Abstract: A feature detection system, the system comprising: at least one processor in operative communication with a signal source, said processor further comprising at least one non-transitory storage medium, wherein at least one non-transitory storage medium contains instructions configured to cause the processor to: apply a joint group sparse denoising and delay estimation approach to a signal received from said signal source; and output statistics regarding the signal, wherein the joint group sparse denoising and delay estimation approach comprises; using the following equation: { x * , ? * } = argmin x , ? ? { 1 2 ? ? j = 1 M ? y j - x ? 2 2 + ? i = 0 N ? i ? ? i ( D i l i ? x ) } where: ?i are regularization functions; ?y?x?22 is a data-fidelity term and, in embodiments, is chosen as the least-square term; li are real numbers; Di are operators, which may be linear filters that can be written in matrix form; ?i are regularization parameters; and x*

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for transmitting a secure message over a public or untrusted network. The techniques include receiving a message and creating multiple hash values of the message. A sending device signs and encrypts the message and hash values, then encapsulates and transmits to the message and hash values a security server. The security server receives and de-encapsulates the message and hash values, decrypts the message and hash values, and verifies the signature. The security server verifies the hash values and determines whether any changes were made to the message during transmission. If verified, the security server processes the message for transmission to the recipient. The security server creates multiple hash values of the original message, signs and encrypts the message and the hash values, encapsulates the message and hash values and transmits to a recipient device for further verification and presentation to the recipient.

Abstract: A transceiver having a down-converter for converting a radio-frequency (RF) input signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal with an analog low latency bypass path coupled to the IF signal and configured to provide a low latency IF signal and an up-converter for converting an IF signal to an RF signal. There is a digital path coupled to the IF signal and configured to provide a digitally processed IF signal, and an up-converter for converting at least one of the low latency IF signal and the digitally processed IF signal to an RF output signal. In a further example, the down-converter and the up-converter convert to millimeter wave frequencies and filters the millimeter wave frequencies with cavity filters.

Abstract: Image sensor systems are disclosed that allow for charge transfer between pixels of a group included in a pixel array with a single digital readout of the accumulated charge from the group. Each of the pixels within a given group includes a photodetector. One or more pump gates are arranged between adjacent pixels of the given group to allow charge to be pumped from one pixel to the next in a serial fashion within the group. A readout circuit that includes at least a transfer gate and a capacitor may be coupled to a final pixel of the group to receive the accumulated charge and generate a photodetector signal (based on the accumulated charge) that can be amplified via a source follower component and ultimately read out to a column amplifier.

Abstract: A method of producing a shim for use in an aircraft, the method comprising: providing an aircraft airframe; measuring a surface of the airframe; creating a digital model of the airframe using those measurements; providing an aircraft skin; measuring a surface of the aircraft skin; creating a digital model of the aircraft skin using those measurements; digitally assembling the digital model of the airframe with the digital model of the aircraft skin; using the digitally assembled models, creating a digital model of a shim, the digital model of the shim substantially filling a gap between the digitally assembled digital models of the airframe and the skin; and producing a physical shim using the digital model of the shim.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a chaff dispensing system that is provided on an aircraft. The chaff dispensing system includes a container, a dispensing assembly, a controller, and a volume of chaff material. The container has a first end, a second end, and a chamber that extends between the first and second ends, and the second end defines an ejection port. The dispensing assembly is provided on the aircraft, and the dispensing assembly is operably engaged to the container. The controller is electrically connected to the dispensing assembly. The volume of chaff material is disposed inside the chamber of the container. The volume of chaff material is dispensed by the dispensing assembly operably through the controller in metered volumes of chaff material. In addition, a first volume of chaff material may be metered at a first time and a second volume chaff material may be metered at a second time in which the second volume of chaff material is different than the first volume of chaff material.

Abstract: Systems for efficiently starting an engine of a hybrid electric vehicle are provided. An example of a system comprises a first processor and a second processor. The second processor is configured to determine when to start an internal combustion engine, cause energy to be supplied from an energy storage device to a generator/motor to cause the generator/motor and crankshaft to rotate to at least a hold speed, transmit a first instruction to a first processor when determining that the internal combination engine should be started. The first processor does not supply fuel to at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine in response to the first instruction. The second processor is configured to transmit a second instruction to the first processor after a variable period of time has elapse after the generator/motor or crankshaft has reached at least the hold speed.

Abstract: An anomaly detection system is disclosed. In an embodiment, the anomaly detection system includes an anomaly detection module and a warning indicator module. The anomaly detection module includes one or more auto-encoders that receive sensor data from a plurality of sensors. Each of the one or more auto-encoders receives sensor data from at least three different sensors of the plurality of sensors. By receiving data output from at least three of the sensors, the auto-encoder can recognize expected inter-related patterns from the sensor output. The warning indicator module compares an output of a given auto-encoder of the plurality of auto-encoders to an input of the given auto-encoder to obtain an error value, and then compares that error value against an error threshold. In response to the error value exceeding the error threshold, the warning indicator module issues a warning signal associated with the sensor data received by the given auto-encoder.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an antenna assembly includes additively manufacturing an element that is a monolithic structure and that includes (i) a ground plane including one or more aperture slots, (ii) a patch antenna above the ground plane, and (iii) a sacrificial support feature to support the patch antenna above the ground plane. The method further includes applying a dielectric material between the ground plane and the patch antenna. In an example, applying the dielectric material between the ground plane and the patch antenna includes providing a dielectric foam between the ground plane and the patch antenna, where the dielectric foam at least in part supports the patch antenna above the ground plane. The method further includes removing at least a section of the sacrificial support feature, such that any remnant of the support feature does not physically couple the ground plane to the patch antenna.

Abstract: A transducer system comprising a housing, an electromechanical transducer within the housing, a wicking material adjacent to a portion of the electromechanical transducer, and a multi-phase coolant solution within the housing. The multi-phase coolant solution transitions from a first phase to a second phase in response to a temperature of the electromechanical transducer exceeding a threshold temperature. In some example cases, the multi-phase coolant solution has a boiling point of less than about 60° C., which effectively defines the threshold temperature. The multi-phase coolant solution may be chosen such that it remains a liquid during a first phase (cooling via conduction), and then evaporates during a second phase (cooling via conduction and convection) as the electromechanical transducer heats up.

Abstract: An encapsulation block for a digital signal processing (DSP) block. The encapsulation block includes DSP block having an input terminal, an output terminal, and an input clock. The encapsulation block also includes pacing control network operatively connected with the input terminal, the output terminal, and the input clock of the DSP block. The input terminal of the DSP block is configured to receive a samples-in data stream inputted at a predefined clock period defined by the input clock. The output terminal of the DSP block is configured to receive a samples-out data stream outputted at a predefined paced parameter. The pacing control network is configured to control data flow at the samples-in data stream and the samples-out data stream independently of the DSP block.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a solar cell array with a reduced magnetic field are provided. The systems include a plurality of solar cells arrayed on a first surface side of a substrate. The solar cells are electrically connected to one another in series by a first conductor structure at least partially disposed on the first surface side of the substrate, forming a solar cell or supply circuit. A second conductor structure in series with the solar cell circuit is at least partially disposed on the second surface side of the substrate, forming a return harness. The supply circuit and the return harness define current paths that are opposite one another, and that are separated from one another by the substrate. The first and second conductor structures can be formed from conductive traces on the first and second sides respectively of the substrate.

Abstract: A given pixel of a pixel array includes various operation modes with each of the operation modes having a different conversion gain for the charge received from the photodetector of the pixel. When the modes are used in conjunction with one another, the dynamic range of the pixel can be increased. A readout circuit coupled to a photodetector within a given pixel includes a transfer gate between the photodetector and a gain mode select block that includes capacitors of different sizes and one or more switches to control which capacitors are to receive the charge from the photodetector. Depending on the state(s) of the one or more switches, different operation modes with different conversion gains can be selected to increase the dynamic range of the pixel. The adaptability of the readout circuit can allow for a high dynamic range even in extreme temperature environments by lowering the dark current.

Abstract: Structures are disclosed for a binned set of two or more pixels of a pixel array that share a same readout circuit. The binned pixel design provides space-saving benefits on the chip and also improves the overall image quality. According to some embodiments, each of the binned pixels includes a photodetector and its own transfer gate. The readout circuit is coupled to the transfer gates of each of the binned pixels and includes its own second transfer gate that separates the pixels from a gain mode select block. The gain mode select block may include capacitors of different sizes and one or more switches to control which capacitors are to receive the charge from any one of the binned pixels. The readout circuit may also include a potential barrier (such as a diode), which allows for pumping charge onto the one or more capacitors of the gain mode select block.

Abstract: A Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) objective and relay lens system has an F# of 3.33 and angular field of view of 15.28°. It is deployed, with a focal plane and scanning system, on airborne platforms for wide area motion imagery. It is corrected for monochromatic and chromatic aberrations over of 3.3 to 5.1 micrometers. Effective focal length is 20 inches, and the overall length is 40.70 inches. The lens has, from object to image, two groups of optical elements with a cold shield/aperture stop 6 inches from the image plane. Group 1 acts as an objective lens with a positive power and three elements, Group 2 acts as a relay lens has a positive power and four elements. The lens is made of Germanium and Silicon. It used in a scanning system in a pre-objective configuration where the fast scan mirror is located in front of the lens system.

Abstract: Various countermeasure dispensing systems (or CMDSs) and method of use are described herein. CMDS may include a dispenser assembly operably engaged with a platform where at least one electrical connection provides electrical communication between the dispenser assembly and a sequencer. CMDS may also include a magazine assembly operably engaged with the dispenser assembly, wherein the magazine assembly comprises a magazine configured to hold at least two countermeasure expendables. CMDS may also include a breechplate assembly operably engaged with the magazine assembly and adapted to dispense the at least two countermeasure expendables. CMDS may also include at least one magazine identification switch (MIS) operably engaged with the magazine assembly and the breechplate assembly. CMDS may also include that the at least one MIS is configured to enable the sequencer and the breechplate assembly to selectively dispense at least one countermeasure expendable from the at least two countermeasure expendables.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for access to any and all registers of a central processing unit in a line replaceable unit (LRU) without a need to open the housing of the LRU is provided. The apparatus may receive write or read packets from an external device and relay the same to an LRU. The apparatus may receive state information from one or more registers of the LRU in response. The apparatus may transmit or transfer the state information to an external device. The apparatus may be used to update firmware in the LRU, for diagnostics or testing.

Abstract: A method for a system for security evaluation includes working one state at a time; identifying primitives of interest and systematically applying relevant attacks for the system; starting at chip level, working through states, and then expanding a system boundary and repeating; following a sequence of: chip>circuit card>subsystem>system>platform for a product solution under analysis; determining if a system definition has sufficient detail, or is too abstract; for a chip with a native secure boot protocol, determining if all players are represented; representing attacks as vectors made up of measurements of the following attributes: Dollars, days, Probability of success, Probability of destruction, technology node, and number of samples; and representing countermeasures as vectors made up of scaling factors for each of attack attributes.

Abstract: A given pixel of a pixel array includes various operation modes with each of the operation modes having a different conversion gain for the charge received from the photodetector of the pixel. When the modes are used in conjunction with one another, the dynamic range of the pixel can be increased. A readout circuit coupled to a photodetector within a given pixel includes a transfer gate between the photodetector and a gain mode select block that includes capacitors of different sizes and one or more switches to control which capacitors are to receive the charge from the photodetector. Depending on the state(s) of the one or more switches, different operation modes with different conversion gains can be selected to increase the dynamic range of the pixel. The adaptability of the readout circuit can allow for a high dynamic range even in extreme temperature environments by lowering the dark current.

Abstract: A system and methods of an active protection system (or “APS”) for a platform. The APS has a threat cueing sensor provided at a first position on the platform where the threat cueing sensor detects a threat launched from a threat guidance system at a distance away from the platform. The APS also has a logic system operably connected to the threat cueing sensor where the logic system is adapted to determine an estimated location of the threat guidance system via a distance away from the platform. The APS also has a laser source operably connected to the logic system where the laser source emits a countermeasure beam directed at the estimated location of the threat guidance system to deter the threat away from the platform.