engineering tech
BUILD AN ISO 9000 QUALITY SYSTEM--GO EFFECTIVE, NOT BROKEN
Vinh Huu Nguyen
Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)
Opto-electronics and Systems laboratories (OES)
Manager, Quality Management Department
A200, Bldg. 78, No. 195-8, Sec. 4
Chung Hsin Road
Chutung Hsinchu, Taiwan
Tel: 886-35-917625, Fax: 886-35-820214
E-Mail: [email protected]

Abstract
This paper comes up with a model for practical implementation of an ISO9000-based quality system. Various factors affecting the success of the establishment and implementation are discussed. The ISO9000-based quality system should be considered as a set of good management practices. It has to be built in such a way that the operation is effective. And it can provide as a base for future continuous improvement.

DESIGN OF AN ADAPTIVE CODING AND RETRANSMISSION STRATEGY FOR A MULTIPATH FADING CHANNEL
Son LeNgoc, Senior Member, IEEE
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada A1B 3X5

Abstract
To transfer an average seismic data rate of 2.5 Mbps for a Bit Error Rate (BER) of 1.0E-10 from a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) to a mothership at 5 km away, a High Performance Data Communication System is designed by using a 2.5 GHz Radio having a data transmission rate of 6.312 Mbps and an 800 MHz Radio having data transmission rate or 4800 bps. To countermeasure both random bit and burst errors, Reed-Solomon (RS) codes are considered for the forward and reverse channels. The system performance is improved by using an Adaptive FEC scheme in the forward channel and a conventional FEC scheme in the reverse channel. As a result, the stop-and-wait protocol is used to simplify the circuitry and avoid large buffers and yet the system requirements can still be met. This Adaptive Hybrid ARQ seems to work well with the severe multipath environment being considered.

INTELLIGENT CONTROL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS
Charles C. Nguyen and Sami Antrazi
Robotics and Control Laboratory
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC 20064 USA
E-Mail: [email protected]

Abstract
This paper deals with intelligent control of robotic systems. It first highlights the differences between conventional and intelligent control schemes. Then to demonstrate the intelligent concept, a learning-based control scheme and an adaptive control scheme are applied to control the motion of a two-degree-of-freedom robot end-effector and a six-degree-of-freedom manipulator, respectively. Experimental results are presented and discussed. The paper is concluded with a discussion on fuzzy logic based controllers.

JOINT ESTIMATION AND CORRECTION OF AMPLITUDE AND PHASE IMBALANCE FOR QUADRATURE RECEIVER
Hung Nguyen
Mountain Technology Inc.
5243 Braywood Drive
Centreville, VA 22020 USA
E-Mail: [email protected]

Abstract
In communication receivers, the gain and phase errors between the Inphase and Quadrature (I & Q) channels can cause serious degradation in receiver performance. Consider the problem of jointly estimating the following four parameters of the received I and Q signals, the amplitude imbalance, the DC bias and the DC offsets between the I and Q channels. The equations for least square estimation based on the measured I & Q data are derived, then the estimated parameters are applied to the data so that the amplitude and phase balance are restored. Examples are given for the Quadrature and Inphase Correction (QUIC) algorithm for the compensation of amplitude and phase imbalance in an 8-PSK receiving system and the improvement of the BER.

PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANCE (PEM) FUEL CELLS: AN ALTERNATIVE ELECTRICAL POWER SOURCE
Trung Van Nguyen
Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas 66045 USA

Abstract
Environmental concerns and our increasing dependence on imported fuels call for alternative energy sources and better utilization of existing energy sources. Fuel cells which convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy offer much better conversion efficiency than most existing energy conversion devices, and when fuel systems such as hydrogen/oxygen and hydrogen/air are used, fuel cells are totally pollution free.

Of various existing fuel cell systems, the proton-exchange- membrane (PEM) fuel cell is most promising, both for non- terrestrial applications and terrestrial applications such as local power generation and transportation because of the simplicity of its design and operation. This talk will discuss recent improvements and current research done on this system by my research group in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Kansas and by others at other institutions. Areas ranging from heat and water management, new flow field designs, electrode development and computer simulation studies to assess performance limitations will be presented.

SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH NECESSITATES ENVIRONMENTAL IN VIETNAM - AN INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE
Hanh Van Nguyen, Ph.D.
California Environmental Protection Agency
8800 Cal Center Drive
Sacramento, CA 95826 USA
E-Mail: [email protected]

Abstract
During the 15 years following the war's end, the Vietnamese economy was in deep crisis, with widespread poverty, hunger, unemployment, and hyper inflation. Since 1989, an economic reform program has been undertaken to remove price controls, renovate the financial sector, improve macroeconomic management, and encourage foreign investment. the reform has demonstrated remarkable results. Although the prospects for sustainable economic performance appear bright, Viet Nam is faced with high unemployment, inadequate physical infrastructure, limited natural and financial resources, and inequitable income distribution. In addition, large scale environmental degradation has become a major problem. Deforestation, water and air pollution, industrial discharges, uncontrolled economic activities, and pressure from a rapid population growth rate have contributed significantly to the deteriorating environmental conditions. To sustain economic growth, new efforts must be undertaken to protect the fragile environment. Effective implementation of a national policy to balance economic growth and environmental protection is essential. This presentation will focus on recent economic progress, outline the difficulties in balancing economic growth with environmental protection, and offer some thoughts on international technical assistance.

USE OF INTERNET RETRIEVAL AND ACCESS TOOLS IN SUPPORT OF THE GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
Diem Van Nguyen and Dr. William Mackey
Diem V. Nguyen					Dr. William Mackey
Loral AeroSys					Computer Sciences Corporation
7375 Executive Place				7700 Hubble Drive
Lanham-Seabrook, MD 20706 USA			Lanham-Seabrook, MD 20706 USA

Abstract
Often in the past, standards and new technology information have been available only in hardcopy form, with reproduction and mailing costs proving rather significant. In light of current budget constraints and in the interest of efficient communications, the Mission Operations and Data Systems Directorate (MO&DSD) New Technology and Data Standards Office recognizes the need for an online information server (OLIS). This server would allow: This paper explores a variety of available information servers and searching tools, their current capabilities and limitations, and the application of these tools to MO&DSD. Most importantly, the discussion focuses on the way this concept is being applied toward improving dissemination of documentation and improving documentation review processes.