International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 26-29, 1998 / Town & Country Resort Hotel and Convention Center, San Diego, California / A Phase Modulator combining digital techniques with non-traditional analog circuitry can minimize the shortcomings of a traditional (purely analog) Phase Modulator. These shortcomings are: nonlinear response from input modulating signal to output modulated signal; parameters (frequency and modulation index) that are difficult to set; and the need for complex filters. The design approach discussed in this paper uses a combination of Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) and analog devices operating in their linear range to generate a Phase Modulated RF (140 MHz) signal. A Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) digitally generates the first IF yielding a very accurate, repeatable and linear signal with easily adjustable parameters such as frequency and modulation index. Linear multipliers (instead of saturated diode mixers or step recovery diodes) are used for up-conversion to RF. Using linear multipliers eases the filtering requirements due to the significantly reduced harmonics and IM (Inter-Modulation) terms. The resulting RF signal is easily translated to higher frequency bands such as L, S, C, X or K.

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Master of Architecture / Department of Architecture / Matthew Knox / The purpose of this study is to examine how the industrial process of rapid prototyping might reshape practice and making in architecture. Rapid prototyping is defined as an accelerated, adaptive evolution of a system or its components in some form using computer-aided drafting and manufacturing. Historically, all architecture was the intelligence of a single maker—the master builder. Specialization has caused architecture to fragment with architects serving only as designers. This report explores the ability of computer-aided drafting and manufacturing technologies to streamline the design procedure, which potentially increases the architect’s input into the process of building. Effectually, the architect narrows the distance between the design and the built—returning the architect to the role of master builder. An actual design exercise will examine the connection of architectural practice to making. To apply this research a habitable space was constructed through the incorporation of rapid prototyping.

<p> This thesis is an investigation of some of the aspects of costing and machining that are applicable to numerically controlled (N/C) machine tools with particular reference to the facilities at McMaster University,and is divided into two sections. </p> <p> Section A is a brief discussion of the suitability of N/C for simulation methods and a review of the principles of metal cutting and the problems involved in estimating costs. A method is devised to simulate the machining of "typical" parts that have been generated by a random strategy. The results of the simulation were used to find a relationship between the geometric parameters of each part and the time required for all the machining operations to make that part, this relationship was called the "complexity factor" for the part. Sugestions for possible future extensions to the work were made.</p> <p> Section B is a feasibility study for increasing the range of use of a Moog point-to-point N/C machine to contouring, using the computer facilities available at McMaster University. It was proposed to produce a numerical control tape to machine a general oval based on a method of approximate linear interpolations using an on-line, time sharing computer terminal and a PDP "mini computer". The contouring method was tested by machining a circular groove (an oval with equal major and minor axes) and measuring the accuracy. The possibility of extending the work to other contours and three dimensional solids is discussed.</p> / Thesis / Master of Engineering (MEngr)

We present a new method for regularization of ill-conditioned problems that extends the traditional trust-region approach. Ill-conditioned problems arise, for example, in image restoration or mathematical processing of medical data, and involve matrices that are very ill-conditioned. The method makes use of the L-curve and L-curve maximum curvature criterion as a strategy recently proposed to find a good regularization parameter. We describe the method and show its application to an image restoration problem. We also provide a MATLAB code for the algorithm. Finally, a comparison to the CGLS approach is given and analyzed, and future research directions are proposed.

We present a new method for regularization of ill-conditioned problems that extends the traditional trust-region approach. Ill-conditioned problems arise, for example, in image restoration or mathematical processing of medical data, and involve matrices that are very ill-conditioned. The method makes use of the L-curve and L-curve maximum curvature criterion as a strategy recently proposed to find a good regularization parameter. We describe the method and show its application to an image restoration problem. We also provide a MATLAB code for the algorithm. Finally, a comparison to the CGLS approach is given and analyzed, and future research directions are proposed.

There is a continuous need within most manufacturing environments for more flexible production equipment, particularly where customer satisfaction and responsiveness promote quality improvement. In this paper, an automated agile manufacturing system that uses high-speed computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines to make automotive cylinder heads is proposed and evaluated by means of discrete event simulation using the ARENA simulator. Two alternative agile system configurations are constructed and simulated to achieve the production target. The simulation shows some significant benefits in using the agile system and demonstrates that high-speed CNC equipment is a viable option for cylinder head manufacture at a production volume of 550 000 units per annum. It is shown that the agile system can provide more flexibility and half the throughput time of the transfer line.

<p> This thesis is a study of numerically controlled machine tools (NCMT), and is divided into four sections. </p> <p> Section A is a literature survey of current concepts, criteria and techniques in design of MCMT structures and drives. Several of the authors own ideas are also included. </p> <p> Section B deals with NCMT manual and computer aided programming techniques. The structure and function of post processors is also covered. </p> <p> Section C is a practical combination of computer design optimization and numerical control manufacture. In an example the geometrical dimensions of a hydrostatic thrust bearing are optimized and used as an input to a generalized APT programme, written to produce a numerical control tape for manufacture of this bearing type. </p> <p> Section D is the discussion and conclusion. </p> / Thesis / Master of Engineering (MEngr)

Abstract not provided. / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)

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