Abstract: The system and method of implementing a high reliability flash memory recorder comprising warm spare and error code correction bytes across several multi-chip modules. The use of redundant field programmable gate arrays and/or processors for command and control increases redundancy. The system and method has lookup table-based mechanisms combined with programming to determine when to substitute a warm spare byte as well as when to declare a block of memory as “bad” and no longer to be used. The system may use multiple memory banks with power switching per bank to reduce power consumption as well as increase reliability when the array is not being accessed.

Abstract: Improved binocular vision system having a high resolution, uncompressed image in the forward facing direction and compressed images on the left and right side periphery. The binocular vision system utilizes a shared sensor between multiple optics to reduce the cost and weight of the device. The system maps multiple optics to portions of sensor arrays such that the compression on the periphery is in the azimuth only and thus more closely matches human vision.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method utilizing a light source coupled with a viewing device to detect contaminant(s) on an electronic circuit board. This fluorescence microscopy apparatus can be easily integrated into a bench top stereoscope or microscope and does not require the use of expensive and destructive analytical techniques. Typically, blue light is used in conjunction with a filter to detect contamination from cured epoxy resins and many other contaminants on gold bond pads, wires, pads, or other electrically conductive elements on the electronic circuit.

Abstract: A counter measure system is provided having a unitary infrared transparent dome including a look angle greater than 180. The dome has two hemispherical regions, with a second region having a truncated bottom end defining an opening to a central cavity inside which electro-optical elements are disposed. The electro-optical elements can view outward through the dome at the look angle. The second region on the dome has a complementary curvature as the first region by continuing a similar radius beyond a transverse horizontal axis or equator. The dome is mounted to a base, which also may be referred to as a bezel. The base defines a rabbet extending circumferentially about the base imaginary center defining an aperture. The base and the dome are formed from different materials but have equivalent coefficients of thermal expansion. In one embodiment the dome if formed from sapphire and the base is titanium.

Abstract: A motion compensation system for a shearography apparatus includes: an adjustable first fold mirror to reflect laser radiation to a receiving aperture of the shearography apparatus during separate pulse periods at corresponding angles of reflection; and corresponding second fold mirrors to reflect the laser radiation from a target surface to the first fold mirror during the respective pulse periods. The shearography apparatus moves with respect to the target surface between the separate pulse periods. The angles of reflection make the laser radiation reflected from the target surface via the respective second fold mirrors appear to the receiving aperture as if the shearography apparatus is stationary with respect to the target surface. In another system, the second fold mirrors are replaced by an adjustable second fold mirror to reflect the laser radiation from the target surface to the first fold mirror during the pulse periods at corresponding second angles of reflection.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging a sample having a complex structure (such as an integrated circuit) implements two modes of operation utilizing a common electron beam generator that produces an electron beam within a chamber. In the first mode, the electron beam interacts directly with the sample, and backscattered electrons, secondary electrons, and backward propagating fluorescent X-rays are measured. In the second mode, the electron beam interrogates the sample via X-rays generated by the electron beam within a target that is positioned between the electron beam generator and the sample. Transmitted X-rays are measured by a detector within the vacuum chamber. The sample is placed on a movable platform to precisely position the sample with respect to the electron beam. Interferometric and/or capacitive sensors are used to measure the position of the sample and movable platform to provide high accuracy metadata for performing high resolution three-dimensional sample reconstruction.

Abstract: The system and method of sensor imager and laser alignment. The system utilizes a DLP mirror array with a compact collimator to provide a real time, direct mapping of the laser energy from a LRF onto an imager (e.g., visible, SWIR, LWIR, or the like) by using a back scatter approach. This method eliminates the thermal and vibration/shock optical alignment issues by using a relative measurement approach significantly reducing the size, weight, and cost of the alignment system.

Abstract: A signal routing circuit is disclosed which employs resistive combiners to reduce signal jitter. A signal routing circuit configured according to an embodiment comprises an input stage including a plurality of buffer circuits. Each of the buffer circuits is controlled by a selection signal to enable an input signal at an input port of the buffer circuit to generate an output signal at an output port of the buffer circuit. The signal routing circuit also includes a plurality of resistors to couple the output port of each of the buffer circuits of the input stage to a summing junction. The signal routing circuit further includes an output stage including an additional buffer circuit. The input port of the additional buffer circuit is coupled to the summing junction, and the output port of the additional buffer circuit is configured to provide the routed output signal based on the selection signals.

Abstract: A variable gain amplifier circuit including a first amplifier, a second amplifier, and a variable capacitor connected in series between the first amplifier and the second amplifier is disclosed. As a gain of the variable gain amplifier circuit varies, the input impedance, output impedance, noise figure and third-order output intercept point (OIP3) of the variable gain amplifier circuit remain unchanged.

Abstract: An apparatus for high resolution thermal imaging in medical applications has a single channel EMI shielded sensor, remote cable, and laptop controller with real time image processing software. The apparatus provides high resolution, real-time viewable infrared (IR) images with a variable focus distance adjustable from six inches to infinity. The present invention enables crisp, clear imagery of the thermal band for greater awareness of everything within the field of view. Various medical applications which would benefit from high resolution thermal imagery are presented.

Abstract: An image registration system and method for matching images having fundamentally different characteristics. One exemplary feature of the system and method includes the use of an enhanced phase correlation method combined with a coarse sensor model to hypothesize and match a custom match metric to determine a best solution. The system and method may be operated on a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a plurality of instructions which when executed by one or more processors causes the one or more processors to perform the image registration method utilizing the enhanced phase correlation.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for analog to digital conversion, the system having: a front end whereby a current is converted to digital pulses; and a back end with a coarse conversion unit outputting a pulse count; and a fine conversion unit outputting a count time measurement count; wherein said back end unit is configured to combine said pulse count and said count time measurement to produce a high dynamic range output, said output being the product of the one more than the pulse count and the integration time divided by the sum of the integration time and the count time management count.

Abstract: A mid-wave infrared system provides high spatial and temporal resolution measurements of atmospheric temperatures and moisture fields using a constellation of low earth orbit satellites. The disclosed system is smaller, lighter, less complex, and requires less energy than existing systems, due to implementation of an infrared avalanche photodiode array detector that provides enhanced sensitivity with reduced cooling requirements, and an Offner spectrometer having a novel a refractive element inserted near the grating that reduces the size and power requirements of the spectrometer. Embodiments of the disclosed method include deploying a constellation of devices for cooperative infrared sensing of atmospheric phenomena at similar rates, lower cost, and much higher resolution compared to geosynchronous approaches.

Abstract: The system and method of using at least one constellation of small satellites to provide collaborative, tactical intelligence in a space-based system. The low latency of the system provides for actions to be taken within an adversary's decision window. The multi-domain system provides for the use of various sensors and payloads to provide real-time, multi-INT information to users, whether commercial or military in nature.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging a sample having a complex structure (such as an integrated circuit) implements two modes of operation utilizing a common electron beam generator that produces an electron beam within a chamber. In the first mode, the electron beam interacts directly with the sample, and backscattered electrons, secondary electrons, and backward propagating fluorescent X-rays are measured. In the second mode, the electron beam interrogates the sample via X-rays generated by the electron beam within a target that is positioned between the electron beam generator and the sample. Transmitted X-rays are measured by a detector within the vacuum chamber. The sample is placed on a movable platform to precisely position the sample with respect to the electron beam. Interferometric and/or capacitive sensors are used to measure the position of the sample and movable platform to provide high accuracy metadata for performing high resolution three-dimensional sample reconstruction.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging a sample having a complex structure (such as an integrated circuit). The sample is placed on a motion system that moves the sample with respect to an electron beam generator that is used in imaging the sample. The motion system affords thirteen degrees-of-freedom for movement of the sample, by providing a rotation stage, a fine 6-axis piezoelectric-driven stage, and a coarse 6-axis hexapod stage. Various detectors gather information to image the sample. Interferometric and/or capacitive sensors are used to measure the position of the sample and motion system.

Abstract: An extended range Compatible Metal Oxide Semiconductor Image Sensor and method for operating it is provided, the sensor comprising: a first conversion node; a first switch connected to said first conversion node; a second switch disposed in series with said first switch; and a capacitive element disposed between said first and said second switches.

Abstract: An apparatus having an analog-to-digital converter with an increased effective resolution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a signal processing functional block and an analog-to-digital conversion block. The signal processing functional block includes a controller for providing a set of digital control signals according to a set of digital input signals received by the controller, a digital-to-analog converter for converting the digital control signals to a set of corresponding analog control signals, and a physical hardware unit for performing a specific function according to the analog control signals. The analog-to-digital conversion block includes an adder for adding a dither signal to an analog feedback signal originated from the physical hardware unit, an ADC for converting sums of dither signals and analog feedback signals to a set of oversampled digital control signals to be fed into the controller.

Abstract: A method for improving target location accuracy in direction finding systems is disclosed. A target search region is identified based on a set of received signals, and the target search region is projected onto the earth's surface. An initial search grid, which is smaller than the target search region, is placed within the target search region. Next, the initial search grid is expanded to a full search grid by using an optimum number of virtual grid points in order to cover the entire target search region. The correlation coefficients at the virtual grid points between the estimated phases of emitted signals and the estimated phases of the received signals are then calculated. A target is designated as being at a location associated with the highest correlation coefficient. At this point, a new travel path can be initiated to engage or avoid the target.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for shaping the trajectory of a projectile employing a Gravity bias, Gbias. The system includes a seeker, a guidance filter, a pitch rate filter, an actuator, pitch/yaw/roll coupled aerodynamics, and lateral rate sensors. It receives roll orientation input to a guidance and control autopilot; it applies Additional Gbias to that produced by the null rate command to the lateral control loops of the guidance and control autopilot device. The lateral rate command is equal to the desired Additional Gbias divided by an estimate of the projectile velocity. The Additional Gbias is translated to a rate command and incorporated into guidance loop commands to boost an Inherent Gbias to shape the trajectory of the projectile to the target.