Thesis (PhD (Electric and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / This study focuses on the drive control system of a novel direct field and torque current control applied to a six-phase induction motor. Special phase current waveforms that make it possible to have separate field and torque windings and currents in the motor are proposed. In this thesis the control of these field and torque windings to control directly the flux and torque of the motor is investigated. With the special phase current waveforms the performance of the six-phase induction motor is evaluated through theoretical and finite element analysis. In the analysis the air gap resultant field intensity and flux density produced by the stator field, stator torque and rotor currents are investigated. It is shown that with the special current waveforms a quasi-square shaped, smooth rotating air gap flux density is generated. This smooth rotating flux is important for proper induction motor operation. An equation for the electromagnetic torque is derived and used in the theoretical calculations. The ease of the torque performance calculations is conspicuous. An approximate magnetic circuit calculation method is developed to calculate the air gap flux density versus field current relationship taking magnetic saturation into account. The air gap MMF harmonics and the per phase self and mutual inductances are analysed and calculated using, amongst other things, winding functions. In the finite element analysis specific attention is given to the MMF balanced condition (zero quadrature flux condition) in the motor and the development of a per phase equivalent model. The drive system’s performance with the proposed direct control technique is verified by a developed Matlab simulation model and measurements on a small (2 kW) two-pole, six-phase induction motor drive under digital hysteresis current control. It is shown in the thesis that the calculated results from theoretical derived equations are in good agreement with finite element and measured results. This is particularly the case for the formulas of the MMF balanced constant (zero quadrature flux linkage constant) used in the control software. The results of the simulated and measured linear relationship between the torque and torque current show that MMF balance is maintained in the motor by the drive controller independent of the load condition. The direct control of the torque also explains the good measured dynamic performance found for the proposed drive.

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The development of a tool kit for the design of superconducting programmable gate arrays (SPGAs) is discussed. A circuit optimizer using genetic algorithms is developed and evaluated. Techniques and a program are also developed for the generation of segmentized 3D models with which to calculate inductance in circuit structures through FastHenry. The ability to add random variations to the dimensions of the models is included. These tools are then used to design novel latching elements that allow the construction of reprogrammable Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) circuits. A circular process is used, whereby layouts are converted back to circuit diagrams through element extraction, and reoptimized if necessary. Two programmable frequency dividers are then designed; one for testing the routing and switch structures and programming architecture of an SPGA, and another compact one for testing the latching elements and off-chip interface. The dissertation concludes with an overview of the circuits necessary for the implementation of a fully functional SPGA. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die ontwikkeling van ’n gereedskapstel vir die ontwerp van supergeleier FPGA’s (SPGA’s) word bespreek. Eerstens word ’n stroombaanoptimeerder, wat met genetiese algoritmes funksioneer, ontwikkel en geëvalueer. Daarna word tegnieke en ’n program ontwikkel om driedimensionele segmentmodelle te genereer waaruit FastHenry die induktansie van stroombaanstrukture kan bepaal. Die vermoë om toevalsveranderinge by die dimensies van die modelle te voeg, is ook ingesluit. Hierdie gereedskap word dan gebruik om nuwe grendelelemente te ontwerp waarmee herprogrammeerbare Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) stroombane gebou kan word. ’n Sirkulêre proses word gevolg, waarvolgens uitlegte na stroombaandiagramme teruggeskakel kan word (deur elementonttrekkings) en, indien nodig, heroptimeer kan word. Twee programmeerbare frekwensiedelers word daarna ontwerp; een om die pulsvervoer- en skakelstrukture, asook programmeringsargitektuur van ’n SPGA te toets, en ’n ander, kompakter een om die grendelelemente en warmlogika koppelvlakke mee te toets. Die proefskrif sluit af met ’n oorsig oor die stroombane benodig vir die implementering van ’n volledig funksionele SPGA.

Thesis (PhD) -- Stellenbosch University, 2004. / Some digitised pages may appear illegible due to the condition of the original hard copy. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The radio noise (RN) performance of an AC high voltage transmission line is a determining factor when accessing the reliability of the design. The conducted RN level across the terminals of a PLC receiver, used in the teleprotection system of the line, is of particular concern. In this dissertation, existing empirical and semi-analytical RN prediction methods are evaluated by comparing the conducted RN levels of four South African lines to the predicted levels. Existing RN measurement protocols are consolidated and a new RN measurement protocol is proposed for the comparison. A prediction methodology, based on the EdF, EPRI and IREQ semi-analytical methods, is formulated. The semi-analytical methods are not able to accurately predict the variation of the conducted RN with frequency in the PLC band, nor are they able to predict the RN performance of short lines. A wideband excitation function, which considers the statistical characteristics of the measured RN pulse train, is therefore proposed in this dissertation. Having investigated the extraction of this excitation function from ESKOM’s Megawatt Park corona cage, it is concluded that a small corona cage is required. The design of a small cage is presented and the extraction of the excitation function is described. Attention is given to assessing the effect of changes in space charge distributions. The effect of space charge collision with an insulated cage on the extracted pulse parameters is linear, provided space charge diffusion is negligible. The onset streamer, positive streamer and negative streamer corona modes were identified as the only modes with measurable RN in the frequency regime 150 kHz to 30 MHz. Formulas are derived for the prediction of the inception gradients for these modes. The RN performance of an ACSR Hare conductor is extracted from the small cage. The RN performance of the Acacia-Koeberg line is also approximated in the PLC band. The dissertation concludes that the proposed wideband excitation function method is capable of accurately predicting the variation of RN levels with frequency. It can also be used to predict the RN performance of short line sections, as well as the relationship between RMS, QP and average RN levels from a transmission line. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die korona-werkverrigting van ‘n WS hoogspanningstransmissielyn het belangrike gevolge vir die betroubaarheid van die ontwerp van die lyn. Die geleide radioruis (RR) vlak op die kraglyndragolf kommunikasie sisteem, wat vir tele-beveiliging gebruik word, is veral van belang. In hierdie werkstuk word bestaande metodes gebruik om die korona-werkverrigting te bepaal en dan met gemete waardes van vier Suid Afrikaanse lyne te vergelyk. Bestaande RR meetmetodes word saamgevat en ‘n nuwe metingsprotokol word voorgestel om resultate te vergelyk. Na aanleiding van hierdie vergelykings word ‘n tegniek ontwikkel om die RR van ‘n lyn te voorspel. Hierdie tegniek gebruik die EdF, EPRI en IREQ metodes. Die voorgestelde tegniek kan nie die verandering van die RR met frekwensie bepaal nie. Dit kan ook nie die RR van kort lyne bepaal nie. ‘n Wyeband RR bron word dus voorgestel. Nadat ESKOM se Megawatt Park korona-kou ondersoek is, is die gevolgtrekking gemaak dat ‘n klein koronakou die nodige wyeband RR bron sal voorsien. Ruimtelading bots met die klein korona-kou. Die effek van hierdie botsings op die pulsparameters is lineer indien ladingsdiffusie nie plaasvind nie. Die aanvangs, positiewe en negatiewe kanaalontladings (“streamers”) is identifiseer as die enigste koronamodusse wat RR veroorsaak tussen 150 kHz en 30 MHz. Die spanning waarby hierdie modusse voorkom, is bepaal. Die korona-werkverrigting van ‘n “ACSR Hare” geleier is bepaal. Die korona-werkverrigting van die Acacia-Koeberg transmissie lyn is ook gekwantifiseer by die kraglyn-dragolf kommunikasie frekwensies. Die wyebandbron metode kan die verandering in RR met frekwensie goed voorspel. Die nuwe metode kan ook gebruik word om die RR van kort lyne te bepaal, asook die verband tussen RMS, QP en gemiddelde RR vlakke.

Thesis (PhD) -- Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The effective use of borehole radar in geophysical exploration requires accurate knowledge of the dielectric properties of the geological system in which it is employed. The attenuation and propagation velocity of pulses through rock must be known in order to plan and interpret experimental data. Conventional destructive methods for the measurement of hard rock cores require the careful preparation of samples. This firstly necessitates the selection of sampling position and the resulting estimation of rock properties based on sparse measurements, and secondly results in the loss of material and thus data. The ready availability of cylindrical borehole core samples invites the use of a nondestructive means of measuring their properties. A novel design for a flexible guarded capacitor which conforms to a core's cylindrical surface is presented here. T he proposed device has numerous advantages over previous methods. No material is lost to sample preparation and a detailed characterisation of the entire core, including inclusions and transitions between rock types, may be performed. A detailed methodology for the rapid construction of a robust capacitor is given. Guidelines for its operation to achieve repeatable and accurate measurements of the complex dielectric constant of samples of varying homogeneity in the 1- 25 MHz frequency range are presented. The increased amount of data collected from complete core samples is analysed statistically, and amongst other things allows the estimation of the rock's homogeneity. Comparisons of the dielectric properties measured in the laboratory to propagation velocity estimates obtained from crosshole borehole shoots show that a more homogeneous sample is a better predictor of bulk propagating conditions. Detailed studies of the dielectric properties of economically important diamondiferous and platiniferous geological systems show that borehole radar is a feasible tool for the high resolution delineation of ore bodies and other geological targets. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die effektiewe gebruik van boorgatradar in geofisiese eksplorasie benodig akkurate kennis van die dielektriese eienskappe van die geologiese sisteme waarin dit gebruik word. Kennis van die verswakking en voortplantingsnelheid van pulse deur die rots word benodig om eksperimente te beplan en gemete data te interpret eer. Vir konvensionele destruktiewe meetmetodes van harde rotskerne is noukeurige voorbereiding van monsters noodsaaklik. Hierdie proses vereis eerstens 'n keuse van meetposisies en die afskatting van rotseienskappe gebaseer op verspreide metings, en lei tweedens tot die verlies van materiaal en dus data. Die beskikbaarheid van silindriese bom·gat kernmonsters maak dit moontlik om die kerneienskappe op n nie-destruktiewe manier te meet. Die ontwerp van 'n nuwe buigbare afgeskermde kapasitor wat op 'n silindriese kernoppervlak pas, word hier voorgestel. Die toestel het verskeie voordele bo huidige metodes. Geen materiaal word gedurende monstervoorbereiding verloor nie, en 'n volledige beskywing van die eienskappe van die hele kern , met insluitings en oorgange tussen rotstipes, kan verkry word. 'n Gedetaileerde prosedure vir die vinnige konstruksie van 'n robuuste kapasitor word gegee. Die gebruik van die toestel vir herhaalbare en akkurate metings van die komplekse dielektriese konstante van verskillend homogene monsters in die 1- 25 MHz frekwensie bereik word beskryf. Die groter hoeveelheid data wat deur middel van hierdie metode van hele kernmonsters verkry kan word , word statisties geanaliseer, en laat onder andere 'n skatting van die rots se homogeniteit toe. Vergelykings van laboratoriumgemete rotseienskappe met veldskattings van voortplant ingsnelhede wys dat 'n meer homogene monster tot 'n beter afskatting van werklike voortplantingstoestande lei. Studies van die dielektriese eienskappe van ekonomies belangrike diamanthoudende en platinumryk geologiese sisteme wys dat boorgatradar geskik is vir hoe resolusie uitkenning van ertsligame en ander geologiese teikens.

Dissertation (Ph.D)--University of Stellenbosch, 1999. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: System identification has been sufficiently formalized for linear systems, but not for empirical identification of non-linear, multivariate dynamic systems. Therefore this dissertation formalizes and extends non-linear empirical system identification for the broad class of nonlinear multivariate systems that can be parameterized as state space systems. The established, but rather ad hoc methods of time series embedding and nonlinear modeling, using multilayer perceptron network and radial basis function network model structures, are interpreted in context with the established linear system identification framework. First, the methodological framework was formulated for the identification of non-linear state space systems from one-dimensional time series using a surrogate data method. It was clearly demonstrated on an autocatalytic process in a continuously stirred tank reactor, that validation of dynamic models by one-step predictions is insufficient proof of model quality. In addition, the classification of data as either dynamic or random was performed, using the same surrogate data technique. The classification technique proved to be robust in the presence of up to at least 10% measurement and dynamic noise. Next, the formulation of a nearly real-time algorithm for detection and removal of radial outliers in multidimensional data was pursued. A convex hull technique was proposed and demonstrated on random data, as well as real test data recorded from an internal combustion engine. The results showed the convex hull technique to be effective at a computational cost two orders of magnitude lower than the more proficient Rocke and Woodruff technique, used as a benchmark, and incurred low cost (0.9%) in terms of falsely identifying outliers. Following the identification of systems from one-dimensional time series, the methodological framework was expanded to accommodate the identification of nonlinear state space systems from multivariate time series. System parameterization was accomplished by combining individual embeddings of each variable in the multivariate time series, and then separating this combined space into independent components, using independent component analysis. This method of parameterization was successfully applied in the simulation of the abovementioned autocatalytic process. In addition, the parameterization method was implemented in the one-step prediction of atmospheric N02 concentrations, which could become part of an environmental control system for Cape Town. Furthermore, the combination of the embedding strategy and separation by independent component analysis was able to isolate some of the noise components from the embedded data. Finally the foregoing system identification methodology was applied to the online diagnosis of temporal trends in critical system states. The methodology was supplemented by the formulation of a statistical likelihood criterion for simultaneous interpretation of multivariate system states. This technology was successfully applied to the diagnosis of the temporal deterioration of the piston rings in a compression ignition engine under test conditions. The diagnostic results indicated the beginning of significant piston ring wear, which was confirmed by physical inspection of the engine after conclusion of the test. The technology will be further developed and commercialized. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Stelselidentifikasie is weI genoegsaam ten opsigte van lineere stelsels geformaliseer, maar nie ten opsigte van die identifikasie van nie-lineere, multiveranderlike stelsels nie. In hierdie tesis word nie-lineere, empiriese stelselidentifikasie gevolglik ten opsigte van die wye klas van nielineere, multiveranderlike stelsels, wat geparameteriseer kan word as toestandveranderlike stelsels, geformaliseer en uitgebrei. Die gevestigde, maar betreklik ad hoc metodes vir tydreeksontvouing en nie-lineere modellering (met behulp van multilaag-perseptron- en radiaalbasisfunksie-modelstrukture) word in konteks met die gevestigde line ere stelselidentifikasieraamwerk vertolk. Eerstens is die metodologiese raamwerk vir die identifikasie van nie-lineere, toestandsveranderlike stelsels uit eendimensionele tydreekse met behulp van In surrogaatdatametode geformuleer. Daar is duidelik by wyse van 'n outokatalitiese proses in 'n deurlopend geroerde tenkreaktor getoon dat die bevestiging van dinamiese modelle deur middel van enkelstapvoorspellings onvoldoende bewys van die kwaliteit van die modelle is. Bykomend is die klassifikasie van tydreekse as 6f dinamies Of willekeurig, met behulp van dieselfde surrogaattegniek gedoen. Die klassifikasietegniek het in die teenwoordigheid van tot minstens 10% meetgeraas en dinamiese geraas robuust vertoon. / Vervolgens is die formulering van In bykans intydse algoritme vir die opspoor en verwydering van radiale uitskieters in multiveranderlike data aangepak. 'n Konvekse hulstegniek is V:oorgestel en op ewekansige data, sowel as op werklike toetsdata wat van 'n binnebrandenjin opgeneem is, gedemonstreer. Volgens die resultate was die konvekse hulstegniek effektief teen 'n rekenkoste twee grootte-ordes kleiner as die meer vermoende Rocke en Woodrufftegniek, wat as meetstandaard beskou is. Die konvekse hulstegniek het ook 'n lae loopkoste (0.9%) betreffende die valse identifisering van uitskieters behaal. Na aanleiding van die identifisering van stelsels uit eendimensionele tydreekse, is die metodologiese raamwerk uitgebiei om die identifikasie van nie-lineere, toestandsveranderlike stelsels uit multiveranderlike data te omvat. Stelselparameterisering is bereik deur individuele ontvouings van elke veranderlike in die multidimensionele tydreeks met die skeiding van die gesamenlike ontvouingsruimte tot onafhanklike komponente saam te span. Sodanige skeiding is deur middel van onafhanklike komponentanalise behaal. Hierdie metode van parameterisering is suksesvc1 op die simulering van bogenoemde outokatalitiese proses toegepas. Die parameteriseringsmetode is bykomend in die enkelstapvoorspelling van atmosferiese N02-konsentrasies ingespan en sal moontlik deel van 'n voorgestelde omgewingsbestuurstelsel vir Kaapstad uitmaak. Die kombinasie van die ontvouingstrategie en skeiding deur onafhanklike komponentanalise was verder ook in staat om van die geraaskomponente in die data uit te lig. Ten slotte is die voorafgaande tegnologie vir stelselidentifikasie op die lopende diagnose van tydsgebonde neigings in kritiese stelseltoestande toegepas. Die metodologie is met die formulering van 'n statistiese waarskynlikheidsmaatstaf vir die gelyktydige vertolking van multiveranderlike stelseltoestande aangevul. Hierdie tegnologie is suksesvol op die diagnose van die tydsgebonde verswakking van die suierringe in 'n kompressieontstekingenj in tydens toetstoestande toegepas. Die diagnostiese resultate het die aanvang van beduidende slytasie in die suierringe aangedui, wat later tydens fisiese inspeksie van die enjin met afloop van die toets, bevestig is. Die tegnologie sal verder ontwikkel en markgereed gemaak word.

Dissertation (PhD) -- Stellenbosch University, 2001 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Millisecond pulse forming networks (PFNs) as applicable to electro-thermal chemical (ETC) loads fall into the <1 MJ energy bracket. The energy requirements of these loads require specialised power sources involving staged energy conversion. For the <1MJ energy bracket, capacitive storage systems are usually employed. However, these systems exhibit low volume energy density and for volume sensitive applications; alternatives need to be considered. Inductive storage supplies form a sub-group of the static supplies that have theoretically superior volume energy density characteristics. This thesis documents the execution of a project concerned with the volumeoptimisation of an inductive storage supply. The system is composed of a three stage energy conversion chain. A prime power source (low power) charges an intermediate storage (IS) which is characterised by its medium power delivery capabilities. Energy is then transferred from the IS to the storage inductor which is characterised by its high power delivery capabilities. When sufficiently charged, the energy is then transferred to the load. Where pulse forming is required, the inductor storage must necessarily be modular. Switching elements to control the energy flow are also required. Work performed at Soreq, Israel, is used as the starting point. A topology variation of the XRAM topology presented by Soreq, original to this thesis, is presented and all its functioning modes are analysed. An existing volume model is analysed and expanded to incorporate heretofore unmodelled yet non-negligible considerations. The volume model generalises the effect of system modularity, subsystem technologies and allows for the incorporation of practical construction issues into the design process. The aim is to develop a 500 kJ, 80 kA, 20 kV system with a volume not exceeding lm3. This volume must include the IS, storage inductor and full switch volume. The optimisation algorithm and system topology developed in this thesis is validated through the construction and testing of a 1.2 kA, 2.5 kV 4 module prototype. A potential full ratings system, composed of contemporary device technologies and exhibiting a volume of just over 0.8m3, is proposed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Millisekonde pulsvormingsnetwerke, soos toegepas op elektrotermies-chemiese laste, val in die <1 MJ energievlak. Die energievereistes van hierdie tipe las vereis gespesialiseerde kragbronne wat die gestoorde energie in verskillende stadiums aan die las beskikbaar stel. Tans word kapasitiewe stelsels gewoonlik vir toepassings wat minder as 1 MJ energie benodig gebruik. ‘n Nadeel van hierdie stelsels is egter hulle relatiewe lae energiedigtheid. Vir toepassings waar lae volume van belang is, moet altematiewe metodes ondersoek word. Pulskragbronne wat van ‘n induktiewe energiestoor gebruik maak vorm ‘n deel van die klas van statiese kragbronne met hoe energiedigtheid. Hierdie tesis handel oor die optimering, in terme van volume, van ‘n induktiewe pulskragbron. Die stelsel bestaan uit drie stadiums, wat die energie van een vorm na ‘n ander omskakel en sodoende die vorm van die puls wat aan die las gelewer word, beheer. A lae-drywing primere kragbron laai ‘n medium-dry wing intermediere energiestoor. Energie word dan van die intermediere energiestoor na ‘n hoe-drywing stoorinduktor oorgedra. Nadat die induktor volgelaai is, word die energie aan die las oorgedra. Indien pulsvorming benodig word, kan van ‘n modulere induktor gebruik gemaak word. Vaste-toestand skakelelemente word gebruik om die energievloei te beheer. Navorsing wat by Soreq, in Israel, uitgevoer is, word as die vertrekpunt vir die studie gebruik. ‘n Verandering aan die XRAM topologie word voorgestel en die werking daarvan word in detail geanaliseer. ‘n Bestaande volume model word ondersoek en uitgebrei om ‘n aantal nie-weglaatbare verskynsels in aanmerking te neem. Die nuwe volume model maak voorsiening vir modulariteit, die effek van substelseltegnologie en ‘n aantal praktiese oorwegings wat in die ontwerp van die stelsel ‘n rol speel. Die finale doel is om ‘n 500 kJ, 80 kA, 20 kV stelsel in ‘n volume van 1 m3 in te pas. Hierdie volume van 1 m3 moet die intermediere energiestoor, die stoorinduktor, asook die skakelaars, bevat. Die optimeringsalgoritme en stelseltopologie wat ontwikkel is, word eksperimenteel deur middel van ‘n 1.2 kA, 2.5 kV, 4 module prototipe geverifieer. Laastens word aangetoon hoe ‘n finale stelsel, gebaseer op huidige skakelaartegnologie, met ‘n totale volume van 0.8 m3 moontlik in die toekoms ontwikkel kan word.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Multi-mode coupled cavity filters have been the mainstay of commercial satellite communications systems since their introduction in 1970. Multi-mode filters use more than one resonant mode in a single cavity resonator, thereby reducing the size and weight of the filter. This is especially advantageous for satellite applications where the size and weight of the communications payload must be minimised. The use of more modes also increases the complexity of the filter design. Iris design plays an integral part in the design of multi-mode coupled cavity filters. Currently, irises are mostly designed using either the small aperture theory derived by Bethe, or a standard numerical technique. A recent study comparing these two techniques shows that approximations made in standard correction factors applied to small aperture theory, can lead to unacceptable errors. While numerical techniques are clearly required for the accurate design of complex irises, the standard numerical technique is only suited to the design of relatively simple iris structures. This dissertation presents three new CAD procedures for the design of irises in multi-mode coupled cavity devices. The new procedures are verified by numerical examples and measurements. Two new multi-mode coupled cavity devices were designed and tested using the CAD procedures developed in this work. The first is a new diplexer structure that realises two fourth order Chebyschev filter channels in three quadruple-mode cavities. Through correct placement and accurate design of irises, channel isolation was increased beyond that of existing multi-mode diplexer structures. The second application is the development of a new coupling structure for the replacement of coupling and tuning screws. A third order triple-mode cavity filter, including this new fixed coupling element, was designed using the CAD procedures developed in this dissertation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Multi-modale gekoppelde resoneerder filters word reeds vanaf die eerste verskyning van kommersiele sateliet-kommunikasiestelsels in 1970 gebruik. Vir hierdie toepassing is die fisiese grootte en massa van die filters in die kommunikasiestelsels van groot belang. Multimodale filters gebruik meer as een resonante modus in ‘n golfgeleier resoneerder om die fisiese grootte en massa van die filter te verminder. Hoe meer resonante modusse in een golfgeleier resoneerder, hoe kleiner en ligter die filter. Die gebruik van meer modusse kompliseer egter die ontwerp van die filter. ‘n Baie belangrike aspek van multi-modale filterontwerp is die ontwerp van die irisse wat die golfgeleier resoneerder skei. Die irisse word tans ontwerp, of deur middel van Bethe se klein iris teorie, of met die gebruik van ‘n standaard numeriese metode. ‘n Onlangse studie toon aan dat sekere standaard toevoegings tot Bethe se teorie, benaderings bevat wat tot foutiewe iris ontwerp kan lei. Numeriese metodes is dus noodsaaklik vir akkurate iris ontwerp. Hierdie studie wys egter dat die bestaande numeriese tegnieke beperk is tot die ontwerp van relatief eenvoudige irisse. Hierdie proefskrif bied drie nuwe rekenaargesteunde ontwerpsprosedures vir die doeltreffende ontwerp van verskillende klasse irisse in multi-modale golfgeleier resoneerder filters. Die nuwe metodes word getoets aan die hand van numeriese voorbeelde, en/of gemete resultate. Twee nuwe komplekse multi-modale golfgeleier resoneerder filter toepassings is ontwerp deur gebruik te maak van die nuwe ontwerpsprosedures. Die eerste is ‘n nuwe diplekser struktuur met twee vierde-orde Chebyschev filterkanale in drie golfgeleier resoneerders wat elk vier resonante modusse ondersteun. Deur korrekte en akkurate plasing van die irisse word ‘n groot verbetering in kanaalisolasie bo ‘n bestaande multi-modale diplekser verkry. Die tweede toepassing is die ontwikkeling van ‘n nuwe koppelstruktuur vir die vervanging van die gebruiklike koppel- en aanpassingskroewe. ‘n Derde-orde trippel-modus filter, gebaseer op hierdie nuwe struktuur, is ook ontwerp deur van die nuwe ontwerpsalgoritmes gebruik te maak.

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / The open-ended coaxial probe is revisited as a broadband measurement system for general high frequency permittivity measurements. Three coaxial probes were developed that are suited for the measurement of both liquids and solids. The components of a permittivity measurement system were investigated and improvements were made to the coaxial probe where needed. This includes the development of a full wave code with great calculation time improvements without sacrificing accuracy. This code allows measurements to be performed in a high frequency laboratory and the permittivity extracted without any mentionable delay. A capacitance model that better describes the impedance of an open-ended coaxial line is also suggested that can be used for real-time permittivity extraction over a limited frequency range. Calibration formed a vital part of the project and great time was spent developing a TRL and a SOLT calibration set for the coaxial probe geometry. The combination of the TRL and SOLT standards also allows measurement of the residual errors after calibration and is used in an uncertainty analysis of the extracted permittivity. Well known materials such as PTFE, PVC, methanol and water were measured to test the probes. The measured dielectric constants are all within 3% of values quoted in literature. The loss term of the samples are also in good agreement with the expected values.

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / The design of an electrically small planar antenna for compact circular polarization is presented. After an in-depth study of the performance limitations on electrically small antennas and an investigation into the working of various existing electrically small antennas, the design, simulation and measurement of the proposed antenna element is presented in detail.

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Integrated circuits are expensive to manufacture and it is important to verify the correct operation of a circuit before fabrication. Efficient, though accurate, parameter extraction of post-layout designs are required for estimation of circuit success rates. This thesis discusses electrical netlist and fast parameter extraction techniques suited for both intraand inter-gate connections. This includes the use of extraction windows and look-up tables (LUTs) for accurate inductance and capacitance estimation. These techniques can readily be implemented in automated layout software where fast parameter extraction is required for timing analysis and gate placement.