Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing amplifier operations are described. The described methods and systems particularly describe a feed-forward control circuit that may also be used as a feed-back control circuit in certain applications. The feed-forward control circuit provides a control signal that may be used to configure an amplifier in a variety of ways.

Abstract: A scalable periphery tunable matching power amplifier is presented. Varying power levels can be accommodated by selectively activating or deactivating unit cells of which the scalable periphery tunable matching power amplifier is comprised. Tunable matching allows individual unit cells to see a constant output impedance, reducing need for transforming a low impedance up to a system impedance and attendant power loss. The scalable periphery tunable matching power amplifier can also be tuned for different operating conditions such as different frequencies of operation or different modes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving radar angular resolution. Radar operations in one or more nodes may be controlled, with the controlling including applying one or more measures for improving radar angular resolution for at least one radar deployed on one of the one or more nodes, with the improving of radar angular resolution entailing increasing radar angular resolution for the at least one radar relative to an identical radar operated in identical conditions. The one or more measures comprise fusing radar data with data from other data sources, movement of radar platforms, use of multiple radars for triangulation, use of multiple nodes moving in formation, and creating features or distortions of antenna beams. The one or more nodes may be aerial drones.

Abstract: A scalable periphery tunable matching power amplifier is presented. Varying power levels can be accommodated by selectively activating or deactivating unit cells of which the scalable periphery tunable matching power amplifier is comprised. Tunable matching allows individual unit cells to see a constant output impedance, reducing need for transforming a low impedance up to a system impedance and attendant power loss. The scalable periphery tunable matching power amplifier can also be tuned for different operating conditions such as different frequencies of operation or different modes.

Abstract: Radio frequency (RF) acoustic wave resonator (AWR) filter circuits and methods. Embodiments essentially de-couple the stopband or notch characteristics of an RF filter from the passband characteristics. Accordingly, the de-coupled parameters can be individually designed to meet the specifications of a particular application. Partially-hybridized or fully-hybridized series-arm and parallel-arm AWR filter building blocks enable “de-coupled” RF filters having (1) wideband and low insertion loss passbands and (2) wideband deep notches (stopbands) with a specifically placed notch center frequency, without compromising the passband characteristics. The AWR filter building blocks include an inductance L that matches (resonates with) the electrostatic capacitance CO of the corresponding AWR within a desired passband.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing amplifier operations are described. The described methods and systems particularly describe a feed-forward control circuit that may also be used as a feed-back control circuit in certain applications. The feed-forward control circuit provides a control signal that may be used to configure an amplifier in a variety of ways.

Abstract: A system for basing drones is described. A network of geographically diverse hangars provides storage and charging locations as well as backhaul communications infrastructure and video monitoring. As drones are needed, a central command point tasks an available drone, which may or may not already be located in proximity to a target. If additional drones are needed, drones can be flown to the area of interest and continuous coverage provided by charging drones while an active drone is conducting the mission, then rotating charged drones into the active mission. Structures for the hangars, the overall system, and methods of operation are described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a frequency based integrated circuit that selectively filters out unwanted bands or regions of interfering frequencies utilizing one or more tunable notch or bandpass filters or tunable low or high pass filters capable of operating across multiple frequencies and multiple bands in noisy RF environments. The tunable filters are fabricated within the same integrated circuit package as the associated frequency based circuitry, thus minimizing R, L, and C parasitic values, and also allowing residual and other parasitic impedance in the associated circuitry and IC package to be absorbed and compensated.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing gate node instability of a differential cascode amplifier are presented. Ground return loops, and therefore corresponding parasitic inductances, are eliminated by using voltage symmetry at nodes of two cascode amplification legs of the differential cascode amplifier. Series connected capacitors are coupled between gate nodes of pairs of cascode amplifiers of the two cascode amplification legs so to create a common node connecting the two capacitors. In order to reduce peak to peak voltage variation at the common node under large signal conditions, a shunting capacitor is connected to the common node.

Abstract: Radio frequency (RF) acoustic wave resonator (AWR) filter circuits and methods. Embodiments essentially de-couple the stopband or notch characteristics of an RF filter from the passband characteristics. Accordingly, the de-coupled parameters can be individually designed to meet the specifications of a particular application. Partially-hybridized or fully-hybridized series-arm and parallel-arm AWR filter building blocks enable “de-coupled” RF filters having (1) wideband and low insertion loss passbands and (2) wideband deep notches (stopbands) with a specifically placed notch center frequency, without compromising the passband characteristics. The AWR filter building blocks include an inductance L that matches (resonates with) the electrostatic capacitance CO of the corresponding AWR within a desired passband.

Abstract: A scalable periphery tunable matching power amplifier is presented. Varying power levels can be accommodated by selectively activating or deactivating unit cells of which the scalable periphery tunable matching power amplifier is comprised. Tunable matching allows individual unit cells to see a constant output impedance, reducing need for transforming a low impedance up to a system impedance and attendant power loss. The scalable periphery tunable matching power amplifier can also be tuned for different operating conditions such as different frequencies of operation or different modes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for use in tuning reactance are described. Open loop and closed loop control for tuning of reactances are also described. Tunable inductors and/or tunable capacitors may be used in filters, resonant circuits, matching networks, and phase shifters. Ability to control inductance and/or capacitance in a circuit leads to flexibility in operation of the circuit, since the circuit may be tuned to operate under a range of different operating frequencies.

Abstract: A system for basing drones is described. A network of geographically diverse hangars provides storage and charging locations as well as backhaul communications infrastructure and video monitoring. As drones are needed, a central command point tasks an available drone, which may or may not already be located in proximity to a target. If additional drones are needed, drones can be flown to the area of interest and continuous coverage provided by charging drones while an active drone is conducting the mission, then rotating charged drones into the active mission. Structures for the hangars, the overall system, and methods of operation are described.

Abstract: A system for basing drones is described. A network of geographically diverse hangars provides storage and charging locations as well as backhaul communications infrastructure and video monitoring. As drones are needed, a central command point tasks an available drone, which may or may not already be located in proximity to a target. If additional drones are needed, drones can be flown to the area of interest and continuous coverage provided by charging drones while an active drone is conducting the mission, then rotating charged drones into the active mission. Structures for the hangars, the overall system, and methods of operation are described.

Abstract: Methods and system for using a multifunctional filter to minimize insertion loss in a multi-mode communications system are described. Specifically described is a multifunctional filter that is configurable to operate in a band-pass mode when a first type of signal is propagated through the multifunctional filter, and to operate in a low-pass mode when a second type of signal is propagated through the multifunctional filter. The multifunctional filter presents a lower insertion loss to the second type of signal when operating in the low-pass mode than in the band-pass mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for use in tuning reactance are described. Open loop and closed loop control for tuning of reactances are also described. Tunable inductors and/or tunable capacitors may be used in filters, resonant circuits, matching networks, and phase shifters. Ability to control inductance and/or capacitance in a circuit leads to flexibility in operation of the circuit, since the circuit may be tuned to operate under a range of different operating frequencies.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing amplifier operations are described. The described methods and systems particularly describe a feed-forward control circuit that may also be used as a feed-back control circuit in certain applications. The feed-forward control circuit provides a control signal that may be used to configure an amplifier in a variety of ways.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing gate node instability of a differential cascode amplifier are presented. Ground return loops, and therefore corresponding parasitic inductances, are eliminated by using voltage symmetry at nodes of two cascode amplification legs of the differential cascode amplifier. Series connected capacitors are coupled between gate nodes of pairs of cascode amplifiers of the two cascode amplification legs so to create a common node connecting the two capacitors. In order to reduce peak to peak voltage variation at the common node under large signal conditions, a shunting capacitor is connected to the common node.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting difference in operating characteristics of a main circuit by using a replica circuit is presented. In one exemplary case, a sensed difference in operating characteristics of the two circuits is used to drive a tuning control loop to minimize the sensed difference. In another exemplary case, several replica circuits of the main circuit are used, where each is isolated from one or more operating variables that affect the operating characteristic of the main circuit. Each replica circuit can be used for sensing a different operating characteristic, or, two replica circuits can be combined to sense a same operating characteristic.

Abstract: A scalable periphery tunable matching power amplifier is presented. Varying power levels can be accommodated by selectively activating or deactivating unit cells of which the scalable periphery tunable matching power amplifier is comprised. Tunable matching allows individual unit cells to see a constant output impedance, reducing need for transforming a low impedance up to a system impedance and attendant power loss. The scalable periphery tunable matching power amplifier can also be tuned for different operating conditions such as different frequencies of operation or different modes.