Publications Details
Communication techniques for safely transmitting and verifying unique signals
A related function takes place in situations where an intermediate memory device may be used to store the unique signal information. In this case, ''verification patterns'' are communicated back to the source as status of the memory in which the unique signal is stored. If properly used, unique signals and verification patterns can support acceptable abnormal-environment nuclear detonation safety. If improperly used, there is danger of a false sense of complacency. In this report, the potential danger of misunderstanding the implications of abnormal environments is described. Unfortunately, a number of common normal-environment assumptions and analytical techniques are sometimes applied to abnormal environment situations. Several of these are shown to be misleading for assessing unique signal performance in abnormal environments. Misapplied approaches can encourage communication system design features that may seriously degrade nuclear detonation safety. 8 refs., 10 figs.