Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring and/or determining the status of baty parameters by receiving and/or decoding an RF information signal from a sensor/transceiver located in the target battery, where the RF information signal contains information regarding the status of particular parameters of the target battery. In particular embodiments, the sensor/transceiver located in the target battery is operable to measure battery parameters such as voltage and charge status, store particular battery parameters to and retrieve particular battery parameters from a memory located in the battery, and transmit RF information signals containing battery information regarding the particular battery parameters to a so called readout unit. The readout unit is operable to receive and/or decode the received RF information signal, determine the status of particular parameters based on the battery information contained in the received RF information signal, and display the status information.

Abstract: An optically controlled MESFET semiconductor oscillator assembly having a MESFET semiconductor which, when voltage biased by a pulsed dc voltage, oscillates at a free running frequency; an optical signal delivery system, such as a light intensity modulator connected to optical fibers; and other oscillator circuitry including a pulse generator. In operation, the pulsed free running oscillation of the MESFET semiconductor can be injection locked to the intensity modulated optical signal delivered via the optical signal delivery system.

Abstract: A quasi-passive identification system having an interrogator and a passive ransponder. The interrogator has a signal generator that generates radio-frequency energy under the control of a manual actuator. A preset encoder encodes the radio-frequency energy with an interrogation code to produce an interrogation signal that is radiated by an antenna. The transponder has an receiver for receiving the interrogation signal and separating it into received radio-frequency energy and a coded signal. A decoder decodes the coded signal and looks for a match between the coded signal and the interrogation code. A response transmitter, which is controlled by the decoder, encodes the received radio-frequency energy with the response code and radiates the response signal. When a receiver in the interrogator receives the response signal, the response signal is decoded and analyzed for a proper response. A response indicator is energized when a proper response is received.