The type of functions required to optimally process PCM plus noise are the same at low and high bit rates. At high bit rates there are severe constraints in synthesizing these functions due to limitations of present day devices and logic; and due to extrinsic effects of networks over broad baseband bandwidths. Techniques developed for signal conditioning, bit synchronization, group synchronization, and decommutation of NRZ PCM from 10 Mb/sec to 200 Mb/sec are presented. Multiple techniques were investigated in each area over the complete bit rate range of interest to ascertain performance versus complexity and cost effectiveness among different techniques at different bit rates.

Coherent and noncoherent methods of synchronizing PN sequences for testing PCM telemetry receiving stations are compared. Test results are given for each method using a typical range S-band receiver, bit synchronizer and tape recorder. Effects of time-base-error from the tape are calculated and checked by test results. The laboratory tests indicated that for bit-error probabilities less than 0.01, the noncoherent synchronizer functioned satisfactorily.

A brief introduction to coherent optical data, processing is given. Several problems are discussed concerning the implementation of coherent optical data processing for general use. The major problems discussed are concerned with the imaging qualities of coherent systems and the material requirements for recording these images. The solution to several problems is presented and the state-of-the-art in other areas is indicated.

This paper shows that the proper pre-emphasis for the inputs of constant bandwidth subcarrier oscillators into an FM transmitter is a straight line through the origin, and into a PM transmitter is one of equal amplitude for all subcarrier oscillators. The proper method for calculation of the pre-emphasis for a mixture of channel bandwidths is to use the square root of the bandwidth ratio of the subcarrier channels for both FM and PM transmitters. Examples are given.

A new approach to the problem of equalizing direct reproduce channels of instrumentation tape recorders has been developed. The technique employed utilizes active circuits and signal processing to develop the required transfer function. The principal advantage of the approach is that it requires only one operational adjustment to obtain the equalization characteristics. This allows a significant reduction in operator setup time and an increase in reliability by the reduction in the number of variable circuit elements. This is achieved by a slight increase in overall circuit complexity, the effect of which is minimized by the repetitive use of simple, functional circuits. The overall system approach is suitable for hybrid or monolithic technology.

Tests have been developed and implemented at the Western Test Range for calibration of telemetry receiving systems. The tests serve an additional function as diagnostic aids.

This paper describes a stellar calibration technique, using the absolute flux density from Cassiopeia A or Cygnus A, to determine effective antenna gain, or system noise temperature, at the IRIG L- and S-band frequencies. Paraboloidal dish antennas, ranging from 20 feet to 85 feet in diameter, can be calibrated using a total-power conventional RF receiver. Previous investigators utilized a Dicke radiometer to perform the same function. It is recommended that the Cass. A and Cyg. A flux densities, known within several tenths of a decibel, be utilized to calibrate IRIG antennas located on the North American Continent. It is demonstrated that Cass. A and Cyg. A provide sufficient signal power to calibrate a 20-foot diameter dish antenna; dish antennas up to 85-feet in diameter may be calibrated without applying a beam correction factor. Precision values of absolute flux density for Cass. A and Cyg. A are given for the 1700-1710 MHz space research, and IRIG 1435-1540 MHz and 2200-2300 MHz bands. An accurate radio sky map is also provided that may be scaled in frequency for the various bands.

In the design of a data compressor one of the basic problems is error due to the use of a finite number of bits in calculating various parameters. This is error due to truncation (or round off) after a set number of bits to the right of the binary point. Another error that could be introduced to the system is that error caused by the use of an approximate divide instead of a full divide. It is the purpose of this study to find the effect of these two errors so that (1) a judgment may be made as to how many bits to the right of the binary point are necessary, and (2) find if a double shift approximate divide may be used instead of the slower full divide. The study is divided into three basic parts (1) the effect of truncation (or round off), (2) the effect of the double shift approximate divide, an (3) the combined effect of truncation (or round off) and the double shift approximate divide. Each one of these error-causing phenomenon has two variations; i.e., an error caused while compressing data and an additional error caused while reconstructing. The error during compression distorts the tolerance limits, and the error in reconstruction causes distortion of the reconstructed line segment. Each of the errors leads to an overall error in data magnitude over and above the normal allowable error of one tolerance level. For all of the analysis the maximum run length of the compressed data is assumed to be 128. A summary of the study is found in Table 6.

The tasks associated with Development Management of complex instrumentation systems, from initial concept to production, involves the utilization of very large quantities of data. It is impossible to acquire, process, and analyze this data entirely by manual means, therefore, automated data management systems have been conceived to solve this type of problem. The computerized data system developed by SAMSO MINUTEMAN Instrumentation System Engineering Management is described and is further illustrated by presenting some of the specific applications of the system.