Showing papers on "Modular design published in 1981"

Modular programmable controller

Abstract: A programmable controller is formed by connecting separate functional modules to a common backplane bus A bus arbitration scheme and a message handling technique are disclosed to tightly couple the functional modules together to form an efficient programmable controller A number of improvements to the CPU module and I/O scanner module are disclosed to further improve the performance of the resulting system

An algorithm for exhaustive generation of building floor plans

Abstract: The combinatorial complexity of most floor plan design problems makes it practically impossible to obtain a systematic knowledge of possible solutions using pencil and paper. The objective of this paper is to contribute to the development of computer methods providing such knowledge for the designer. The paper describes an algorithm which generates all possible rectangular plans on modular grids with congruent cells, subject to constraints on total area, room areas, wall lengths, room adjacencies, and room orientations. To make room sizes regular and limit the solution set only such grids are used which minimize the number of cells in the smallest room. The description is sufficiently detailed to serve as a basis for programming. Test results for a Pascal implementation of the algorithm are reported. Realistic problems of up to ten rooms have been solved in modest lengths of computer time. The results indicate that the approach of exhaustive generation may prove to be more fruitful than generally assumed.

Modular instrumentation for monitoring and control of biochemical processes

Abstract: A modular instrumentation system for monitoring and control of biochemical processes, and in particular of fermentation processes is provided. The system includes a plurality of function monitoring and control modules each including a microprocessor and associated memory devices, manual input devices and an interface for the receipt of sensor signals and the transmission of control signals. The modules for a plurality of functions have substantially common design and are adapted for relatively quick conversion to another function. The system may include an instrument console adapted to receive a plurality of the function monitoring and control modules as well as incorporating provision for sensor inputs, power inputs, one or more recorders, one or more pumps and/or an interface for an external computer. The back plane of the console is provided with a conductor array interconnecting the various modules, power supply, pumps, recorders, sensor inputs and external computer interface and incorporates provision for the plug-in connection of the respective modules therewith.

Modular electronics for flow cytometry and sorting: The LACEL system†‡§

Abstract: LACEL is a newly developed, fast, general-purpose data acquisition and processing system for flow cytometric applications. The system's modular electronics allows flexibility in system configurations. The system can process as many as eight input analog parameters and can transfer 16-bit words between the user's electronics and the computer with standard input/output interfaces. The system's 8-fold coincidence logic capability can be set to operate with the noncoincidental timing that may occur in multiparameter flow measurements. As many as four parameters can be used to establish amplitude and timing criteria for each of two sorting directions. Two experiments can be on line with the computer at one time.

Modular wiring systems

Abstract: A modular wiring system is disclosed for lighting and power distribution in office buildings, factories and the like. The modular wiring system utilizes a five-face connector assembly as its principal component for the distribution and control of power to lighting fixtures and power receptacles. The connector assemblies may be one of four types for providing different power configurations at the connector faces. The five-face connector assemblies all utilize the same housing and are economical to manufacture by using specially designed bus bars to obtain the desired power configurations and to provide the terminal connections. Other components of the wiring system mate with the five-face connector assembly to provide an efficient lighting or convenience power system which may be easily field modified.

Apparatus for the control and monitoring of power supply sources for data processing systems

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling and monitoring a modular power supply system for supplying power to a data processing system and the like that includes a plurality of power sources allocated among a plurality of power supply subsystems in a predetermined configuration. Each subsystem is interfaced to the control bus of a control unit that includes a microprocessor by an addressable interface unit that controls the power sources in response to control signals from the control unit and that monitors the power sources and the devices powered by such sources and supplies monitor signals to the control unit. Also interfaced to the control bus are an operator's console, a service panel for monitoring and controlling the system for maintenance purposes, a primary power supply that supplies power to the power sources via a separate power bus, and a configuration definition unit comprising a read only memory that stores data defining the system configuration and the parameters of the power sources for use by the control unit. Faults are detected and detail fault information is displayed on the service panel. Because of its modular nature, the system may be readily reconfigured by simply changing modules and the data stored in the configuration definition unit.

The architecture of Tandem's NonStop system

Abstract: A Tandem T16 computer system is a network of up to 256 nodes. Each node consists of two to sixteen processors. The system had three major design goals: (1) Continuous data availability. (2) Modular growth by adding processing elements to a node. (3) Support of a network of geographically distributed nodes for on-line transaction processing. This talk will sketch Tandem's approach to continuous data availability. At the hardware level, NonStop is achieved by designing a single-fault tolerant system. A Tandem system has two or more modules and paths for each function. In addition, the system design addresses issues such as power failure, on-line maintenance, and reconfiguration.

A fault diagnosis algorithm for asymmetric modular architectures

Abstract: Pertains to the analysis of an algorithm for the automatic fault diagnosis of asymmetric modular networks.

Process and installation for the production of documentation

Abstract: A modular system and process for continuously producing business forms from a web of flexible material formed on a roll. The system utilizes a plurality of independent modular units through which a continuous web of flexible material, such as paper, is processed. The modular units can be positioned in a variety of desired arrangements to enable the user to take a roll of paper and process it to a final printed and processed form. The roll of paper is supported and controllably unwound by an independent first modular unit as it is required, and the rate of supply of material from one unit to the next is controlled by monitoring the loop of material extending between any two successive units.

An IPC protocol and its hardware realization for a high-speed distributed multicomputer system

Abstract: Multicomputer systems with distributed control form an architecture that simultaneously satisfies such design goals as high performance through parallel operation of VLSI processors, modular extensibility, fault tolerance, and system software simplication. The nodes of the system may be locally concentrated or spatially dispersed as a local network. Applications range from data base-oriented transactional systems to “number crunching.” The system is service-oriented; that is, it appears to the user as one computer on which parallel processing takes place in the form of cooperating processes. Cooperation is regulated by the unique interprocess communication (IPC) protocol presented in this paper. The high-level protocol is based on the computer/producer model and satisfies all requirements for such a distributed multicomputer system. It is demonstrated that the protocol lends itself toward a straightforward mechanization by dedicated hardware consisting of a cooperation handler, an address transformation and memory guard unit, and bus connection logic. These special hardware resources, assisted by a “local operating system”, form the supervisor of a node. Nodes are connected by a high-speed bus (280M bit/sec). Programming aspects as implied by the IPC protocol are also described.

Experience with a modular typed language: PROTEL

Abstract: The support for modular software and the ability to perform type checking across module boundaries are becoming the mainstay of recent high level language design. This is well illustrated by languages such as MESA and the US Department of Defence's new standard language ADA. At Bell-Northern Research, PROTEL, one of the first modular typed languages, has been used since 1975 to implement a substantial software system. The experience accumulated in building this system has given us a unique perspective. It has shown that the confidence of language designers in modular typed languages is well founded. It has also revealed some pitfalls which others will undoubtedly encounter. The purpose of this paper is to share our experience by outlining the nature of the problems and our solutions to them.

The structure and use of the GMR combined thermo-mechanical tire power loss model

Abstract: The operational structure and use of the General Motors Reseach Laboratories Combined Thermo-Mechanical Tire Power Loss Model are presented in this paper. The modular format of this tire power loss model is briefly reviewed. Descriptions of its three major analysis modules - thermal, dissipation, and deformation - are given. A flow chart is presented showing how these modules are interfaced to form an interactive, iterative model. Steps required to operate this model, procedures necessary to obtain and prepare the input data, and sample results obtained using the model are presented.

Modular connector and protector

Abstract: Modular wire-connector for connecting telephones to lines from central office permits adding second telephone to each station by using multislotted U-contact elements, and includes protector module for protection against incidental overvoltage. The two modules are positioned in a common bracket, the protector module being easily removed and reinserted.

The Design of MIDAS - A Modular Interactive Data Analysis System

Abstract: A specialized computer facility, designed to provide a highly interactive, graphics-oriented, multi-user environment for the high-speed reduction and analysis of experimental data, is currently Under construction at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. The major difficulties in achieving high-speed data analysis (CPU limitations and I/O band-width restrictions) are minimized with MIDAS by using multiple CPU's to parallel-process the data and by utilizing multiple I/O busses with intelligent controllers to permit parallel, asynchronous data transmission to external memory blocks, which then may be switched dynamically to any processor. For data reduction, MIDAS should provide a processing power of about one CDC 7600 per user. Software utilization of the parallel architecture will be relatively transparent to the user, with analysis codes written in Fortran. Prototype tests of this facility are scheduled for summer, 1981.

Modular storage unit

Abstract: A storage unit is provided that may be assembled with other similar storage units in a vertical and horizontal array. Each storage unit comprises material molded to form a pair of opposed walls, a rear wall, a bottom wall, and a top wall together defining a generally box-like structure having an open front. A movable closure panel is provided for closing the front of the unit and is adapted to be stored in a horizontal position within the unit underneath of the top wall of the unit. Various types of receptacles are provided for being disposed within the unit and are adapted to be pulled outwardly from the unit to permit loading and unloading of the receptacles. The receptacles may also be removed entirely from the storage unit. Clip devices are provided for holding the adjacent storage units together.

A generator program for models of discrete-event systems

Abstract: Researchers in simulation methodology have been attempting to develop both theories of modelling and software tools to assist in applying those theories. Using results from system theory and automata theory, Oren and Zeigler have demonstrated the need for the design and development of software for modular con struction of models; manipulation, documentation, validation, and generation of simulation programs; and automatic verification of algorithms. We have implemented a software system based on their propo sals. The user describes the structure of the model in a well-defined language. At this time, our system supports only discrete-event models using a next- event strategy; a typical example is a queuing model of service at a bank. However, this simple system demonstrates the feasibility of a more complex system.

UWTOR-M, a conceptual design study of a modular stellarator power reactor

Abstract: A preliminary design of a 5500 MW/sub th/ modular stellarator power reactor, UW-TOR-M, is presented the parametric considerations which led to the UWTOR-M reference design point are briefly describe. A unique blanket design is proposed which minimized tritium inventory in the reactor. Finally, sine maintainability is a prime consideration, a scheme for is described servcing the first wall/blanket and other reactor components.

Converting a batch simulation program to an interactive program with graphics Minicomputers in simulation

Abstract: Interactive, menu-driven graphics and animation can make a minicomputer-based simulation more informative and more useful than an equivalent simulation running in batch mode on a large computer. Converting a large batch program to interactive operation with graphics is, however, a difficult problem. A top- down, modular approach is essential. As an example, we discuss a program that simulates vehicle motion and driver behavior at a signal-free intersection. We converted the original batch version into an inter active program. The final product, which runs inter actively with animated graphics on a PDP-11 mini computer, is a highly convenient tool for studying intersection design and traffic control.

A modular approach to packet voice terminal hardware design

Abstract: In addition to encoding and decoding speech, packet voice terminal functions include packetization and depacketization; the application and interpretation of voice, internet, and local network protocols; dialing, ringing, ancillary signaling; and interface to local network transmission media. In this paper we describe a modular packet voice terminal design in which the partitioning of the hardware is effected along these basic functional lines. Interfaces are provided between the speech processing, protocol handling, and local network interfacing functions such that each of these is implemented in a physically independent module with considerable freedom for modifying or replacing any one module independently of the others. This allows for a broad choice of voice coders on the one hand, and a variety of local network types on the other. Specific modules discussed include a microprocessor-based protocol-handling section, an interface module to a local area coaxial cable network which uses a contention-based mechanism for packet voice communication, and a variety of voice coder/decoder designs covering the rate spectrum from 2.4 to 64 kbps.

UWTOR-M-a conceptual design study of a modular stellarator power reactor

Abstract: A preliminary design of a 5500 MWth modular stellarator power reactor, UWTOR-M, is presented. Discrete twisted coils are used in an l = 3 configuration with maintainability as a prime consideration. The natural steliarator divertor is used for impurity control in conjunction with innovative high performance divertor targets. A unique blanket design is proposed which minimizes the overall tritium inventory in the reactor. Finally, a scheme for maintaining the first wall/blanket and other reactor components is discussed.

A programing system for research and applications in structural optimization

Abstract: The flexibility necessary for such diverse utilizations is achieved by combining, in a modular manner, a state-of-the-art optimization program, a production level structural analysis program, and user supplied and problem dependent interface programs Standard utility capabilities in modern computer operating systems are used to integrate these programs This approach results in flexibility of the optimization procedure organization and versatility in the formulation of constraints and design variables Features shown in numerical examples include: variability of structural layout and overall shape geometry, static strength and stiffness constraints, local buckling failure, and vibration constraints

Modular crossbar switch for large-scale multiprocessor systems: structure and implementation

Abstract: This paper describes the architecture of an innovative modular crossbar switch for large-scale multiprocessor systems; its modular design principle is given a particularly thorough treatment. The crucial points of this design principle are the utilization of bit-serial buses and an integration of a combination of crosspoints with its own microprogrammed controller, (which is designated as "configurational processor") into a single building block, preferably an IC. This innovative concept allows the implementation of full crossbar switches for systems up to about 128 processors at relatively low cost. The expense of a crossbar for a system with approximately 1024 processing elements is then comparable to that of the other parts of the whole system.A particular implementation of such a crossbar switch is embedded in a large-scale multimicroprocessor system being built at the Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria. This implementation is discussed in detail; emphasis is given to the complexity of its functional elements and its hardware expense. Since no ICs have yet been produced for the realization of the new building block for the crossbar mentioned above, this building block is realized on a printed circuit board using standard LSI-circuits.