NEW TECHNOLOGIES

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02 Jul 08. Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing announced the availability of the Power Accessory Distribution System (PADS), a ready to use, rugged, drop-in power source that delivers 110 Vac as well as 12 Vdc and 5 Vdc power outlets in 28 Vdc power-based military vehicles. PADS enables soldiers to power a myriad of electronic devices that would otherwise not be supported by their vehicles traditional 28 Vdc power supply, without compromising the vehicle equipment. This compact accessory power system provides power conditioning and power outlets for 110/12/5 Volt common plug items. “With the introduction of the PADS, Curtiss-Wright Controls, Littleton Operations has taken the bold step of turning its decades of custom design and manufacturing expertise into a standard product line,” said Mark Baker, Vice President and General Manager. “The PADS product line allows our number one customer, the US Soldier, to conveniently keep all their critical electronic equipment fully charged and operational while out on extended missions.” The rugged, modular PADS system is designed for use in harsh environments. It supports operation over a -30°C to +55°C temperature range. Power outlets provided by PADS include dual 12V “cigarette” receptacles, dual 110 VAC utility outlets, dual 5V USB ports, and an 18-30V input connector. Easily installed into space constrained vehicle cab compartments, the main housing of PADS measures only 14” x 6” x 3.1” (length including mounting flange: 17.175”). The PADS configuration can be customized for unique installation requirements, such as cable, chassis and mounting, to meet the specific vehicle needs of the end user.

Jun 08. Plextek designed X-band PAs from UK supplier. Both MMICs cover the entire of X-band (8 to 12GHz) and will be available as bare die, packaged components or connectorised modules. A significant advantage of these PAs is that they will not be subject to ITAR restrictions as fabrication, design and supply is all undertaken by non-US companies. Plextek is already in discussions with the same client about future MMIC developments including broadband (6 to
18GHz) digitally controlled phase-shifters, digitally controlled attenuators and power amplifiers. The X-band PAs are 50O matched and require no external components. An on-chip active biasing network allows the use of a fixed gate bias potential and helps compensate for performance variation with temperature and process spread. The amplifiers are fabricated on a robust 0.5µm gate length power PHEMT process that is well suited to high volume production. Application areas include point to point and point to multi-point radios and radar applications. Preliminary data sheets for the parts are now available .

30 Jun 08. A BAE Systems seeker detected an incoming ballistic missile enabling the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system to intercept its target during testing at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. The test, conducted by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and THAAD prime contractor and systems integrator Lockheed Martin, examined how the interceptor and its seeker detect a separating target missile to destroy the warhead. “In this test, the THAAD seeker had to detect the incoming warhead among multiple pieces of the incoming target missile,” said John Watkins, BAE Systems’ THAAD program director. “To further complicate things, this was the program’s first daylight engagement, meaning the seeker had to distinguish the target from false ‘targets’ created by reflected sunlight.” Watkins likened the achievement to “hitting a bullet with a bullet while the shell casing is flying along side and someone is shining a flashlight in your eyes.” BAE Systems’ seeker provides infrared imagery of the warhead to the missile computer to guide the interceptor to its target. THAAD intercept testing will continue through 2009. Upcoming tests