Abstract: A satellite power regulation and pointing system is disclosed that comprises a power bus (104) and first and second flywheels (114-116) capable of storing rotational energy. Each flywheel (114-118) comprises a flywheel motor/generator (202) for increasing the rotational energy in its associated flywheel when storing power in its associated flywheel and for reducing the associated flywheel rotational energy when drawing power from its associated flywheel. The system also includes individual flywheel regulators (108-112) connected to the power bus (104) and to the flywheel motor/generators (202). Each flywheel regulator (108-112) includes a power control circuit (204) that allows power to flow to a flywheel motor/generator (202) from the power bus (104) during an energy storage period and that allows power to flow to the power bus (104) from the flywheel motor/generator (202) during an energy drawing period.

Abstract: A new electrical cryogenic connector system employs two printed circuit board type mating connectors (1 & 3), each containing a plurality of plated-on metal lines (5 & 6) running along the respective circuit boards in parallel, with the plated-on onmetal lines on at least one of the connectors being of Beryllium Copper material. The ends of the series of Beryllium Copper lines on one of the complementary circuit boards is formed into a pointed spring finger that is pointed toward the opposed circuit board. With the two boards sandwiched and pressed together with their plated on metal lines directly in line with and facing one another, the spring fingers compress and, under the spring force created by that compression, the spring fingers engage and maintain positive electrical contact with the corresponding conductor traces on the opposed circuit board. Ancillary to the described connector, a new method for constructing an electrical connector is also presented.

Abstract: An optical heterodyne wavefront sensor uses a radio frequency (RF) signal for measuring an optical wavefront having a state of phase that differs throughout its aperture. It comprises a lens, optical fiber and optical frequency shifter arrangement to develop a reference optical wavefront having substantially the same phase throughout and that is shifted in frequency by an amount corresponding to the RF. A beam combiner interferometrically combines the optical wavefront and the shifted reference optical wavefront into a heterodyne optical signal at the RF frequency, each subaperture of which has a phase that corresponds to the state of phase of a like subaperture of the optical wavefront.

Abstract: The present invention is a superconductive logic gate assembly (50, 100), a superconductive NOR gate assembly (10), and a superconductive random access memory (150). A superconductive logic gate assembly in accordance with the invention includes a plurality of logic inputs (INPUTS 1-N), each logic input being coupled to a SQUID (16) and each SQUID including at least one resistance (22) which eliminates hysteresis in an output of the SQUID produced in responding to a change in signal level at the logic inputs to the SQUID, a DC bias (20) coupled to each SQUID, and an output circuit (14) coupled to each SQUID for providing a logic output (OUTPUT) in response to the logic inputs.

Abstract: A single-mode fiber laser (66) that provides increased power. The fiber laser (66) includes a fiber ribbon (30) having a plurality of parallel waveguides (10). Each waveguide (10) includes a rectangular shaped core (12) that has a relatively thin dimension in one direction and a relatively wide dimension in an orthogonal direction. A step-index cladding (14, 16) is provided in the thin direction to limit the propagation of light in the core (12) to a single mode in that direction. Mode filters (18, 20) are provided adjacent the ends of the core (12) in the thickness direction and the various propagation modes in the core (12) enter the mode filters (18, 20). The mode filters (18, 20) guide the desirable single-mode back into the core (12) and reject the other modes away from the core (12). Light absorbing layers (22, 24) are provided adjacent the mode filters (18, 20) and opposite the core (12) to absorb the undesirable propagation modes of light.

Abstract: Large size multi-chip module packages are fitted with a new lid (1) formed of a Kovar™ (5) framed sheet of Alumina (3) no less than 0.04 inches thick to form a new “postless” MCM package 2 (FIG. 4 and FIG. 6) that is tolerant of differential pressures of at least one atmosphere and is reworkable. The rigidity of the Alumina sheet avoids the problem of excess deflection found in the prior lids for the package. It also permits elimination of internal lid support posts, freeing internal area within the MCM package that may be used to seat additional electronic circuitry and/or components.

Abstract: A method is provided for attaching electronic components (12) onto a substrate (10) which allows quick, easy and inexpensive subsequent removal and re-attaching of the electronic component (12) to obtain an undamaged printed wiring board package. The method for attaching the electronic component (12) onto the substrate (10) includes bonding a component interlayer (18) onto the electronic component (12) with a component bonding layer (16), and forming an adhesive bond (14) between the component interlayer (18) and the substrate (10). If the removal of the electronic component (12) is needed, the electronic component (12) is removed from the substrate (10) by heating the component interlayer (18), thus melting the component bonding layer (16). If the re-attachment of the electronic component (12) is needed, the method for attaching the electronic component (12) onto the substrate (10) is repeated, using a new component interlayer (18).

Abstract: A large, low cost and high quality optical telescope system (1) includes a segmented primary mirror (2) having a plurality of spherical mirror segments (3) arranged in a non-spherical shape (4), a parabolic shape in the disclosed embodiment, so that the rays incident upon the individual spherical mirror segments stay separated at an exit pupil (5) of the system, allowing for correction of aberrations. A discontinuous pupil corrector in the form of a segmented mirror (7) having a plurality of aspheric correction terms in it, is located at the exit pupil for correction of aberrations introduced from respective ones of the plurality of spherical mirror segments of the primary mirror. The discontinuous pupil corrector preferably is a segmented deformable mirror. The telescope system and related method can achieve diffraction limited performance for very large systems. The disclosed embodiment is a 35 meter aperture, deployable space telescope system.

Abstract: A perimeter truss's mesh material (3) and radially extending support catenaries (7 & 9) extending from a central hub (8) are, by rotation of the hub, rolled up together like a bolt of cloth, essentially in synchronism with the folding of the perimeter truss (5), to thereby form a small sized body that fits within the barrel-like configuration formed by the folded perimeter truss.

Abstract: An advanced electronics package for integrating electronic components of an electronic circuit, such as RF circuits. An important aspect of the invention relates to the simplicity in forming and integrating the electronic components in the package relative to known electronics packages. In one embodiment of the invention, various ceramic preforms are utilized which may be cast with temperature durable electronic components or formed as interconnect channels or feedthroughs. The preforms, in turn, are adapted to be cast into a composite housing, for example, an aluminum silicon carbide (AlSiC) housing. The component preforms may include resistors, capacitors, and inductors. In addition, RF pins as well as DC pads may be cast in the housing. The electronic components are electrically coupled to an interconnect channel or feedthrough.

Abstract: A control scheme for operating an oscillator/counter A/D converter so that it simultaneously provides frequency downconversion, band pass filtering and analog-to-digital conversion of an analog signal, where the analog signal includes a carrier wave modulated with information by any known modulation technique. The converter uses a superconducting, Josephson single flux quantum circuit operating as a voltage controlled oscillator. The voltage controlled oscillator receives the analog signal to be converted, and generates a series of sharp, high frequency pulses based on the characteristics of the carrier signal. The series of pulses are applied to a gate circuit that, depending on a gate control signal, either blocks the pulses or passes the pulses to either an increment or a decrement port of a digital counter. When the pulses are passed by the gate circuit, the counter circuit accumulates the pulses during a sampling period.

Abstract: A compliant RF feed system (10) that provides impedance matching for VHF/AM, VHF/FM, UHF and L-band frequencies. The feed system (70) includes a feed post (14) electrically connected to an antenna element (18) at one end and a matching circuit package (22) at an opposite end, where the feed post (14) extends across a non-conductive gap (16) between the antenna element (18) and a conductive aircraft component (20). The matching package (22) includes a compressible bellows (38) mounted in the package (22), where the feed post (14) contacts the bellows (38) in a compression engagement to provide an electrical connection between the feed post (14) and a RF matching circuit (24) in the matching package (22). An impedance transformer (40) is provided in the matching package (22) to match the impedance of the bellows (38) to the matching circuit (24). The bellows (38) allows the electrical connection between the antenna element (18) and the aircraft component (20) to accommodate vibrations during aircraft operation.

Abstract: A communications waveform format is provided for a satellite-based telecommunications system. The waveform format includes forward and return link waveforms between the satellite, earth stations and terminals. The forward and return links use orthogonal direct-sequence code division multiple access (ODS-CDMA) to minimize interference between users. The forward and return link spectrum may be divided into channels, the frequencies and spacing of which are adjustable to compensate for Doppler effects, thereby maintaining synchronization. The spectrum of the terminal links may be divided into multiple subbands (e.g., 38), each of which may support multiple (e.g., 80) ODS-CDMA channels.

Abstract: A pulse plasma thruster (50) utilizes a vapor producing solid (54) and a micro-sized heater (52) to produce a high pressure vapor that is directed into an ignition chamber (58) and to a thrust discharge chamber (70). The thrust discharge chamber (70) comprises two oppositely disposed electrode plates (72, 74) and oppositely disposed fuel propellants sources (60, 62). The passageway (56) leading from vapor producing solid (54) to the thrust discharge chamber (70) is configured to permit uniform feeding of the vapors to the thrust discharge chamber (70). A pair of electrode terminals (82, 84) extend from the electrode plates (72, 74) and through a housing (88). A power source (100) is coupled to the terminals (82, 84) and provides the ignition signals necessary to cause a spark and a breakdown to a useful plasma arc by controlling the voltage-current shape of the ignition signal.

Abstract: A scalable high power laser system includes a plurality of parallel connected modular power amplifier arms, coupled to a common master oscillator to provide a high average power laser system with a scalable output power level, particularly suitable for laser weapon systems with varying power level output applications. Adaptive optics devices are provided in order to provide pre-compensation of phase front distortions due to the modular amplifier arms as well as encode the wave front of the laser beam with a phase conjugate of atmospheric aberrations.

Abstract: An RF switch and a process for fabricating an RF switch which includes multiple throws and can be fabricated utilizing only a single layer of metallization. The switch in accordance with the present invention includes an airbridge suspended beam disposed adjacent to one or more metal traces. One or more control pads are disposed adjacent to the airbridged suspended beam to operate the switch electrostatically. The suspended beam as well as the metal traces and contact pads are all fabricated with a single metallization layer. The switch is configured such that deflection of the beam is in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the substrate. By eliminating multiple metallization layers, the complexity for fabricating the switch is greatly reduced. Moreover, the switch configuration also allows multiple throws and multiple poles using a single level of metallization.

Abstract: A method for forming high frequency connections between a fragile chip and a substrate is described, wherein metal is selectively deposited on a surface of a chip and a surface of a substrate, and corresponding patterns of electrically conductive bumps are selectively evaporated on the surface of the chip and the surface of the substrate over the metal layers, to form a pattern of electrically conductive bumps having spongy and dendritic properties, placing the chip in aligned contact with the substrate where each electrically conductive chip bump mates with each corresponding electrically conductive substrate bump, and selectively applying heat and pressure to the chip and substrate causing each chip bump to fuse together with each corresponding substrate bump to form an electromechanical bond.

Abstract: A communications system (34) that monitors a state of a plurality of radios (10). In one embodiment, the communications system (34) automatically and continuously monitors the number of radios (10) tuned to each of a plurality of available radio stations. Each radio (10) generates a coded signal depending on which radio station the radio (10) is currently tuned to. The coded signal is applied to a frequency generator (32) that generates a unique frequency signal for each code that is then transmitted by the radio (10). Each radio (10) tuned to the same station would transmit the same unique frequency signal at substantially the same power level. The frequency signals transmitted by all of the radios (10) are received by a receiver (34), such as a satellite-based receiver (34), that separates the signals by frequency. The power received for each different frequency signal is then measured to give a total power output for that frequency.

Abstract: The chip-to-board (or chip-to-MCM) connection assembly and method therefor features a semiconductor chip (31) having a front surface (31f) on which external terminal pads are provided; a board or MCM (32) having a surface (e.g., a recessed surface) at a first side thereof to which the rear surface (31r) of the chip is affixed; and a connection carrier (33), disposed as an overlay, which electrically links the chip and the board or MCM. In this assembly scheme, the connection carrier (e.g., a bump carrier) which is affixed to both the chip and the board or MCM, contains all required signal line tracings (57) to provide the electrical interconnection between the semiconductor chip and the board or MCM. The bump carrier replaces all bond wires (24) and the like and can include support/control circuitry, passive and/or active, associated with, for example, high-speed/high-power IC chips (51).

Abstract: A system (300) for determining the ephemeris and attitude for a spacecraft includes ephemeris and attitude determining subsystems (700, 800) that obtain ephemeris data (708, 806) for one or more reference spacecraft crosslinked to the spacecraft. Crosslink sensor pointing information (706, 802) is obtained for the crosslink sensors. The satellite ephemeris and attitude (712, 810) are then calculated with ephemeris and attitude determination algorithms (702, 804) based on the ephemeris data (708, 806) and crosslink sensor pointing information (706, 802). Other available information, such as stored results of previous measurements and calculations, time (710, 808), spacecraft attitude (704), information from non-crosslink sensors and ranging information may be used to enhance the accuracy or decrease the complexity of the ephemeris calculations.