White Paper: Auto-ID Based Control [.pdf]
http://www.autoidcenter.org/research/CAM-AUTOID-WH-004.pdf
At its most basic level, auto-ID technology is similar to the UPC bar code. However, it incorporates microchips, wireless communications, and the Internet to make all the information pertaining to individual products instantly accessible. This white paper, distributed May 1, 2002, discusses "the role of control systems in Auto-ID developments." It starts with an overview of the technology, including a brief description of the Electronic Product Code and its use. The paper then goes into the methods and motivations for implementing these control systems. A more general introduction to the technology can be found on the home page of the Auto-ID Center. [CL]
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Mechanical Engineering: Power 2002
http://www.memagazine.org/mepower02/index.html
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers presents this special edition of its Mechanical Engineering Magazine Online. Released in June 2002, the focus of this publication is electric power. Research efforts and new technologies for a variety of applications are outlined in five feature articles. One article covers turbo pumps in the space shuttle, considering how to minimize cavitation problems to make the pumps more efficient. Another looks at research into flow oscillations that plague gas turbines. Monthly online editions of the Mechanical Engineering Magazine can also be found at this site. This site is also reviewed in the August 30, 2002 Scout Report. [CL]
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Microsystems Technology Laboratories' Annual Report 2002 [.pdf]
http://www-mtl.mit.edu/mtlhome/6Res/AR2002/
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Microsystems Technology Laboratories (last reviewed in the March 15, 2000 Scout Report for Science and Engineering) has its annual report for 2002 available online. The report is actually a very large collection of research abstracts, giving a thorough overview of the lab's latest work. Documents are divided into eleven general topics, including Microelectromechanical Devices, Quantum-Effect Devices, Submicron and Nanometer Structures, and Optoelectronics. Each abstract is one to two pages long and describes the accomplishments and findings of the researchers. [CL]
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Talkelab Web Page: Tribology and Mechanics Lab
http://talkelab.ucsd.edu/
The Tribology and Mechanics Lab, headed by former IBM researcher Dr. Frank Talke, is located at the University of California at San Diego. The laboratory's work deals with magnetic tape and disk storage devices, specifically the head-tape and head-disk interfaces. Since both types of devices have moving parts, there are important mechanics issues that must be considered with the highly sensitive and precise head as it reads and stores information on media. A good introduction to each interface is given on the lab's Web site, describing the operation of the hardware and its inherent problems. Current and past research projects are also highlighted. [CL]
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NETL Publications: Conference Proceedings [.pdf]
http://www.netl.doe.gov/publications/proceedings/02/Hybrid/hybrid02.html
The "Second DOE/ UN International Conference and Workshop on Hybrid Power Systems" was held in April 2002, and this Web site holds the proceedings of the four conference sessions. All of the documents are slide presentations given by speakers from major companies and research institutions. Topics range from market analysis to specific research and development projects. Many of the presentations deal with microturbines and fuel cell/ turbine systems. Some of the files are quite large and might take some time to download over a slow Internet connection. [CL]
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Performance [.pdf]
http://www.dot.gov/performance/
This document from the Department of Transportation combines the performance report for 2001 with the performance plan for 2003. Released in March 2002, its purpose is to weigh statistics and historical trends to improve the nation's transportation system. A key focus of the report is safety; this includes highway, aviation, rail, and all forms of transportation related safety. In light of September 11, national security is another top priority. For each issue covered in the report, the performance of the DOT in recent years is assessed, and specific goals are set. Strategies and initiatives are named to achieve the proposed objectives. [CL]
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The Optoelectronic Computing Systems Center [.pdf]
http://www-ocs.colorado.edu/
The University of Colorado at Boulder is the home of the Optoelectronic Computing Systems (OCS) Center. Work done at OCS brings together multiple disciplines to study "high performance computing systems, focused on free-space optical interconnects, special purpose optical processors, and computer peripheral technology including head-mounted displays and optical memories." The center's Web site has details of the different areas of investigation, along with many research papers. Information about OCS involvement with industry is also given. Some sections of the site have not been updated for some time, but many of the research documents are current for 2002. [CL]
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Ames Laboratory Puts the "Squeeze" on Communications Technology
http://www.er.doe.gov/feature_articles_2002/July/Squeeze_on_Communications/Ames-MP-Lite.htm
This article, published in July 2002 by the US Department of Energy Office of Science, discusses a software product developed by Ames Laboratory researchers. MP-Lite is "a new message-passing library that makes it possible to extract optimum performance from both workstation and personal computer clusters, as well as from large massively parallel supercomputers." The library is similar to the Message Passing Interface (MPI) standard, but it has fewer specialized functions. The main capabilities of MPI were enhanced to make MP-Lite, and tests have shown it to run applications much faster than conventional libraries. This article describes the new library in detail, and provides links to download MP-Lite or read further documentation. [CL]
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IBM: Microelectronics 101
http://www-3.ibm.com/chips/bluelogic/manufacturing/makechip/
This IBM Web site does an excellent job of describing the microelectronics technology used in making computer chips. It starts with semiconductor fabrication, leading the user through each step of the process. The painstaking work is explained in simple terms, using analogies and illustrations while still being very informative. The next topic is interconnect, or the connection between chips and the outside world. There are several sections for this as well, which explain the purpose of interconnect and why it is such an integral part of the finished product. Lastly, some of today's most significant breakthroughs in computer chip design are outlined. [CL]
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WEBster: The Place on the Net to Learn Assembly Language Programming [.pdf, .zip, .tar, .gz]
http://webster.cs.ucr.edu/
In contrast to high level languages like C and Java, assembly language programming is more fundamental to computer operation. This site has extensive information about different assembly languages, including Windows, Linux, and DOS. There are online books, titled The Art of Assembly Language Programming, that can be downloaded for each of these platforms. These books are excellent for beginners. Libraries with hundreds of code snippets for common functions are provided, so programmers don't have to redo something that has already been done. The High Level Assembler is a tool to simplify assembly programming for users that already know a high level language. It can also be downloaded at no cost. [CL]
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World of LCDs
http://www.sharp.co.jp/sc/library/lcd_e/indexe.htm
An extremely popular and growing trend in desktop computer systems are liquid crystal displays (LCDs), a type of technology that has been used in laptops for years. New flat panel designs makes them perfect for cramped desks. The Sharp Corporation offers this short course on LCD technology. Chapter one explains what liquid crystals are and discusses their many applications. The next chapter goes into more technical detail about the inner workings of LCDs. Different kinds of displays, like plasma and electroluminescent panels, are noted. The last chapter considers the future of LCDs and what new technologies could emerge. [CL]
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Illuminations: Illuminating a New Vision for School Mathematics [QuickTime, .pdf, .zip, .sit]
http://illuminations.nctm.org/index2.html
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics offers this page with resources for grade school students and instructors. Mostly comprised of lesson plans broken down into four ranges of grade levels, Illuminations has single and multi-day online exercises. The investigations are presented online for teachers to review, but the interactive, multimedia activities can also be downloaded for student use. Both Windows and Macintosh operating systems are supported for these applications, and easy to use Java applets provide students with fun, educational materials that demonstrate common principles of mathematics. Over 900 external Web resources are also listed and grouped into specific categories. [CL]
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Agilent Technologies: Spectrum Analysis Amplitude and Frequency Modulation [.pdf, .zip, .hqx, .tar, QuickTime]
http://www.tm.agilent.com/data/static/eng/tmo/Notes/interactive/an-150-1/index.html
This is an informative application note for electronics test and measurement that is hosted by Agilent Technologies. Specifically, the topic is amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM). It discusses "the basic theory behind AM and FM modulation including time and frequency domain representations." The material starts with an introduction to various modulation techniques and then goes on to address mathematical representations of modulation. Although the body of the text is fairly technical, the right margin offers some historical insights into broadcast radio and other subjects. Two interactive Java applets demonstrate how certain parameters of a sinusoid can be changed to adjust the degree of modulation. [CL]
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United States Society on Dams
http://www.ussdams.org/
The United States Society on Dams (USSD) is a professional organization that promotes the advancement of dam engineering and technology, and fosters public awareness of the importance of dams. The best feature on the society's home page is its excellent introduction to dams and their benefits. First, a short definition of a dam is given, and then some reasons for their construction are outlined with specific examples. There are many pictures of dams across the country, and most have explanations for their importance. Hydroelectric power as a renewable resource is discussed in detail. This Web site is a good learning resource for both kids and adults. [CL]
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The Adventure of the Discussion Board [.pdf]
http://ccenter.uoregon.edu/conferences/necc2002/program/presenter_rp_pdfs/Davis.pdf
The National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) was held in June 2002. This paper, presented at the conference, presents a high school teacher's experiences in using online discussion boards as learning tools in his classes. He describes how he integrated the system into various activities, and how student participation compared to talking in classroom discussions. Several student posts are given that demonstrate an understanding of the topic and development of thinking processes. Nearly 50 other research papers are provided on the NECC 2002 Web site. [CL]
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Professor Freedman's Math Help [.mpeg, Flash]
http://www.mathpower.com/
Math Power is a site created by Professor Freedman, a highly acclaimed teacher of basic mathematics. She has several resources to help students of all ages learn pre-algebra and elementary algebra skills. Many sample homework assignments are provided, as well as general study tips and a list of "ten ways to reduce math anxiety." A collection of video clips demonstrate specific math concepts. There are also Java games that are a diversion from straight math, and most are educational. Some sections of the site are intended for mathematics instructors, like the Ten Commandments for Math Teachers. [CL]
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Condor: High Throughput Computing
http://www.cs.wisc.edu/condor/
Condor is a popular software tool developed by the University of Wisconsin at Madison Computer Sciences Department. It is a type of batch system that distributes computationally intensive jobs to multiple workstations, thereby creating a grid-style environment and speeding the processing time. Universities and other research institutions can download Condor at no charge, provided they agree to the license terms. The software can be installed on UNIX or Windows machines. Full documentation is given, as are several tutorials and an overview of using Condor with the Globus Toolkit. Various presentations and research publications that discuss Condor are also provided. [CL]
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21stcentury.co.uk: Your Portal to the Future
http://www.21stcentury.co.uk/technology/index.asp
This fascinating Web site explores many new technologies that seem like they came from a science fiction movie. All of the features are real, and, while they are not all guaranteed successes, they are certainly interesting to read about. One of the innovations that is generating the most attention is wearable computing. The detailed article defines the characteristics of wearable computers and describes their operational modes and attributes. Another remarkable item is the solar powered race car built by engineering students at the University of Michigan. All technologies covered on this site include links to additional related information. [CL]
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incits: Technical Committee T10 [.pdf]
http://www.t10.org/
This organization's Web site is a repository of information about computer input/ output (I/O) interfaces. The T10 Technical Committee works to oversee the development of voluntary standards for low-level interfaces, specifically "the Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)." A large collection of these standards and related technical reports is provided on this site. Many variations of SCSI are documented, as well as other interfaces, such as IEEE 1394 and fibre channel. The standards cover architecture models, command sets, and protocols. Links to similar organizations and industry contacts are also given. [CL]
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International Design Contest 2002 [RealPlayer, .pdf]
http://pergatory.mit.edu/IDC/
The 2002 International Design Contest, held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, concluded on August 16. All information pertaining to the robot building competition is posted on this Web site. A standard component kit was given to each team to design their robots. An inventory of this kit, CAD models of the parts, and an overview of the control systems are given online. Many video clips can be viewed, including one that shows "the entire contest from beginning to end." Other material not directly related to the IDC is also given, like lecture notes from a recent MIT design class. [CL]
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Advanced Manufacturing: Tomorrow's Ideas at Work Today [.pdf]
http://www.advancedmanufacturing.com/
This is the home page of a Canadian-based technical magazine that covers new technology and developments in advanced manufacturing. Advanced manufacturing technologies "include 'hard' technologies like design engineering tools, industrial automation equipment, and software systems and 'soft' technologies like lean manufacturing." All of the articles are free online, and new issues come out monthly. There are numerous features in each edition that discuss the global marketplace, manufacturing strategy, product releases, and other industry news. The magazine can be downloaded as a whole or viewed online by section. [CL]
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1394 Trade Association: About 1394b Technology [.pdf]
http://www.1394ta.org/Technology/About/1394b.htm
The IEEE 1394 interface, commonly known as FireWire, is a popular multimedia connection between computers and peripherals that can achieve high transfer rates. 1394b is the latest version, which increases the bandwidth and expands the utility of previous versions. The 1394 Trade Association hosts this page with several resources about the emerging technology. A white paper describes its applications and how it has evolved. Specifications for the upgraded "b" version are listed in an overview presentation, and motivations that led to its development are outlined. There are also a couple news articles that discuss the new technology. [CL]
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Chipworks: Silicon Art
http://www.chipworks.com/art/siliconart.htm
Chipworks is a "company that analyzes the circuitry and physical composition of semiconductors, photonics and electronic systems." During the company's work, some chips were found to have microscopic artwork hidden in the silicon. Although these features do not change a chip's performance, they simply express the creativity of the designers. Three large galleries of images are presented on this Web site, some with magnifications up to 500 times. Each picture is accompanied by a short description of the type of chip on which it was found (e.g., microprocessor, memory, etc.) and the manufacturing company. There is also a page that describes how this tiny artwork is accomplished. [CL]
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Air and Space Magazine: How Things Work: Series List
http://www.airandspacemagazine.com/asm/Mag/Index/Special/How.html
The Air and Space Magazine is a publication of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. This special series of the magazine provides insight into various aspects of aerospace principles and technology. Three articles in this section can be accessed, despite the listing of all seven. First is an overview of winglets on airplanes, describing their purpose and how they increase performance. The second article looks at "devices an aerobatic airplane uses to defy gravity." Lastly, ejection seats are the topic of the final article. There are supplements and additional features given on the magazine's home page, but full text is not available for all articles. [CL]
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Satellite Navigation Systems
1. A GPS Tutorial
http://www.topconps.com/gpstutorial/
2. IBM: Introduction to GPS, Part 1 [.pdf]
http://www-105.ibm.com/developerworks/education.nsf/wireless-onlinecourse-bytitle/9D4833F6EB44F12886256BF7007121A7?OpenDocument
3. ESA: Navigation: Satellite Applications [Windows Media Player, RealPlayer, .pdf]
http://www.esa.int/export/esaSA/navigation.html
4. Space and Tech: GLONASS Summary
http://www.spaceandtech.com/spacedata/constellations/glonass_consum.shtml
5. The US Coast Guard Navigation Center: Differential GPS [.pdf]
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/dgps/default.htm
6. UCAR UNAVCO Facility: Boulder, Colorado
http://www.unavco.ucar.edu/
7. GPS Devices that Fight Crime
http://www.msnbc.com/news/791811.asp?0si=-&cp1=1
8. GPS World: Mine Eyes
http://www.gpsworld.com/gpsworld/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=25973
The Global Positioning System (GPS) has been in operation for several years, and its use is continually rising. GPS is the main satellite navigation system developed by the United States. There are countless applications of this technology, and numerous international efforts are currently underway.
The Topcon Positioning Systems company provides an excellent introduction to GPS technology in its online book (1). The first couple chapters describe the evolution of GPS and its fundamentals, and the remaining material focuses on some specific issues. A more advanced tutorial is given through the IBM Web site (2). A brief, free registration is required to view it, and some familiarity with Java is recommended. The European Space Agency provides this page about satellite navigation (3), which describes, among other things, Galileo. This is not the astronomer; Galileo is Europe's version of GPS, scheduled for completion in 2008. Another system, developed by Russia, is detailed on the Space and Technology Web site (4). The short summary describes the 20-year history of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), as well as upgrades that are in progress. Differential GPS, a service that is more accurate than standard GPS in areas with poor coverage, is operated by the US Coast Guard Navigation Center (5). Some information about the status of nationwide DGPS expansion is given. Several research and development projects, technology highlights, and GPS implementations are covered on the UNAVCO home page (6). The facility primarily fosters work to expand the applications of satellite navigation. With the wave of kidnapping cases reported across the country, a novel use of GPS is being marketed to keep track of children (7). These portable devices can be worn on the wrist, like a watch, so parents can always know where their kids are. Another news story describes the use of GPS in mining operations (8). The technology allows operators of huge three-story dump trucks to detect obstacles and maneuver the vehicle with only limited visibility. [CL]
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Below are the copyright statements to be included when reproducing annotations from The NSDL Scout Report for Math, Engineering, and Technology.
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From The NSDL Scout Report for Math, Engineering, & Technology, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/
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Copyright Susan Calcari and the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, 1994-2002. The Internet Scout Project (http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/), located in the Computer Sciences Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides information about the Internet to the U.S. research and education community under a grant from the National Science Foundation, number NCR-9712163. The Government has certain rights in this material. Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of the entire Scout Report provided this paragraph, including the copyright notice, are preserved on all copies.
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