Abstract: Small, low-cost satellite systems, like CubeSats or other microsatellites, can exhibit reduced reliability relative to higher-cost satellite systems. This can result in difficulty identifying, communicating with, and tracking such satellite systems when they fail. Provided herein are reliable, low-cost, low-energy, turn-key systems for identification and tracking of small satellites that can be readily added to a microsatellite with minimal integration costs and while occupying a minimal amount of volume, mass, and external area of the host satellite. These systems are electrically isolated from the satellite bus, being powered by internal batteries or other separate energy sources and providing reliable identification and tracking even when the other systems of the satellite have failed.

Abstract: Implementation of radio frequency applications in satellite environments can be constrained by size, mass, cost, and power limitations. These applications can include radar, communications, radio astronomy, or other scientific or industrial applications. A variety of systems are provided to facilitate recording of baseband radio frequency signals at high bandwidth and low power using low-cost components. These systems include field-programmable gate arrays or other programmable logic devices integrating between high-frequency ADCs and two or more multiplexed non-volatile storage mediums. Also provided are systems for providing calibration and self-test functionality in a low-cost, flexible, low-power radio frequency frontend. These systems include high-frequency switches configured to allow a calibration and/or self-test pulse to be acquired for each radar pulse generated by the system.

Abstract: Small, low-cost satellite systems, like CubeSats or other microsatellites, can exhibit reduced reliability relative to higher-cost satellite systems. This can result in difficulty identifying, communicating with, and tracking such satellite systems when they fail. Provided herein are reliable, low-cost, low-energy, turn-key systems for identification and tracking of small satellites that can be readily added to a microsatellite with minimal integration costs and while occupying a minimal amount of volume, mass, and external area of the host satellite. These systems are electrically isolated from the satellite bus, being powered by internal batteries or other separate energy sources and providing reliable identification and tracking even when the other systems of the satellite have failed.

Abstract: Implementation of radio frequency applications in satellite environments can be constrained by size, mass, cost, and power limitations. These applications can include radar, communications, radio astronomy, or other scientific or industrial applications. A variety of systems are provided to facilitate recording of baseband radio frequency signals at high bandwidth and low power using low-cost components. These systems include field-programmable gate arrays or other programmable logic devices integrating between high-frequency ADCs and two or more multiplexed non-volatile storage mediums. Also provided are systems for providing calibration and self-test functionality in a low-cost, flexible, low-power radio frequency frontend. These systems include high-frequency switches configured to allow a calibration and/or self-test pulse to be acquired for each radar pulse generated by the system.

Abstract: The disclosed technology combines biometric authentication and data transmission technologies to provide for secure storing of private information and wireless transmission of the private information in order to perform predefined tasks. A user may securely store his private information in an electronic database. To access the private information stored securely, the user provides his biometric data. Upon successful biometric authentication of the user, authorization is granted to the user to access the private information stored in the electronic database. Upon successful biometric authentication, the private information can be transmitted via short range wireless communication. Optionally, upon successful biometric authentication, the private information can be transmitted via wireless communication over a computer network.

Abstract: An apparatus is taught for draining static electrical charges build-up on a traveling web of dielectric material. The apparatus includes discharge means comprised of a metal member having one end formed into at least one needle point projection. The discharge means is connected to ground potential and mounted in close proximity to the traveling web. Responsive to concentrated static electrical charges the discharge means causes ionization of the gasses surrounding the discharge means, thereby draining the static electrical charges to the ground potential through the discharge means. The apparatus further includes means for sensing and reading the magnitude of static electrical charges drawn from the web of dielectric material and for applying the sensed information as digital signals to a manufacturing controller. The manufacturing controller uses the information to control manufacturing parameters that minimize the generation of static electrical charges during the manufacture of the dielectric material.

Abstract: An apparatus is taught for draining static electrical charges build-up on a traveling web of dielectric material. The apparatus includes discharge means comprised of a metal member having one end formed into at least one needle point projection. The discharge means is connected to ground potential and mounted in close proximity to the traveling web. Responsive to concentrated static electrical charges the discharge means causes ionization of the gasses surrounding the discharge means, thereby draining the static electrical charges to the ground potential through the discharge means. The apparatus further includes means for sensing and reading the magnitude of static electrical charges drawn from the web of dielectric material and for applying the sensed information as digital signals to a manufacturing controller. The manufacturing controller uses the information to control manufacturing parameters that minimize the generation of static electrical charges during the manufacture of the dielectric material.