Abstract: An avionics chassis for protecting against damage, dust, dirt and incidental moisture over an extended temperature range, EMI shielding to prevent radiation of internal circuit energy and preventing the entrance of external EMI. The chassis provides lower weight, lower levels of radiated emissions and improved resistance to incident external radiation. Electric and magnetic shielding is also provided.

Abstract: A radar system includes a memory device operable to store radar-return data characterizing at least one geographic region, a database including a set of chart data representing fixed landmarks associated with the at least one geographic region, and a processor coupled to the memory device. The processor is configured to obtain from the memory device multiple sets of the radar-return data corresponding to successive scans of the at least one geographic region, perform correlation processing among the multiple data sets to yield a first correlated data set, perform correlation processing between the first correlated data set and fixed-landmark chart data associated with the at least one geographic region to yield a second correlated data set, and process the second correlated data set to remove said fixed-landmark chart data therefrom and yield a third data set representing scanned objects that are not fixed landmarks.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining an altitude with an altimeter is provided. One method includes transmitting a signal having a fixed modulation period towards a ground target and then detecting reflected signals off the ground target. The method then implements a single Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on the detected signals for each modulation period that computes all possible altitudes in real time. A short history of the real time altitude calculations is collected and then the altitude based on the short history of the real time altitude calculations is determined.

Abstract: A method for radar aided positioning of an air vehicle for approach and landing is described. The method includes integrating global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data and inertial data to calculate a position of the air vehicle, scanning the environment forward of the air vehicle with a radar, and accessing a database of terrain features and their radar signatures. The method further includes matching features in the radar scan data to the radar signatures in the database to determine an actual position of the air vehicle and synthesizing glide slope and localizer signals for the approach and landing based on the determined actual position.

Abstract: A radar system includes a memory device operable to store radar-return data characterizing at least one geographic region, a database including a set of chart data representing fixed landmarks associated with the at least one geographic region, and a processor coupled to the memory device. The processor is configured to obtain from the memory device multiple sets of the radar-return data corresponding to successive scans of the at least one geographic region, perform correlation processing among the multiple data sets to yield a first correlated data set, perform correlation processing between the first correlated data set and fixed-landmark chart data associated with the at least one geographic region to yield a second correlated data set, and process the second correlated data set to remove said fixed-landmark chart data therefrom and yield a third data set representing scanned objects that are not fixed landmarks.

Abstract: A radar sensor system and method for vehicles. An example radar system includes a processor, a plurality of transceivers having antenna(e). The antenna of the transceivers are located at various points around the vehicle. The transceivers include receive and transmit electronics that are in signal communication with the corresponding antenna. The transmit electronics output radar signals via the antenna. The transmit electronics include a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), a dielectric resonator oscillator (DRO), a phase locked loop (PLL) component and a direct digital synthesizer (DDS). The receive electronics receive from the antenna any radar reflections corresponding to the outputted radar signals and send signals associated with the radar reflections to the processor. The processor generates output signals based on the signals received from the plurality of transceivers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing self calibration of a radar altimeter. An example system includes a first component that generates a simulated return signal based on one or more range values. A transmitter generates a transmission radar signal and a receiver processes the simulated return signal based on the transmission radar signal. A second component determines one or more calibration factors based on the processed simulated return signal and ideal return signal characteristics. The transmission radar signal is a fixed frequency signal and the first component includes a programmable frequency divider that creates at least on sideband of a known signal. A third component determines if the radar system is in at least one of a calibration mode or normal mode of operation. If the radar system is determined to be in a normal mode of operation, a fourth component applies the determined calibration factors to actual radar return signals.

Abstract: A radar sensor system and method for vehicles. An example radar system includes a processor, a plurality of transceivers having antenna(e). The antenna of the transceivers are located at various points around the vehicle. The transceivers include receive and transmit electronics that are in signal communication with the corresponding antenna. The transmit electronics output radar signals via the antenna. The transmit electronics include a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), a dielectric resonator oscillator (DRO), a phase locked loop (PLL) component and a direct digital synthesizer (DDS). The receive electronics receive from the antenna any radar reflections corresponding to the outputted radar signals and send signals associated with the radar reflections to the processor. The processor generates output signals based on the signals received from the plurality of transceivers.

Abstract: An avionics chassis for protecting against damage, dust, dirt and incidental moisture over an extended temperature range, EMI shielding to prevent radiation of internal circuit energy and preventing the entrance of external EMI. The chassis provides lower weight, lower levels of radiated emissions and improved resistance to incident external radiation. Electric and magnetic shielding is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for pre-filter in a VHF receiver using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) filters. The system includes an antenna, and first and second Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) filters. The first MEMS filter filters a signal received by the antenna based on a first pre-defined bandwidth, and the second MEMS filter filters the signal filtered by the first MEMS filter based on a second bandwidth. The system also includes an analog to digital converter that converts the signal filtered by the second MEMS filter into a digital signal, a down converter that down converts the digital signal produced by the A to D converter, and a digital signal processor that processes the down converted digital signal produced by the down converter. The first and second MEMS filters or the down converter are adjustable based on a received tuning signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing radar target processing. The systems include a processor configured to receive a first input from a cooperative surveillance source and a second input from a radar device. The first input includes cooperative target information, the second input includes cooperative and non-cooperative target information, and the processor is configured to process the first and second inputs to remove cooperative target information from the second input based on the first input to generate a modified radar output for use by an output device. The methods include receiving a first input including cooperative target information from a cooperative surveillance source, receiving a second input including cooperative and non-cooperative target information from a radar device, processing the first and second inputs to remove cooperative target information from the second input based on the first input, and generating a modified radar output based on the processed first and second inputs.

Abstract: A composite cover for dust, dirt and incidental moisture protection over an extended temperature range, EMI shielding to prevent radiation of internal circuit energy and preventing the entrance of external EMI. Also the cover provides mechanical strength and protection of circuitry and radiates heat created by internal circuitry. The cover provides lower levels of radiated emissions and improved resistance to incident external radiation. Electric and magnetic shielding is also provided.

Abstract: Printed wiring board for generally reducing electro-magnetic, capacitive and inductive cross coupling and cross talk in electrical circuits, electronic modules, and systems utilizing dissipative carbon layers residing between layers of conventional analog, digital, radio frequency (RF), or assemblies of mixed circuitry printed wiring constructions. Connection between layers by the use of insulated vias is possible when connection to the carbon layer is not desired.

Abstract: Housings for electrical or electronic components made using braid or woven fabric sheets having multiple sections treated with different materials as well as processes and materials for making such housings are disclosed.

Abstract: A proximity sensor may be used as part of a vehicle blind spot detection system. The sensor is configured to transmit multiple radio frequency (RF) signals of different frequencies, receive reflected RF signals, and supply intermediate frequency (IF) signals. Each IF signal is representative of one of the reflected RF signals, and each reflected RF signal corresponds to a transmitted RF signal that was reflected by an object within the sensor detection region. The sensor uses the IF signals to determine whether an object is within its detection region and its movement direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining an altitude with an altimeter is provided. One method includes transmitting a signal having a fixed modulation period towards a ground target and then detecting reflected signals off the ground target. The method then implements a single Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on the detected signals for each modulation period that computes all possible altitudes in real time. A short history of the real time altitude calculations is collected and then the altitude based on the short history of the real time altitude calculations is determined.

Abstract: A dual band antenna system for synthetic vision systems including a slotted waveguide antenna having rows of slots on a front surface, a microstrip patch array antenna overlying the front surface of the slotted waveguide antenna; and at least one transceiver communicatively coupled to at least one of the slotted waveguide antenna and the microstrip patch array antenna.

Abstract: A dual band antenna system for synthetic vision systems including a slotted waveguide antenna having rows of slots on a front surface, a microstrip patch array antenna overlying the front surface of the slotted waveguide antenna; and at least one transceiver communicatively coupled to at least one of the slotted waveguide antenna and the microstrip patch array antenna.

Abstract: Systems and methods for testing a signal generated by a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) in a radar altimeter. In an embodiment of the method, a voltage signal derived by comparing a fixed reference frequency to a ramped frequency signal generated by the DDS based on a clock-based reference signal is generated. The generated voltage signal is integrated over a predefined range of clock signals. The integration is sampled at a previously defined clock tick. The sample is compared to a desired value and an indication that the radar altimeter is malfunctioning is provided if the comparison exceeds a predefined threshold value. The radar altimeter system is deactivated if an indication that the radar altimeter is malfunctioning has been provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radar altimeter system with a closed loop modulation for generating more accurate radar altimeter values. The system includes an antenna, a circulator, a receiver, and a transmitter. The circulator receives or sends a radar signal from/to the antenna. The receiver receives the received radar signal via the circulator. The transmitter generates a radar signal and includes a phase-locked loop circuit for generating the radar signal based on a pre-defined phase signal. The transmitter includes a direct digital synthesizer that generates the phase signal based on a pre-defined clock signal and a control signal. The system includes a digital signal processor and a tail strike warning processor that determine position of a tail of the aircraft relative to ground and present an alert if a warning condition exists based on the determined position of the tail of the aircraft and a predefined threshold.