Abstract: A system and method for establishing an integrated forward error correction (FEC) scheme to perform multi-rate encoding on different priority data bits of a channel access message transmitted on a random access channel between devices of a communications network, such as between an access terminal and a base station of a satellite-based communications network. The channel access message includes a first data group representing first information and a second data group representing second information, which is transmitted between an access terminal and a base station in a satellite-based communications network. The system and method encodes the second data group at an encoding rate to provide a second encoded data group, and encodes the first data group at the same encoding rate to provide a first encoded data group. The encoding of the first and second data groups is performed by a single encoder, such as a rate ¼ convolutional encoder.

Abstract: A method of injecting, isolating and separating mixed analytes from one or more samples. The method includes collecting successive fractions from each of a plurality of samples at discrete points in time. Fractions may be analyzed at the time of collecting, or later, using one or more detector systems. In one embodiment, a processor controls the elutions of fractions by modulating the migration field in a separation pathway. The processor also controls distribution of the fraction into a particular collection well of a plurality of collection wells.

Abstract: A waveform to be transmitted as a burst within a channel that is used for the synchronization of unsynchronized wireless communications terminals in a wireless communications system, and a method of synchronization involving the waveform, that consists of a composite waveform. The composite waveform comprises two or more component waveforms, wherein each of the two or more component waveforms has a known frequency variation throughout the burst. The composite waveform has a composite bandwidth on an order of an available channel bandwidth and each of said two or more component waveforms have a component bandwidth on the order of the available channel bandwidth. Furthermore, a range of values for the differences between the instantaneous frequencies of two of said two or more component waveforms is on an order of twice of said available channel bandwidth.

Abstract: A message format and associated method for estimating the frequency and timing offset of a reference burst of a random access channel in a time-division multiple access communications system. A signal structure in which the continuous wave segment is split into two parts separated by some portion of the content of the random access channel burst is used to provide more precise frequency estimation. Iteration of separate frequency and timing estimation procedures is used to refine both estimates, as the individual estimation processes are more accurate when there is less error in the other parameter. Multiple hypothesis testing is used, in which more than one initial frequency estimate is carried through the iteration process, with thresholding to identify the best frequency offset. Reliable rejection of false ambiguities is achieved because the degradation in timing estimation, due to large frequency offsets, can be detected with thresholding.

Abstract: Currently, three technologies are utilized for analysis of gene expression: hybridization-based technologies, PCR-based technologies, and sequence-based technologies. The present invention provides a method for analyzing the presence and/or amount of a specific nucleic acid using a solid support and a capture probe complementary to a region of a target nucleic acid, and polymerizing a labeled extension complementary to the target nucleic acid. The invention provides a method of analysis of all types of nucleic acids, and can be used to study multiple genes in a single assay using different capture probes conjugated to different class of microspheres that can be mixed in any desired combination.

Abstract: A method for improving spectral sampling using Discrete Fourier Transforms in a processor to detect a continuous wave (CW) signal in a burst having large initial uncertainties comprises the steps of dividing the burst into smaller sub-bursts; performing a Discrete Fourier Transform on each sub-burst; and non-coherently combining each sub-burst. A further variation includes selecting an optimal number L of sub-bursts based upon system performance, and desired detection performance at a minimum operating signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A high bandwidth efficient spread spectrum modulation using chirp waveform. The invention provides a method and apparatus for effecting the high bandwidth efficient spread spectrum modulation using chirp waveform. The method involves reducing the data rate by narrowing the bandwidth or by using a smaller set of orthogonal sequences. The apparatus includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes an encoder, an interleaver, a serial to parallel convertor, a baseband modulator that modulates the original bits onto each orthogonal sequence, and IF modulation. The receiver includes a down converter, an analog to digital converter, digital correlators, a synchronizer, a parallel to serial convertor, a deinterleaver, and a decoder.

Abstract: A method of channel estimation in a wireless communication system has steps of receiving a data burst comprising a plurality of portions of known data, and remaining data that is unknown; comparing reference data to each of the plurality of portions of known data and determining error for each of the portions of known data; averaging the determined error for predetermined ones of the portions of known data; and estimating error for at least a portion of the remaining data as a function of the determined error having been averaged.