Abstract: Application Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”) devices, such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (“FPGAs”), may be interconnected using serial I/O connections, such as high speed multi-gigabit serial transceiver (“MGT”) connections. For example, serial I/O connections may be employed to interconnect a pair of ASICs to create a high bandwidth, low signal count connection, and in a manner so that any given pair of multiple ASIC devices on a single circuit card may communicate with each other through no more than one serial data communication link connection step. A reconfigurable hardware architecture (“RHA”) may be configured to include a communications infrastructure that uses a high-bandwidth packet router to establish standard communications protocols between multiple interfaces and/or multiple devices that may be present on a single circuit card. Additionally, a communications infrastructure may be established across multiple circuit cards.

Abstract: A linear combiner weight memory. Various embodiments of the weight memory provide a weight bank and control logic. The weight bank is operable to couple with a data stream and may include four registers. The first register is operable to store a first in-phase weight value. The second register is operable to store a second in-phase weight value and be written with the second in-phase weight value while the first in-phase weight value is read from the first register. The third register is operable to store a first quadrature weight value. The fourth register is operable to store a second quadrature weight value and be written with the second quadrature weight value while the first quadrature weight value is read from the third register.

Abstract: A multi-platform script language interpreter designed for hardware debug is disclosed along with related methods. In part, the invention is configured to act as an embedded hardware debugging software tool for embedded hardware operating on platforms with internal hardware buses, such as platforms with VME buses. The present invention is applicable to a wide variety of buses and can be configured for use with desired buses through the addition of appropriate libraries.

Abstract: Reconfigurable direct radio frequency (RF) bandpass sampling receivers are disclosed that utilize analog interpolation filters to improve performance. The addition of the analog interpolation filter to the bandpass sampling receiver allows the quantization clock to be de-coupled from the RF sampling clock. As such, the quantization can be performed at a much slower rate than the initial RF sampling allowing the final analog bandwidth to be much narrower than the bandwidth of the first stage filter located before the high-speed sampler. The combination of a tunable bandpass filter, tunable bandpass sample clock and analog interpolation filter followed by a further stage of sampling and quantization at a slower rate than the bandpass sample clocking, therefore, provides significant advantageous by de-coupling the quantization sample rate from the high-speed sample rate. If desired, the analog interpolation filter may also be tunable. Other variations and implementations are also described.

Abstract: Nyquist folded bandpass sampling receivers are disclosed that utilize wideband filters and modulated sampling clocks to identify received signals. In operation, multiple Nyquist zones are allowed to fold on top of each other during sampling. Because the RF sampling clock is modulated, separate frequency modulations can be induced within each Nyquist zone. The signals that are folded together from different Nyquist zones can then be identified and distinguished. In particular, when the Nyquist zones fold on top of each other, the different signals from different Nyquist zones can be separated and identified based on the fact that the added modulation is different for each Nyquist zone. Thus, by using one or more clock modulations to induce frequency modulations that are Nyquist zone dependent, multiple Nyquist zones can be aliased together while still allowing for signals from different Nyquist zones to be separated and identified. Other variations and implementations are also described.

Abstract: Nyquist folded bandpass sampling receivers are disclosed that utilize narrow band filters in parallel with wideband filters to enhance reception of ultra wideband (UWB) pulses. The addition of the narrow band filter facilitates the reception of ultra wideband signal pulses and, therefore, extends the Nyquist folding bandpass sampling receiver to allow improved processing of ultra wideband (UWB) pulses. RF sampling circuitry utilizing a modulated sampling clock signal can then better capture UWB pulse signals.

Abstract: Application Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”) devices, such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (“FPGAs”), may be interconnected using serial I/O connections, such as high speed multi-gigabit serial transceiver (“MGT”) connections. For example, serial I/O connections may be employed to interconnect a pair of ASICs to create a high bandwidth, low signal count connection, and in a manner so that any given pair of multiple ASIC devices on a single circuit card may communicate with each other through no more than one serial data communication link connection step. A reconfigurable hardware architecture (“RHA”) may be configured to include a communications infrastructure that uses a high-bandwidth packet router to establish standard communications protocols between multiple interfaces and/or multiple devices that may be present on a single circuit card. Additionally, a communications infrastructure may be established across multiple circuit cards.

Abstract: Multiple cochannel FM signals received, for example, in an overloaded signal environment may be separated using parallel interference cancellation techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for all-polarization direction finding. The method and apparatus generally include acquiring measurements at least partially corresponding to an emitted signal and generated utilizing a blind signal extraction algorithm, forming an all-polarization cost function utilizing the acquired measurements, and determining an angle of arrival for the emitted signal utilizing the formed all-polarization cost function. Such a configuration enables angles of arrivals to be easily determined for signals having any polarization without using a multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fabricating materials by die-forming that may be implemented to form a joggle in a bendable workpiece by securing the workpiece to each of at least two respective adjacent working areas, and then by displacing at least one of the at least two working areas relative to an adjacent working area in order to induce the joggle within the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and system includes at least one interconnect hub, connecting the at least one interconnect hub to a plurality of audio connection devices to form a network of audio connection devices with the interconnect hub at the center of the ring. The audio connection devices are connected to each other through the at least one interconnect hub, and data is synchronously transmitted between at least two of the audio connection devices through the at least one interconnect hub.

Abstract: A portable target locator for use by a ground observer to accurately determine the location of a target and transmit location information and firing instructions to an unmanned vehicle so the unmanned vehicle can locate the target and perform an operation based on the firing instructions. The apparatus comprises optics for permitting a user to see a magnified view of the target; a location determining component for determining a location of the apparatus; rangefinder for determining a range from the apparatus to the target; an Azimuth sensor for determining an Azimuth from the apparatus to the target; a processor for determining the location of the target based on the location of the apparatus, the range to the target, and the Azimuth from the apparatus to the targets, a transmitter for transmitting the location information and the firing instructions to the unmanned vehicle, and a portable handheld housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for scheduling transmission of a plurality of frames in a network having a plurality of nodes, each frame identified by a type designation, includes a schedule memory and a sequencer. The schedule memory stores a transmission time for each frame type and a list of frames to be transmitted. The sequencer is operable to access the schedule memory and initiate transmission of the frames in the list.

Abstract: A substantially noiseless fastening system for a carrying pack includes a flap attached to the shell of the carrying pack along one edge of the flap, a fastener button attached to the flap near a second edge of the flap, and a button receiver attached to the shell. The button receiver has a tapered interference fit slot terminating in a notch for receiving the fastener button, the slot narrowing towards the edge of the flap attached to the shell. The fastening system also includes a pouch attached to the shell, a locking channel attached to the pouch, and a locking groove attached to the shell. The pouch has an edge that forms an opening between the pouch and the shell, and the locking channel engages the locking groove in an interference fit to close the opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved cardcage design. The improvements result from the formation of an integral cardcage side using a construction method involving precision punched sheet aluminum that is precision formed into final configuration. The integral cardcage side design provides ease of assembly for the cardcage while enhancing structural integrity, improves the alignment of circuit cards within the cardcage to the backplane, increases the airflow channels between the card guides, and adapts to incorporate additional features for airflow control. The manufacturability of the cardcage is greatly simplified by reducing the number of parts requiring assembly and by the use of simple and inexpensive tools and assembly techniques.