Random pulse generator

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a source of random width and random spaced rectangular voltage pulses whose mean or average frequency of operation is controllable within prescribed limits of about 10 hertz to 1 megahertz. A pair of thin-film metal resistors are used to provide a differential white noise voltage pulse source. Pulse shaping and amplification circuitry provide relatively short duration pulses of constant amplitude which are applied to anti-bounce logic circuitry to prevent ringing effects. The pulse outputs from the anti-bounce circuits are then used to control two one-shot multivibrators whose output comprises the random length and random spaced rectangular pulses. Means are provided for monitoring, calibrating and evaluating the relative randomness of the generator

Pulse stretcher for narrow pulses

Pulse stretching circuit can linearly stretch pulses as narrow as 50 nanoseconds and block incoming pulses following accepted input pulse until processing has been completed. It also removes baseline distortion by being completely direct coupled and provides monitor output which measures true number of input events that exceed predetermined threshold

A Decision Support Model for Large Systems Using Quality Function Deployment and Goal Programming: A Capital Budgeting Problem

Effective planning for the modernization of U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft requires a perception of the future tasks these aircraft will be called upon to perform, and the improvements and modifications that will be required to successfully accomplish those tasks. A great deal of research has been done in the areas of military strategy, quality function deployment, capital budgeting, and goal programming, as separate areas of study. This thesis details the research and analysis performed for a project called The Fighter Configuration Plan (FICOP), in which these areas were integrated in a decision support model to aid the Air Force in modernization planning. The unique modernization planning approach developed through this analysis has fundamentally changed the way the Air Force plans for modernizing fighters. This research process developed a perception of the future tasks based on a framework known as Strategies to Task (STT), incorporated Quality Function Deployment (QFD) to develop metrics for the various modernization projects, and used an Integer Goal Programming Model to perform the capital budgeting. This decision support model was applied to the problem of developing long-term modernization plans for each of the existing fighter aircraft (F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15 Eagle, F-117 Nighthawk and A-10 Thunderbolt II)

The Carrier-Recombination Behavior and Annealing Properties of Radiation-Induced Recombination Centers in Germanium

An investigation has been made of the carrier-recombination behavior and annealing properties of radiation-induced recombination centers in germanium. In order to analyze the recombination behavior, it has been necessary to treat the problem of recombination in the presence of trapping. A model which explains the experimental results in both n- and p-type material for various sorts of irradiation is presented. On the basis of this model, recombination occurs at an energy level 0.36 ev above the valence band in gamma-irradiated, n- type germanium. The position of this level is shifted slightly downward for neutron-irradiated material. An energy level apparently present in unirradiated material acts as a trapping center in p-type germanium. It is difficult to obtain a value for the electron-capture cross sections, but under certain assumptions a value for the electron-capture cross section in n- type material is obtained: 7 x 10-19 cm2. The annealing behavior of antimony-doped germanium is grossly different from that of arsenic-doped material. Although the annealing behavior is rather complicated, the results are consistent with the following model. Irradiation produces three major types of defects: interstitials, vacancies, and vacancy-interstitial pairs. The vacancy-interstitial pair evidently is responsible for a trapping level located 0.25 ev above the valence band. Both the interstitial and vacancy act as acceptors. The recombination level at 0.36 ev belongs to the vacancy. The interstitial becomes mobile above room temperature and either anneals or forms a complex with an impurity atom. It is thought that the trapping level located 0.17 ev above the valence band might be due to an arsenic-interstitial pair. The activation energy of motion for the interstitial is about 0.8 ev. At a somewhat higher temperature the vacancy becomes mobile with an activation energy of motion of approximately 1.1 ev. In antimony-doped material the vacancy disappears by association with an antimony atom. This process does not occur in arsenic-doped material, and higher temperatures are required to produce annealing

Addressing Violence in Public Schools Zero Tolerance vs. Ecologically Based Programs: A Policy Analysis

Violence in public schools in the United States over the past decade has been a national and local concern. There are a number of schools in several States across the nation that have implemented violence prevention programs to address these concerns. Some States incorporate use predetermined consequences for specific violent behavior by implementing zero-tolerance approaches. Other States incorporate community resources to help solve the problem of violence within public schools. This thesis will take a look at the effectiveness of choosing approach over the other

Making Room for New Spaces and Services: Engaging Your Community to Help During the Deselection Process

Leonard H. Axe Library at Pittsburg State University (PSU) is undergoing a 5-year building renovation focused on creating new services and spaces, including technology rich spaces, media recording rooms, group study spaces, and more. As part of the renovation project, Library Services was tasked with reducing the circulating collection footprint by approximately fifty percent. One part of the challenge was to face the traditional campus and librarian perceptions of reducing the collection. If mishandled, perceptions of the process can turn into negative emotions or public outcry that can delay or shut down a project. Librarians at Axe Library set out to engage our campus during the de-selection process and make everyone an active participant. The de-selection process, documents, and guidelines were accessible and transparent to campus faculty. Campus stakeholders were invited to share their concerns and opinions with the library throughout the process. As a result, faculty are discovering materials the library has in its collection and helping request newer updated content. In addition, new and surprising partnerships emerged from the conversations and interactions