Abstract:
A system-on-module (SOM) for controlling an unmanned vehicle (UV) is provided. The SOM comprises a circuit board, a first processing system in operative communication with the circuit board, and a second processing system in operative communication with the circuit board. The first processing system includes one or more first processing units and a volatile programmable logic array. The first processing system is configured to execute a first process for the UV. The second processing system includes one or more second processing units and a non-volatile programmable logic array. The second processing system is configured to monitor execution of the first process by the first processing system.
Abstract:
A control box includes a housing defining an interior, the housing including a cover and a stiffener, the stiffener removably connected in contact with the cover, the stiffener including an outer frame and at least one cross-member. The control box further includes a heat sink removably connected in contact with the stiffener. The control box further includes a first circuit board disposed within the interior, the first circuit board positioned between the stiffener and the heat sink, and a second circuit board disposed within the interior, the second circuit board positioned between the cover and the stiffener. The cover, stiffener, and heat sink are stacked along a transverse direction.
Abstract:
A control system for an unmanned vehicle includes one or more processing units and a programmable logic array. The one or more processing units are configured to execute a first vehicle control process. The programmable logic array is in operative communication with the one or more processing units and includes a plurality of logic cells. The programmable logic array programs the plurality of logic cells according to first configuration data and executes a second vehicle control process based on the first configuration data. While the unmanned vehicle is operating, the programmable logic array obtains second configuration data for a third vehicle control process to replace the second vehicle control process. Then, while the unmanned vehicle is still operating, the programmable logic array reprograms the plurality of logic cells according to the second configuration data and executes a third vehicle control process.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for heat-dissipation in an avionics chassis can include a housing having an outer surface, defining an exterior of the housing, an inner surface, defining an interior of the housing, and a set of walls at least partially separating the exterior of the housing from the interior of the housing, a heat generating component located within the interior of the housing, and a thermal plane thermally coupled to the heat generating component and configured to direct heat away from the heat generating component.
Abstract:
A modular synthetic cooling jet apparatus for cooling at least one electronic component and including a first synthetic cooling jet is provided. The first synthetic cooling jet includes a first piezoelectric element, and a first pair of plates coupled to the first piezoelectric element. The first pair of plates includes a first top plate and a first bottom plate. The first synthetic cooling jet also includes a first air gap defined between the first top plate and the first bottom plate. The first flex circuit is coupled to the first piezoelectric element. The first flex circuit is configured to be coupled to an electrical power source and to transmit a first electrical signal to the first piezoelectric element. The first piezoelectric element is configured to actuate at least one of the first top plate and the first bottom plate to induce a first expelling air stream.
Abstract:
A control system an unmanned vehicle includes a first processing unit configured to execute a primary autopilot process for controlling the unmanned vehicle. The control system further includes a programmable logic array in operative communication with the first processing unit. The control system also includes a state machine configured in the programmable logic array. The state machine is configured to enable control of the unmanned vehicle according to a backup autopilot process in response to an invalid output of the first processing unit.
Abstract:
A system-on-module (SOM) for controlling an unmanned vehicle (UV) is provided. The SOM comprises a circuit board, a first processing system in operative communication with the circuit board, and a second processing system in operative communication with the circuit board. The first processing system includes one or more first processing units and a volatile programmable logic array. The first processing system is configured to execute a first process for the UV. The second processing system includes one or more second processing units and a non-volatile programmable logic array. The second processing system is configured to monitor execution of the first process by the first processing system.
Abstract:
A control box includes a housing defining an interior, a circuit board disposed within the interior, and an input/output connector extending from the housing. The control box further includes a heat sink removably connected to the housing such that the circuit board is positioned between the housing and the heat sink. The circuit board is in contact with the heat sink.
Abstract:
A method of referencing an imaged object includes, among other things, obtaining a series of images, observing key characteristics of the object in each of the series of images, associating the observed key characteristics with the object; and assigning a unique identifier to the object based upon the associated key characteristics. The series of images includes spectral and spatial imagery. Some of the key characteristics are in the spectral imagery and some of the key characteristics are in the spatial imagery.
Abstract:
A pointing system having a rotatable housing, a boresight relative to the housing, a rotatable mirror, and a laser emitting a beam of light, wherein the beam of light is redirected off the mirror to the pointing target. When the rotatable mirror is rotated, the beam of light is moved relative to the boresight. The system operates such that rotation of the beam of light by means of the rotatable mirror is greater than the rotation of the boresight by means of the rotatable housing.