Gadolinium Oxide/Silicon Thin Film Heterojunction Solid-State Neutron Detector

The internal conversion electron emission from the de-excitation of the Gd-158m nucleus was explored as a means for neutron detection. Thin film gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) and p-type silicon heterojunction diodes were produced using a supercritical water deposition process. Pulse height spectroscopy was conducted on the novel diodes while they were subjected to a moderated plutonium-beryllium (PuBe) source flux of 104 thermal neutrons/cm2 s. Coincident gamma spectroscopy was employed to verify the 1107.6 keV photon emissions from the diode indicative of successful neutron capture by Gd-157 and the subsequent de-excitation of the Gd-158m nucleus. Neutron capture in the diodes could not be confirmed experimentally. The diodes were found to be sensitive to gamma rays between 10 and 20 keV

Tecniche di protezione da interferenze elettromagnetiche: modellistica e prove sperimentali in camera riverberante

Electromagnetic interference and compatibility are problems that claim an increasing attention in many environments, all over the world

Ethernet Over Plastic Optical Fiber for Use in the Control System Network for Automotive Applications

Plastic optical fiber (POF) for use in automotive applications is not a new concept and has been used in some vehicles for infotainment media distribution within the Media Oriented Systems Transport protocol. However, the use of POF for the control network’s physical layer is a concept that has not been implemented in automotive applications. Many aspects of a vehicle can be improved by implementing POF as the physical backbone for the control network. Currently, the Controller Area Network (CAN) is used as the primary backbone control network protocol for most automobiles as it is inexpensive and reliable. However, CAN is limited to 500 kbps in most vehicles and is easily accessible. Ethernet may provide the improvements of speed and security needed in today’s feature rich and connected vehicles. The feasibility of implementing Ethernet over POF as the control network for automotive applications is the topic of this research investigation

Preliminary study, analysis and design for a power switch for digital engine actuators

Innovative control configurations using high temperature switches to operate actuator driving solenoids were studied. The impact on engine control system life cycle costs and reliability of electronic control and (ECU) heat dissipation due to power conditioning and interface drivers were addressed. Various power supply and actuation schemes were investigated, including optical signal transmission and electronics on the actuator, engine driven alternator, and inside the ECU. The use of a switching shunt power conditioner results in the most significant decrease in heat dissipation within the ECU. No overall control system reliability improvement is projected by the use of remote high temperature switches for solenoid drivers

Avionics system design for high energy fields: A guide for the designer and airworthiness specialist

Because of the significant differences in transient susceptibility, the use of digital electronics in flight critical systems, and the reduced shielding effects of composite materials, there is a definite need to define pracitices which will minimize electromagnetic susceptibility, to investigate the operational environment, and to develop appropriate testing methods for flight critical systems. The design practices which will lead to reduced electromagnetic susceptibility of avionics systems in high energy fields is described. The levels of emission that can be anticipated from generic digital devices. It is assumed that as data processing equipment becomes an ever larger part of the avionics package, the construction methods of the data processing industry will increasingly carry over into aircraft. In Appendix 1 tentative revisions to RTCA DO-160B, Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment, are presented. These revisions are intended to safeguard flight critical systems from the effects of high energy electromagnetic fields. A very extensive and useful bibliography on both electromagnetic compatibility and avionics issues is included