摘要:

A description is given of the use of silicon as a semiconductor material followed by the development and operation of the transistor and the principle of the integrated circuit is then explained. Active semiconductor devices are able to replace the thermionic valves of earlier electronic circuitry, and the effects of the new technology, especially on computers, is discussed. The use of microelectronics, especially in the form of small computing circuits or microprocessors, is having far reaching effects on control engineering, communication, information handling, word processing etc., and a convergence area of these aspects of engineering can be defined. The main impact of microelectronics on communication is in the increasing use of digital techniques. In an examination of the future implications of microelectronics, wide applications are foreseen that will affect all aspects of modern life. The microprocessor will enable office and management staff to have cheap but adequate computer support, which has not formerly been generally possible. The advent of the microprocessor can be related to the possible existence of a fourth Kondratiev long wave in the fluctuations of the world's economy. The microprocessor should be welcomed as a new tool and a source of inspiration, leading to opportunities for expansion in engineering achievement. Education and industry have important and interacting parts to play in economic survival of the microprocessor revolution. A strong lead from Government is also required, with sufficient professionalism and competence to recognise areas needing urgent support. There is a requirement, in industry, for long term investment. The special role of electrical engineers in the urgent task of widening understanding of microelectronics is emphasised.

DOI:10.1049/ip-a-1.1981.0001

出版商:IEE    

年代:1981

数据来源: IET

摘要:

The recent developments in TV technology are reviewed, and it is seen how, since the Second World War, it has been possible to design progressively lighter cameras and signal processing equipment, increasing the convenience of TV production in general and particularly outside broadcasts and electronic news gathering (ENG). Transistors, which began to replace vaccuum tubes in the 1950s, and, more recently, charge coupled devices, have played a considerable part in the technological changes described. Recording techniques have also been very much improved over recent years, and a very economical packing of digitised signals on a tape of convenient size has been achieved. Editing of video tapes is now possible without the need for a computer-type magnetic store. The author foresees a continuous development of TV broadcasting techniques in the future.

DOI:10.1049/ip-a-1.1981.0002

出版商:IEE    

年代:1981

数据来源: IET

摘要:

Since the turn of the century British consultants have been operating overseas. Their knowledge and experience have been used to assist developing countries, and a typical role is illustrated by the ‘case history’ of a transmission and distribution project in Dacca, Bangladesh, financed by the Overseas Development Administration. The location of Dacca, in a massive delta, created special problems for the power engineer, and the 1971 war in Bangladesh meant that records were virtually nonexistent and the capital's transmission and distribution system had fallen into a perilous state. By 1973, when the consultant was engaged, the interruption of supplies to consumers was common and voltage regulation was very poor. His first tasks, in conjunction with the Bangladesh Power Development Board engineers, were to compile records of the existing network and then to plan its rehabilitation and extension. The problems met in managing this project and the way in which they were overcome lead to the conclusion that with ever-changing technology there is a continuing and worthwhile role for the UK consultant to play in developing countries.

DOI:10.1049/ip-a-1.1981.0003

出版商:IEE    

年代:1981

数据来源: IET

摘要:

The field of medicine is one which offers considerable scope for the application of computers ranging from simple microprocessors to sophisticated array processors. To illustrate these applications a number of examples have been chosen in diagnosis, therapy, patient monitoring and patient mangagement. The first two examples relate to diagnostic equipment, the operation of which would not be possible without an integral computer, namely the now well established X-ray c.t. scanner and the recently developed nuclear magnetic resonance scanner which promises to be an equally important diagnostic tool. From the increasing range of microprocessor applications three examples have been chosen, the kidney machine, Doppler ultrasound for blood flow measurement, and real-time ultrasound. Images play an important role in medical diagnosis, and it is shown how computer based techniques developed for other applications can be used to improve the quality of these images and so aid diagnosis. Computers are also being used more extensively to maintain patient records, particularly of treatments and their effects, information which is particularly valuable in medical research. Much monitoring equipment in the intensive care situation is now beginning to. incorporate microprocessors allowing more automatic operation and recording. Finally it is indicated how work in the field of expert systems could, by close collaboration between computer scientist and clinician, lead to improved clinical diagnosis.

DOI:10.1049/ip-a-1.1981.0004

出版商:IEE    

年代:1981

数据来源: IET

摘要:

The successful evolution of an organisation depends upon the skill with which the reactions to change of a vital resource, the people involved, can be predicted and allowed for. Human behavioural patterns are highly complex and not readily amenable to logical prediction. Nevertheless, their influence on the success of an organisational structure is great. A number of classic experiments have taken place, largely in manufacturing industry, to identify guidelines for general planning but it remains very much a matter of individual case studies, if experience is to be built upon. One such study can be made of the way in which the technological evolution of a national network of television and radio transmitters has brought with it a need for continuous and iterative assessment of staff reaction to change in promoting successfully the long term objective. A particular aspect is studied, involving the problems created by small isolated working groups, and some conclusions are drawn to account for the limited success of that part of the overall plan. The creation of an organisation to meet an objective is often thought to start with a clean sheet of paper. In reality the paper often already bears the imprint of people and their reactions. Unless this is clearly recognised and taken into account, complete success is unlikely.

DOI:10.1049/ip-a-1.1981.0005

出版商:IEE    

年代:1981

数据来源: IET

摘要:

The reasoning leading to the formation of the Management and Design Division can be summarised under the titles of change, complexity and competition. We are moving through a period of rapid change which not only has technological consequences, but also has a direct bearing on the realisation of internationally competitive products and the management of the whole product realisation process. It is now possible to construct extremely complex products which require the breakdown of the product realisation process into well-defined stages. This has required the introduction of new design disciplines, new methods of communication and specification, and the requirement for more formal overall management and control. Since probably the majority of Institution members are involved in these product realisation disciplines, the Institution must formally recognise their importance and provide a suitable forum for their discussion. In the title of the Address the words ‘motivation’ and ‘relevance’ are included specifically to indicate the attitudes which must exist in the new Division. The motivation must be based primarily on the relevance of engineering as a business operating in an internationally competitive environment. New technological concepts are essential, but are wasted unless they are incorporated into products which find world-wide acceptance. The Management and Design Division will be concerned with those activities necessary to ensure such acceptance.

DOI:10.1049/ip-a-1.1981.0006

出版商:IEE    

年代:1981

数据来源: IET

摘要:

The paper reviews most of the general electromagnetic field theorems (i.e. theorems not limited to special geometrical structures) in a compact and unified way. Applications of all the theorems are illustrated by one or more examples. Although the review is aimed primarily at nonspecialists in electromagnetic field theory, it is believed that specialists might also find it useful. Basic knowledge of Maxwell's equations and vector analysis is assumed.

DOI:10.1049/ip-a-1.1981.0007

出版商:IEE    

年代:1981

数据来源: IET

摘要:

The paper derives integral solutions for the transfer impedance between ideal thin coils and also more practical thick distributed coils separated by a nonferrous metal sheet. The solutions are valid both for low frequencies where the currents induced in the sheet are uniform through the mid-frequency range where the plate thickness is of the order of the skin depth.

DOI:10.1049/ip-a-1.1981.0008

出版商:IEE    

年代:1981

数据来源: IET

摘要:

The paper presents the results of an experimental investigation into the effect of a perpendicular magnetic field on the conduction current in transformer oil. Direct voltage tests on samples of Voltesso 35 oil show that the presence of a relatively weak magnetic field can cause a reduction of more than 65% in the conduction current under typical voltage stresses. The effect of impurities in the form of magnetite particles is also investigated by measuring the conduction current with and without an applied magnetic field. Three theoretical models are examined for possible explanation of the observed results in plain-oil samples.

DOI:10.1049/ip-a-1.1981.0009

出版商:IEE    

年代:1981

数据来源: IET

摘要:

There are many techniques that enable a project manager to control either the cost or the progress of a project, but these techniques do not usually combine these two aspects and therefore a measure is seldom available of the cost-effectiveness of a project. The author reviews some current techniques and then develops a new simple graphical one which is easy to apply and which reveals clearly both the overall costeffectiveness of the work done in a project, and also any increase or decrease in such cost-effectiveness. A comparison can be made at any time against the baseline originally agreed and defined at the start of the project and, moreover, any agreed change in the overall amount of work within the programme is automatically reflected both in the baseline and in the measure of work done so far.

DOI:10.1049/ip-a-1.1981.0010

出版商:IEE    

年代:1981

数据来源: IET