Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this thesis, the investigation into the optimization of low speed communication protocols for narrow band networks will be presented. The main focus will be on analysing commonly used low speed communication protocols and investigate an alternative to these protocols to provide an optimized low speed narrow band network that provides better performance at high and low channel utilization. A study of existing low speed communication networks within the field of water supply has been used to identify the most appropriate protocols to be included in the analysis. The analysis of each protocol discussed includes the development of a simulation and theoretical model, with parameters based on those obtained from implemented communication networks focusing on the parameters used within the Namib water supply scheme of NamWater in Namibia. Of the currently implemented contention protocols, the non-persistent Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) protocol is implemented the most. Current models used for modelling these protocols make use of various assumptions. These models have been expanded to provide a more accurate representation of the non-persistent CSMA model. The Round Robin Polling (RRP) protocol is another well known protocol used within the telemetry industry and has also been modelled as an alternative to the non-persistent CSMA model. The Adaptive Tree Walk (ATW) protocol has been identified as the limited contention protocol to be modelled as a possible alternative to the conventional methods used. A new model has been developed for modelling this protocol by making use of the same strategies and tools used in the modelling of the non-persistent CSMA and RRP protocols. The Simulation modelling has been developed by making use of DESMO-J, an Object Orientated Simulation API based in Java, developed by the Faculty of Informatics at the University of Hamburg. DESMO-J has been chosen as an alternative to the more traditional simulation languages due to its complete documentation, support structures, ease of use and flexibility. All theoretical models have been implemented in Matlab. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie tesis sal die ondersoek na die optimering van laespoed protokolle vir kommunikasie oor nouband netwerke voorgelê word. Die hoof fokus is op die analise van algemene laespoed kommunikasie protokolle en die ondersoek van alternatiewe wat ’n meer optimale laespoed nouband netwerk sal lewer deur beter werkverigting by lae en hoë kanaalverkeer. ’n Studie van praktiese laespoed nouband netwerke in die veld van waterverspreiding word gebruik om die mees algemene protokolle te identifiseer wat in die analise ingesluit moet word. Die analise van die protokolle sluit in teoretiese en simulasie modelle, met parameters soos geidentifiseer uit die studie van ‘n praktiese netwerk, naamlik die Namib waterverspreidingskema van NamWater in Namibië. Die ’Non-persistent Carrier Sense Multiple Access’ en ’Round Robin Polling’ protokolle is geidentifiseer as dié wat meeste geimplementeer word. Die werkverigting van die protokolle is geanaliseer deur gebruik te maak van teoretiese en simulasie modeleringstegnieke. Huidige modelle van die CSMA protokol is gebaseer op sekere aannames. Hierdie aannames word aangepas en verbeter vir implementering van die teoretiese model. Die model word ook verder uitgebrei om beter resultate te lewer oor ’n groter parameterstel. Die ’Adaptive Tree Walk’ protokol is geidentifiseer as ’n moontlike optimale protokol en word gemodeleer en vergelyk teen die CSMA en RRP protokolle se werkverigting. Die simulasiemodelle is ontwikkel deur gebruik te maak van die DESMO-J sagteware, soos ontwikkel as ’n Java program-koppelvlak deur die Universiteit van Hamburg se Fakulteit van Informatika. DESMO-J is gekies as ’n alternatief vir die meer tradisionele simuleringstale omrede goeie dokumentasie, maklike gebruik en buigbaarheid. Alle teoretiese modelering is uitgevoer in Matlab.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis is about the design, simulation and measuring of ultra wide band antennas for use in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The SKA is a radio astronomy project with one of the aims of detecting hydrogen particles in deep space. Several thousand antennas over a wide band of frequencies are needed to receive the radiation from these particles. This motivates the need for a low-cost ultra wide band antenna with the focus on the low frequency part of the SKA. In this thesis we present two design strategies: The first design strategy is for a printed LPDA on a substrate and design curves are generated. A scale model was built and measurements did not correlate with simulation results. This is due to manufacturing tolerances and assembly of the pyramidal structure. The second design strategy is for a full scale zig-zag antenna and design curves were also generated. The aim here is to produce a low-cost prototype by using brazing rods for the wire structure and mount it on a wooden frame. A full scale model was built and measurements on the roof produced much interference for the radiation pattern, but the reflection coefficient was good. We suggest doing measurements in an interference free environment in order to achieve the needed results. To conclude we suggest using the zig-zag antenna for the SKA. Some issues do however need more attention as the transformer has some losses, the cross polarisation is probably not good enough and the beamwidth does not reach the specification. We demonstrated a low cost prototype and there is the possibility of low-cost large scale manufacturing but this needs to be addressed. This has however not been analysed as many factors for large scale manufacturing are very difficult to predict beforehand and lies outside the scope of this thesis. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis gaan oor die ontwerp, simulasie en opmeting van ultrawyebandantennas vir gebruik in die SKA ("Square Kilometre Array"). Die SKA is ’n radioastronomie projek met die doel om waterstof partikels op te spoor in die ruimte. Duisende antennas wat oor ’n wye band van frekwensies strek is nodig om die energie van die partikels op te vang. Hieruit is daar ’n aanvraag vir lae-koste ultrawyebandantennas met die fokus op die lae frekwensie deel van die SKA. In hierdie tesis word twee ontwerpstrategieë voorgestel: Die eerste ontwerpstrategie is vir ’n gedrukte logaritmies periodiese dipool reeks (LPDR) op ’n substraat tesame met ontwerpskurwes wat gegenereer word. ’n Skaal model is gebou en die gemete resultate stem nie ooreen met die simulasie nie. Dit kan toegeskryf word aan vervaardigingstoleransies en die aanmekaar sit van die piramide struktuur. Die tweede ontwerpstrategie is vir ’n vol skaal sigsag ("zig-zag") antenna met ontwerpskurwes wat ook gegenereer word. Die doel is om ’n lae-koste prototipe te bou deur sweissoldeerdraad te gebruik vir die draadstruktuur en dan op ’n hout raam te plaas. ’n Vol skaal model is gebou en metings op die dak het baie interferensie veroorsaak vir die stralingsveld, maar tog was die weerkaatskoëffisient goed. Ons stel voor om die metings te herhaal in ’n steuringvrye omgewing om sodoende die korrekte resultate te verkry. Om af te sluit stel ons voor om die sigsag antenna vir die SKA te gebruik. Sekere kwessies soos die transformator wat verlieserig is, die kruispolarisasie wat moontlik nie goed genoeg is nie en die bundelwydte wat nie die spesifikasie haal nie moet nog aandag geniet. Ons het ’n lae-koste prototipe gedemonstreer en daar is die moontlikheid om dit op grootskaalse vervaardiging ook goedkoop te doen, maar dit moet nog uigesorteer word. Dit was wel nie geanaliseer nie, siende dat vele faktore ’n rol speel by grootskaalse vervaardiging wat uiters moeilik is om voor die tyd te voorspel en buite die omvang van die tesis lê.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The landing phase of any helicopter is the most critical part of the whole flight envelope, particularly on a moving flight deck. The flight deck is usually located at the stern of the ship, translating to large heave motions. This thesis focuses on the three fundamental components required for a successful landing: accurate, relative state-estimation between the helicopter and the flight deck; a prediction horizon to forecast suitable landing opportunities; and excellent control to safely unite the helicopter with the flight deck. A monocular-vision sensor node was developed to provide accurate, relative position and attitude information of the flight deck. The flight deck is identified by a distinct, geometric pattern. The relative states are combined with the onboard, kinematic state-estimates of the helicopter to provide an inertial estimate of the flight deck states. Onboard motion prediction is executed to forecast a possible safe landing time which is conveyed to the landing controller. Camera pose-estimation tests and hardware-in-the-loop simulations proved the system developed in this thesis viable for flight tests. The practical flight tests confirmed the success of the monocular-vision sensor node. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die mees kritiese deel van die hele vlug-duurte van ’n helikopter is die landings-fase, veral op ’n bewegende vlugdek. Die vlugdek is gewoonlik geleë aan die agterstewe-kant van die skip wat groot afgee bewegings mee bring. Hierdie tesis ondersoek die drie fundamentele komponente van ’n suksesvolle landing: akkurate, relatiewe toestand-beraming tussen die helikopter en die vlugdek; ’n vooruitskatting horison om geskikte landings geleenthede te voorspel; en uitstekended beheer om die helikopter en vlugdek veilig te verenig. ’n Monokulêre-visie sensor-nodus was ontwikkel om akkurate, relatiewe-posisie en oriëntasie informasie van die vlugdek te verwerf. Die vlugdek is geidentifiseer deur ’n kenmerkende, geometriese patroon. Die relatiewe toestande word met die aan-boord kinematiese toestandafskatter van die helikopter gekombineer, om ’n beraming van die inertiale vlugdek-toestande te verskaf. Aan-boord beweging-vooruitskatting is uitgevoer om moontlike, veilige landingstyd te voorspel en word teruggevoer na die landingsbeheerder. Kamera-orientasie afskat-toetse en hardeware-in-die-lus simulasies het die ontwikkelde sisteem van hierdie tesis lewensvatbaar vir vlug-toetse bewys. Praktiese vlug-toetse het die sukses van die monokulêre-visie sensor-nodus bevestig.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Computational Aeroelasticity is a complex research field which combines structural and aerodynamic analyses to describe a vehicle in flight. This thesis investigates the feasibility of including such an analysis in the development of control systems for unmanned aerial vehicles within the Electronic Systems Laboratory at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University. This is done through the development of a structural analysis algorithm using the Finite Element Method, an aerodynamic algorithm for Prandtl’s Lifting Line Theory and experimental work. The experimental work was conducted at the Low-Speed Wind Tunnel at the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. The structural algorithm was applied to 20-noded hexahedral elements in a winglike structure. The wing was modelled as a cantilever beam, with a fixed and a free end. Natural frequencies and deflections were verified with the experimental model and commercial software. The aerodynamic algorithm was applied to a Clark-Y airfoil with a chord of 0:1m and a half-span of 0:5m. This profile was also used on the experimental model. Experimental data was captured using single axis accelerometers. All postprocessing of data is also discussed in this thesis. Results show good correlation between the structural algorithm and experimental data. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Numeriese Aeroelastisiteit is ’n komplekse navorsingsveld waar ’n vlieënde voertuig deur ’n strukturele en ’n aerodinamiese analise beskryf word. Hierdie tesis ondersoek die toepaslikheid van hierdie tipe analise in die ontwerp van beheerstelsels vir onbemande voertuie binne die ESL groep van die Departement Elektriese en Elektroniese Ingenieurswese by Stellenbosch Universiteit. Die ondersoek bevat die ontwikkeling van ’n strukturele algoritme met die gebruik van die Eindige Element Methode, ’n aerodinamiese algoritme vir Prandtl se Heflynteorie en eksperimentele werk. Die eksperimentele werk is by die Department Meganiese en Megatroniese Ingensierswese toegepas in die Lae-Spoed Windtonnel. Die strukturele algoritme maak gebruik van ’n 20-nodus heksahedrale element om ’n vlerk-tipe struktuur op te bou. Die vlerk is vereenvouding na ’n kantelbalk met ’n vasgeklemde en ’n vrye ent. Natuurlike frekwensies en defleksies is met die eksperimentele werk en kommersiële sagteware geverifieer. Die aerodinamiese algoritme is op ’n Clark-Y profiel met 0:1m koord lengte en ’n halwe vlerk length van 0:5m geïmplementeer. Die profiel is ook in die eksperimentele model gebruik. Die eksperimentele data is met eendimensionele versnellingsmeters opgeneem. Al die verdere berekeninge wat op ekperimentele data gedoen is, word in die tesis beskryf. Resultate toon goeie korrelasie tussen die strukturele algoritme en die eksperimentele data.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Geomagnetic storms are primarily driven by the rapid transfer of energy from the solar wind to the magnetosphere. The mechanism of energy transfer involves the merging of the interplanetary magnetic field to the geomagnetic field in a process known as magnetic reconnection. This leads to an influx of energetic, charged particles into the magnetosphere so that current systems are enhanced. Specifically, an increase in the equatorial ring current leads to a decrease in the surface field. Geomagnetic storms are thus characterized by a strong decline in the horizontal components of the geomagnetic field, lasting from several hours to days. The intensity of a storm is described by the disturbed storm-time index, which is essentially a measure of the deviation from the typical quiet day variation along the equator. Severe storms can lead to the disruption of high frequency (HF) communications as a consequence of a strongly perturbed ionosphere. By the same token, the global positioning system (GPS) can become highly unreliable during magnetically disturbed conditions, yielding distance errors as large as 50 meters. The impact of geomagnetic activity and other solar-driven processes on technology systems are collectively known as space weather. Magnetic field sensing thus forms an important part of space weather forecasting and is vital to space science research as a means of improving our understanding of solar wind-magnetosphere interactions. This study examines the use of magnetometers built as SQUIDs (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices) for monitoring the geomagnetic field for space weather forecasting purposes. A basic theory of superconductivity is presented and subsequently the key aspects governing the operation of SQUIDs are discussed. Space weather is also introduced with respect to the various processes on the sun that perturb the magnetosphere and hence the geomagnetic field. The method of analysis was basically to Fourier-transform the data using the Wiener-Khintchine theorem. A systematic approach to Fourier analysis is thus presented, demonstrating the superiority of the Wiener-Khintchine theorem in noise reduction. The suitability of SQUID magnetometers for space science research is demonstrated by a comparative study between SQUID and fluxgate datasets for magnetic storms during 2011. Strong correlation was observed between the frequency content of the SQUID and fluxgate signals. This result supports South Africa’s SQUID project, currently undertaken as a collaborative effort between SANSA Space Science and the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University. This thesis thus lays a foundation for future research involving advanced magnetometry using SQUIDs. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geomagnetiese storms word hoofsaaklik gedryf deur die vinnige oordrag van energie van die sonwind na die magnetosfeer. Die meganisme van energie oordrag behels die samesmelting van die interplanetêre magneetveld met die geomagneetveld, in 'n proses wat bekend staan as magnetiese heraansluiting. Dit lei tot 'n instroming van energieke elektries-gelaaide deeltjies, tot in die magnetosfeer, met die gevolg dat magnetosferiese elektriese stroomstelsels versterk word. 'n Toename in die ekwatoriale ringstrome lei spesifiek tot 'n afname in die horisontale komponent van die geomagnetiese veld. Geomagnetiese storms word dus gekenmerk deur 'n sterk afname in die horisontale komponent van die geomagnetiese veld, ‘n afname wat etlike ure tot dae kan duur. Die intensiteit van 'n storm word beskryf deur die storm-tyd versteurings indeks , 'n maatstaf van die afwyking van die tipiese stil dag magnetiese variasie langs die ewenaar. Ernstige storms kan lei tot die ontwrigting van hoë frekwensie (HF) kommunikasie as 'n gevolg van 'n erg versteurde ionosfeer. Soortgelyk kan die Globale Posisionering Stelsel (GPS) hoogs onbetroubaar word tydens magneties versteurde toestande, en posisiefoute so groot as 50 meter veroorsaak. Die impak van geomagnetiese aktiwiteit en ander sonkrag gedrewe prosesse op tegnologie is gesamentlik bekend as ruimteweer. Magneetveldmetinge vorm dus 'n belangrike deel van ruimteweervoorspelling en is noodsaaklik vir ruimtewetenskaplike navorsing as 'n middel om die sonwind-magnetosfeer interaksies beter te verstaan. Hierdie studie ondersoek die gebruik van SQUID (Engels: Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) magnetometers vir die monitering van die geomagnetiese veld vir ruimteweervoorspellingsdoeleindes. ’n Basiese teorie van supergeleiding word aangebied, waarvolgens die sleutelaspekte van SQUIDs bespreek word. Ruimteweer word ook voorgestel in terme van die verskillende prosesse op die son wat die aarde se magnetosfeer en dus die geomagnetiese veld versteur. Die analisemetode wat hier gebruik word, is om die Fourier-transform van data met die Wiener-Khintchine theorema te bereken. A sistematiese metode vir Fourier-analise word aangebied, wat die superiorireit van die Wiener-Khintchine teorema vir ruisvermindering demonstreer. Die geskiktheid van SQUID magnetometers vir ruimtewetenskaplike navorsing word gedemonstreer deur ’n vergelykende studie tussen SQUID- en vloedhek-datastelle vir magnetiese storms gedurende 2011. Sterk korrelasie is waargeneem tussen die frekwensie-inhoud van die SQUID- en vloedhekseine. Hierdie resultate ondersteun Suid-Afrika se SQUID-projek, wat tans as ’n samewerkingspoging tussen SANSA Space Science en die Departement Elektriese en Elektroniese Ingenieurswese aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch bedryf word. Hierdie tesis lê ’n fondasie vir toekomstige navorsing oor gevorderde magnetometrie met SQUIDs.

Thesis (PhD (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa and Australia are now the two remaining countries bidding for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), the biggest and most sensitive project ever undertaken in radio astronomy. The South African SKA is demonstrating its technology capabilities through the Karoo Array Telescope (KAT or MeerKAT). The development of KAT is taking place in stages to optimise design and minimise risks at each stage. An array of seven 12 m antennas will be complete by the end of 2009, called KAT-7. The following phase will see the construction of MeerKAT, which will lead to eighty arrayed dishes. Lightning and RFI studies for KAT-7 are the focus of this dissertation. Due to the extent and complexity of the South African demonstrator project, these studies have largely been conducted on a single structure. Parameters for the dish antenna and pedestal design changed throughout their development. To be effective, the doctoral research had to track these changes appropriately. A Method of Moments frequency domain computational electromagnetic code, FEKO, is used throughout the study. The consequences of direct and indirect lightning strikes are examined for the KAT-7 structure. Important FEKO model verification is achieved through measurement of physical scale models in an anechoic chamber. The microwave simulation code, CST, gives direct comparison of FEKO results by using a finite volume time domain method of calculation. Using frequency domain analysis on these models, the lightning down conductor design over the dish antenna bearings is optimised with cost-effectiveness as one driving parameter. RFI coupling levels for different designs are compared to each other to identify areas requiring RFI mitigation. Analysis of resonances enables evaluation of the mitigation at frequencies sensitive to radio astronomy. A Sommerfeld integral ground plane is used together with the computational model to investigate the use of the concrete foundation steel reinforcing as part of the lightning earthing electrode system. Different interconnections of the steel reinforcing elements are critically evaluated. The KAT-7 design incorporated clear lightning protection and RFI mitigation policies derived from recommendations contained within this dissertation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suid-Afrika en Australie is nou die oorblywende twee lande wat bie vir die Vierkante Kilometer Reeks (SKA), die grootste en mees sensitiewe projek nog ooit in radio astronomie onderneem. Die Suid Afrikaanse SKA demonstreer sy tegnologiese bekwaamheid met die Karoo Reeks Teleskoop (KAT of MeerKAT). Die ontwikkeling van KAT vind plaas in fases om die ontwerp te optimaliseer en risikos te minimaliseer met elke fase. ’n Reeks van sewe 12 m antennas, genaamd KAT-7, sal teen die einde van 2009 klaar wees. Die volgende fase behels die konstruksie van MeerKAT, wat sal lei tot ’n tagtig-skottel reeks. Die fokus van hierdie proefskrif hanteer weerlig en radiofrekwensie steurings (RFS) vir KAT-7. As gevolg van die omvang en kompleksiteit van die Suid-Afrikaanse demonstreerder projek, is die studies hoofsaaklik op een struktuur gedoen. Parameters vir die antenna-skottel en -voetstuk ontwerp het met hul ontwikkeling deurgaans verander. Om effektief te wees, moes die doktorale navorsing hierdie veranderinge toepaslik volg. ’n Metode-van-Momente frekwensiedomein rekenaar elektromagnetiese kode, FEKO, is deurgaans met die studie gebruik. Die gevolge van direkte en indirekte weerligslae vir die KAT-7 struktuur is ondersoek. Belangrike FEKO model bevestiging is bereik met metings van skaalmodelle in ’n anego¨ıse kamer. Die mikrogolf-simulasie kode, CST, gee ’n direkte vergelyking met die FEKO resultate deur ’n eindige-volume-tyd-domein metode van berekening te gebruik. Met behulp van frekwensiedomein analise van hierdie modelle, is die weerligafleierontwerp oor die antenna-skottel laers ge-optimaliseer, met koste-effektiwiteit as een van die drywingsparameters. RFS koppelingsvlakke vir onderskeie ontwerpe is teen mekaar opgeweeg om areas te identifiseer wat RFS tempering benodig. Analise van resonansies stel die evaluering van die tempering in staat teen frekwensies wat sensitief is vir radio astronomie. ’n Sommerfeld integrale grondvlak word saam met die rekenaarmodel gebruik om die insluiting van die beton se staalversterking as deel van die aardingselektrodestelsel te ondersoek. Verskillende bindmetodes van die onderlinge staalversterkingselemente word krities ge¨evalueer. Die KAT-7 ontwerp inkorporeer duidelike weerligbeveiligings- en RFS temperingstrategie ¨e, komende van aanbevelings in hierdie proefskrif omskryf

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A well-known problem with FM-CW radar systems is the leakage of transmitter power into the receiver which leads to the making of close-in targets, and can severely limit the system dynamic range performance. This thesis considers two solutions to this radar system problem for a low frequency radar operating in the VHF band. The first method to suppress coupling is using separate transmit and receive antennas designed in such a way as to reduce coupling between them. The second is to design a negative feedback loop as part of the radar receiver where the feedback loop adaptively reduces the amount of transmitter leakage through to the receiver. This project details the realisation of these two solutions. A number of antenna designs are modelled in software and simulated to determine their characteristics of which the transmit-to-receive coupling is the key parameter. As no low coupling configuration could be found a simple configuration is chosen and practical measurements are taken. These antennas are then used in the radar system that is to be built. An FM-CW radar system is designed and simulated using software with a negative feedback loop being designed and implemented into the radar simulation. A practical radar system is then made inclusive of the feedback loop. Measurements are then taken to determine the efficacy of the feedback loop. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ʼn Bekende probleem met FM-CW radar stelsels is die lekkasie van versender krag tot in die ontvanger wat lei tot die maak van nabye teikens en kan die stelsel se dinamiese sendbereik steng beperk. Hierdie tesis oorweeg twee oplossings tot hierdie probleem vir ʼn lae frekwensie radar wat in die VHF band werk. Die eerste metode wat na gekyk word om die koppeling te onderdruk is om die twee antennas van die radar stelsel so te ontwerp sodat die hoeveelheid koppeling tussen hulle verminder is. Die tweede is om ʼn negatiewe terugvoerlus as deel van die ontvanger te ontwerp. Hierdie terugvoerlus sal die versender lekkasie sein aanpassend in die ontvanger verminder. In hierdie projek word die realisering van bogenoemde oplossings uiteengeset. ʼn Paar verskillende antenna ontwerpe word gemodelleer in sagteware en word gesimuleer om hul karakteristieke te bepaal. Die belangrikste van hierdie faktore is die versender na ontvanger koppeling. Sienend dat geen ontwerp met ʼn lae genoeg koppeling gevind kon word nie, is ʼn eenvoudige ontwerp gekies en praktiese metings daarvan geneem. Hierdie antennas word dan gebruik in die radar stelsel wat gebou sal word. ʼn FM-CW radar stelsel word ontwerp en gesimuleer in sagteware. Die negatiewe terugvoerlus word ook ontwerp en geïmplementeer in die radar simulasie. ʼn Praktiese radar stelsel word dan gemaak insluitend die terugvoerlus. Metings word dan geneem om die effektiwiteit daarvan te bepaal.

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Speech is the primary and most natural means of communication between human beings. With the rapid spread of technology across the globe and the increased number of personal and public applications for digital equipment in recent years, the need for human/machine interaction has increased dramatically. Synthetic speech is audible speech produced by a machine automatically. A text-to-speech (TTS) system is one that converts bodies of text into digital speech signals which can be heard and understood by a person. Current TTS systems generally require large annotated speech corpora in the languages for which they are developed. For many languages these resources are not available. In their absence, a TTS system generates synthetic speech by means of mathematical algorithms constrained by certain rules. This thesis describes the design and implementation of a rule-based speech generation algorithm for use in a TTS system. The system allows the type, emphasis, pitch and other parameters associated with a sound and its particular mode of articulation to be specified. However, no attempt is made to model prosodic and other higher-level information. Instead, this is assumed known. The algorithm uses linear predictive (LP) models of monophone speech units, which greatly reduces the amount of data required for development in a new language. A novel approach to the interpolation of monophone speech units is presented to allow realistic transitions between monophone units. Additionally, novel algorithms for estimation and modelling of the harmonic and stochastic content of an excitation signal are presented. This is used to determine the amount of voiced and unvoiced energy present in individual speech sounds. Promising results were obtained when evaluating the developed system’s South African English speech output using two widely used speech intelligibility tests, namely the modified rhyme test (MRT) and semantically unpredictable sentences (SUS).

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In recent years the demand for bandwidth has dramatically increased because of new applications for data and multimedia, and wireless technology has prevailed as a prominent technology for data connectivity, especially for home, office and last mile services. As wireless communications are dependant upon spectrum availability, which is communal, this scarce commodity in communication has to be used as efficiently as possible. Some aspects of this requirement are addressed in this project. We chose the IEEE 802.11b standard for this particular investigation because of its widespread use, the vast amount of applicable literature, the variety of software simulation tools and the ease with which equipment can be obtained. The IEEE 802.11 standard specified the Point Coordination Function as the de- terministic protocol. Recently research into this aspect has stagnated, and it was the purpose of this project to investigate how existing infrastructure networks could be improved by optimising some modes of the 802.11 protocol. The investigation also hoped to determine when to change between Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) and Point Coordination Function (PCF), and to provide an adaptive protocol to do so. This thesis presents mathematical models for the operation of DCF and PCF modes, which is compared with results from a network simulator (ns2), for theoretical veri- fication. A protocol is also proposed to dynamically switch between DCF and PCF, to harness the advantages they present. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die afgelope paar jaar het die aanvraag na bandwydte dramaties verhoog as gevolg van nuwe toepassings vir data en multimedia, en draadlose tegnologie het voorgekom as ’n dominante tegnologie vir data konnektiwiteit, veral vir die huis, kantoor en laaste myl dienste. Omdat draadlose kommunikasie afhanklik is van spektrum beskikbaarheid, wat gemeenskaplik is, moet hierdie skaars kommoditeit in kommunikasie so effektief moontlik gebruik word. Sekere aspekte van die vereiste sal in die tesis ondersoek word. Dit is besluit om die IEEE 802.11b standard vir die spesifieke ondersoek te gebruik as gevolg van die wye toepassing, die groot hoeveelheid beskikbare literatuur, die verskeidenheid simulasie sagteware en die gemak waarmee die toerusting bekom kan word. Die IEEE 802.11 standaard spesifiseer the Punt Koordinasie Funksie (PCF) as die deterministiese protokol vir die betrokke standaard. Onlangs het navorsing oor hierdie aspek gestagneer, en dit is die doel van die projek om te ondersoek hoe bestaande infrastruktuur netwerke moontlik verbeter kan word deur optimering van sekere modusse van die 802.11 protokol. Die ondersoek hoop ook om te bepaal wanneer die oorgang van die Distrubusie Koordinasie Funksie (DCF) en Punt Ko- ordinasie Funksie sal plaasvind, en om ’n dienooreenstemmende protokol te on- twikkel. Die tesis verskaf wiskundige modelle vir die werking van die DCF en PCF modusse, wat vergelyk word met resultate uit ’n netwerk simulator (ns2), vir teoretiese ver- ifikasie. ’n Protokol word ook voorgestel om dinamies te wissel tussen DCF and PCF, om die voordele wat die protokolle verskaf te gebruik.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to develop modi ed tract-etched membranes using nanocomposite TiO2 for advanced water treatment processes. Photocatalytic oxidation and reduction reactions take place on TiO2 surfaces under UV light irradiation, therefore sunlight and even normal indoor lighting could be utilised to achieve this effect. In membrane ltration, caking is a major problem, by enhancing the anti-fouling properties of photocatalysts to mineralise organic compounds the membrane life and e ciency can be improved upon. In this study the rst approach in nanocomposite membrane development was to directly modify the surface of polyethylenetherephthalate (PET) track-etched membranes (TMs) with titanium dioxide (TiO2) using inverted cylindrical magnetron sputtering (ICMS) for TiO2 thin lm deposition. The second approach was rst to thermally evaporate silver (Ag) over the entire TM surface, followed by sputtering TiO2 over the silver-coated TM. As a result a noble metal-titania nanocomposite thin lm layer is produced on top of the TM surface with both self-cleaning and superhydrophilic properties. Reactive inverted cylindrical magnetron sputtering is a physical vapour deposition method, where material is separated from a target using high energy ions and then re-assimilated on a substrate to grow thin lms. Argon gas is introduced simultaneously into the deposition chamber along with O2 (the reactive gas) to form TiO2. The photocatalytic activity and other lm properties, such as crystallinity can be in uenced by changing the sputtering power, chamber pressure, target-to-substrate distance, substrate temperature, sputtering gas composition and ow rate. These characteristics make sputtering the perfect tool for the preparation of di erent kinds of TiO2 lms and nanostructures for photocatalysis. In this work, the utilisation of ICMS to prepare photocatalytic TiO2 thin lms deposited on track-etched membranes was studied in detail with emphasis on bandgap reduction and TM surface regeneration. Nanostructured TiO2 photocatalysts were prepared through template directed deposition on track-etched membrane substrates by exploiting the good qualities of ICMS. The TiO2-TM as well as Ag-TiO2-TM thin lms were thoroughly characterised. ICMS prepared TiO2 lms were shown to exhibit good photocatalytic activities. However, the nanocomposite Ag-TiO2 thin lms were identi ed to be a much better choice than TiO2 thin lms on their own. Finally a clear enhancement in the photocatalytic activity was achieved by forming the Ag-TiO2 nanocomposite TMs. This was evident from the band-gap improvement from 3.05 eV of the TiO2 thin lms to the 2.76 eV of the Ag-TiO2 thin lms as well as the superior surface regenerative properties of the Ag-TiO2-TMs. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om verbeterde baan-ge etste membrane (BMe) met behulp van nano-saamgestelde titaandioksied (TiO2) vir gevorderde water behandeling prosesse te ontwikkel. Fotokatalitiese oksidasie- en reduksie reaksies vind plaas op die TiO2 oppervlaktes onder UV-lig bestraling, en dus kan sonlig en selfs gewone binnenshuise beligting gebruik word om die gewenste uitwerking te verkry. In membraan ltrasie is die aanpaksel van onsuiwerhede 'n groot probleem, maar die verbetering van die self-reinigende eienskappe van fotokatalisators deur organiese verbindings te mineraliseer, kan die membraan se leeftyd en doeltre endheid verbeter word. In hierdie studie was die eerste benadering om nano-saamgestelde membraan ontwikkeling direk te verander deur die oppervlak van polyethylenetherephthalate (PET) BMe met 'n dun lagie TiO2 te bedek, met behulp van reaktiewe omgekeerde silindriese magnetron verstuiwing (OSMV).Die tweede benadering was eers om silwer (Ag) termies te verdamp oor die hele BM oppervlak, gevolg deur TiO2 verstuiwing bo-oor die silwer bedekte BM. As gevolg hiervan is 'n edelmetaal-titanium nano-saamgestelde dun lm laag gevorm bo-op die oppervlak van die BM, met beide self-reinigende en verhoogde hidro liese eienskappe. OSMV is 'n siese damp neerslag metode, waar materiaal van 'n teiken, met behulp van ho e-energie-ione, geskei word, en dan weer opgeneem word op 'n substraat om dun lms te vorm. Argon gas word gelyktydig in die neerslag kamer, saam met O2 (die reaktiewe gas), vrygestel om TiO2 te vorm. Die fotokatalitiese aktiwiteit en ander lm eienskappe, soos kristalliniteit, kan be nvloed word deur die verandering van byvoorbeeld die verstuiwingskrag, die druk in die reaksiekamer, teiken-tot-substraat afstand, substraattemperatuur, verstuiwing gassamestelling en vloeitempo. Hierdie eienskappe maak verstuiwing die ideale hulpmiddel vir die voorbereiding van die verskillende soorte TiO2 lms en nanostrukture vir fotokatalisasie. In hierdie tesis word OSMV gebruik ter voorbereiding van fotokatalitiese TiO2 dun lms, wat gedeponeer is op BMe. Hierdie lms word dan in diepte bestudeer, met die klem op bandgaping vermindering en BM oppervlak hergenerasie. Nanogestruktureerde TiO2 fotokataliste is voorberei deur middel van sjabloongerigte neerslag op BM substrate deur die ontginning van die goeie eienskappe van OSMV. Die TiO2-BM dun lms, sowel as Ag-TiO2-BM dun lms, is deeglik gekarakteriseer. OSMV voorbereide TiO2 dun lms toon goeie fotokatalitiese aktiwiteite. Nano-saamgestelde Ag-TiO2 dun lms is egter ge denti seer as 'n veel beter keuse as TiO2 dun lms. Ten slotte is 'n duidelike verbetering in die fotokatalitiese aktiwiteit bereik deur die vorming van die Ag-TiO2 nano-saamgestelde BMe. Dit was duidelik uit die bandgapingverbetering van 3,05 eV van TiO2 dun lms in vergelyking met die 2,76 eV van Ag-TiO2 dun lms. 'n Duidelike verbetering is behaal in die fotokatalitiese aktiwiteit deur die vorming van die Ag-TiO2 nano-saamgestelde TMs.