Showing papers in "IEEE Spectrum in 1980"
TL;DR: In the semiconductor industry, the learning curve was used to increase the efficiency and reduce the price of semiconductors as mentioned in this paper, which led to higher transistor and diode prices.
Abstract: In the fierce competition that shook the semiconductor industry in the 1950s, transistor and diode prices tumbled, along with more than a few managerial heads, as company after company discovered the importance of the learning curve. What this taught basically was this: As a manufacturer gains experience in making a product, he should be able to produce it more “cleverly,” more efficiently and in greater volume, and thus be in a position to cut prices. Successful companies applied the learning curve and survived. One way of applying the curve is to ensure volume production quickly by initially heavy investing in capital equipment.
52 citations
TL;DR: Medical researchers around the world report that the use of such radiation to heat malignant tissue to the hyperthermic range (42 to 43.5°C) appears to be a safe and efficient means for either destroying the cancer cells or making them more susceptible to other forms of treatment.
Abstract: Medical researchers around the world report that the use of such radiation to heat malignant tissue to the hyperthermic range (42 to 43.5°C) appears to be a safe and efficient means for either destroying the cancer cells or making them more susceptible to other forms of treatment.
48 citations
Journal Article•
[...]
TL;DR: As Spectrum's editors began the research that culminated in this annual review of a dozen major areas of technology, it quickly became clear that there would be not just one theme that would predominate, but at least two major ones as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: As Spectrum's editors began the research that culminated in this annual review of a dozen major areas of technology, it quickly became clear that there would be not just one theme that would predominate, but at least two major ones. At the outset, it was evident that very large scale integration would be one topic of interest in a number of the sections of the issue. Its thread is found in several of the applications sections — computers and solid-state devices of course, but also communications, military and aerospace, and instrumentation.
41 citations
TL;DR: Developing silicon microsensors which can fit on the same chip with a microprocessor and their possible applications pointed to.
Abstract: Considers the development of silicon microsensors which can fit on the same chip with a microprocessor. Various sensor types are described, their fabrication presented and their possible applications pointed to.
30 citations
TL;DR: The controversy over the effects of electromagnetic radiation may subside in the wake of new understanding and modified standards as discussed by the authors. But it may not be the case for all of the applications.
Abstract: Sharp controversy over the effects of electromagnetic radiation may subside in the wake of new understanding and modified standards.
28 citations
Patent•
TL;DR: A fiber optic transducer for sensing ambient conditions by converting small displacements into light intensity variations is proposed in this article, where a planar end face is oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.
Abstract: A fiber optic transducer for sensing ambient conditions
by converting small displacements into light intensity variations
comprises first and second optical signal transmission
lines (21, 23) each of transparent material with a refractive index
n₁ and a planar end face (26, 27) oriented at an angle with
respect to the longitudinal axis; means for positioning said end
faces (26, 27) in a substantially parallel relationship and separated
by a transparent material with a refractive index n₂ less
than n₁, a distance (d) that is variably dependent on variations
caused by said ambient condition to be sensed, said distance
(d) having a maximum of the order of a wavelength, in the separating
material, of an optical signal to be propagated in said
transmission line; said angle of said end faces being determined
such that at least one light ray of an optical signal propagating
within said first and second transmission lines (21, 23) is
incident thereto at angle of incidence greater than the critical
angle for an interface between transparent materials with refractive
indices n₁ and n₂, respectively.
21 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe how annoying echoes in two-way conversations via satellite are eliminated by using an inexpensive silicon circuit which is an IC containing more than 30000 transistors.
Abstract: Describes how annoying echoes in two-way conversations via satellite are eliminated by using an inexpensive silicon circuit which is an IC containing more than 30000 transistors.
16 citations
TL;DR: The future development of computers for the flight control of future commercial aircraft with a reliability 100000 times as great as present day models is discussed.
Abstract: Discusses the future development of computers for the flight control of future commercial aircraft with a reliability 100000 times as great as present day models.
13 citations
TL;DR: The application of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), a process for forming thin, single-crystal semiconductor structures in an ultrahigh vacuum, has been discussed in this paper, where a variety of high-performance devices have been made from the multilayer crystals grown by the process.
Abstract: Discusses the application of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), a process for forming thin, single-crystal semiconductor structures in an ultrahigh vacuum Microwave field-effect transistors, semiconductor lasers, millimeter-wave detectors, and a variety of other high-performance devices have been made from the multilayer crystals grown by the process With MBE, the thickness of crystalline layers can be precisely controlled down to a few angstroms Layer composition can be varied, and new semiconductor structures can be produced that are impossible to make by other means The molecular beams are created when the required elements are heated in effusion ovens-small containers, each with an opening facing the substrate wafer As many elements and effusion ovens are used as there are elements to be incorporated into the crystal structure For gallium-arsenide devices, for example, ovens for gallium, for arsenic, and for each of the doping elements are needed
11 citations
TL;DR: Discusses the concept of automatic speech recognition presenting the latest system developments achieved in research programmes undertaken by various people discussing the various difficulties such as speech modelling, unclear understanding of the human speech recognition patterns, inadequate software and hardware to perform the required functions.
Abstract: Discusses the concept of automatic speech recognition presenting the latest system developments achieved in research programmes undertaken by various people. Three research systems are briefly mentioned and the various difficulties such as speech modelling, unclear understanding of the human speech recognition patterns, inadequate software and hardware to perform the required functions are discussed.
11 citations
[...]
TL;DR: The complementary metaloxide semiconductor CMOS has always outperformed bipolar and NMOS circuits in such key parameters as lower power consumption and operation in a rugged environment, but it was shunned by most commercial chip makers because the extra performance did not warrant the higher cost.
Abstract: The complementary metal-oxide semiconductor CMOS has always outperformed bipolar and NMOS circuits in such key parameters as lower power consumption and operation in a rugged environment, but it was shunned by most commercial chip makers because the extra performance did not warrant the higher cost. However, CMOS has become almost as cheap as NMOS, and it is already cheaper than bipolar technology for linear circuits.
TL;DR: The VHSIC program was initiated to develop VLSI signal processors with several hundred times higher speed and computing power than today's LSI devices to use in military applications with no counterparts in commerce or industry.
Abstract: Discusses the Pentagon's very-high-speed integrated circuits project which requires revolutionary advances in systems and IC technology. The VHSIC program was initiated to develop VLSI signal processors with several hundred times higher speed and computing power than today's LSI devices. The planned processors must also consume less power and be smaller and more reliable. They are for use in military applications with no counterparts in commerce or industry-mainly real-time signal processors for weapons systems of the next decade. The goal of the program is pilot production in 1986 of processors containing 250000 gates, operating at clock speeds of at least 25 MHz, and performing several million to several billion operations per second. The gates would be fabricated by MOS or bipolar technology and have minimum dimensions of 0.5 to 0.8 μm. The required speed and circuit density would be obtained both by scaling down current LSI circuits-proportionately reducing such basic parameters as channel length, oxide thickness, and supply voltage-and by developing new types of system architecture and software.
TL;DR: In this article, the historical development of amorphous silicon, produced from a glow discharge in silane gas, was described, which was found to be highly homogeneous and having very few defect states.
Abstract: Briefly describes the historical development of amorphous silicon, produced from a glow discharge in silane gas, which was found to be highly homogeneous and having very few defect states. This material at present is being investigated for low-cost solar cell production by the deposition of thin films onto a substrate because the manufacturing process is cheaper, less silicon is used per cell and the process is very suitable for mass production.
TL;DR: Radar speed readings are inadmissible as legal evidence, because the radars were operated in such a way as to cast doubt on the accuracy of the readings.
Abstract: Well-publicized court rulings have found radar speed readings inadmissible as legal evidence, because the radars were operated in such a way as to cast doubt on the accuracy of the readings. Existing devices are, in fact, quite accurate if used within their limitations by trained operators. The problems can be overcome through better training and tighter equipment standards, while some relatively simple technical improvements in the radars can reduce present limitations significantly.
TL;DR: Describes how microcomputers which make synthetic speech feasible promise to open up job opportunities for the blind in fields hitherto closed to them and a prototype microcomputer-controlled voice generator which allows a computer to communicate by synthesised voice with the programmer.
Abstract: Describes how microcomputers which make synthetic speech feasible promise to open up job opportunities for the blind in fields hitherto closed to them. A prototype microcomputer-controlled voice generator which allows a computer to communicate by synthesised voice with the programmer is described. The programmer interacts with the computer by keyboard in the conventional manner.
TL;DR: The need for the large high-speed computer in modeling complex systems and phenomena is discussed, and effective speeds well beyond 1000 megaflops will be needed, and computers with that speed would be purchased today if they were available.
Abstract: Discusses the need for the large high-speed computer in modeling complex systems and phenomena. Energy and power modeling is now a key part of the search for oil, for workable nuclear fusion, and for ensuring nuclear reactor safety. Weather modeling is necessary for short-range forecasts and for longer-range hazard predictions about man-made atmospheric pollution. People modeling includes both computer-assisted tomography (CAT) and the modeling of future developments, like the artificial heart. Such modeling requires state-of-the-art computing at speeds approaching 100 million floating-point operations, or flops, per second. As scientists refine their models in the 1980s, effective speeds well beyond 1000 megaflops will be needed, and computers with that speed would be purchased today if they were available.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the operation of radar speed-measuring devices is explained; it is based on the Doppler principle, which relates the frequency shifts in reflected radiation to the relative velocity between the reflecting object and observer.
Abstract: The operation of radar speed-measuring devices is explained; it is based on the Doppler principle, which relates the frequency shifts in reflected radiation to the relative velocity between the reflecting object and observer. These devices (either stationary or moving mode) should be used only in moderately heavy or light traffic. More obvious sources of error in the stationary mode (e.g. patrol car fan, citizen's band transmissions) are identified, as well as more subtle sources ("cosine effect," radar oscillator frequency outside Federal Communication Commission specifications, and equipment "convenience" options). Sources of error in the moving mode are described, including the possibilities for erroneous target speed readings in the presence of multiple moving targets. Improved calibration test procedures and electronic speedometers to measure patrol car speeds are cited as the most important ways to improve existing equipment. Other possibilities include display improvements, range controls, beam-width optimization, and frequency standardization. Efforts to develop radar equipment performance standards are described. Separate notes describe the four classes of electronic speed-measuring devices used in traffic law enforcement (electronic speedometer, Vascar, Orbis, and radar) and explain the moving mode cosine effect.
TL;DR: In this paper, the future prospects for industrial robot systems predicting a high rate of growth through the 1980's are discussed, and the authors discuss the future of industrial robot development and development.
Abstract: Discusses the future prospects for industrial robot systems predicting a high rate of growth through the 1980's.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, a management structure is proposed to administer guidelines for the prevention and elimination of space debris in earth orbital space, where structural redundancy and double shielding of sensitive components are proposed to protect small spacecraft from significant damage by larger space objects.
Abstract: Collisions in earth orbital space between operational payloads and various forms of space debris (nonoperational payloads, nonfunctional mission-related objects and fragments resulting from collisions and explosions) are discussed and possible means of avoiding them are considered. From 10,000 to 15,000 objects are estimated to be in earth orbital space, most of which represent spacecraft fragments and debris too small to be detected and tracked by earth-based sensors, and it is considered likely that some of them will be or have already been involved in direct collisions with the ever increasing number of operational satellites and space stations. Means of protecting proposed large space structures and smaller spacecraft from significant damage by larger space objects, particularly in the 400-4000 km altitude range where most debris occurs, include structural redundancy and the double shielding of sensitive components. Other means of collision avoidance are the collection or relocation of satellites, rocket bodies and other objects by the Space Shuttle, the prevention of explosions and the disposal of spent rocket parts by reentry. Finally, a management structure would be required to administer guidelines for the prevention and elimination of space debris.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the possibility that the number and size of orbiting space stations continue to grow and there is an increasing danger that they will hit some fragment of "junk" such as spent rockets, dead payloads, fragments from explosions and collisions in space, and the like.
Abstract: Space is infinite; yet the space in Earth's orbit is finite, and collisions in space between man-launched objects have become a threat. As the number and size of orbiting space stations continue to grow, there is increasing danger that they will hit some fragment of “junk” — spent rockets, dead payloads, fragments from explosions and collisions in space, and the like. This “junk” could threaten smaller spacecraft because of the increasing number of fragments from collisions of pieces of debris.
TL;DR: In this paper, the use of compound semiconductors for the fabrication of solar cells with high efficiency such as polycrystalline, tandem and single-crystal cells is considered.
Abstract: Considers the use of compound semiconductors for the fabrication of solar cells with high efficiency such as polycrystalline, tandem and single-crystal cells. The variety of compounds showing promise for this application are mentioned, as are several binary compound semiconductors which are presently under study. The low-cost processes being developed for the fabrication of solar cells are also briefly mentioned.
TL;DR: In this paper, the use of cogeneration in industry pointing out the systems that could be used, the economic advantages as well as the aid being given to organisation introducing cogenerators.
Abstract: Considers the use of cogeneration in industry pointing out the systems that could be used, the economic advantages as well as the aid being given to organisation introducing cogeneration.
TL;DR: The DP-100 design overcomes two serious handicaps which cause inaccuracies in automatic speech recognition systems, namely the variation in the rate at which words are spoken and the general problem of continuous speech recognition.
Abstract: Considers the Nippon Electric Co.'s DP-100 automatic continuous speech recognition system having an identification capability of approximately 100 words and aimed at application such as routing and inventory control in warehouses. The DP-100 design overcomes two serious handicaps which cause inaccuracies in automatic speech recognition systems, namely the variation in the rate at which words are spoken and the general problem of continuous speech recognition. The author gives details of the design and how these problems are overcome.
TL;DR: In this article, the future development prospects for HV superconducting cables assessing what is needed to realize them are discussed, and a discussion of the necessary and sufficient infrastructure is presented.
Abstract: Discusses the future development prospects for HV superconducting cables assessing what is needed to realise them.
TL;DR: Discusses the Harpy experimental system using a low-cost minicomputer which is capable of automatic speech recognition with up to 98% accuracy when the vocabulary is restricted to 1011 words, and sentence structure limited to that used in the retrieval of abstracts of documents relating to computer technology.
Abstract: Discusses the Harpy experimental system using a low-cost minicomputer which is capable of automatic speech recognition with up to 98% accuracy when the vocabulary is restricted to 1011 words, and sentence structure limited to that used in the retrieval of abstracts of documents relating to computer technology. The recognition process of the system is described.
TL;DR: In this article, the first generation of fiber systems, now entering service, offer the same quality and cost of service as present telecommunication systems, and no major failure have been reported for optical fiber systems; users find them simple to install, rugged, and less demanding in duct space.
Abstract: Reports of optical fiber system research and development, in Europe point to the following: (1) Low-loss systems operating in the 1100 to 1600-nm waveband show promise of high performance with long repeater spacings. (2) A strong effort is under way to develop wideband switched networks as an economical and competitive alternative to CATV networks. (3) Fiber links may be used to provide digital pathways to business premises to service a large private automatic branch exchange (PABX), but the real impact will come only with video services. (4) No major failure have been reported for optical fiber systems; users find them simple to install, rugged, and less demanding in duct space. (5) The first generation of fiber systems, now entering service, offer the same quality and cost of service as present telecommunication systems. These points are discussed in this paper.
TL;DR: In this paper, the importance of microelectronics in terms of reliability, cost-effectiveness and operation is discussed in the telecommunication industry leading to the changeover from analogue to fully digital networks.
Abstract: Considers the advent of LSI devices for applications in the telecommunication industry leading to the changeover from analogue to fully digital networks. The importance of microelectronics in terms of reliability, cost-effectiveness and operation are discussed.
TL;DR: Discusses computer vision-the automated analysis of visual data which has long been one of the most intractable problems in automation and robotics.
Abstract: Discusses computer vision-the automated analysis of visual data which has long been one of the most intractable problems in automation and robotics. Most researchers in the field believe that the current predominant approach, which regards computer vision as primarily a software problem broadly similar to speech understanding, will eventually achieve useful vision capabilities. However, a growing minority feel that real automated vision will require not just better software but also hardware that is radically different from present digital computers, hardware more capable of mimicking human vision.
TL;DR: Instruments are becoming more intelligent, versatile, and communicative than their predecessors because of innovative LSI, more powerful microprocessors, less expensive memories and alphanumeric displays, and a standardized bus-oriented architecture.
Abstract: Instruments are becoming more intelligent, versatile, and communicative than their predecessors. The reasons behind these new gains are innovative LSI, more powerful microprocessors, less expensive memories and alphanumeric displays, and a standardized bus-oriented architecture. Software engineering is another big ingredient in the instrument designs for the 1980s.