Abstract: A laser-diode driver for Lidar applications with an output stage comprised of two enhancement mode GaN FETs. The output stage includes a driver GaN FET in a traditional common-source configuration, with the drain connected to the cathode of a laser diode and the source connected to ground. The gate of the driver GaN FET is driven by the source of the second, substantially smaller GaN FET in a source-follower configuration, rather than being driven directly by a pre-driver. The source-follower GaN FET has its drain connected to the drain of the common-source driver GaN FET, similar to a Darlington connection used in bipolar devices. The input drive signal from the pre-driver is applied at the gate of the source-follower GaN FET. The current required to turn on the driver GaN FET is thereby drawn from a main power supply through the laser diode, rather than from the power supply for the pre-driver, improving overall current efficiency.

Abstract: A laser-diode driver for Lidar applications with an output stage comprised of two enhancement mode GaN FETs. The output stage includes a driver GaN FET in a traditional common-source configuration, with the drain connected to the cathode of a laser diode and the source connected to ground. The gate of the driver GaN FET is driven by the source of the second, substantially smaller GaN FET in a source-follower configuration, rather than being driven directly by a pre-driver. The source-follower GaN FET has its drain connected to the drain of the common-source driver GaN FET, similar to a Darlington connection used in bipolar devices. The input drive signal from the pre-driver is applied at the gate of the source-follower GaN FET. The current required to turn on the driver GaN FET is thereby drawn from a main power supply through the laser diode, rather than from the power supply for the pre-driver, improving overall current efficiency.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relating to reducing lock time include pre-calibrating and storing phase-locked loop (PLL) and/or injection-locked oscillator (ILO) adaptation values during startup and loading the pre-calibrated values during rate change. In an illustrative example, an integrated circuit may include a controllable frequency circuit operable at frequencies within each of a plurality of frequency bands. A data store may store operational settings associated with each frequency of the plurality of frequency bands. A state machine may be coupled to the controllable frequency circuit and the data store configured to select a predetermined frequency band in response to a command signal, retrieve, from the data store, operational settings associated with the predetermined frequency band, and, apply the retrieved operational settings to the controllable frequency circuit.

Abstract: A cascaded bootstrapping gate driver configured to provide quick turn-on of a high side power FET and low static current consumption. The cascaded bootstrapping gate driver includes an initial bootstrapping stage with a resistor to decrease static current consumption during transistor turn-off. A secondary bootstrapping stage is driven by the initial bootstrapping stage and includes a GaN FET transistor with a low on resistance in place of the resistor. The source terminal of the GaN FET transistor provides a gate driving voltage to the high side power switch FET. The low on-resistance of the GaN FET transistor provides quick turn-on of the high side power FET. Transistors in the cascaded bootstrapping gate driver are preferably enhancement mode GaN FETs and may be integrated into a single semiconductor die.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relating to reducing lock time include pre-calibrating and storing phase-locked loop (PLL) and/or injection-locked oscillator (ILO) adaptation values during startup and loading the pre-calibrated values during rate change. In an illustrative example, an integrated circuit may include a controllable frequency circuit operable at frequencies within each of a plurality of frequency bands. A data store may store operational settings associated with each frequency of the plurality of frequency bands. A state machine may be coupled to the controllable frequency circuit and the data store configured to select a predetermined frequency band in response to a command signal, retrieve, from the data store, operational settings associated with the predetermined frequency band, and, apply the retrieved operational settings to the controllable frequency circuit.

Abstract: A circuit includes an AGC adaptation circuit configured to receive a first signal generated based on an AGC output signal from an AGC circuit. The AGC circuit applies an AGC gain to an AGC input signal to generate the AGC output signal. The AGC adaptation circuit determines an observed value of the first signal, and determines a AGC adaptation step size based on the observed value and a predetermined target value associated with the first signal. The AGC adaptation circuit provides a second signal to adjust the AGC gain of the AGC circuit using the AGC adaptation step size.

Abstract: A circuit for providing an adjustable output driver current for use in LiDAR or other similar GaN driver applications. The circuit creates an appropriate gate-to-source voltage, VGS, for a high-current GaN driver FET to obtain a desired, high slew-rate driver current, IDRV. An externally provided reference current is used to create the required VGS for the driver FET, which is stored on an external capacitor. The value of the capacitor far exceeds the relatively low input-capacitance of the GaN driver FET. When a pulse IDRV of desired value is needed, the voltage on the capacitor is impinged upon the gate of the driver FET, thereby creating the desired IDRV. The reference charging circuit replenishes any charge lost on the capacitor, so that the same desired IDRV can be obtained on the next command pulse.

Abstract: An interface for displaying supplemental dynamic timeline content, such as in connection with the output of content is described. Upon reception of a selection of a selectable element associated with a supplemental content item in the content, an updated supplemental timeline indicating one or more time periods at which the supplemental content item is output in the primary content is output.

Abstract: Embodiments of a reusable stackable shipping box are provided herein. The reusable stackable shipping box may be reused and cleaned without causing harm to the integrity of the box. In addition, the box is slightly tapered in shape such that the box may be stacked upon and within other boxes for ease in shipping and organization.

Abstract: A direct-coupled level shifter to level shift a ground referenced input logic signal to an output logic signal that can have either a positive or negative reference. The level shifter includes two level shift drivers, each of which includes a positive level shift driver and a negative level shift driver. The positive level shift drivers operate when the reference of the latch is above ground and turn off when the reference is below ground. Similarly, the negative level shift drivers operate when the reference is below ground and turn off when the reference is above ground. The output logic signal is based on the output from the positive level shift driver receiving the input signal and the output from the negative level shift driver receiving an inverse of the input signal. The inverse of the output logic signal is based on the output from the positive level shift driver receiving an inverse of the input signal and the output from the negative level shift driver receiving the input signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting and geocoding object data are described. More particularly, a system for collecting and geocoding object data includes an AV, a chronicle server, and a user device. The AV receives a mission specification that includes a route to be traversed by the AV. The AV traverses the route and collects object data along the way. The AV collects location data along the route.

Abstract: A driver shutdown circuit configured to trigger driver shutdown based on the magnitude and duration of the driving current. A first GaN FET is connected to a second GaN FET and an input node and generates a discharging current proportional to the driving current. The discharging current is drawn from a timer capacitor through the first and second GaN FETs. The second GaN FET receives a control signal and stops flow of the discharging current in between driver pulses so a pre-charger circuit can recharge the timer capacitor to a particular voltage. The discharging current drains the timer capacitor, and a shutdown signal generator outputs a shutdown signal to the driver in response to the voltage on the timer capacitor decreasing below a triggering voltage.

Abstract: A power outlet system utilizing magnetic polarities in concert with electrical polarities to provide a connection system that automatically “rights” itself and cannot be powered incorrectly. Negative/Positive electric points are paired with south pole/north pole magnetic points on both outputs of power and inputs to receive power that align the negative/positive polarities on the outputs and inputs and provide opposing magnetic polarities so that the two connected pieces are always oriented correctly and easily connect to each other. Specialized modules are designed to connect to the power source which can be a portable unit that utilizes solar powered batteries or a wall unit that plugs into a wall electric outlet. A specialized module can be charged from the solar powered battery unit that requires no batteries itself and can be used as an emergency back up in the event of a power outage.

Abstract: Embodiments of a reusable stackable shipping box are provided herein. The reusable stackable shipping box may be reused and cleaned without causing harm to the integrity of the box. In addition, the box is slightly tapered in shape such that the box may be stacked upon and within other boxes for ease in shipping and organization.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a bearing assembly for a wind turbine. The bearing assembly includes an outer race, an inner race rotatable relative to the outer race, a plurality of rolling elements positioned between the inner and outer races, and at least one wire race arranged with the plurality of rolling elements between the inner and outer races.

Abstract: The present invention provides a particle projection spatial imaging system, comprising a particle source for generating and accelerating a particle beam, a deflection coil set for deflecting the particle beam into a chronologically deployed dynamic 3D particle array, an exciting coil set for generating a magnetic field, and a scan control mechanism for controlling the particle source, the deflection coil set, and the particle exciting coil set.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Gardenia plant named ‘LEESIX’ is disclosed, characterized by uniquely profuse flowering. Foliage is narrow and glossy. Flowering will occur on a reblooming cycle Summer and Fall. Flowers are double and very fragrant. Plants are suitable for Southern climates. The new cultivar is a Gardenia, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.

Abstract: A new and distinct Rhododendron cultivar named ‘ROBLEZF’ is disclosed, characterized by white flowers, and stable variegated leaves. Plants are compact and rebloom during Spring, Summer and Fall. The new cultivar is a Rhododendron, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Gardenia plant named ‘LEEFIVE’ is disclosed, characterized by a distinctive columnar plant habit. Foliage is very glossy, broadly ovate and uniquely crinkled. Flowering will occur on a reblooming cycle Summer and Fall. Plants are compact, dense and suitable for Southern climates. The new cultivar is a Gardenia, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.