Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for providing reliable control of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A system for providing reliable control of the UAV can include a computing device that can execute reliable and unreliable programs. The unreliable programs can be isolated from the reliable programs by virtue of executing one or more of the programs in a virtual machine client. The UAV can initiate a recovery action when one or more of the unreliable programs fail. The recovery action can be performed without input from one or more of the unreliable programs.

Abstract: A system and method for adaptive spurious signal (spur) processing at a broadband RF receiver. Spur processing addresses the detection of spurs generated by the receiver when high level RF signals are present at its input. The spurs can lead to undesired false detections. Based on signal parameters of the received RF signal, the system detects a strong enough real signal that would cause a spur and prevent generation of false reports. The adaptive spur mitigation scheme uses multiple detection and report thresholds to enable false report rejection with an improved high probability of rejecting false detections, while minimizing the adverse effects on multi-tone dynamic range. The necessary detection and report thresholds are generated based on a system level behavioral model that predicts the performance of several different types of spurs as a function of signal parameters. The thresholds are tuned to match the behavior of the dominant spur.

Abstract: A joint search method for UAV multiobjective path planning in an urban low altitude environment first constructs a static safety index map based on static known obstacles. Meanwhile, based on proactively detected obstacles that are not marked on a geographic map by a UAV, the method constructs online a dynamic safety index map. Second, a multiobjective path planning problem is solved using a joint offline and online search method. Moreover, this method first plans offline the least cost path from a starting point to an end point and then invokes the online search scheme to replan online a changed path when the UAV detects unknown obstacles. Thus, the UAV can avoid dynamic obstacles effectively. The online search scheme has a small search space and can quickly replan a safe path for the UAV, thus satisfying the requirement of UAV on the real-time path planning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-functional compact antenna system having high broadband capability, comprising a radar reflector that comprises at least two bipolar radiating elements, the radiating elements being symmetrically arranged in a cross-wise manner at an angle of 90°+/?10° and being electrically connected to one another at least at their intersection. The invention provides for an omnidirectional antenna characteristic in the azimuth plane and allows to maximise the radiation in the elevation plane around the elevation angle close to zero degrees.

Abstract: A system for encoding and decoding data-tokens. In some examples, the system may be configured to encode and decode integers. In other cases, the system may be configured to encode and decode symbols or bytes of data.

Abstract: A data fusion system for combining and parsing data from multiple EO and RF threat warning systems, the system including a plurality of input systems capable of providing feature-level data about an environment in which they are operating. Each input system may be configured to output information regarding its capabilities and the environment in which it is operating. A fusion block is placed in operative communication with the plurality of input systems and battlespace information and configured to algorithmically combine the data and determine the presence or absence of a threat. An output may be placed in operative communication with the fusion block, thereby allowing the fusion block to provide information and/or notifications to the relevant parties and/or systems.

Abstract: An exemplary radio-frequency (RF)-based navigation reference system uses one or more non-collocated and time-synchronized direction-finding transmitters to enable a client receiver to estimate its own 3-D position, velocity and time (PVT) using direction-finding (DF) waveforms obtained from said reference transmitters. At least one reference transmitter is sufficient for obtaining a 3-D PVT solution provided the client receiver is equipped with an accurate (low-drift) local clock such as a chip-scale atomic clock (CSAC). All other client receivers require at least two reference transmitters to estimate their 3-D PVT.

Abstract: First transmitter circuitry communicates, via bus interface circuitry, on a data bus to detect whether any second transmitter circuitry is coupled to the data bus. In instances that no second transmitter circuitry is detected as being coupled to the data bus, the first transmitter circuitry transmits beamformed signals via a first plurality of antenna elements using beamforming coefficients. In instances that second transmitter circuitry is detected as being coupled to the data bus, the first transmitter circuitry determines a phase offset between clock generation circuitry of the first transmitter circuitry and clock generation circuitry of the detected second transmitter circuitry. The first transmitter circuitry compensates the beamforming coefficients based on the determined phase offset. The first transmitter circuitry use the compensated beamforming coefficients for transmitting signals that are phase coherent with signals transmitted by the second transmitter circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a jamming signal comprises a signal receiving unit configured to receive an external pulse signal, an amplitude signal generating unit configured to generate an amplified signal by amplifying the pulse signal, a noise signal generating unit configured to generate a noise signal having a bandwidth including a bandwidth of the pulse signal, a control unit configured to control the amplified signal generating unit and the noise signal generating unit such that a signal-to-noise ratio of the amplified signal and the noise signal to be received by an apparatus that has transmitted the pulse signal becomes constant based on characteristics of the pulse signal and a signal radiating unit configured to radiate the amplified signal and the noise signal.

Abstract: A ground radio station (GRS) apparatus and a radio station apparatus included in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are provided. The GRS apparatus may include an antenna configured to transmit and receive a radio frequency (RF) signal, an RF and/or intermediate frequency (IF) (RF/IF) chain configured to perform a conversion between the RF signal and a baseband signal, a baseband transceiving processor configured to transmit and receive the baseband signal, and a BB-IF interface configured to map the baseband signal to the RF/IF chain or the baseband transceiving processor.

Abstract: A base station that monitors one or more channel conditions of an unlicensed carrier to detect whether there is an interfering signal in the unlicensed carrier. The base station may detect an interfering signal that, for instance, is hidden from and difficult to detect by a WCD that has UL data to send. If the base station detects an interfering signal on the unlicensed carrier, it proceeds with transmitting a UL grant message to the WCD, however, the base station may configure the transmission of the UL grant message to the WCD based on the interfering signal. For instance, the base station may determine, based on the interfering signal, when to transmit the UL grant message, or may determine, based on the interfering signal, UL transmission parameter values to include in the UL grant message, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting, geo-locating and/or classifying a GPS or GNSS jamming signal are disclosed. One such method comprises the steps of analysing a spectrogram of the jamming signal using a tree-based decision process and as a result, then selecting one of a number of types of jamming signal, wherein one of the decisions (1103) in the tree is whether the spectrogram has spectral periodicity.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method for determining a control action in a control system using a Markov decision process. The method comprises an action of receiving two or more predefined transition probability values of a Markov decision process (MDP) of a control system, where each of the predefined transition probability values is associated with a transition between a first state and a second state, both from two or more system states, resulting from execution of one or more control actions of the control system. The method comprises an action of computing one or more new transition probability values by an analysis of the predefined transition probability values, the system states and the control actions. The method comprises an action of determining one or more recommended control actions for the respective system state based on the new transition probability value.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method for determining a control action in a control system using a Markov decision process. The method comprises an action of receiving measured transition probability values of a Markov decision process (MDP) and receiving simulated transition probability values generated by performing a control system simulation. New transition probability values are computed by calculating a measured data count of some of the sensor measurements and a simulated data count of some of the simulated transition data. New transition probability values are computed from a weighted average between the measured transition probability values and the simulated transition probability values using the measured data count and the simulated data count. A new control action is determined based on the one or more new transition probability value.

Abstract: A signal source with a wireless frequency reference. A signal loop includes an amplifier and a coupler. The magnitude of the loop gain in the signal loop is substantially equal to 1 at a steady-state amplitude of a signal at a fundamental frequency. A reference oscillator is coupled to the loop through the coupler, via a wireless link, and provides phase stabilization. The loop may include a nonlinear transmission line, to generate a comb output spectrum.

Abstract: A motion detector and method of operating the motion detector including an antenna configured to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals and receive reflected RF signals. The motion detector also includes a controller configured to generate a notification when a target object is detected and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) electrically coupled to the antenna and the controller. The ASIC is configured to generate and send the RF signals to the antenna and to receive the reflected RF signals via the antenna. The ASIC also receives at least one control parameter from the controller and sends an output signal to the controller indicative of motion of a target object based on the at least one control parameter and the reflected RF signals.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for radar signal detection, the method comprising: scanning a radio channel by a scanning filter in a first frequency subband to provide an incoming signal; detecting a potential radar signal in the incoming signal based on prior knowledge of a structure of the radar signal; and if the potential radar signal is detected, keeping the scanning filter in the first frequency subband; if no potential radar signal is detected, adjusting the scanning filter to a second frequency subband.

Abstract: A radar system and method of configuring a radar system that includes two or more antennas to transmit a respective transmit waveform. Two or more waveform generation devices include respective modulation elements. Each of the two or more waveform generation devices has a one-to-one correspondence with one of the two or more antennas, and each of the two or more waveform generation devices generates the respective transmit waveform for a first period of time and generates an arbitrary response for a second period of time.

Abstract: Envelope tracking can be employed to reduce power consumption of a power amplifier, but envelope tracking can introduce nonlinearities to a power amplifier. These nonlinearities can manifest themselves as noise at the output of the power amplifier. Embodiments described herein provide techniques for characterizing a parameter indicative of power amplifier noise when envelope tracking is employed. Measurement of this parameter can permit power amplifier designers to decide whether to forgo envelope tracking if a power amplifier is too susceptible to such noise, redesign the power amplifier to improve compatibility with envelope tracking, or to employ distortion compensation circuitry to reduce the noise output by the power amplifier. Counterintuitively, this distortion compensation circuitry may involve increasing the power, such as the envelope tracking power supply. However, increasing the power may be a desirable trade-off for increased linearity.

Abstract: A receiver circuit comprising an averaging-processing-block that is configured to receive an OFDM signal. The OFDM signal comprises a plurality of sample-values, wherein the sample-values comprise: a middle-sample-value; a lower-sample-value-group; and a higher-sample-value-group. The averaging-processing-block can determine an averaged-sample-value for the middle-sample-value by performing an averaging operation on the sample-values of the lower-sample-value-group and the higher-sample-value-group, but not on the middle-sample-value.

Abstract: Electronic devices and a method of providing electronic warfare (EW) data in an encapsulated architecture in a vehicle are generally described. Emitters targeting the vehicle during a mission may be detected and an observable history of each emitter obtained as a function of time. Properties of each emitter may be both inferred based on the observable history and extracted from locally-stored pre-mission intelligence. The emitter properties, as well as current and historical state and threat level of the emitter and effectiveness of various countermeasures may be stored in an adaptive radar model (ARM) for the emitter. Each emitter may have its own ARM. The ARM may be used to take appropriate countermeasures for a particular emitter, based on the emitter alone or taking into account all of the emitters.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite laminate comprising an outer, an intermediate and an inner section comprising, respectively, first layers of composite material and one or more functional layers having a printed circuit for absorbing the electromagnetic radiation incident on the composite laminate; second layers of composite material; a conducting layer contiguous to the intermediate section and third layers of composite material. The values of the resistivity of the functional layer and the thickness of the intermediate section are comprised in predefined ranges for the attenuation of the reflection of electromagnetic radiation of the composite laminate in the S or X bands up to a peak of ?20 dB. The invention also refers to manufacturing methods of the composite laminate (11) and to wind turbine blades including the composite laminate.

Abstract: A system for encoding and decoding data-tokens. In some examples, the system may be configured to encode and decode integers. In other cases, the system may be configured to encode and decode symbols or bytes of data.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling access to an unmanned aerial vehicle are disclosed. The method includes receiving a request from a user for access to an unmanned aerial vehicle through a control system. The method further includes making a determination of whether to grant access to the control system. If the determination is made to grant access the control system then receiving alternate mission parameters for an alternate mission from the user. The method also includes making a decision about whether to implement the alternate mission based on a set of predetermined policies. If the decision is to implement the alternate mission then implementing the alternate mission and saving the alternate mission parameters.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite laminate comprising an outer, an intermediate and an inner section comprising, respectively, first layers of composite material and one or more functional layers having a printed circuit for absorbing the electromagnetic radiation incident on the composite laminate; second layers of composite material; a conducting layer contiguous to the intermediate section and third layers of composite material. The values of the resistivity of the functional layer and the thickness of the intermediate section are comprised in predefined ranges for the attenuation of the reflection of electromagnetic radiation of the composite laminate in the S or X bands up to a peak of ?20 dB. The invention also refers to manufacturing methods of the composite laminate (11) and to wind turbine blades including the composite laminate.

Abstract: A ground-based source of a jamming signal capable of disrupting a GNSS satellite-based navigation system, for example a GPS jammer, is located with a detector carried by a suitable platform, for example an airborne UAV or missile. The detector, when the platform is at a first location, measures a characteristic of the jamming signal. The platform and its detector are then moved to a chosen second location, from which a further measurement of the jamming signal is made. The measurements made by the detector are then used to determine the location of the source of the jamming signal.

Abstract: An array-based light detection and ranging (LiDAR) unit includes an array of emitter/detector sets configured to cover a field of view for the unit. Each emitter/detector set emits and receives light energy on a specific coincident axis unique for that emitter/detector set. A control system coupled to the array of emitter/detector sets controls initiation of light energy from each emitter and processes time of flight information for light energy received on the coincident axis by the corresponding detector for the emitter/detector set. The time of flight information provides imaging information corresponding to the field of view. Interference among light energy is reduced with respect to detectors in the LiDAR unit not corresponding to the specific coincident axis, and with respect to other LiDAR units and ambient sources of light energy. In one embodiment, multiple array-based LiDAR units are used as part of a control system for an autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: First transmitter circuitry communicates, via bus interface circuitry, on a data bus to detect whether any second transmitter circuitry is coupled to the data bus. In instances that no second transmitter circuitry is detected as being coupled to the data bus, the first transmitter circuitry transmits beamformed signals via a first plurality of antenna elements using beamforming coefficients. In instances that second transmitter circuitry is detected as being coupled to the data bus, the first transmitter circuitry determines a phase offset between clock generation circuitry of the first transmitter circuitry and clock generation circuitry of the detected second transmitter circuitry. The first transmitter circuitry compensates the beamforming coefficients based on the determined phase offset. The first transmitter circuitry use the compensated beamforming coefficients for transmitting signals that are phase coherent with signals transmitted by the second transmitter circuitry.

Abstract: A control architecture and associated control methods are under development to allow a single user to control a team of multiple heterogeneous UMS as they conduct multi-faceted (i.e. multi-objective) missions in real time is disclosed. The control architecture is hierarchical, modular and layered and enables operator interaction at each layer, ensuring the human operator is in close control of the unmanned team at all times. The architecture and key data structures are introduced. Two approaches to distributed collaborative control of heterogeneous unmanned systems are described, including an extension of homogeneous swarm control and a novel application of distributed model predictive control. Initial results are presented, demonstrating heterogeneous UMS teams conducting collaborative missions.

Abstract: Discussed herein are apparatuses, systems, and methods for sharpening multi-spectral image data using panchromatic image data. A method can include using a Householder transform in such sharpening.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle having a low radar signature includes a first side on which turbine openings, and payload bays or landing gear bays are disposed. A second side of the aerial vehicle is designed to have a smaller radar signature than the first side.

Abstract: Envelope tracking can be employed to reduce power consumption of a power amplifier, but envelope tracking can introduce nonlinearities to a power amplifier. These nonlinearities can manifest themselves as noise at the output of the power amplifier. Embodiments described herein provide techniques for characterizing a parameter indicative of power amplifier noise when envelope tracking is employed. Measurement of this parameter can permit power amplifier designers to decide whether to forgo envelope tracking if a power amplifier is too susceptible to such noise, redesign the power amplifier to improve compatibility with envelope tracking, or to employ distortion compensation circuitry to reduce the noise output by the power amplifier. Counterintuitively, this distortion compensation circuitry may involve increasing the power, such as the envelope tracking power supply. However, increasing the power may be a desirable trade-off for increased linearity.

Abstract: A symbiotic radar and communication system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of base stations in communication with a wider communication network, each base station being configured to transmit and receive communication signals to and from a plurality of user terminals. The system performs communication data processing and radar data processing on received signals so that target object reflections contained therein can be resolved. Preferably, initial radar data processing is performed at each base station which embeds time and position information into the data and communicates it to a central radar server, the central server combining the received data from several of the base stations into a single range resolution profile.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for tracking pulse trains from one or more emitters. For a valid pulse, PRI parameters are measured. A pulse pattern count is incremented and checked to determine if a track is acquired for the emitter.

Abstract: Unmanned vehicle (UV) control may include receiving a UV work order and generating a mission request based on the UV work order. The mission request may identify an objective of a mission, assign a UV and a sensor to the mission from a fleet of UVs and sensors, and assign a first movement plan to the mission based on the identified objective of the mission. The assigned UV may be controlled according to the assigned first movement plan, and communication data may be received from the assigned sensor. The communication data may be analyzed to identify an event related to the mission. The identified event and the first movement plan may be analyzed to assign a second movement plan to the mission based on the analysis of the identified event and the first movement plan to meet the identified objective of the mission.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automated handling of at least one working step of a workflow in an automation and/or electrical engineering project via a data input interface, a processing unit and a data output interface connected to the processing unit for transmitting any data read in by the data input interface or generated by the processing unit to at least one of a data repository, another processing unit and/or a display unit. The data input interface can read in input values belonging to the at least one working step of the workflow, and an input uncertainty including a range of input values. The processing unit can generate an output value of the working step from the input value, and calculate an output uncertainty characterizing a range of the output value, by taking into account a parameter and/or a technical condition of the working step.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating the interactivity of RF devices in a virtual RF environment having selective virtual spectrum users remotely controlled by a web browser, where the virtual spectrum users have selectable interactivity parameters, and the virtual RF spectrum can be selectively changed, and the performance of the virtual spectrum users is evaluated and assigned scores as a function of the evaluation to determine which virtual spectrum user receives the highest amount of points.

Abstract: A sensor for determining a direction-of-arrival of radiation impingent on the sensor which has antennas positioned in a particular set-up different from a rectangle, so that information may be derived between two pairs of the antennas, positioned in corners of a rectangular grid and additional information may be derived from an additional antenna, combined with one of the “grid” antennas forming a third pair of antennas. The additional antenna is positioned away from the corners and other pre-defined lines of the rectangle/grid. In this manner, such as from phase differences between the pairs of antennas, more information may be derived compared to antennas positioned merely at the corners of a rectangle to remove ambiguous angles of direction-of-arrival without compromising accuracy of an angular determination.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for providing reliable control of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A system for providing reliable control of the UAV can include a computing device that can execute reliable and unreliable programs. The unreliable programs can be isolated from the reliable programs by virtue of executing one or more of the programs in a virtual machine client. The UAV can initiate a recovery action when one or more of the unreliable programs fail. The recovery action can be performed without input from one or more of the unreliable programs.

Abstract: A radio sensing device includes N antennas, N being a natural number which is one or more, a switching control unit that sequentially switches the antennas and scans radio waves in some directions or all directions in a circular shape or a spherical-shell shape, and a random number generating unit that generates random numbers. The switching control unit performs an operation of switching selecting orders of the N antennas on the basis of the generated random numbers within a time which is M (M; positive integer) times a unit time required to sequentially scan each of all the N antennas once.

Abstract: A first device may emit a first modulated signal within an environment that includes a second device that is located close in proximity to an object. The second device may capture the first modulated signal and determine a second modulated signal having a phase that is different from that of the first modulated signal. In response to capturing the second modulated signal, the first device may determine a phase difference corresponding to the first modulated signal and the second modulated signal using time-of-flight (TOF). Using the phase difference, the first device may determine the distance between the first device and the object. In embodiments where the phase difference is zero, the first device may be unable to detect the presence of the object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a GPS arrival angle selecting system. The system includes: a arrival angle estimating unit connected to a receiving antenna of a GPS receiver including at least one antenna array element and configured to decide a first arrival angle of a signal received prior to despreading and a second arrival angle of a signal received after despreading; and an arrival angle selecting unit configured to select a different peak value by comparing the first arrival angle and the second arrival angle. Also disclosed is a GPS arrival angle selecting method.

Abstract: A system is provided that has an ECM (electronic counter measures) system and a transponder monitor connected to or forming part of the ECM system. The system monitors for a transponder signal from a remote transponder. The system determines information, such as transponder location, based on the transponder signal and makes use of the information in the ECM system and/or the system extracts encoded information contained in the transponder signal, such as information about a transponder owner, such as status of consumables, medical status. The ECM system may have a reactive jammer that is used both for a reactive jamming function, and as the transponder monitor function.

Abstract: A method for precision collaborative targeting includes determining information indicative of a current location and of a known remote location. A first distance is determined from the current location to the known remote location. A sensor is slewed towards an unknown remote location, the sensor being initially directed from the current location to the known remote location. The distance from the current location to the unknown remote location is measured. Information indicative of the location of the unknown remote location is determined from the amount of slewing and the distance from the current location to the unknown remote location.

Abstract: Control handover planning for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided that includes determining, by a planning system, a current location of a mobile control system and a current location of the UAV. A target location is identified. A control handover zone is determined based on a communication range constraint between the mobile control system and the UAV. The control handover zone is located between the current location of the mobile control system, the current location of the UAV, and the target location. A mobile control system path plan and a UAV path plan are created that each includes a control handover waypoint in the control handover zone at the same time. The control handover waypoint defines a planned location to place the mobile control system in control of the UAV.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating a tag in a URL to facilitate identifying a source to which the URL was shared. In one or more aspects, a system is provided that includes a request component configured to receive a request to access information provided by a network source associated with the system, the request comprising a uniform resource locator (URL) for the information. The system further includes a rendering component configured to provide the information in response to the request, and a source component configured to identify a source to which the URL was previously shared to based on identification of a tag included in the URL.

Abstract: A dynamically-reconfigurable multiband multiprotocol communications jamming system and method is provided that are particularly suited for the generation of effective radio-frequency waveforms/noise output that successively translates up and down the RF spectrum. The system and method are particularly suited for strategically targeting specific frequencies in order to disrupt a communications network or networks, and can be rapidly deployed via delivery platforms, such as artillery and other projectile mechanisms, remote operated vehicles (unmanned aerial, sea or land systems) or targeted air or land delivery via manned assets or automated or robotic support means, or manual delivery by personnel.

Abstract: Systems and methods can support detecting and identifying threats associated with wireless devices. A radio receiver can collect radio frequency signals from one or more sensor antennas positioned within an electromagnetic environment. The receiver can generate data samples representing at least a portion of the radio frequency signals. Feature vectors can be generated comprising at least a portion of the data samples and attribute information. The attribute information can describe one or more features of a communicated signal within the radio frequency signals. Content of the feature vectors may be compared against signatures of known signals to identify radio frequency signals associated with a wireless attack. Content of the feature vectors may be compared against templates of known attacks to classify the identified wireless attacks. Threat information associated with the wireless attacks may be presented to one or more operator interfaces.

Abstract: A method for coexistence with a pulsed interference source in a communications network includes receiving a communications signal, determining a first portion of the communications signal that is affected by the pulsed interference source, blanking the first portion of the communications signal, and processing the communications signal.

Abstract: A circuit for combining analog signals includes first and second bitstream generators and a directional coupled connected therewith. The first bitstream generator receives a first analog signal and generates a first digital bitstream as a function thereof. The second bitstream generator receives a second analog signal and generates a second digital bitstream as a function thereof. The first and second bitstream generators are configured to maintain a ninety-degree phase difference between the first and second digital bitstreams. The directional coupler receives, at a first port, the first digital bitstream, and receives, at a second port, the second digital bitstream. The directional coupler includes a third port that is terminated, and a fourth port which generates a first output signal indicative of a combination of the first and second digital bitstreams in a manner that an image component is suppressed without a need for filtering.