Application of Advanced Early Warning Systems with Adaptive Protection

This project developed and field-tested two methods of Adaptive Protection systems utilizing synchrophasor data. One method detects conditions of system stress that can lead to unintended relay operation, and initiates a supervisory signal to modify relay response in real time to avoid false trips. The second method detects the possibility of false trips of impedance relays as stable system swings “encroach” on the relays’ impedance zones, and produces an early warning so that relay engineers can re-evaluate relay settings. In addition, real-time synchrophasor data produced by this project was used to develop advanced visualization techniques for display of synchrophasor data to utility operators and engineers

Hardware for digitally controlled scanned probe microscopes

The design and implementation of a flexible and modular digital control and data acquisition system for scanned probe microscopes (SPMs) is presented. The measured performance of the system shows it to be capable of 14-bit data acquisition at a 100-kHz rate and a full 18-bit output resolution resulting in less than 0.02-Å rms position noise while maintaining a scan range in excess of 1 µm in both the X and Y dimensions. This level of performance achieves the goal of making the noise of the microscope control system an insignificant factor for most experiments. The adaptation of the system to various types of SPM experiments is discussed. Advances in audio electronics and digital signal processors have made the construction of such high performance systems possible at low cost

Computer‐based learning in psychology using interactive laboratories

Traditional approaches to computer‐based learning often focus on the delivery of information. Such applications usually provide large stores of information which can be accessed in a wide variety of ways. Typical access facilities provided within such applications include Boolean search engines and hypermedia (non‐linear) browsing. These types of approach often centre on providing human‐computer dialogues which are relatively low on interaction. The interactive‐laboratory approach, however, aims to limit the quantity of information presented, and instead to provide a highly interactive learning environment. In the field of psychology, users are able interactively to design and deliver a broad range of psychological experiments. This paper details the approach, and describes how it can be used to teach psychology within a university environment. The way in which its effectiveness as a learning tool can be evaluated is also discussed

Mark IVA microprocessor support

The requirements and plans for the maintenance support of microprocessor-based controllers in the Deep Space Network Mark IVA System are discussed. Additional new interfaces and 16-bit processors have introduced problems not present in the Mark III System. The need for continuous training of maintenance personnel to maintain a level of expertise consistent with the sophistication of the required tools is also emphasized