Abstract: A method for performing signal processing for accelerating moving targets, in one implementation, encompasses a method for performing coherent integration of pulses within a CPI for SMTI radar. In an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of determining the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) for each pulse, and multiplying the FFT by a pulse compression reference function.

Abstract: A semiconductor device (100) is formed on a semi-insulating semiconductor substrate (101) including a channel layer (104), a spacer layer (105), an electron supply layer (106), and a barrier layer (108). A composite layer (110) is formed over the barrier layer (108). A metal (116) is deposited over the composite layer (110). The metal (116) is annealed to promote a chemical reaction between the metal (116) and the composite layer (110) in which a portion of the metal sinks into the composite layer (110) and forms an ohmic contact with the composite layer.

Abstract: A frequency converter (100) is provided, comprising: a pulse generator (150) configured to receive a balanced local oscillator signal pair and to generate a balanced rectangular pulse signal pair having the reference frequency; and a mixer (160) configured to mix an input signal having an input frequency with the balanced rectangular pulse signal pair to generate an output signal having an output frequency. The input frequency is different from the output frequency, and the pulse generator and the mixer are formed on a single integrated circuit (120). The frequency converter may comprise a balanced local oscillator (110) configured to generate the balanced local oscillator signal pair. The balanced local oscillator may comprise: an unbalanced local oscillator (130) configured to provide an unbalanced local oscillator signal having the reference frequency; and a balun (140) configured to generate the balanced local oscillator signal pair based on the unbalanced local oscillator signal.

Abstract: An optical architecture for a high-energy laser that directs a collimated laser beam through an aperture stop at a desired angle. In one embodiment, the optical architecture includes a single tilt mirror and three stationary mirrors that direct the laser beam in one dimension. The laser beam is reflected off of the mirrors in the same plane and is reflected off of the tilt mirror three times. The first two reflections off of the tilt mirror translate the beam and the third reflection causes the beam to be directed at the desired angle. In another embodiment, the optical architecture includes a single tip-tilt mirror and eight stationary mirrors that direct the beam in two dimensions. The laser beam is reflected off of the mirrors in two planes and is reflected off of the tip-tilt mirror three times. The first two reflections off of the tip-tilt mirror translate the beam and the third reflection causes the beam to be directed at the desired angle.

Abstract: A method to efficiently implement a reconfigurable electronic radio system (400) including resource assets (402-408, 410-416, 418, 420-426, 428) and a processor (428). The processor (428) generates RF control and switching control signals during each mission segment of an aircraft to create radio function threads through the resource assets (402-408, 410-416, 418, 420-426, 428) to realize the radio functions for that mission segment. The processor (428) may also be coupled to a master processor (440) that sends the processor (428) a radio function set selection signal. The radio function set selection signal identifies the radio function set that the processor (428) will implement through the resource assets (402-408, 410-416, 418, 420-426, 428). The processor (428) performs all signal, data, message, cryptographic and control processing required for the radio function threads being implemented by the resource assets.

Abstract: A semiconductor device that is fabricated by metamorphic epitaxial growth processes, and includes a combined graded base and active layer having a thickness less than 5000 ?. In one non-limiting embodiment, the semiconductor device is an HBT device that includes a combined doped graded buffer and sub-collector layer having a thickness less than 5000 ?, and a concentration of indium of about 86% at a top of the combined layer.

Abstract: A switching circuit (100) is provided, comprising: a signal coupler (110) configured to receive first and second input signals and provide first and second coupled signals; a first phase shifter (130) configured to shift a first phase of the first coupled signal by zero degrees or ninety degrees based on a first control signal to generate a first shifted signal; a second phase shifter (135) configured to shift a second phase of the second coupled signal by zero degrees or ninety degrees based on a second control signal to generate a second shifted signal; and a combiner (150) configured to combine the first and second shifted signals. The first coupled signal includes an in-phase copy of the first input signal and a ninety-degree-shifted copy of the second input signal; and the second coupled signal includes an in-phase copy of the second input signal and a ninety-degree-shifted copy of the first input signal.

Abstract: A method for assembling a bundle cable connector assembly that eliminates bird caging, wire threads extruding through a connector pin, loose wire threads, dielectric shield shrinking, etc. The method includes stripping the wire to create a birdcage preventative zone and an exposed tip with a crimping zone therebetween, and tinning the exposed wire at the birdcage preventative zone and the tip. The method then includes inserting the wire into a connector pin, and crimping the pin to the wire at the crimping zone using heat so that the tinning solder melts. The method then includes mounting the pin to a connector body and mounting a wire-locking device to the connector body to lock the pin to the connector body.

Abstract: A fibrous packing material (210) is distributed throughout the interior space of a surge tank (118). The packing material (210) makes the compression and expansion of gas within the surge tank (118) relatively more isothermal as compared to an empty tank. Thus, a smaller volume tank can be used without sacrificing performance. As a result, the size and weight requirements of the surge tank (118 ) have been reduced.

Abstract: A cross-point switch fabric slice (100) includes multistage gated buffer tree (135) incorporating at least first and second serially connected gated buffer stages (136, 138). N inputs (102-116) connect to preselected gated buffers (146-160) in the first gated buffer stage (136). The multistage gated buffer tree provides a signal path from any of the N inputs (102-116) to at least one switch output (118) in response to gated buffer stage control signals for the first gated buffer stage (136) and gated buffer stage control signals for the second gated buffer stage (138). Generally, the number of gated buffers decreases from that of the previous stage. As an input signal propagates through the cross-point switch fabric slice (100), longer internal connections are driven by more capable buffers.

Abstract: A truss structure for supporting a membrane that is to be deployed in space, where the truss structure maintains the membrane sufficiently flat with uniform tension. The truss structure includes a circular perimeter truss and a transitional truss. The transitional truss includes a series of ties that are coupled to the perimeter truss and the membrane. When the truss structure is deployed, telescopic parts of the perimeter truss that are stowed in expansion cause the transitional truss to expand and pull the membrane into the flat configuration.

Abstract: An optical architecture for a high-energy laser that directs a collimated laser beam through an aperture stop at a desired angle. In one embodiment, the optical architecture includes a single tilt mirror and three stationary mirrors that direct the laser beam in one dimension. The laser beam is reflected off of the mirrors in the same plane and is reflected off of the tilt mirror three times. The first two reflections off of the tilt mirror translate the beam and the third reflection causes the beam to be directed at the desired angle. In another embodiment, the optical architecture includes a single tip-tilt mirror and eight stationary mirrors that direct the beam in two dimensions. The laser beam is reflected off of the mirrors in two planes and is reflected off of the tip-tilt mirror three times. The first two reflections off of the tip-tilt mirror translate the beam and the third reflection causes the beam to be directed at the desired angle.

Abstract: An integrated packaging assembly for an MMIC that uses the semiconductor wafers on which circuit elements are fabricated as the package. The packaging assembly includes a plurality of semiconductor layers that have been diced from the semiconductor wafers, where the semiconductor layers can be made of different semiconductor material. The semiconductor layers define cavities therebetween in which circuit components are fabricated. A sealing ring seals the semiconductor layers together so as to hermetically seal the circuit components within the cavities.

Abstract: A system and a method for an ambient atmosphere ion thruster having a pair of permeable electrical members for accelerating ambient atmosphere ions which enter the thruster due to a craft's relative velocity. Neutral ambient atmosphere molecules in the intake mass flux may also be ionized and subsequently accelerated by the pair of permeable electrical members. Acceleration of any entering mass comprises an exhaust mass flux which then produces a net thrust. Such net thrust is then vectored by configuring and orienting the thrusters for imparting axial and lateral accelerations as well as pitch, yaw, and roll controls. The present invention is operational in proximity to any celestial body having a sensible atmosphere during a portion of the free trajectory or during orbiting at altitude. Useful net thrust is thereby produced without need for carrying reaction mass onboard a spacecraft.

Abstract: A satellite communication system and related method for collecting data in space and transmitting it to a processing center on the earth. The communication system includes at least one satellite orbiting the earth that has a device for collecting the data. The satellite transmits the data to a plurality of receive only terminals on the earth. The terminals process the signals and transmit the data on the communications link to the processing center.