Abstract: A coaxial antenna is implemented that combines a VHF and UHF antenna on a common radiating element. The antenna may further include a satellite antenna that, together with the VHF/UHF antenna fits into a whip antenna footprint. The antenna incorporates chokes that may be implemented using meanderline techniques.

Abstract: A wide bandwidth planar four port MMIC transformer is provided by input diplexers which divide up the incoming signal into a high band and a low band, with the resulting signals coupled to high band and low band four port transformers implemented in one embodiment using spiral inductors and coupled lines, the outputs of which are combined using two output diplexers to provide a decade bandwidth transformer.

Abstract: A post-supported bolometer pixel and a process for manufacturing it comprising the steps of depositing a sacrificial layer over a substrate with readout integrated circuit pads that connect to the integrated circuit; forming vias through the sacrificial layer to the metal pads connecting to the readout integrated circuit; filling the vias with metal and polishing said metal to the surface of the sacrificial layer; forming microbolometer pixel layers over the filled vias and sacrificial layer; and removing the sacrificial layer to leave a post-supported pixel.

Abstract: A modem that provides efficient use of wireless network bandwidth in the presence of multi-user interference and noise comprising a multi-user detection module (115), a data formatting module (120), a control processor (125) and a demultiplexer (135).

Abstract: A carry/majority circuit, comprising a plurality of differential transistor pairs coupled in parallel and forming a pair of output nodes, with a single parallel gated level. Current is steered through a leg of the transistor pair having a higher input voltage.

Abstract: A sensor is used to detect and track a plurality of objects by using a separate track window for each object. Such sensors may be electro optical or infrared. Each object of interest (potential target) in the sensor FOV has a unique track window assigned. This allows independent control of video frame summing for each object to maintain a constant (optimized) signal to noise ratio (SNR) over an extremely large signal dynamic range and reduces track jitter by the simultaneous tracking of multiple objects.

Abstract: A differential amplifier is formed from a first single-ended amplifier circuit, a second single-ended amplifier circuit, and a four-port transformer circuit coupled to the first and second single-ended amplifier circuits to form the differential amplifier.

Abstract: A Tree-structured multicarrier multiple access communication system in a multiple access environment having a number of interfering signals. In one embodiment an environment estimator estimates and tracks the number of interfering signals of the environment. A code selector determines an optimal spreading code represented by the environment, and identifies an actual spreading code that is closest to the optimal spreading code. A signal transmitter can then be used to transmit a multicarrier multiple access signals in accordance with the actual spreading code identified. On the receiver side, a multiuser detector (MUD) module performs tree structured multiuser detection signal processing, and produces a bit stream for each interfering signal.

Abstract: A high quality real-time Turbo-Mud processing system that chooses between a high complexity multi-user detectors that results in better estimates of the bit streams and computationally low linear-based-MUD/Turbo-MUD at each MUD window in each Turbo Iteration. In one embodiment this technique optimizes both the BER and the computational complexity of the receiver by using low complexity MUDs to reduce the number of symbols that the high complexity MUDs need to process. The present invention also provides an efficient means of estimating symbols transmitted in a multi-user environment in overloaded or super-saturated conditions.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a detector, direction finder, receiver, and range finder. The detector is operable to detect a target, and the direction finder is operable to determine a first direction to the target from the apparatus. The receiver is operable to receive a second direction to the target from a remote object, and the range finder is operable to determine from the first and second directions a range of the target from the apparatus. For example, the apparatus may be a first fighter jet, and the remote object may be a second fighter jet. By using directional information from both the first and second jets, a computer system onboard the first jet may compute a range to the target from the first jet more quickly and more accurately than by using directional information from only the first jet.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a covert warning notification of a hazard to an aircraft is provided. Generally, the system contains a detection system capable of detecting the hazard, and a transceiver capable of allowing the system to provide the covert warning to a location external from the aircraft. A memory and a processor are also provided within the system, where the processor is configured by the memory to perform the steps of: determining a category of radar system associated with a received signal; determining a modulation scheme, based on the determined category of radar system, for displaying an array of icons on the location external from the aircraft, the array of icons providing the covert warning; and using the received signal to provide the array of icons.

Abstract: The system in one embodiment relates to tightly integrating parameter estimation, symbol hypothesis testing, decoding, and rate identification. The present invention provides Turbo-decoding for joint signal demodulation based on an iterative decoding solution that exploits error correction codes. The system iteratively couples an initial amplitude estimator, a symbol estimator, a bank of decoders, and a joint amplitude estimator to produce the symbol estimates.

Abstract: An optical amplifier is included within a fiber optic transmission system for driving a fiber optic towed decoy system. The optical amplifier boosts the optical power of a laser on board the driving system and compensates for link loss within the driving system and link loss associated with a blind connection between the driving system and the towed decoy. The optical amplifier may be an erbium doped fiber amplifier and may be run in a saturation mode. The result is a towed decoy system capable of operating more consistently across a range of platforms and in some cases less stringent gain requirements on towed decoy components.

Abstract: A lightweight broadband blade antenna assembly is incorporated into the surface of an airfoil, such as a structure component of an aircraft, or a separate airfoil (blade antenna) attached thereto. A first metallized area is formed on the airfoil adjacent a leading edge of the airfoil. A second metallized area is formed on trailing edge of the airfoil and is spaced from the first metallized area by a first gap which is configured to provide a capacitive coupling between the first and second metallized areas. A third metallized area is formed on the cap portion of the airfoil and is spaced from the first metallized area by a second gap and is electrically connected in series with the first and second metallized areas. RLC circuits are electrically connected across tuning gaps formed in the third metallized area to provide a broadband response.

Abstract: A coaxial antenna is implemented that combines a VHF and UHF antenna on a common radiating element. The antenna may further include a satellite antenna that, together with the VHF/UHF antenna fits into a whip antenna footprint.

Abstract: A coaxial antenna is implemented that combines a VHF and UHF antenna on a common radiating element. The antenna may further include a satellite antenna that, together with the VHF/UHF antenna fits into a whip antenna footprint.

Abstract: A method for emplacing sensors, comprising the steps of modifying an existing sensor to attach an autorotational mechanism and deploying said sensor by autorotational means.

Abstract: Vertical array antenna systems can provide broadband data link operation with reduction of susceptibility to low angle multipath effects, for communication during carrier landings by aircraft and other applications. In a relatively small package, an antenna system may include a stack of sub-arrays, each including four dipoles provided as configurations of downward and upward extending dipole arm members which are vertically separated by an annular slot excited by vertical probes. Excitation of the dipoles may be provided via excitation of the annular slot by the probes. Intercoupling-reduction disk units may be positioned between vertically adjacent sub-arrays. Pattern cutoff characteristics suitable for aircraft carrier landing operations (e.g., for reliable DGPS communications) at or near the horizon may be provided by excitation of individual sub-arrays at predetermined relative levels and with pattern phase reversal between lower and upper sub-arrays.

Abstract: A bipolar pulse generator circuit generates bipolar pulses and provides an impedance transformation. The circuit is amenable for implementation in a variety of configurations depending on the size and pulse width requirements for the design. It also maximizes energy transfer and may be implemented in a straight forward, easy manner. The generator may be implemented with one or two switches in a three, five or more transmission line implementation and may include inductive stub, which is inherent element of transmission line transformers. The generator may also be implemented in a multi-layer folded configuration, with or without the addition of a ground potential conductor. The generator may also be implemented in stacked or/and balanced configurations.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to radiant energy systems and more particularly to systems exhibiting the retroreflection principle wherein the system comprises a focusing means and a surface exhibiting some degree of reflectivity positioned near the focal plane of the device, and wherein incident radiation falling within the field-of-view of said system is reflected back in a direction which is parallel to the incident radiation. The present invention has great applicability in military optical system applications for detecting the presence of an enemy employing surveillance equipment and for neutralizing this surveillance capability.