Abstract: A stackable ball grid array module in which a chip select decoder is used to reduce the number of busses required for communication between modules. Additional modules may be added without requiring additional interconnect lines in the array. Cooling of the individual modules may be accomplished using a support member made from an enhanced heat transfer material or placing an enhanced heat transfer material layer between the modules. The devices on the module may be encapsulated, and the modules may be constructed in a chip first or cavity-down configuration. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying non-gravitational pressure to a surface includes a frame structure having a longitudinal axis, a pair of connecting members coupled to the frame structure along parallel axes normal to the longitudinal axis of the frame structure, vacuum fasteners coupled to the connecting members to secure the frame structure on an underlying surface, a vacuum pump mounted on the frame structure for activating the vacuum fasteners and a positive pressure pump mounted on the frame structure for inflating a collapsible diaphragm to apply pressure to the underlying surface. The apparatus is useful for applying doublers to aircraft components to repair localized damage.

Abstract: Radar detection of accelerating airborne targets in accordance with the present invention utilizing a sequence of velocity, acceleration matched filters. This system includes a transmitter generating a signal oscillating at a predetermined frequency controlled by modulator such that the transmitter repeatedly outputs short duration pulses. The output pulse frequency is passed to an antenna that radiates the energy into free space. Reflected electromagnetic wave energy is received by the antenna to produce a radar return signal that is processed to a receiver that includes a radio frequency amplifier having an output that is mixed with a local oscillator signal an applied to an IF amplifier. An output of the IF amplifier is mixed with the output of an IF oscillator where the mixed signal passes through a low pass filter to a pulse compression network. An output of the pulse compression network is input to a matched filter processor array having multiple outputs applied to an adaptive threshold detector.

Abstract: A signal processing system and method for improving reception of plural signals received at an antenna array in a wireless communication system by increasing the carrier-to-interference plus noise ratio and by decreasing signal envelope variance of each of the plural signals using single or multiple stage subspace projection and a constant modulus beamformer. Each of the stages separate and optimize one of the signals and projects the remaining signals (if present) to the subspace of the next stage. In the method and system the plural signals received at each antenna are converted to baseband in a wideband RF downconverter. Received signals are thereafter provided in digital form to the constant modulus beamformer where each stage of the beamformer separates one of the plural signals from a stage input so that a stage output has the remaining ones of the plural signals, and projects the stage output onto a subspace of the remaining signals in the next stage.

Abstract: A connector for optical fibers comprising a plug assembly and a first ferrule mounted coaxially therein, a receptacle assembly and a second ferrule mounted coaxially therein, wherein at least one of the plug-mounted ferrule and the receptacle-mounted ferrule is biased outwardly from a fiber-entry end of the ferrule. An alignment sleeve optically connects the ferrules and maintains the optical connection during translation of one of the plug assembly and the receptacle assembly in a longitudinal direction relative to the other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a device, wherein said method and device includes a plurality of thermoelectric coolers with independent temperature feedback control loops monitors and controls the temperature of a device. One thermoelectric cooler coupled to the package of the device maintains a desired temperature of the package by utilizing a first independent control loop. A second thermoelectric cooler coupled to the device maintains a desired temperature of the device by utilizing a second independent control loop. The operating temperature of the package of the device is maintained as the temperature of the environment varies.

Abstract: A method and multicoupler for a receiver at a base station in a cellular/PCS radio communication system includes a cooled container that is mounted on an antenna tower at the base station. The container is mounted on the antenna tower adjacent an antenna and contains thereinside a preselector filter, a highly linear amplifier, and a directional coupler that are cooled to a temperature less than 175.degree. K. and greater than 100.degree. K. A power splitter is connected between the output from the container and the radio system receiver, and is located at a ground station near the base of the antenna tower. Cooling the components inside the container, particularly the amplifier, to a temperature of about 150.degree. K. reduces the noise from the multicoupler so that base station range is extended, building penetration is improved, and subscriber transmit power may be reduced.