incremental

encoder feedback inputs or simulated

encoder outputs. The three-axis variant

allows one axis to be set-up as an extended axis where the connection may also be configured as an input for

SSI, Tamagawa, or EnDAT absolute encoders. 

The controllers feature a 64-bit ARM11 processor, digital and analog

I/O count, built-in Ethernet, and the ability to add robotic transformations or synchronize motion with double floating point precision. The

controller can undertake linear, circular, helical, and spherical interpolation across all axes, as well as flexible CAM shapes and linked

motion. The controller has eight 24 VDC digital inputs including six

20-μsec registration inputs, and four 24 VDC bi-directional I/Os. Two

12-bit analog inputs are included, and an RJ45 Ethernet port is provided for programming and connection of HMI or other devices. 

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Linear Motor Stages

Kollmorgen (Radford, VA) has introduced MMG series linear motor

stages in four models that

deliver 25-mm, 50-mm, 100-

mm, and 150-mm travel.

They provide uncompensated accuracy from 6 um to 14

um, and resolution from 1.0

um to 5 nm. Each model delivers

repeatability to ±0.4 um, and is rated

for 10-kg load capacity. The stages feature an integrated feedback mechanism that eliminates the need for compensation

tables or slope correction factors. A standard Z-axis counterbalance kit

eliminates the engineering required to integrate a Z option. The stages

leverage a standard 3-phase brushless motor to enable control with various drives and controllers. No specialized piezo or proprietary

motor/drive technology is necessary. They can be used in constant

velocity (CV) or high throughput point-to-point applications, allowing

common units to be used. 

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Tool Positioning System

The EPPINGER Trifix® tool positioning system from

EXSYS Tool (San Antonio, FL) enables exchanges of

both static and driven tooling for multitasking

machines. Based on the VDI interface, the system

provides positioning accuracy within 10 μm between

tool stations, and single-position repeatability of less

than 5 μm at a tool length of 3.9" (100 mm). After the

user initially aligns the unit in the lathe turret, further

adjustment for subsequent tool changes becomes unnecessary. As a result, manufacturers can preset tools off the machine,

reducing setup time. Tooling can be mounted with four additional

hold-down screws to maximize rigidity in heavy-chipload operations

such as milling. Use of the Trifix system does not prevent a facility from

using other tooling.

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Cov ToC + – ➭ ➮ A Intro