Abstract: A system for landing or docking a mobile platform is enabled by a flash LADAR sensor having an adaptive controller with Automatic Gain Control (AGC). Range gating in the LADAR sensor penetrates through diffuse reflectors. The LADAR sensor adapted for landing/approach comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, transmit optics, receive optics, a focal plane array of detectors, a readout integrated circuit, camera support electronics and image processor, an image analysis and bias calculation processor, and a detector array bias control circuit. The system is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view.

Abstract: A system for landing or docking a mobile platform is enabled by a flash LADAR sensor having an adaptive controller with Automatic Gain Control (AGC). Range gating in the LADAR sensor penetrates through diffuse reflectors. The LADAR sensor adapted for landing/approach comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, transmit optics, receive optics, a focal plane array of detectors, a readout integrated circuit, camera support electronics and image processor, an image analysis and bias calculation processor, and a detector array bias control circuit. The system is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view.

Abstract: A system for landing or docking a mobile platform is enabled by a flash LADAR sensor having an adaptive controller with Automatic Gain Control (AGC). Range gating in the LADAR sensor penetrates through diffuse reflectors. The LADAR sensor adapted for landing/approach comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, transmit optics, receive optics, a focal plane array of detectors, a readout integrated circuit, camera support electronics and image processor, an image analysis and bias calculation processor, and a detector array bias control circuit. The system is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view.

Abstract: A sensing circuit for detecting open and short circuit conditions in sensors is provided. The sensing circuit includes switching circuitry, a voltage supply, a test capacitor, and an operational amplifier. The switching circuitry is electrically coupled to the voltage supply, test capacitor, operational amplifier, and a sensor. The sensing circuit is configured to provide for a normal operating mode in which the sensing circuit provides an output indicative of a voltage across the sensor, and a charging mode in which the test capacitor is coupled to the sensor and operational amplifier and charged to a steady state, and in which the output of the operational amplifier is a function of the test capacitor capacitance and the capacitance of the sensor. A method for detecting open and short circuit conditions in sensors is also provided.

Abstract: A sensor interface filter having adjustable gain and Q is provided. The sensor interface includes a first operational amplifier coupled to gain circuitry, a gain stage, and a resistor. The gain circuitry and gain stage are electrically coupled to each other. The gain stage includes a gain stage switch, and is coupled to control circuitry. The control circuitry controls the state of the gain stage switch to vary the number of feedback current paths providing feedback to the inverting input of the first operational amplifier, altering the gain provided by the first operational amplifier. The sensor interface further includes a second operational amplifier coupled to filter circuitry and feedback switches. The feedback switches are coupled to the control circuitry, which controls the state of the feedback switches to vary the gain provided by the second operational amplifier and the filter Q of the sensor interface. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A sensor interface filter having adjustable gain and Q is provided. The sensor interface includes a first operational amplifier coupled to gain circuitry, a gain stage, and a resistor. The gain circuitry and gain stage are electrically coupled to each other. The gain stage includes a gain stage switch, and is coupled to control circuitry. The control circuitry controls the state of the gain stage switch to vary the number of feedback current paths providing feedback to the inverting input of the first operational amplifier, altering the gain provided by the first operational amplifier. The sensor interface further includes a second operational amplifier coupled to filter circuitry and feedback switches. The feedback switches are coupled to the control circuitry, which controls the state of the feedback switches to vary the gain provided by the second operational amplifier and the filter Q of the sensor interface. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A sensing circuit for detecting open and short circuit conditions in sensors is provided. The sensing circuit includes switching circuitry, a voltage supply, a test capacitor, and an operational amplifier. The switching circuitry is electrically coupled to the voltage supply, test capacitor, operational amplifier, and a sensor. The sensing circuit is configured to provide for a normal operating mode in which the sensing circuit provides an output indicative of a voltage across the sensor, and a charging mode in which the test capacitor is coupled to the sensor and operational amplifier and charged to a steady state, and in which the output of the operational amplifier is a function of the test capacitor capacitance and the capacitance of the sensor. A method for detecting open and short circuit conditions in sensors is also provided.

Abstract: An impulse noise suppression circuit for an integrator-based ion current signal processing system includes a one-shot circuit activated by a trigger signal that is produced when a noise transient in a bandpass filtered ion current signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. The output pulse of the one-shot circuit is selected to have a pulse width configured to mask a substantial portion of the noise transient without masking the remaining filtered ion current signal during the remainder of a knock window in which knock is detected.

Abstract: An impulse noise suppression circuit for an integrator-based ion current signal processing system includes a one-shot circuit activated by a trigger signal that is produced when a noise transient in a bandpass filtered ion current signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. The output pulse of the one-shot circuit is selected to have a pulse width configured to mask a substantial portion of the noise transient without masking the remaining filtered ion current signal during the remainder of a knock window in which knock is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a combustion condition, such as knock or misfire, includes an incremental integrator in proximity with an ignition coil and provides a stream of digital pulses to a remote control unit, such as an engine control unit. The incremental integrator includes an integration device, such as a capacitor, a threshold comparator, and a pulse generator. A charging current proportional to an ion current charges the capacitor to a preset level wherein the threshold comparator changes state, causing the pulse generator to generate a pulse. The pulse is provided to the control unit, which may include a counter for counting the stream of pulses. The generated pulse also is fed back to reset the integration device, for example discharge of the capacitor. The process is repeated during a condition window, such as a knock window or a combustion window. The count held in the counter of the control unit is indicative of the level of combustion or knock, as applicable.