Bit Error Rate Performance Of Image Processing Facility High Density Tape Recorders

Paul Heffner

doi:10.1117/12.931934

6 November 1981 Bit Error Rate Performance Of Image Processing Facility High Density Tape Recorders

Paul Heffner

Proceedings Volume 0278, Electro-Optical Instrumentation for Resources Evaluation; (1981) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.931934
Event: 1981 Technical Symposium East, 1981, Washington, D.C., United States

Abstract

The Image Processing Facility at the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center utilizes High Density Tape Recorders (HDTR's) to transfer high volume image data and ancillary information from one system to another. For ancillary information, it is mandatory that very low bit error rates (BER's) accompany the transfers. The facility processes approximately 1011 bits of image data per day from many sensors, involving 15 independent processing systems that require the use of HDTR's. The original purchase of 16 HDTR's met state of art performance of 1 x 10-6 BER as specified. Later the BER requirement was upgraded in two steps: incorporation of data randomizing circuitry to yield a BER of 2 x 10-7; and further modification to include bit error correction capability to achieve a BER of 2 x 10-9. The overall improvement factor was 500 to 1. This paper provides the background, technical approach, and final results of these modifications. Also included are general discussions of the format of the data recorded by the HDTR, the magnetic tape format, magnetic tape dropout characteristics as experienced in the Image Processing Facility, head life history, and reliability of the HDTR's.

Citation Download Citation

Paul Heffner "Bit Error Rate Performance Of Image Processing Facility High Density Tape Recorders", Proc. SPIE 0278, Electro-Optical Instrumentation for Resources Evaluation, (6 November 1981); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.931934

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