Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are described for combining digital and analog beamsteering in a channelized antenna array. In some examples, a method can include receiving one or more signals at each of a plurality of groups of antenna elements, each group of antenna elements defining a respective channel from a plurality of channels, and steering, by each respective channel and using analog steering, the one or more signals in a respective direction to yield a steered analog signal pattern. The method can further include converting the steered analog signal pattern associated with each respective channel into a respective digital signal and, based on the respective digital signal, generating, using digital steering, digital signal patterns steered within the steered analog signal pattern associated with the respective digital signal.

Abstract: A radar system is generated by a process including generating a first substrate layer adjacent to a ground plane of a patch antenna array in the radar system, etching an opening in the substrate layer, inserting a mechanically-locking foot of a threaded insert into the opening, adding a second substrate layer adjacent to the first substrate layer to embed the threaded insert, applying a thermal coupling between a heat sink layer and the second substrate layer of the radar system and screwing a screw through the heat sink layer and into the threaded insert to adhere the heat sink layer to the radar system. Such a radar system can enable the attachment of the heat sink layer to the radar system in a removable fashion such that the heat sink layer can be removed by removing the screw and repairs can be done without damaging respective layers.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are described for combining digital and analog beamsteering in a channelized antenna array. In some examples, a method can include receiving one or more signals at each of a plurality of groups of antenna elements, each group of antenna elements defining a respective channel from a plurality of channels, and steering, by each respective channel and using analog steering, the one or more signals in a respective direction to yield a steered analog signal pattern. The method can further include converting the steered analog signal pattern associated with each respective channel into a respective digital signal and, based on the respective digital signal, generating, using digital steering, digital signal patterns steered within the steered analog signal pattern associated with the respective digital signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are described using radar systems to avoid vehicle collisions. An example radar system can include antennas mounted on an aircraft, where each antenna has a different orientation facing a different direction away from the aircraft. The radar system can include one or more processing devices and a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by the one or more processing devices, cause the radar system to coordinate digital beam steering and digital beam forming with the antennas to produce a radar coverage area that includes a portion of an airspace around the aircraft; detect, based a signal transmitted by the antennas using the digital beam steering and digital beam forming, an object within the radar coverage area; and generate collision avoidance information including an indication of the object detected within the radar coverage area and/or an instruction for avoiding a collision with the object.

Abstract: A system to locate and map a data collection device includes at least one image. The image may be included with a subsystem or a component monitored by the system. A data collection device, such as a smart sensor, is configured to detect a stimulus and to capture the at least one image. The smart sensor is further configured to output an image signal indicating the at least one image. A main control module is in electrical communication with the at least one smart sensor. The main control module is configured to determine the image based on the image signal, and compare the at least one image to a stored image. The main control module is further configured to authenticate the at least one image in response to the at least one image matching the stored image.

Abstract: A system to locate and map a data collection device includes at least one image. The image may be included with a subsystem or a component monitored by the system. A data collection device, such as a smart sensor, is configured to detect a stimulus and to capture the at least one image. The smart sensor is further configured to output an image signal indicating the at least one image. A main control module is in electrical communication with the at least one smart sensor. The main control module is configured to determine the image based on the image signal, and compare the at least one image to a stored image. The main control module is further configured to authenticate the at least one image in response to the at least one image matching the stored image.