Interface Box Research Articles

Mechanical and process design of the interface to a 20,000 liter liquid helium dewar

A new 20,000-liter (20 kL) liquid helium dewar is being integrated in to the existing cryogenic system at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University (MSU-FRIB). This dewar will mainly be used for the helium inventory management at FRIB (preserving helium inventory during unplanned / planned maintenance of the cryogenic system) and also in sharing the capacity to support the various cryogenic refrigeration systems to increase the operational efficiency and availability. It is also designed to interface to future cryogenic system upgrades (i.e., new 4.5 K refrigerators). This dewar has a single large penetration, or ‘neck’, that all the process lines and instrumentation pass through. On top of the ‘neck’ is a vacuum insulated interface box, or ‘neck can’, which houses all the connections between the dewar and the connecting distribution system. Though not generally common, this design approach has been successfully implemented on 5 to 10 kL liquid helium dewars at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), Jefferson Lab (JLab), and also at FRIB. It has been found that this approach greatly simplifies the mechanical design, while allowing for multiple process and instrumentation interfaces and still permitting a low heat in-leak. This paper presents an overview of the mechanical and process design of this neck can.

Sistem Informasi Manajemen Pegawai Berbasis Desktop (Studi Kasus: LPP RRI Jayapura)

Human Resources Management Information System (HRMIS) is a critical element in organizations or institutions to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of employee data management. This research discusses the development of a desktop-based HRMIS at LPP RRI Jayapura to overcome challenges in employee data processing, such as the lack of user understanding of the existing system and issues in personnel administration. The research method used is the waterfall approach with steps including requirement analysis, system design, implementation, and testing. The research location focuses on the HR and General Affairs department of LPP RRI Jayapura. Data collection is done through observation and interviews with the Head of the Administrative Division. The results of the research include system design, database table structure, user interface, and black box testing. This system features the management of job positions, ranks, employees, spouses, children, promotion, mutation, and report generation. Black box testing indicates that the system functions well. The conclusion of this research is that the development of a desktop-based HRMIS can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of employee data management at LPP RRI Jayapura. This system is expected to provide solutions to existing challenges and enhance the performance of personnel management in the institution.

The final design of the ITER Interlock Discharge Loop Interface Boxes (DLIB) and its compliance with the IEC 61508 standard

The Central Interlock System (CIS) is in charge of implementing the ITER Central Investment Protection Functions. A dedicated architecture based on hardwired loops will be responsible for the protection of the superconductive magnet system. These loops act in a transversal way connecting all systems directly involved in the protection of the magnets at the plant level. The base of the coordination between the hardwired loop and the different users is a common interface called DLIB (Discharge Loop Interface Box).The IEC 61508 standard, which defines the ‘Functional Safety’ provisions for I&C systems, has been used as the guideline to define the lifecycle of the device, starting from the specification up to operation and maintenance of the Investment Protection Function performed by the DLIB.The whole dependability of the DLIB has been improved and demonstrated though a detailed verification and validation process, including the Safety Integrity Level (SIL). The general approach to test plans including the Manufacturing tests, to identify any issue related to the series production of the component, Early Stage Screening, to identify latent defects, Qualification testing to identify any externally induced defects, and Accelerated life testing, to emulate the end of life behaviour of the DLIB.The paper provides a summary for the whole process from the design up to the final validation of the Discharge Loop Interface Boxes (DLIBs) that will be used to coordinate the Fast Energy Discharge protection for the ITER magnet protection.

Laborem Box: A scalable and open source platform to design remote lab experiments in electronics

Hybrid teaching (face-to-face and distance learning) enables students to better prepare and complete their courses. In science, technology, engineering and mathematics, it is important that practical training be an integral part of the curriculum. Laborem project developed at the technological university institute in Bayonne, France, enables undergraduate students to carry out part of their lab experiments in electronics remotely. Started in 2011, Laborem platform was based on proprietary solutions. Since 2017, the platform has migrated to open source software (PyScada) and open source interface box (Laborem Box), which was developed in order to enable the connection of several circuit boards to be studied. These boards, called plugs, are easily interchangeable and enable teachers to quickly adapt the proposed circuits to their course. The software also provides a simple front panel to adapt the human machine interface that is available for students. Laborem Box consists of a 3D printable box, a power supply board, a set of plugs, and a motherboard that enables students to study the selected plug. In addition, a single board computer is embedded and a hard disk can be used if necessary. This paper is intended to describe the hardware and software design of Laborem platform, and to serve as a guide to explain how to duplicate and deploy this system, primarily dedicated to undergraduate students for learning basic electronics.

TCAD simulation study on reliability issue of heterojunction heterodielectric FinFET: Effect of interface trap charge, BOX height and temperature

TCAD simulation study on reliability issue of heterojunction heterodielectric FinFET: Effect of interface trap charge, BOX height and temperature

A generic method for interfacing IEDs using low voltage interfaces to real-time simulators with hardware in the loop

This study presents an interface method (IM) to interconnect real-time simulators (RTSs) without amplifiers for different intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), such as protective relays, smart meters, and other devices. It is a significant topic for the power systems protection community because there are many protection devices with different requirements. These protection devices have pinouts that measure bus voltages/currents and breaker pole states and generate trip/close pulse signals. Most of the emulation test beds with RTSs and HIL need amplifiers to connect IEDs from different product manufacturers because the low-voltage interface levels are not available in some instruction manuals. Additionally, commercial amplifiers have cutoff frequency limitations and have an excessive cost when several IEDs are wired onto test beds. Then, the validation of protection and control systems with RTSs and IEDs in the loop from different vendors without amplifiers results in an unfeasible alternative. In this paper, the IM was based on using an interface box, power source, and RTS to identify IED inputs/outputs. The sequence to recognize IED pinouts and calculate the current/voltage scaling factors is described. The IM was validated satisfactorily with RTS and a protection device (with unknown pinouts) in the loop.

A diffuse interface box method for elliptic problems

We introduce a diffuse interface box method (DIBM) for the numerical approximation on complex geometries of elliptic problems with Dirichlet boundary conditions. We derive a priori H1 and L2 error estimates highlighting the rôle of the mesh discretization parameter and of the diffuse interface width. Finally, we present a numerical result assessing the theoretical findings.

Development of a LiDAR-guided section-based tree canopy density measurement system for precision spray applications

An unmanned ground-based canopy density measurement system to support precision spraying in apple orchards was developed to precisely apply pesticides to orchard canopies. The automated measurement system was comprised of a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor, an interface box for data transmission, and a laptop computer. A data processing and analysis algorithm was developed to measure point cloud indices from the LiDAR sensor to describe the distribution of tree canopy density within four sections according to the position of the trellis wires. Experiments were conducted in two orchard sites, one with GoldRush (larger trees) and the other one with Fuji (smaller trees) apple trees. Tree leaves were counted manually from each section separated by trellis wires. Field evaluation results showed a strong correlation of 0.95 (R2 = 89.30%) between point cloud data and number of leaves for the Fuji block and a correlation of 0.82 (R2 = 67.16%) was obtained for the GoldRush block. A strong correlation of 0.98 (R2 = 95.90%) was achieved in the relationship between canopy volume and number of leaves. Finally, a canopy density map was generated to provide a graphical view of the tree canopy density in different sections. Since accurate canopy density information was computed, it is anticipated that the developed prototype system can guide the sprayer unit for reducing excessive pesticide use in orchards.

Mini-Multi Interface Box Simulator (MMIBS)

Today’s military and commercial aircraft avionics and general systems are built around complex networks of intelligent devices. Maintenance and troubleshooting of these systems often require access to the data bus or networks connecting the system components. Whether it is on the integration test bench, Final Assembly Line (FAL) or at the Maintenance and Repair Organization (MRO), these tasks are usually performed by means of many, expensive, heavy and intrusive equipment. The MMIBS (Mini-Multi Interface Box Simulator) is a very compact, portable, multipurpose, lightweight, low-power, and easy-of-use electronics test means intended to improve digital aircraft ground testing and maintenance troubleshooting. It is capable of perform functional testing and simulating aeronautical equipment through most common aeronautical communication interfaces, such as AFDX, CAN BUS, ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, RS-422, RS-232, RS-485, Discrete and Analog I/O and RVDT (Rotary Variable Differential Transformer) reading capabilities. Besides, the system is highly configurable and reprogrammable by means of intuitive Python-based scripting. System is also able to be controlled with an intuitive, user-friendly and dedicated HMI (Human Machine Interface). In this mode, the user can conform a MMIBS WIFI network, allowing multiple MMIBS operating in parallel to cover complex testing scenarios. The MMIBS device integrates all the aeronautical communication and signaling in a volume of 12x12x12cm and weight of 1200g and provides an autonomy of 5 hours. In this way, our solution combines performance, reliability, low maintenance costs, and ease-of-use to support efficient ground maintenance operations.

Feet deformities in patients with hip osteoarthritis

Background: The lower limb constitutes a complex motor system consisting of interdependent components. Any feet disorder may cause disturbances in the biomechanics of the entire lower limb and in consequence can lead to joint degeneration and affect gait. Methods: Participants were divided into two groups. The research group consisted of n = 60 patients with hip osteoarthritis, aged 52–84 and the control group consisted of n = 32 individuals without hip osteoarthritis, aged 50–74. A dynamic pedobarographic analysis was conducted using a RSScan® International Footscan system — a two-meter-long plantar pressure platform with an interface box. Upon completion of the measurement, results were printed and foot deformity was assessed using: Wejsflog index, Clarke’s angle, hallux Valgus ALFA angle, pronation-supination index. Results: The research group had a significantly lower mean Wejsflog index compared to the control group (2.32 vs 2.59). Results showed also that Hallux Valgus ALFA angle was significantly higher and Clarke’s angle significantly lower in the research group when compared to the control group. Conclusions: Foot deformities are significantly more common among patients with hip osteoarthritis. Fallen medial longitudinal arch, fallen transverse arch and hallux valgus are factors to consider in prevention and treatment of hip osteoarthritis.

GPSプロッタ魚群探知機に取り付ける簡易型音響資源調査システムの試作

Biological production is thriving in the coastal areas of Southeast Asia. However, resource evaluation has not progressed. In addition, the valid acoustic research needed for resource assessment is not being conducted or disseminated. Therefore, we developed a simple measurement system to perform acoustic investigations and provide basic education. We then conducted a field test in an effort to understand the distribution of fish schools in Tateyama bay, Chiba, Japan. Depth of the target research area was about 20 m. The acoustic device was composed of a GPS plotter and echo sounder (FURUNO GP1670F)+ Interface Box and PC. The concept has been used previously. However, the equipment is simple and easy to use in collecting acoustic data. First, we assumed the amount of resources for recreational boats to measure the distribution of fish using the fish finder. Results confirmed that the system was sufficiently effective.

A Microcontroller Framework for PC Based Electrical Appliance Control System

Personal computers are increasingly becoming the platform of choice to design and implement control algorithms because it is simple to write, modify and update software programs that implement control algorithms. In this paper, the personal computer is used to control the electrical appliances which includes turning high power alternating current (AC) loads such as lights, fans, heaters etc ON or OFF. To successfully integrate the interface box with the machine (laptop), an interface device is used within the PC that can perform the necessary tasks. The interface box can be controlled by the computer by connecting to the USB port and developed a program in C-sharp(C#) programming language. The program will demonstrate the basic idea of how to control devices and monitor events. With the program, the computer can turn electric devices ON/OFF while disregarding the manual control system. Moreover, the people who are physically disabled in homes and work places are able to control the home appliances by interacting with the interface of the developed appliance. It is a necessity to employ the service of Home Appliances Control as it is more effective, efficient and stress-free.

Development of the second generation Berry Impact Recording Device (BIRD II).

To quantitatively measure the impacts during blueberry harvesting and post-harvest handling, this study designed the second generation Berry Impact Recording Device (BIRD II) sensor with a size of 21 mm in diameter and a weight of 3.9 g, which reduced the size by 17% and the weight by 50% compared to the previous prototype. The sensor was able to measure accelerations up to 346 g at a maximum frequency of 2 KHz. Universal Serial Bus (USB) was used to directly connect the sensor with the computer, removing the interface box used previously. LabVIEW-based PC software was designed to configure the sensor, download and process the data. The sensor was calibrated using a centrifuge. The accuracy of the sensor was between −1.76 g to 2.17 g, and the precision was between 0.21 g to 0.81 g. Dynamic drop tests showed that BIRD II had smaller variance in measurements than BIRD I. In terms of size and weight, BIRD II is more similar to an average blueberry fruit than BIRD I, which leads to more accurate measurements of the impacts for blueberries.

Implementation and Performance of the Electronics and Computing System of the Gamma Ray Energy Tracking In-Beam Nuclear Array (GRETINA)

The Gamma Ray Energy Tracking In-Beam Nuclear Array (GRETINA), a germanium detector system capable of measuring energy and position (within better than 2 mm rms) of gamma-ray interaction points and tracking multiple gamma-ray interactions, has been built. GRETINA is composed of seven detector modules, each with four high purity germanium crystals. Four custom designed electronics support the operation of the detectors: Digitizer/Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Trigger/Timing, Breakout Chassis and the Detector Interface Box. The Digitizer/DSP converts the analog information with 14-bit analog to digital converters operating at 100 MS/s, and digitally processes the data to determine the energy and timing information of the gamma interactions within a crystal. The computing system is composed of VME readout CPUs running VxWorks, which communicate with 62 dual-processor farm (each processor with four cores) through a 10 Gb/s Ethernet switch. The CPUs read out the digitizer/DSPs and send the data to the farm. The processors compute the position and track of the interactions of the gamma-ray inside the crystals. The processor farm is capable of processing in real-time the position of 20 000 gamma-ray/s. In this paper we will present the details of the implementation and performance of the electronics and computing system of GRETINA.

The FOBIMO (FOraminiferal BIo-MOnitoring) initiative—Towards a standardised protocol for soft-bottom benthic foraminiferal monitoring studies

The European Community Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) was established to provide guidelines for monitoring the quality of marine ecosystems. Monitoring the status of marine environments is traditionally based on macrofauna surveys, for which standardised methods have been established. Benthic foraminifera are also good indicators of environmental status because of their fast turnover rates, high degree of specialisation, and the preservation of dead assemblages in the fossil record. In spite of the growing interest in foraminiferal bio-monitoring during the last decades, no standardised methodology has been proposed until today. The aim of the FOraminiferal BIo-MOnitoring (FOBIMO) expert workshop, held in June 2011 at Fribourg, Switzerland, which assembled 37 scientists from 24 research groups and 13 countries, was to develop a suite of standard methods. This paper presents the main outcome of the workshop, a list of motivated recommendations with respect to sampling devices, sample storage, treatment, faunal analysis and documentation. Our recommendations fulfil the criteria imposed both by scientific rigour and by the practical limitations of routine studies. Hence, our aim is to standardise methodologies used in bio-monitoring only and not to limit the use of different methods in pure scientific studies. Unless otherwise stated, all recommendations concern living (stained) benthic foraminiferal assemblages. We have chosen to propose two types of recommendations. Mandatory recommendations have to be followed if a study wants to qualify as sound and compatible to the norms. The most important of these recommendations are the interval from 0 to 1 cm below the sediment surface has to be sampled, and an interface corer or box corer that keeps the sediment surface intact is to be used for offshore surveys. A grab sampler must not be deployed in soft sediments. Three replicate samples are to be taken and analysed separately. Samples are to be washed on a 63-μm screen, and the living benthic foraminiferal fauna of the > 125 μm fraction is to be analysed. Splits are to be picked and counted entirely, and all counted foraminifera from at least one replicate per station have to be stored in micropalaeontological slides. Census data, supplementary laboratory data and microslides have to be archived. Advisory recommendations are to sample in autumn, to have a sample size of 50 cm 2 or a tube of 8 cm inner diameter, to use > 70% ethanol as a preservative, rose Bengal at a concentration of 2 grams per litre for staining, and a staining time of at least 14 days. The split size should be defined by a target value of 300 specimens, heavy liquid separation should be avoided, and the 63–125 μm fraction or deeper sediment levels may be considered in some environments. We are convinced that the application of this protocol by a large number of scientists is a necessary first step to a general acceptance of benthic foraminifera as a reliable tool in bio-monitoring studies. ► Benthic foraminifera are proposed for monitoring the quality of marine ecosystems. ► No standardised methodology has been proposed until today. ► The FOBIMO initiative developed a suite of standard methods. ► They concern sampling devices, storage, treatment, faunal analysis and documentation. ► The application will help to establish foraminifera as a tool in bio-monitoring.

Development of the Berry Impact Recording Device sensing system: Hardware design and calibration

Bruising caused by the impact damage occurs frequently during mechanical harvest process for highbush blueberries. The overall goal of this study was to develop a miniature and low-cost sensor prototype to quantitatively measure the impact forces endured by blueberries during the mechanical harvest process, which could be used to reduce blueberry bruising through improved harvester design. The sensing system developed in this study had three essential components: the sensor, the interface box, and the computer software program. The round circuit board of sensor is less than one inch (19.4 mm), including three accelerometers with ±500 g sensing range in each orthogonal axis, one eight-bit microcontroller, one 128 KB memory chip, and other electronic components with low power consumption. The sensor board and rechargeable battery were cast into a one inch (25.4 mm) sphere using silicone rubber. The interface box serves as the intermediate communication platform to connect the sensor and the computer. The PC-software retrieves data from the sensor via the I 2C communication and downloads data to a computer for further analysis via the RS232 communication. The sensor was calibrated using a centrifuge. The accuracy of the sensor output was 0.53% (2.60 g maximum deviation) and −0.33% (−1.26 g maximum deviation), with precision error of 0.63% (3.21 g) in the output span. This miniature and low-cost sensor prototype provides the opportunity to understand how the berry (or other small fruits) interacts with different machine parts within the harvester and to identify critical control points that cause the most mechanical impacts, which was not achievable in the past.

Development of the Berry Impact Recording Device sensing system: Software

This paper reports a complete impact data acquisition, processing, and analyzing software system that applies on the hardware platform of the Berry Impact Recording Device (BIRD). The software has three major sections that correspond to the hardware: The BIRD sensor program, the interface box program, and the computer software i-BIRD. The sensor program samples acceleration data from three axes and records them as single impacts with a maximum sampling rate of 3.0 kHz. Users can configure the sensor via the i-BIRD computer software, with different options of sampling frequencies (682–3050 Hz) and thresholds (0–205 g, where g is the gravitational acceleration). The data recorded can be downloaded, processed and graphically displayed on the computer. A real time clock was created using the interrupt service routine provided by the microcontroller. The accuracy of the sensor’s clock was calibrated with an error of 0.073%, which was adequate to record impact data in this application. The shape of impact curves recorded by the BIRD sensor at three sampling frequencies (682, 998, and 1480 Hz) matched well with the curves recorded by a high frequency (10 kHz) data logger with the maximum root mean squared error of 4.4 g. The velocity change had a relative error less than 5%. With confirmation of all those performances, the software system enabled the BIRD to be a useful tool to collect impact data during small fruit (such as blueberry) mechanical harvest.

Recording and analysis of electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) with MED-EL cochlear implants and different artifact reduction strategies in Matlab

Electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) are used in auditory research to evaluate the response of the auditory nerve to electrical stimulation. Animal preparations are typically used for the recording. With the introduction of a new generation of cochlear implants, however it is possible to record the response of the auditory nerve to electrical stimulation in humans as well, which is used in the clinic to test whether the implant works properly and whether the auditory nerve is responsive. Currently, ECAPs are used to estimate thresholds for speech processor programs. In addition, ECAPs recordings allow new research to be addressed, e.g., to evaluate enhanced electrical stimulation patterns. Research platforms are required to test user-defined stimuli and algorithms for the ECAPs analysis. Clinical fitting software that records ECAPs is not flexible enough for this purpose. To enable a larger group of scientists to pursue research in this field, we introduce a flexible setup that allows to change stimulation and recording parameters. ECAP recording and analysis software was developed in Matlab (The Mathworks, Inc.) for standard PC, using a National instruments (PCI-6533, National Instruments, Austin, TX) card and a Research Interface Box 2 (RIB2, Department of Ion Physics and Applied Physics at the University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria) for MED-EL cochlear implants. ECAP recordings of a human subject with three different artifact reduction methods (alternating, Miller modified masker-probe, triphasic pulses) are presented and compared.

Design and Usability of a Home Telerehabilitation System to Train Hand Recovery Following Stroke

Current theories of stroke rehabilitation point toward paradigms of intense concentrated use of the afflicted limb as a means for motor program reorganization and partial function restoration. A home-based system for stroke rehabilitation that trains recovery of hand function by a treatment of concentrated movement was developed and tested. A wearable goniometer measured finger and wrist motions in both hands. An interface box transmitted sensor measurements in real-time to a laptop computer. Stroke patients used joint motion to control the screen cursor in a one-dimensional tracking task for several hours a day over the course of 10–14 days to complete a treatment of 1800 tracking trials. A telemonitoring component enabled a therapist to check in with the patient by video phone to monitor progress, to motivate the patient, and to upload tracking data to a central file server. The system was designed for use at home by patients with no computer skills. The system was placed in the homes of 20 subjects with chronic stroke and impaired finger motion, ranging from 2–305 mi away from the clinic, plus one that was a distance of 1057 miles. Fifteen subjects installed the system at home themselves after instruction in the clinic, while nine required a home visit to install. Three required follow-up visits to fix equipment. A post-treatment telephone survey was conducted to assess ease of use and most responded that the system was easy to use. Functional improvements were seen in the subjects enrolled in the formal treatment study, although the treatment period was too short to trigger cortical reorganization. We conclude that the system is feasible for home use and that tracking training has promise as a treatment paradigm.

Effects of Age, Task Complexity, and Exercise on Reaction Time of Women During Ambulation Tasks

Reaction time (RT) is defined as the time lapse between the onset of a stimulus and the initiation of a response. The purpose of Study 1 was to compare RTs of young and elderly women during ambulation. The purpose of Study 2 was to investigate the effects of regular exercise on RTs of elderly women during ambulation tasks. Reaction times were measured using a portable computer, 2 transistor radios, and a radio interface box. The computer generated an auditory signal to which participants reacted by pushing a hand-held switch. Reaction times were compared in Study 1 between 17 healthy elderly women and 13 university students and in Study 2 between 15 exercising and 16 non-exercising elderly women. Testing of each participant occurred during sitting, walking on tile, and walking on foam padded carpet. The results of Study 1 revealed differences in RT between the 2 groups and between the sitting and the 2 walking conditions, but no interaction between group and task complexity. The results of Study 2 revealed differences among all conditions, but not between groups. The surprising result of Study 1 was that the elderly were not compromised to a greater extent than the young by increased task complexity. This suggests less age related RT decline during familiar activities. Results of Study 2 showed that level of exercise did not differentiate elderly participants' performance on RT. This may be because the active lifestyle of both groups of participants was more important in maintaining RT than a formal exercise program.