Abstract: A multi-carrier spread spectrum (MC-SS) technique is disclosed which includes non-linearly modifying the sub-carriers in the receiver. A method (600) and receiver (200, 300) for processing an MC-SS signal, a transceiver for MC-SS communications (700), and an MC-SS radar (800) are describe.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for characterizing a signal path. The system includes a system clock configured to produce a system clock signal at a sample frequency. A frequency divider is configured to divide the sample frequency of the system clock signal by a factor of N to produce a chip clock signal at a chip frequency. The system further includes a pseudo-noise (PN) sequence generator configured to produce a PN sequence at the chip frequency and couple the PN sequence to the signal path while the signal path is carrying an operational signal. A sub-chip sampler is configured to correlate the PN sequence and a reflected PN sequence which has been reflected within the signal path to form a correlated signal and to sample the correlated signal at the sample frequency of the system clock signal.

Abstract: A system that utilizes the principles of frequency domain reflectometry to perform baselining and mapping of single and mutliple wires and cables, the baselining to be used as a comparison when the wires are tested at a later date to determine if the wires or cables have been damaged, wherein a first waveform is generated from a baseline FDR measurement of a cable, a second waveform is generated from a new FDR measurement of the cable, and a comparison of the first and second waveforms is performed to determine if the integrity of the cable has changed, and wherein the mapping is performed in order to determine the present configuration of a network or tree of wires or cables.

Abstract: A frequency domain reflectometer that is in electrical communication with a cable under test in order to determine cable characteristics including cable length and load characteristics such as capacitance, inductance, resistance, impedance (which is characterized as an open or short circuit condition), and the location of an open or short circuit, wherein the FDR cable testing is performed in-situ when the system is installed at the time of installation of the cable to thereby enable testing of cable without having to remove it and risk damage, wherein FDR cable testing is performed passively so as not to interfere with normal operation of the cable even if the FDR cable testing system should fail, wherein a system is taught that can detect faults that are difficult to detect out of an operating environment, and wherein FDR cable testing is performed to detect cable fray conditions, wherein the cable may be grounded or coupled to air.

Abstract: A system that utilizes the principles of frequency domain reflectometry to perform baselining and mapping of single and mutliple wires and cables, the baselining to be used as a comparison when the wires are tested at a later date to determine if the wires or cables have been damaged, wherein a first waveform is generated from a baseline FDR measurement of a cable, a second waveform is generated from a new FDR measurement of the cable, and a comparison of the first and second waveforms is performed to determine if the integrity of the cable has changed, and wherein the mapping is performed in order to determine the present configuration of a network or tree of wires or cables.

Abstract: A standing wave reflectometer (SWR) that generates a standing wave on a conductor, receives a reflected standing wave, converts the reflected standing wave to a digital representation, determines a plurality of curve fitted minima of the digital representation of the reflected standing wave, and determines a location along the conductor where there is an interruption in uniformity such as at the end of the conductor, or where the conductor is touching a liquid, and thereby determine integrity of the conductor, length of the conductor, or a level of the liquid.

Abstract: A frequency domain reflectometer that is in electrical communication with a cable under test in order to determine cable characteristics including cable length and load characteristics such as capacitance, inductance, resistance, impedance (which is characterized as an open or short circuit condition), and the location of an open or short circuit, wherein the FDR cable testing is performed in-situ when the system is installed at the time of installation of the cable to thereby enable testing of cable without having to remove it and risk damage, wherein FDR cable testing is performed passively so as not to interfere with normal operation of the cable even if the FDR cable testing system should fail, wherein a system is taught that can detect faults that are difficult to detect out of an operating environment, and wherein FDR cable testing is performed to detect cable fray conditions, wherein the cable may be grounded or coupled to air.

Abstract: A microstrip antenna that is capable of measuring electrical properties of materials, wherein the properties of relative permittivity and conductivity are utilized to determine information regarding the materials being probed such as quality, composition, presence, and moisture content, wherein the microstrip antenna conforms to a variety of surfaces, operates in hazardous environments, is manufactured utilizing printed circuit board techniques, and makes measurements through direct contact with or being adjacent to the material being probed.