Abstract: Examples include column readout amplifiers and image sensors including same. In one example, a column readout amplifier includes a signal amplifier having an amplifier output and first and second amplifier inputs, a filter capacitor having first and second terminals, the second terminal connected to a ground terminal, a buffer amplifier having a buffer amplifier input and a buffer amplifier output, a switching network configured to switchably connect the amplifier output to the buffer amplifier input and the buffer amplifier output to the first terminal of the filter capacitor during a first time period, and to switchably connect the amplifier output directly to the first terminal of the filter capacitor during a second time period, and a low-pass filter connected in a feedback path of the signal amplifier between the amplifier output and the first amplifier input, the low-pass filter including a series resistor and a capacitor.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponder. A system implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes an antenna array configured to operate in an omnidirectional mode and a steered directional mode. The system also includes a receiver configured to receive signals provided through the antenna array while operating in the omnidirectional mode and a detector configured to detect an IFF interrogation message in the received signals. The system further includes an angle of arrival (AOA) estimator configured to operate the antenna array in the steered directional mode to estimate an AOA of the IFF interrogation message. The system further includes a transmitter configured to operate the antenna array in the steered directional mode to transmit an IFF response message in the estimated AOA direction. The transmit power of the IFF response message may be based on, for example, the steering gain of the antenna array.

Abstract: Apparatus (100) for use in space, the apparatus (100) comprising: a feedstock storage module (108) for storing a feedstock; a heating module (110) coupled to the feedstock storage module (108) and configured to heat the feedstock; an extrusion nozzle (112) coupled to the heating module (110) and configured to extrude heated feedstock from the apparatus (110); and one or more thrusters (118) configured to provide a propulsive force to the apparatus (100).

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotorcraft comprising: an array of lift devices; a pilot housing; connecting lines attaching the pilot housing to the array of lift devices; and an actuator interface at the pilot housing such that the pilot can 5 steer the rotorcraft.

Abstract: A 3D-printed reflective optic providing very high specific stiffness through the utilization of a hollow shelled design, with closed back, filled with high-stiffness internal volumetric space-filling open-cell lattice structures. Structurally-integrated sacrificial structures are included for the purposes of reduction or elimination of tooling during post-processing operations.

Abstract: High power monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) differential single pole double throw switches utilizing a series of transistors formed by a gallium nitride (GaN) foundry process. The differential switches of the present disclosure allow for larger power handling capability and wideband operation while further providing differential amplitude and phase matching.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle for protecting an entity against directed-energy weapons, comprising: a housing; and a shield for absorbing or reflecting a laser beam, the shield, in use, extending in a plane from the housing. There is also provided a system of vehicles and a method of coordinating a plurality of vehicles to protect an entity against directed-energy weapons.

Abstract: A common mode and a differential mode filter(s) between DC links are provided. Each link has a positive rail and a negative rail. The filter comprises a first inductor respectively connected to each of the positive rail and the negative rail, differential mode damping resistance connected in parallel to each of the first inductor, respectively, and a three-wire choke. The three-wire choke comprises a first wire connected in series with the differential mode damping resistance parallel to the positive rail, a second wire connected in series with the differential mode damping resistance parallel to the negative rail and a third wire connected to common mode damping resistance. The common mode damping resistance is galvanically isolated from differential mode transients flowing through the differential mode damping resistance. The differential mode filter has the differential mode damping resistance, and the common mode filter has the common mode damping resistance.

Abstract: An airborne redirection unit (ARU), for deflecting an RF energy beam, the ARU comprising: A canopy comprising a surface for slowing the rate of descent, A beam director supported at the canopy, the ARU being configured to focus the RF energy beam.

Abstract: A gate drive topology and gate drive power supply topology designed to allow for a single Printed Wiring Board (PWB) design to be configured for two applications. In one application, select paired locations of solder pads or connector locations in the circuitry are populated with connecting “spanning” resistors for integration within the gate driver and gate driver power supply topologies. The physical manifestation of these resistors on the PWB allows paralleled gate drive switching of corresponding power transistor devices for driving a load. A common gate-source voltage is applied to all three gates and the switching devices share dynamic switching and conduction loss. In an alternate application, the select paired locations are not populated with spanning resistors thereby rendering a circuit topology permitting independent operation independent power transistor gate driving switching operations.

Abstract: An optical detection system uses high-resolution holographic filters for target detection within a very-large field of view image acquired with a reflector. The holographic filter acts as an optical computer, mixing phase and amplitude information of known targets with light from the scene, automatically enhancing portions of the image that match threat objects or other object of interest. A lens forming a Fourier transform of the entire scene is used, and within that transform, the holographic information of a target or multiple targets is added. By acting as an inverse optical transfer function, the hologram gathers the target information to single point, and removes non-target background. Amplification is done by using a laser-illuminated hologram to create a phase-amplitude filter in a photorefractive material at the transform plane. By mixing the hologram and the scene at the transform plane, the matching is enhanced regardless of target location in the scene.

Abstract: A soft-kill countermeasure system utilizing a confirmation device, which may be radar, to enhance existing countermeasures, and enable new countermeasures to be utilized to combat the ever evolving and increasing sophistication of threats. The threat defeat confirmation may allow for rapid or immediate redirection of the countermeasure system to address additional simultaneous threats. The confirmation device can be mounted on a gimbal head or above a gimbal to take advantage of slewing movement to direct the confirmation signal towards the threat.

Abstract: The system and method for a multi-element, ultra-low SWaP chemical concentrator incorporating Applicant's own open cell foamed adsorbent material which allows high volume sampling (e.g., liters per minute) to achieve low detection limits (ppt) using high-volume, low-pressure air sources (i.e. fans or blowers) rather than pumps. The device delivers the sample directly to an analyzer without the need for a typical intermediate cryogenic trapping step. In one example, a rotary style concentrator comprises four individual foam elements. Each element can be individually heated to desorb analytes.

Abstract: A transceiver unit includes an enclosure, a first input port, a second input port, a first output port, and a second output port. A radio frequency (RF) pass-through path is within the enclosure between the first input port and the first output port and includes a gain module. The RF pass-through path is configured to receive a first RF signal at the first input port and to transmit a second RF signal at the first output port. The gain module is configured to amplify the first RF signal to produce the second RF signal. The transceiver unit further includes a transceiver path within the enclosure between the second input port and the second output port, the transceiver path including a signal processor.

Abstract: Techniques and architecture are disclosed for a wireless fuze setter interface, comprising an electronics subsystem comprising a plurality of ports and a plurality of output interfaces having a common interface with the plurality of ports on the electronics subsystem. The plurality of output interfaces comprises an electrical energy transfer zone configured to provide electrical energy to the fuze, and a high speed data communications zone configured to transfer fuze setting data to the fuze. The wireless fuze setter interface provides fuze setting capability without the need for rotational or other physical alignment between the fuze and the fuze setter.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a carbide-derived carbon (CDC) fiber in solid-phase micro extraction. Optically pumping the carbide-derived carbon (CDC) fiber, as compared to using thermal desorption, enhances performance of the system. CDC provides for a broad based sorbent that is insensitive to high humidity. Optical pumping may be done axially or radially on a modified gas chromatography needle. In some cases, staged, or pulsed, optical pumping is used to drive off solvent or other lower boiling compounds first and then the desorption of the remaining analytes is cleaner and the instrumentation is less likely to be overloaded.

Abstract: A mid-wave infrared (MWIR) lens assembly that may include a first set of optical elements, wherein each optical element of the first set of optical elements is a positive optical power. MWIR lens assembly may also include a second set of optical elements, wherein each optical element of the second set of optical elements is a negative optical power. MWIR lens assembly may also include that at least one optical element of the first set of optical elements is formed of a first optical glass material, at least another optical element of the first set of optical elements is formed of a second optical glass material, and at least one optical element of the second set of optical elements is formed of a third optical glass material wherein the second optical glass material is different than the first optical glass material and the third optical glass material.

Abstract: A system for testing thermal runaway in a battery cell includes a first layer of first dielectric material at least in part wrapped around the battery cell, and a wire at least in part wrapped around the first layer of first dielectric material. The system further includes a second layer of second dielectric material at least in part wrapped around the wire, and a power source configured to supply power to the wire. In an example, the first layer of first dielectric material includes a polyimide film, and the second layer of second dielectric material includes mica. The system further includes a temperature sensor in contact with the first layer, the second layer, and/or the battery cell. A controller is to receive a temperature reading from the temperature sensor, and control a power supplied by the power source to the wire, based at least in part on the temperature reading.

Abstract: A battery assembly includes an enclosure, and a plurality of battery modules within the enclosure. Each battery module includes an array of battery cells, one or more first sensors configured to measure one or more first parameters of the corresponding battery module, and a first processor configured to receive sense signals from the one or more first sensors of the corresponding battery module. One or more second sensors are within the enclosure, but external to the battery modules, and configured to measure one or more second parameters of the battery assembly. A second processor within the enclosure is to receive data from each of first processors and the one or more second sensors, and transmit controller input data to a controller external to the battery assembly, the controller input data based on the data received from the first processors and the one or more second sensors.

Abstract: A polyphase cable includes a first conductor, a first shield including conductive material coaxially around the first conductor, and a first insulating material between and separating the first conductor and the first shield. The polyphase cable further includes a second conductor, a second shield including conductive material coaxially around the second conductor, and a second insulating material between and separating the second conductor and the second shield. In an example, the first shield is in physical contact, and in electrical contact, with the second shield. In an example, the polyphase cable is configured to conduct polyphase Alternating Current (AC) having a frequency of at least 100 Hertz (Hz) and/or at most 10,000 Hz. In an example, one or both of a first end and a second end of one or both of the first shield and the second shield are configured to be grounded.