Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling pre-compensation of timing offsets in OFDM receivers without invalidating channel estimates are described. Timing offset estimations may be sent along with the received OFDM symbols for FFT computation and generating a de-rotated signal output. The timing offset estimation may provide a reference point for dynamic tracking of timing for an OFDM signal and estimated based on an integral value associated with the OFDM signal.

Abstract: A lightweight and rigid stand for supporting a heliostat includes multiple legs that extend between a lower end and upper end. A bracket or knuckle couples to an upper end of the legs and can support a heliostat thereon so that the bracket or knuckle is disposed between the upper end of the legs and the heliostat. A dimensional spacing or angular orientation between the legs is maintained by the backet or knuckle and/or bridge portions that extend between linear portions of the legs. Lower ends of the legs can be embedded in a ballast mass.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining synchronization of repeater networks with Global Positioning System (GPS) signals using phase locked loops (PLLs) and based on generation of predicted control words for controlling local oscillator frequencies is described. The predicted control words can be generated based on performing a linear fit of control words generated over a predetermined duration of time. Phase locked loops with additional false GPS pulse identification and GPS signal loss compensation circuitry can enforce a false pulse count threshold and/or an error threshold. The additional circuitry and prediction of control words can overcome errors in GPS receiver outputs and maintain accuracy of signal timings across single frequency networks using inexpensive local oscillators.

Abstract: A heliostat field layout for a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant includes a plurality of heliostats arranged adjacent each other (e.g., side-by-side) in a first arc spaced from a tower comprising a solar receiver. A second plurality of heliostats are arranged adjacent each other (e.g., side-by-side) in one or more additional arcs spaced from each other and spaced from the first arc, each additional arc spaced from a previous of the additional arcs by a radial distance that defines an aisle, the radial distance between a pair of adj acent arcs being equal to or greater than the radial distance between a previous pair of adjacent arcs in a direction away from the tower. The heliostats are arranged in the arcs in a non-staggered manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling pre-compensation of timing offsets in OFDM receivers without invalidating channel estimates are described. Timing offset estimations may be sent along with the received OFDM symbols for FFT computation and generating a de-rotated signal output. The timing offset estimation may provide a reference point for dynamic tracking of timing for an OFDM signal and estimated based on an integral value associated with the OFDM signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a non-data-aided (NDA) approach to advanced OFDM timing are provided. This approach allows for accurate OFDM symbol timing and synchronization by avoiding inter-symbol interference (ISI) in multipath environments where an earliest arriving signal may not be the strongest signal. The NDA approach may rely on generating and applying a bias correction to a combined correlation result of the multi-path signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining synchronization of repeater networks with Global Positioning System (GPS) signals using phase locked loops (PLLs) and based on generation of predicted control words for controlling local oscillator frequencies is described. The predicted control words can be generated based on performing a linear fit of control words generated over a predetermined duration of time. Phase locked loops with additional false GPS pulse identification and GPS signal loss compensation circuitry can enforce a false pulse count threshold and/or an error threshold. The additional circuitry and prediction of control words can overcome errors in GPS receiver outputs and maintain accuracy of signal timings across single frequency networks using inexpensive local oscillators.

Abstract: An air receiver for use in a solar power plant receives sunlight from a plurality of heliostats focused on the air receiver via an aperture of the receiver to heat air in the cavity of the receiver. The heated air is directed out of the receiver via one or more output ports in fluid communication with the cavity. A solar power tower can include one or more receivers (e.g., oriented in different directions) and have outflow conduit(s) in fluid communication with the output ports. The outflow conduit(s) receive heated air from the one or more receivers and direct it toward one or both of a hot thermal storage tank and a heat utilization module (e.g., for use in generating electricity or facilitating an industrial process, such as a chemical reaction).

Abstract: Systems, algorithms and methods for reclaiming unused portions of a satellite broadcast service's bandwidth for new services, utilizing higher performance coding techniques to yield better throughput, are presented. These systems, algorithms and methods achieve the reclaimed bandwidth in a way that is invisible to a legacy receiver, and that does not interfere with its reception of a legacy signal. In one embodiment, new data may be transmitted within a legacy transmission frame, for example within its cluster structure, using the same modulation and synchronization as used for the legacy data. The new data may be inserted into a channel or other subdivision at a head end. In another embodiment, one or more clusters or subdivisions with only new data may be transmitted, using the same modulation and synchronization as the legacy data clusters, but now employing a higher performing FEC and data interleaving structure on those clusters which contain only new data to yield an increase in available throughput.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a non-data-aided (NDA) approach to advanced OFDM timing are provided. This approach allows for accurate OFDM symbol timing and synchronization by avoiding inter-symbol interference (ISI) in multipath environments where an earliest arriving signal may not be the strongest signal. The NDA approach may rely on generating and applying a bias correction to a combined correlation result of the multi-path signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling pre-compensation of timing offsets in OFDM receivers without invalidating channel estimates are described. Timing offset estimations may be sent along with the received OFDM symbols for FFT computation and generating a de-rotated signal output. The timing offset estimation may provide a reference point for dynamic tracking of timing for an OFDM signal and estimated based on an integral value associated with the OFDM signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining synchronization of repeater networks with Global Positioning System (GPS) signals using phase locked loops (PLLs) and based on generation of predicted control words for controlling local oscillator frequencies is described. The predicted control words can be generated based on performing a linear fit of control words generated over a predetermined duration of time. Phase locked loops with additional false GPS pulse identification and GPS signal loss compensation circuitry can enforce a false pulse count threshold and/or an error threshold. The additional circuitry and prediction of control words can overcome errors in GPS receiver outputs and maintain accuracy of signal timings across single frequency networks using inexpensive local oscillators.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a non-data-aided (NDA) approach to advanced OFDM timing are provided. This approach allows for accurate OFDM symbol timing and synchronization by avoiding inter-symbol interference (ISI) in multipath environments where an earliest arriving signal may not be the strongest signal. The NDA approach may rely on generating and applying a bias correction to a combined correlation result of the multi-path signals.

Abstract: Systems, algorithms and methods for reclaiming unused portions of a satellite broadcast service's bandwidth for new services, utilizing higher performance coding techniques to yield better throughput, are presented. These systems, algorithms and methods achieve the reclaimed bandwidth in a way that is invisible to a legacy receiver, and that does not interfere with its reception of a legacy signal. In one embodiment, new data may be transmitted within a legacy transmission frame, for example within its cluster structure, using the same modulation and synchronization as used for the legacy data. The new data may be inserted into a channel or other subdivision at a head end. In another embodiment, one or more clusters or subdivisions with only new data may be transmitted, using the same modulation and synchronization as the legacy data clusters, but now employing a higher performing FEC and data interleaving structure on those clusters which contain only new data to yield an increase in available throughput.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling pre-compensation of timing offsets in OFDM receivers without invalidating channel estimates are described. Timing offset estimations may be sent along with the received OFDM symbols for FFT computation and generating a de-rotated signal output. The timing offset estimation may provide a reference point for dynamic tracking of timing for an OFDM signal and estimated based on an integral value associated with the OFDM signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling pre-compensation of timing offsets in OFDM receivers without invalidating channel estimates are described. Timing offset estimations may be sent along with the received OFDM symbols for FFT computation and generating a de-rotated signal output. The timing offset estimation may provide a reference point for dynamic tracking of timing for an OFDM signal and estimated based on an integral value associated with the OFDM signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining synchronization of repeater networks with Global Positioning System (GPS) signals using phase locked loops (PLLs) and based on generation of predicted control words for controlling local oscillator frequencies is described. The predicted control words can be generated based on performing a linear fit of control words generated over a predetermined duration of time. Phase locked loops with additional false GPS pulse identification and GPS signal loss compensation circuitry can enforce a false pulse count threshold and/or an error threshold. The additional circuitry and prediction of control words can overcome errors in GPS receiver outputs and maintain accuracy of signal timings across single frequency networks using inexpensive local oscillators.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a non-data-aided (NDA) approach to advanced OFDM timing are provided. This approach allows for accurate OFDM symbol timing and synchronization by avoiding inter-symbol interference (ISI) in multipath environments where an earliest arriving signal may not be the strongest signal. The NDA approach may rely on generating and applying a bias correction to a combined correlation result of the multi-path signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining synchronization of repeater networks with Global Positioning System (GPS) signals using phase locked loops (PLLs) and based on generation of predicted control words for controlling local oscillator frequencies is described. The predicted control words can be generated based on performing a linear fit of control words generated over a predetermined duration of time. Phase locked loops with additional false GPS pulse identification and GPS signal loss compensation circuitry can enforce a false pulse count threshold and/or an error threshold. The additional circuitry and prediction of control words can overcome errors in GPS receiver outputs and maintain accuracy of signal timings across single frequency networks using inexpensive local oscillators.

Abstract: Systems, algorithms and methods for reclaiming unused portions of a satellite broadcast service's bandwidth for new services, utilizing higher performance coding techniques to yield better throughput, are presented. These systems, algorithms and methods achieve the reclaimed bandwidth in a way that is invisible to a legacy receiver, and that does not interfere with its reception of a legacy signal. In one embodiment, new data may be transmitted within a legacy transmission frame, for example within its cluster structure, using the same modulation and synchronization as used for the legacy data. The new data may be inserted into a channel or other subdivision at a head end. In another embodiment, one or more clusters or subdivisions with only new data may be transmitted, using the same modulation and synchronization as the legacy data clusters, but now employing a higher performing FEC and data interleaving structure on those clusters which contain only new data to yield an increase in available throughput.