Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis pursues the establishment of a new Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) framework for South Africa. The aim of this framework is to ensure that the user is protected from sub-standard products as well as to ensure that products such as medical devices operate safely within the electromagnetic environment. The thesis presents a basic introduction into EMC and then overviews current worldwide legislation. After this information is studied a new framework is proposed for South Africa. This framework covers all areas of industry and the standards with which one has to comply as well as the procedure for demonstrating the compliance of the product. In order to establish the basis whereby smaller manufacturers can show compliance by means of in-house testing, a method for establishing measurement accuracy is also presented. In conclusion some standard measurements and an overview of some alternative measurement techniques are presented. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis ondersoek en stel 'n nuwe Elektromagnetiese Versoenbaarheids (EMV) raamwerk voor vir Suid Africa. Die doel van die raamwerk is om 'n eenvormige stelsel daar te stel waarteen produkte getoets kan word om die publiek teen onder standaard produkte te beskerm. In sekere gevalle help die raamwerk ook om te verseker dat produkte soos mediese toerusting veilig werk in die Elektromagnetiese omgewing. Die tesis lê 'n basiese inleiding oor EMV voor en gee 'n opsomming van huidige wêreldwye wetgewing as inleiding tot 'n raamwerk vir Suid Afrika. Nadat die inligting bestudeer is, word 'n nuwe raamwerk vir Suid Afrika voorgestel. Die raamwerk dek die hele elektroniese industrie, spesifiseer die toepaslike standaarde en voorsien die metodes hoe voldoenning aan die vereistes bewys moet word. Die tesis verskaf ook riglyne hoe kleiner vervaardigers kan bewys dat hulle voldoen aan die vereistes, deur in-huis toetsing. Tesame met 'n oorsig oor basiese meet tegnieke en alternatiewe tegnieke word 'n metode daar gestel vir sulke vervaardigers om hul metings se akuraatheid te bewys.

Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The three-level neutral-point-clamped(NPC) converter, being a widely used multilevel inverter, received a lot of attention recently due to problems associated with de-link capacitor voltage balancing. There are mainly two problems associated with the neutralpoint voltage of the NPC inverter: 1. At high modulation indices a low frequency ripple occurs on the neutral-point voltage. 2. Steady-state unbalance in the neutral-point voltage may arise due to a variety of factors including component imperfections, transients and other non-idealities and imbalances. In this thesis we study the balancing problem with focus on the steady-state imbalance. This is achieved by a systematic and mathematically rigorous study of the natural balancing mechanisms of the three-level three-phase NPC inverter. Orthogonality of two sets of switching spectra in the frequency domain would imply that the DC-bus voltages balance in the steady state. This is done through mathematical analysis using Carrara's PWM strategy of alternative phase opposition disposition(APOD), phase opposition disposition( POD) and phase disposition(PD); and Bennet's geometric model for double Fourier series adapted for use with power converter systems by Bowes. The theory is verified through simulation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Aangesien die drie-vlak, geklemde, neutrale-punt omsetter(NPC) 'n algemene omsetter konfigurasie is, is daar onlangs baie aandag gegee aan die probleme wat geassosieer word met die balansering van die omsetter se gelykstroombuskapasitorspanning. Die twee hoof probleme wat gepaart gaan met die neutraalpuntspanning van die NPC omsetter is: 1. Met 'n ho modulasie-indeks ontstaan daar 'n lae frekwensie rippel op die neutralepuntspanning. 2. 'n Bestendige toestand wanbalans van die neutrale-puntspanning kan ontstaan as gevolg van 'n verskeidenheid faktore, onder andere komponent nie-idealiteite, oorgangs- en ander wanbalanse. In hierdie tesis word op die bestendige-toestandwanbalans gefokus. Dit word gedoen deur middel van die neutraalbalanseeringsmeganisme van die drie-vlak, drie-fase NPC omsetter, sistematies en gedetaileerd wiskundig te bestudeer. In die bestendige toestand sal orgonaliteit van twee stelle skakel spektras in die frekwensie gebied, GS-bus spanning balans impliseer. Dit word wiskundig geanaliseer deur gebruik te maak van Carrara se alternatiewe fase opposiesie disposisie (APOD), fase oposisie disposisie (POD) en fase disposisie(PD), puls-wydte modulasie strategie, asook Bennet se geometriese modelle vir die dubbel Fourier reeks wat aangepas is vir drywingsomsetters deur Bowes. Ten slotte is die teorie geverifieer deur simulasies.

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The implementation and verification of a recently proposed Huy gens' principle in hollow lossless waveguide is described. The extended Huygens' principle is applicable to the scattering effect of arbitrary obstacles in waveguide and allows the coupling of a volume Finite Element discretization with a quasi Method of Moments surface element approach. A review of the technique is given and expressions for the two port scattering parameters are derived. The implementation is restricted to posts in rectangular waveguide, although the technique may also be applied to general scattering problems in waveguide. Finite Elements for the volume of the obstacle are selected and a basis set is proposed. The elemental finite element matrices are derived for a low and higher order basis set, while the validity of the derivations is established by considering a simple waveguide example. A coupled set of matrix equations is constructed that can be solved for the unknown surface electric and magnetic fields and the volume magnetic fields. A set of test examples is chosen to verify the implementation. The convergence behaviour is examined for two test cases. The dissertation concludes with an evaluation of the technique and recommendations for future work. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die implementasie en verifiëring van 'n onlangs voorgestelde Huygens beginsel in leë golfleier word beskryf. Die uitgebreide beginsel van Huygens is van toepassing op die strooiingseffek van arbitrêre voorwerpe in verlieslose golfleier en beskryf die koppeling tussen 'n volume eindige element diskretisasie met 'n oppervlakelement kwasi-moment metode. 'n Oorsig oor die tegniek word gegee en uitdrukkings vir die tweepoort strooiingsparameters word afgelei. Die implementering word beperk tot penne in reghoekige golfleier, alhoewel die tegniek op algemene golfleier strooiingsprobleme van toepassing is. Eindige elemente word gekies vir die volume van die voorwerp en 'n basisfunksie versameling afgelei van bestaande basisfunksies. Lae en hoë orde element matrikse word afgelei en die geldigheid van die afleidings word nagegaan deur 'n eenvoudige golfleier probleem op te los. 'n Gekoppelde stel matriksvergelykings word opgestel in terme van die onbekende oppervlak elektriese en magnetiese velde. 'n Aantal toetsvoorbeelde word gekies om die implementasie te verifieer. Konvergensiegedrag word ondersoek vir twee toetsgevalle. Die proefskrif sluit af met 'n evaluasie van die tegniek en aanbevelings vir verdere werk.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Markerless mobile Augmented Reality (AR) is currently being limited by the processing power available on smartphones and tablet-like devices, which also limits the research that can be done using these devices. To overcome the problem of limited processing power and the problem of being limited to the device's original hardware, the development of a laptop-based prototype platform was proposed. The use of a laptop was motivated by the processing power it o ers and because it is self-contained, but still allows for expansion. The implemented system consists of a handheld tablet-like display with touch input, attached to a backpack which houses the processing unit of the laptop. The tablet portion of the device is equipped with stereo cameras and inertial sensors to allow for optical inertial hybrid tracking. A basic optical inertial Extended Kalman Filter based tracking system was implemented as proof of the concept. A modular design was implemented that allows for components to be added to or removed from the prototype, thereby allowing for rapid prototyping with various combinations of sensors and cameras. Furthermore, multi-core and parallel processing, on both the GPU and CPU, was used to achieve fast processing with only minimal optimisations. The conceptual design, practical implementation, and testing of the prototype platform are covered in this document, along with recommendations for both continued research and the creation of similar systems. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die veld van merkervrye mobiele Toegevoegde Realiteit (TR) word tans beperk deur die verwerkingsvermo e van slimfone en tablette. Die beperking a ekteer ook die vermo e om navorsing te doen op hierdie toestelle. Nog 'n struikelblok met navorsing op hierdie tipe toestel is dat die hardeware nie verander of aangepas kan word nie. Om die beperkings in verwerkingsvermo e en die hardewarebeperking te oorkom, word daar voorgestel dat 'n mobiele stelsel ontwerp word wat oor genoegsame verwerkingvermo e beskik. Die voorgestelde prototipe-stelsel word gebaseer op 'n kragtige skootrekenaar, omdat dit die nodigde verwerkingvermo e besit en mobiliteit verskaf in 'n selfstandigeeenheid. Die voorgestelde stelsel is ge mplementeer deur 'n handdraagbare aanraakskerm te skep, wat verbind is met die rugsak wat die verwerkingse enheid van die skootrekenaar huisves. Die handdraagbare gedeelte van die skerm is toegerus met stereovisie-kameras en inersiesensors. Hierdie sensors en kameras is dan gebruik om 'n basiese hibriede optiese-inersie uitgebreide Kalman lter-gebaseerde posisievolgingsstelsel te skep, as bewys van die voorgestelde konsep. 'n Modul^ere ontwerp is gebruik, omdat dit toelaat dat komponente maklik vervang of bygevoeg kan word. Die modul^ere ontwerp maak dit moontlik om verskeie sensors spoedig te toets en te vergelyk. Verder is beide die SVE- en GVE-eenhede van die skootrekenaar se parallelle verwerkingsvermo e benut. Sodoende is 'n ho e verwerkingspoed bereik, deur slegs minimale optimering toe te pas. Die konsepontwerp, -implementering en -toetsing van die stelsel word in hierdie dokument beskryf. Saam met die beskrywing word daar ook aanbevelings gemaak vir opvolgende navorsing, asook vir die ontwerp van soortgelyke stelsels.

Thesis (PhD (Electrical and Electronic engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / Individuals can be identified by their handwriting. Signatures are, for example, currently used as a biometric identifier on documents such as cheques. Handwriting recognition is also applied to the recognition of characters and words on documents—it is, for example, useful to read words on envelopes automatically, in order to improve the efficiency of postal services. Handwriting is a dynamic process: the pen position, pressure and velocity (amongst others) are functions of time. However, when handwritten documents are scanned, no dynamic information is retained. Thus, there is more information inherent in systems that are based on dynamic handwriting, making them, in general, more accurate than their static counterparts. Due to the shortcomings of static handwriting systems, static signature verification systems, for example, are not completely automated yet. During this research, a technique was developed to extract dynamic information from static images. Experimental results were specifically generated with signatures. A few dynamic representatives of each individual’s signature were recorded using a single digitising tablet at the time of registration. A document containing a different signature of the same individual was then scanned and unravelled by the developed system. Thus, in order to estimate the pen trajectory of a static signature, the static signature must be compared to pre-recorded dynamic signatures of the same individual. Hidden Markov models enable the comparison of static and dynamic signatures so that the underlying dynamic information hidden in the static signatures can be revealed. Since the hidden Markov models are able to model pen pressure, a wide scope of signatures can be handled. This research fully exploits the modelling capabilities of hidden Markovmodels. The result is a robustness to typical variations inherent in a specific individual’s handwriting. Hence, despite these variations, our system performs well. Various characteristics of our developed system were investigated during this research. An evaluation protocol was also developed to determine the efficacy of our system. Results are promising, especially if our system is considered for static signature verification.

Thesis (PhD (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Higher-order Markov models are more powerful than first-order models, but suffer from an exponential increase in model parameters with order, which leads to data scarcity problems during training. A more efficient approach is to use mixed-order Markov models, which model data sequences with contexts of different lengths. This study proposes two algorithms for inferring mixed-order Markov chains and hidden Markov models (HMMs), respectively. The basis of these algorithms is the prediction suffix tree (PST), an efficient representation of a mixed-order Markov chain. The smallest encoded context tree (SECT) algorithm constructs PSTs from data, based on the minimum description length principle. It has no user-specifiable parameters to tune, and will expand the depth of the resulting PST as far as the data set allows it, making it a self-bounded algorithm. It is also faster than the original PST inference algorithm. The hidden SECT algorithm replaces the underlying Markov chain of an HMM with a prediction suffix tree, which is inferred using SECT. The algorithm is efficient and integrates well with standard techniques. The properties of the SECT and hidden SECT algorithms are verified on synthetic data. The hidden SECT algorithm is also compared with a fixed-order HMM training algorithm on an automatic language recognition task, where the resulting mixed-order HMMs are shown to be smaller and train faster than the fixed-order models, for similar classification accuracies.

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / 242 Leaves printed single pages, preliminary pages i-viii and numberd pages. Includes bibliography. Tables and figures. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The aim of the proposed study was to develop an electrical utility organisational performance measure indicator that measures electrical network utilisation (U) for the actual maximum demand and total energy transferred. The scope of the study extended itself to include reliability and exogenous considerations. The scope of the research study included three primary variables with secondary variables as the performance measures. The available data was screened and filtered from outliers, and thereafter, multivariate analysis was applied in deriving the overall linear equation for each of the above primary variables. The statistical process included the application of principal component analysis and factor analysis, a comparison between the two, and the derivation of linear equations. The study produced linear equations relating to the former. The primary variables were presented in the form of a 3-Dimensional scatter plot. Each variable was inspected for linearity and clustering to validate the results and include any previously excluded outliers that complied with linear functionality. A practical application of the research findings was included. This included the extremes of linearity and clustering. The research concludes with further research opportunities in this study direction. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING:Die doel van hierdie ondersoek was om 'n maatstaf te ontwikkel wat elektrisiteitsverskaffers in staat stel om die effektiwiteit en benutting van die elektriese transmissienetwerk te meet. Dit sluit die maksimum aanvraag en totale hoeveelheid energie wat deur die transmissienetwerk oorgedra word in. Die omvang van die studie is uitgebrei om ook eksterne faktore en betroubaarheidsoorwegings in te sluit. Die beskikbare inligting is gekeur en gefilter om uitskieters uit te skakel en daarna is multivariate analise gebruik om 'n lineêre vergelyking vir elk van die primêre veranderlikes te ontwikkel. Die statistiese analise het onder andere van hoofkomponente analise en faktor analise gebruik gemaak. 'n Vergelyking tussen die twee metodes is gemaak en liniêre vergelykings is afgelei. Die primere veranderlikes was gesamelik getoon in n’ 3-dimensionele grafik. Die lineariteit en groepering van elke veranderlike is egter ondersoek om die resultate te staaf en enige uitskieters wat voorheen uitgesluit is maar wel aan die lineêre verband voldoen het in te sluit. 'n Praktiese toepassing van die bevindings was uitgevoer en het die uiterstes van lineariteit en groepering ingesluit. Die ondersoek word afgesluit met 'n bespreking van moontlike verdere navorsingsgeleenthede.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 1993 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An extensive literature study revealed numerous Jauman absorber examples with reasonable absorption properties. Unfortunately, tractable and detailed design techniques were found to be scarce, and often only applicable to absorbers with two or three layers. The research described in this report was therefore aimed at, and culminated in, general design methods for multilayered electric screen J auman absorbers. As a starting point, the synthesis problem is formulated by idealizing the spacers (assumed lossless and commensurate) and resistive sheets (assumed to have zero thickness), and by considering the absorption of a normally incident plane wave. An equivalent circuit model is derived, using the analogy between plane waves in stratified media, and guided waves in TEM transmission lines. The network is analyzed using Richard's frequency surrogate, S = tanh(s = cr +jw), and concise equations and algorithms are presented for symbolic and numerical analysis. Maximum bandwidth synthesis of the classic one-layer absorber, or Salisbury screen, proved to be simple, clearly illustrates the analytic approach, and apparently has not been published before. The two-layer absorber was also found to be algebraically simple enough to be synthesized in closed form, is dealt with comprehensively, and the treatment consolidates and formalizes many of the design techniques available in the literature. Networks comprising commensurate transmission lines and conductances have been investigated by Richardsl , but unfortunately the topology-driven realizability constraints on the input impedance of the Jauman network is only dealt with briefly. Fruitless investigations by the author showed this to be a formidable problem, and as a result the research concentrated on tractable and iterative synthesis algorithms for multilayered absorbers, instead of formal filter synthesis techniques. These algorithms may be summarized as follows: • A key concept in the multilayer zero-placement synthesis methods that will be presented, is the ability to physically realize a given set of reflection coefficientzeros. This involves solving a set of highly non-linear equations, and a gradientmethod iterative algorithm has been developed to achieve this . • The first application of the aforementioned algorithm is to synthesize all reflection zeros at S →∞, thereby obtaining a maximally flat reflection coefficient magnitude response. Stable and rapid convergence was found for up to at least 20 layers, thereby extending the two- and three-layer algebraic solutions available in the literature. It was found that a stringent restriction exists on the maximum dielectric constant (Er) of the spacers, thereby limiting the practical implementation of these solutions . • Through judicious manipulation of reflection zeros at distinct physical frequencies, an equiripple absorption response may be obtained. An elegant algorithm is presented to facilitate this, and it was found that these solutions represent substantial improvements over examples available in the literature. Restrictions still apply to the spacer Er, but these are more relaxed and practical equiripple absorbers are possible. In addition, the spread in sheet resistivities is much smaller than in comparable maximally flat solutions. • Numerical searches indicated that the aforementioned equiripple responses are very close to, but not absolutely optimal, in the sense of maximum bandwidth. The small bandwidth and/or absorption improvements that were found were almost negligible from a practical viewpoint, but the optimal synthesis problem is academically very important. Through use of the general Chebyshev approximation method, an algorithm is developed which finds the local optimal response in the vicinity of such a parent equiripple solution. Although it might be tempting to classify the algorithm as a brute force method, it will be shown that this is not the case, and that its solutions provide the answer to the fundamental and unsolved optimal design problem. These algorithms have been implemented, and tables of resistive sheet values are presented for N up to 8, a range of Er values corresponding to low loss foams, and for various absorption levels. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: geen opsomming

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Keywords: software-defined radio, SDR, quadrature mixing, quadrature modulation, quadrature demodulation, digital compensation, software radio, direct-digital synthesis, DDS. An often-stated goal of software-defined transceiver systems is to perform digital signal conversion as close to the antenna as possible by using high-rate converters. In this dissertation, alternative design principles are proposed, and it is shown that the signal processing techniques based on these principles improve on the prior system's accuracy, while maintaining system flexibility. Firstly, it is proposed that digital compensation can be used to reverse the effects of hardware inaccuracies in the RF front-end of a software-defined radio. Novel compensation techniques are introduced that suppress the signal artefacts introduced by typical frontend hardware. The extent to which such artefacts may be suppressed, is only limited by the accuracy by which they may be measured and digitally represented. A general compensation principle is laid down, which formalises the conditions under which optimal compensation may be achieved. Secondly, it is proposed that, in the design of such RF front-ends, a clear distinction should be drawn between signal processing complexity and frequency translation. It is demonstrated that conventional SDR systems often neglect this principle. As an alternative, quadrature mixing is shown to provide a clear separation between the frequency translation and signal processing problems. However, effective use of quadrature mixing as design approach necessitates the use of accurate compensation techniques to circumvent the hardware inaccuracies typically found in such mixers. Quadrature mixers are proposed as general-purpose front-ends for software-defined radios, and quadrature modulation and demodulation techniques are presented as alternatives to existing schemes. The inherent hardware inaccuracies are analysed and simulated, and appropriate compensation techniques are derived and tested. Finally, the theory is verified with a prototype system. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sleutelwoorde: sagteware-gedefinieerde radio, SDR, haaksfasige menging, haaksfasige modulasie, haaksfasige demodulasie, digitale kompensasie, sagteware-radio, direk-digitale sintese, DDS. 'n Gewilde stelling is dat digitale seinomsetting in sagteware-gedefinieerde kommunikasiestelsels so na as moontlik aan die antenna moet geskied deur gebruik te maak van hoëspoed omsetters. Hierdie verhandeling stel alternatiewe ontwerpsbeginsels voor, en toon aan dat hierdie beginsels die eersgenoemde stelsel se akkuraatheid verbeter, terwyl stelselbuigsaamheid gehandhaaf word. Dit word eerstens voorgestel dat digitale kompensasie gebruik word om die effekte van hardeware-onakkuraathede in die RF-koppelvlak van sagteware-gedefinieerde radio's om te keer. Nuwe kompensasietegnieke, wat seinartefakte weens koppelvlak-onakkuraathede kan onderdruk, word aangebied. Die mate waartoe hierdie artefakte onderdruk kan word, word slegs beperk deur die akkuraatheid waarmee dit gemeet en digitaal voorgestel kan word. 'n Algemene kompensasiebeginsel word neergelê waarin die voorwaardes vir optimale kompensasie vasgelê word. Tweedens word voorgestel dat 'n duidelike onderskeid getref word tussen seinverwerkingskompleksiteit en seinverskuiwing in RF-koppelvlakke. Daar word getoon dat konvensionele SDR-stelsels dikwels nie hierdie beginsel handhaaf nie. 'n Alternatief, naamlik haaksfasige menging, word voorgehou as 'n tegniek wat duidelik onderskei tussen seinverskuiwing en seinverwerking. Akkurate kompensasietegnieke is egter nodig om effektief van sulke mengers gebruik te maak. Haaksfasige mengers word voorgestel as veeldoelige koppelvlakke vir sagteware-gedefinieerde radio's, en haaksfasige modulasie- en demodulasietegnieke word voorgestel as plaasvervangers vir bestaande tegnieke. Die inherente hardeware-onakkuraathede word geanaliseer en gesimuleer, en geskikte kompensasietegnieke word afgelei en getoets. Laastens word die teoretiese resultate met 'n praktiese prototipe bevestig.

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Microwave heating technology is extensively used in households, is well-established in certain industries and is being explored in others. lts attraction is that it is quick, energy efficient, clean and can be used to heat materials of both high and low thermal conductivities. Successful application of the technology requires knowledge of both material properties and microwave equipment. Commercial fixtures for measuring dielectric properties are not widely available and are usually created in-house. The domestic oven magnetron is easily available and can be used in prototype microwave systems but applicators for specific applications need development. This thesis covers three main areas, namely; dielectric measurement fixtures, microwave applicators and chokes, and drying of wood. The first part of the thesis presents four dielectric measurement fixtures, one commercial and the others in-house. The design and calibration of the in-house fixtures is presented. An intercomparison of the performance of the four fixtures is carried out by measuring the permittivities of well characterised dielectrics: teflon and perspex. The most convenient fixture is used to measure the dielectric properties of wood at different moisture contents. The second part covers the design of a slotted waveguide fed microwave applicator and a choke. The design of the slotted feed is carried out analytically with and without mutual coupling between the slots. A semi-empirical design using a finite element package is done independent of the analytical approach and the results are compared. The choke is rigorously characterised using a procedure which avoids de-embedding. The third and last section reports on the wood drying experiments carried out in the applicator, simulated and mapped heating patterns of drying wood, and a mock-up industrial wood drying facility. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Mikrogolfverhittingstegnologie word wyd gebruik in huishoudings, is goed gevestig in sekere nywerhede en moontlike gebruike daarvan op ander gebiede word gedurig ondersoek. Die vernaamste voordele is dat dit vinnig, energiedoeltreffend en skoon is en dat dit gebruik kan word om materiale van beide hoë en lae termiese geleidingsvermoë te verhit. Suksesvolle toevoeging van die tegnologie vereis kennis van beide materiale-eienskappe en mikrogolftoerusting. Kommersiële apparaat vir die meet van diëlektriese eienskappe is nie wyd beskikbaar nie en word gewoonlik "binnenshuis" ontwikkel. Die huishoudelike mikrogolfoond magnetron is geredelik beskikbaar en kan in prototipe mikrogolfstelsels gebruik word, maar toevoegers geskik vir spesifieke gebruike moet ontwikkel word. Hierdie proefskrif dek drie hoofgebiede, naamlik: diëlektriese metingsapparaat, mikrogolftoevoegers en smoorders, en die droging van hout. Die eerste deel van die proefskrif handeloor vier diëlektriese metingsapparate, een kommersiëel en die ander "binnenshuis". Die ontwerp en kalibrasie van die "binnenshuis" apparate word aangebied. 'n Tussenvergelyking van die verrigtinge van die vier apparate word gedoen deur die meting van baie bekende diëlektrikums: teflon en perspex. Die mees gerieflike apparaat word gebruik vir die meet van die diëlektriese eienskappe van hout teen verskillend voginhoude. Die tweede deel dek die ontwerp van 'n smoorder en 'n mikrogolf toevoeger wat deur 'n gegleufde golfgeleier gevoer word. Die ontwerp van die gegleufde golfgeleier word beide met en sonder wedersydse koppeling tussen die gleuwe, analities gedoen. 'n Semi-empiriese ontwerp wat van 'n eindige-element pakket gebruik maak, is onafhanklik van die analitiese benadering gedoen. Die resultate word dan vergelyk. Die smoorder word deur 'n prosedure wat "de-embedding" vermy, streng gekarakteriseer. Die derde en laaste afdeling behandel die eksperimentele droging van hout binne die toevoeger. Simulasies en verhittingspatrone van die hout wat gedroog word, sowel as die "mock-up(model van die voorgestelde)" nywerheids houtdroogkamer, word gegee.