A sophisticated satellite-based system allows pinpointing a person’s location in a dangerous, isolated situation on land or sea. It thus hopefully speeds their subsequent rescue in many cases. Cospas-Sarsat uses three types of satellites: low-Earth orbit search-and-rescue (LEOSAR), medium-Earth orbit search-and-rescue (MEOSAR), and high-altitude geosynchronous orbit search-and-rescue (GEOSAR satellites). There are five LEOSAR, seven GEOSAR, […]
Aerospace & Defense
Rad-hard GaN transistors sport super-low on resistance
EPC announces the introduction of the EPC7019 radiation-hardened eGaN FET. The EPC7019, a 40 V, 1.5 mΩ, 530 APulsed, rad-hard eGaN FET in a small 13.9 mm2 footprint. The EPC7019 has a total dose rating greater than 1 Mrad and SEE immunity for LET of 85 MeV/(mg/cm2). These devices are offered in a chip-scale package, […]
Raspberry Pi-based computer meets mil standards for defense and aerospace apps
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions introduced the Parvus DuraCOR Pi, the embedded industry’s first Raspberry Pi (RPi) powered mission computer for defense and aerospace applications. The ultra-small form factor (USFF) DuraCOR Pi, fully ruggedized to deliver optimal performance in harsh operating environments, is the first mission computer to deliver 100% compatibility with the vast Pi Developer Ecosystem in a fully […]
Satellite-based search-and-rescue, Part 2: Ground segment and transmitter beacons
A sophisticated satellite-based system allows pinpointing a person’s location in a dangerous, isolated situation on land or sea. It thus hopefully speeds their subsequent rescue in many cases. Over one million emergency beacons are in use worldwide, all operating at 406 MHz (with some exceptions, called out below). Cospas-Sarsat does not manufacture or sell beacons. […]
Satellite-based search-and-rescue, Part 1: The overall system
A sophisticated satellite-based system allows pinpointing a person’s location in a dangerous, isolated situation on land or sea. It thus hopefully speeds their subsequent rescue in many cases. You’ve undoubtedly seen or read stories about someone miraculously recused at sea or in some relatively uninhabited, remote part of the Earth, without a way to call […]
RF/optical hybrid modules work with VPX-based embedded computing systems
TE Connectivity is introducing its NanoRF optical hybrid modules for the defense industries VPX-based embedded computing systems that require increased bandwidth and radio frequency (RF) signaling. The new hybrid modules feature high-density RF and optical connections within common connector module applications like radar, electronic warfare (EW) missile guidance, and tactical communications, along with any other small […]
NanoRF optical modules offer more speed and functionality in small form factor
TE Connectivity (TE) is introducing its NanoRF optical hybrid modules for the defense industries VPX-based embedded computing systems that require increased bandwidth and radio frequency (RF) signaling. The new hybrid modules feature high-density RF and optical connections within common connector module applications like radar, electronic warfare (EW) missile guidance and tactical communications, along with any […]
Rad-hard eFPGA IP works with 90-nm rad-hard fab process
QuickLogic Corporation announced it has teamed with SkyWater Technology to make a “fast boot” rad-hard eFPGA IP available to users of SkyWater’s 90 nm rad-hard (RH90) process. This technology can be embedded as an IP core in ASIC and SoC devices or implemented as a custom rad-hard FPGA for mission-critical and/or ruggedized applications. QuickLogic’s eFPGA […]
Small-form-factor Ethernet switch optimized for near earth orbit, low earth orbit missions
Aitech Systems now offers the space industry’s first standalone small form factor (SFF) Ethernet switch designed and tested for near-earth orbit (NEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) missions. The new S-A6640 is a managed Ethernet Switch/Router with 12x1GE copper ports and uses IP and Ethernet protocols to help significantly improve communication speeds while lowering costs and […]
Reaction wheels ensure satellites maintain the right attitude: Part 2
Electrically driven reaction wheels use conservation of angular momentum to keep a satellite pointed in the right direction, eliminating the need for fuel-powered and limited thrusters. Part 1 was an introduction to reaction wheel basics. This part continues the investigation into their performance and construction. Physics and analysis Although the basic principle of reaction wheels […]