Introduction: A reference step-like pulse generator is described which has been developed at NBS. This generator can be used for accurately characterizing the step response of various kinds of trap ient recording equipment (oscilloscopes, waveform recorders, transient digitizers, etc.). Basic design principles are given as well as complete circuit diagrams and descriptions. An analysis of the output stage of the generator is presented together with the circuit models for developing a time-domain computer simulation program using extended- SCEPTRE. Preliminary specifications indicate that the NBS Reference Flat Pulse Generator provides a negative-going reference transition duration (90 to 10 percent) of 600 ps, *20 percent with baseline perturbations of less than *2 percent for less than 5 ns.

Abstract: Results of a research program to develop fitness-for-service criteria for assessing the significance of fatigue cracks in offshore structures are presented in five papers. Each paper describes the goals and approaches to a specific task and details the results of the study.

Abstract: This report presents the results of work at the National Bureau of Standards, Boulder, Colorado, to carefully evaluate, document, develop (when necessary), and describe the methodology for performing radiated susceptibility/vulnerability measurements using a reverberation chamber. The report describes the reverberation chamber theory of operation, construction, evaluation, functional operation, and use for performing immunity measurements. It includes an estimate of measurement uncertainties derived empirically from test results and from comparisons with anechoic chamber measurements. Finally, it discusses the limitations and advantages of the measurement technique to assist potential users in determining the applicability for this technique to their electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) measurement needs.

From introduction: In this report the following will he discussed: (1) design consideration of the broadband magnetic field sensor, (2) overall design of the magnetic field meter, (3) performance of the meter, (4) calibration and operating procedures, (5) alignment and adjustment procedures, and (6) summary and conclusions.

from Introduction: The measurement accuracy of the optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) is restricted in some applications by a limited operational dynamic range and by a lack of standardized test procedures. In an effort to better understand these restrictions, we have measured the range of linearity of some avalanche photodiodes used as backscatter detectors. Also, the effect of input launch conditions is examined and a possible standardized OTDR test procedure is proposed. Using these suggestions, we have made comparisons between attenuation values determined by cutback and backscatter methods and found that good agreement is possible. Finally, some methods are described for checking the response. linearity of OTDR systems.

Abstract: This bibliography contains approximately 450 citations of papers concerning the characterization of optical fiber waveguides. Papers from scientific journals, trade journals and conferences are included along with book chapters. The citations of organized by parameter measured and measurement method. Where published abstracts are available they are included.

Abstract: The design, evaluation, and performance of a system for determining the magnitude of the transfer function (hence, the bandwidth) of a multimode optical fiber are presented. The system operates to about 1450 MHz using a tracking generator/spectrum analyzer combination for narrowband detection. It is constructed, almost entirely, from commercially available components. The system is less complex and easier to use than an equivalent time domain system and the measurement precision is comparable. Background information on time and frequency domain specifications, fiber bandwidth limitations, and alternate frequency domain techniques is also presented.

From introduction: This note describes the design and construction of a coaxial thermal noise standard. The standard is designed to operate at the boiling point of liquid nitrogen with a noise temperature accurate to t 1 K in the frequency range from 1 GHz to 12.4 GHz.

From introduction: This note describes the design and error analysis of a WR10 thermal noise power standard. The standard is designed to operate at the boiling point of liquid nitrogen with a noise temperature accurate to plus or minus 1 K.

From introduction: Simple, precise expressions for lunar diameter, average brightness temperature, flux density, and shape factor are presented. An analysis of the relationship between these parameters and corresponding errors are included. For broadbeam (HPBW>d) antennas, results show that flux density and shape factor can be determined with errors less than 13 percent and 0.4 percent respectively at frequencies below 10 GHz. Extension of the analysis to higher frequencies is indicated.

From preface: STARPAC documentation is being published as a series of Technical Notes. This Note is the first in the series. It gives an overview of the STARPAC library, defines conventions used in the documentation, provides an example using STARPAC subroutines, and presents general background material. This Note includes information which is essential for using the STARPAC library, and users should be familiar with its contents before attempting to use any STARPAC subroutine.

From preface: This Note documents 16 subroutines for nonlinear least squares regression. Twelve of these compute the least squares estimates, performing either weighted or unweighted analysis with either numerically approximated or user-supplied (analytic) derivatives. The other four are user-callable subroutines for two procedures used within the estimation code: the first selects optimum step sizes for approximating the partial derivatives of the model; and the second checks the validity of a user-supplied derivative subroutine.

From introduction: The accurate prediction of phase equilibria plays an important. role in the chemical process industries. A grief overview of final phase equilibria predictive techniques is presented with special emphasis on methods in current use in industry. Areas were better fundamental understanding will lead to improved models are discussed whenever possible.

Forward: The purpose of this report is to summarize the results obtained from a brief investigation of supercritical fluid extraction principles and applications. This study was one portion of a project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, contract nuriber DE-AI01076PR06010, in response to a preliminary proposal submitted by the authors. This report sometimes uses company trade naries to identify processes and patent holders. This usage implies no endorsement by HBS. Note also that some figures reproduced from other sources do not conform with NBS policy concerning SI units.

Abstract: A review is given of the electrical resistance of materials at cryogenic temperatures. Measurement techniques, the data base, and uses of the data are presented. The emphasis is on metals and alloys of technological importance; a toxic which covers a large range of materials. Similarly, the treatment of theory and of measurement techniques is primarily for the user interested in the more practical aspects of the subject. In every instance, however, references are given which allow the reader to pursue the subject at any level.

Abstract: Gain and antenna parameters related to input impedance are calculated using a computer program called HVD6. This program uses well documented equations to compute these parameters for gain-standard antennas used in relative-gain or gain-transfer measurements at frequencies below 1000 MHz. The utility of this program is that it calculates gain patterns and input impedances for linear dipoles above perfect or imperfectly conducting plane ground and in free space, and for monopoles on perfectly conducting plane ground. Examples are included to illustrate the use of the program. Uncertainties in the calculated parameters are estimated to be less than those of the measured parameters.

Abstract: Site attenuation is a measure of performance of an open test site used at frequencies below about 1 GHz for antenna calibration and equipment emission and susceptibility testing. These sites typically consist of a large, obstruction-free ground plane and the hemisphere above it. Site attenuation of an ideal site is calculated and compared to data measured using the 30 m by 60 m NBS ground screen.

Abstract: This report describes a system based on electromagnetic-acoustic transducers (EMATs) as an approach to automated nondestructive evaluation of thick weldments (>25 mm). Good signal-to-noise ratios, often a problem with EMATs, were possibTe through careful design of the transducers and associated electronic circuits and the use of signal averaging. At 454 kHz, the transducers produce shear-horizontal waves of approximately 7-mm wavelength in steel. The long wavelength permits determination of through-thickness flaw depth from the amplitudes of scattered ultrasonic waves. A minicomputer controlled transducer positioning and acquired the digitized ultrasonic waveforms for synthetic aperture processing. The synthetic aperture technique further improved signal quality and yielded flaw localization through the weld thickness. Measurements on artificial flaws demonstrated a detectability threshold of 0.5 mm (through thickness) and sizing ability up to 2.5 mm, in agreement with theoretical predictions. Details include the design of the transducers and electronics, as well as the mechanical positioner, signal processing algorithms, and complete computer program listing.

Abstract: Electroexplosive devices (EEDs) are electrically fired explosive initiators used in a wide variety of applications. The nature of most of these applications requires that the devices function with near certainty when required and remain inactive otherwise. Recent concern with pulsed electromagnetic interference (EMI) and nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP) made apparent the lack of methodology for assessing EED vulnerability. A new and rigorous approach for characterizing EED firing levels is developed in the context of statistical linear models and is demonstrated in this paper. We combine statistical theory and methodology with thermodynamic modeling to determine the probability that an EED, of a particular type, fires when excited by a pulse of a given width and amplitude. The results can be applied to any type of EED for which the hot-wire explosive binder does not melt below the firing temperature. Included are methods.for assessing model validity and for obtaining probability plots, called "Firing Likelihood Plots". A method of measuring the thermal time constant of an EED is given. This parameter is necessary to evaluate the effect of a train of pulses. These statistical methods are both more general and more efficient than previous methods for EED assessment. The results provide information …

Abstract: A method is presented for determining the impulse and step responses of a shielded cable using time domain terminal measurements and a physically based mathematical model for the transmission line properties of the cable. The method requires a computer controlled time domain measurement system and was implemented using the NBS Automatic Pulse Measurement System (APMS). Data are also developed for the frequency domain complex propagation function (attenuation and its related minimum-phase shift). The method is applied to 12 shielded paired-conductor (balanced) cables and 5 coaxial cables. Time domain responses are presented for three nominal cable lengths, 60 m (200 ft), 150 m (500 ft), and 300 m (1000 ft). The time domain responses are applied to the estimation of bit error rate increases due to the insertion of the cables into a digital signaling system employing a balanced polar NRZ waveform. Also discussed is the application of the time domain responses to time domain reflectometry techniques for cable acceptance tests and field-site testing of installed cables.

Abstract: Automated time-difference measurements at the picosecond level have been achieved. The system described combines the best properties of three common methods: the single heterodyne measurement technique, the frequency divider, and the dual-mixer time-difference measurement system. This particular system combines two instrumentation standards, ANSI/IFEE-583 and ANSI/IEEE-488 with new, modular dual-mixer time-difference measurement hardware. The modular, standardized hardware together with the new measurement techniques permit the data acquisition modules to be contained in a standard CAMAC crate. This system, along with an external controller, is capable of measuring eiqht clocks, at the present time, and is expandable to twenty-four clocks with modified software and additional measurement modules. The system noise performance is described by a (rT = 3 x 10^-12 t^-1 for time difference measurements.

Abstract: Using a modified version of the nonanalytic equation of state, thermophysical properties of isobutane are derived from physical properties data and are tabulated at integral temperatures over the entire range of fluid states from 114 to 700 K along isobars at pressures to 70 MPa. Results include dielectric constants, densities, enthalpies, entropies, equation of state, internal energies, isobars, isochores, isotherms, Joule-Thomson inversion, heats of vaporization, melting line, orthobaric densities, specific heats, sound velocities, vapor pressures, and virial coefficients. In addition to the equation of state, equations are given for vapor pressures, orthobaric vapor and liquid densities, ideal gas properties, second virial coefficients, dielectric constants, heats of vaporization, melting pressures, and orthobaric liquid specific heats, enthalpies, and entropies. Several new sets of data have been used in this correlation; comparisons between experimental and calculated values are given.

From introduction: The fabrication of various iris-fed millimeterwave rectangular microstrip patch antennas is described. A model is proposed to describe the iris-fed antenna. Irises ranging in size from 15 percent of the area of the patch to the fully open waveguide are used to couple energy into the antenna. Resonance of the antenna is observed to be insensitive to the size of the iris for irises up to 115 percent of the size of the patch. A study is also made of th? relationship of coupling to the antenna as a function of position of the iris with respect to the transverse plane of the waveguide, the iris always being centered with respect to the patch. In general, the antenna has a VSWR in the waveguide feed on the order of 5:1 at resonance, except for the fully open waveguide which gives rise to a VSWR of 2.9:1 at resonance. Far-field antenna power patterns are observed to be quite broad with H-plane beamwidths on the order of 1300. Maximum antenna gain is seen to be 4.5 dBi with 3 dBi typical. An initial study is made of the microstrip patch antenna fed from a longitudinal waveguide wall. Results indicate that …

From abstract: I propose the use of a template method for quantitative, correct, and transparent measurement of signal power to additive noise power ratios (SNR) of digital signals and systems under full operating conditions. Outer guard chips of digital templates hold intersymbol interference fixed on inner target chips in realizations of the respective template patterns in traffic. The proposed template method needs to be developed and proven as a potentially valuable metrology capability; it can be especially important for real time online performance assessment and monitoring of digital communication systems.