Applied Technology Review : News

Electromagnetic spectrums are becoming increasingly contested battlefields. With increasing electronic countermeasure sophistication, fifth-generation fighter aircraft are less detectable, and major world powers are investing in cyber warfare technology to dominate the spectrum. FREMONT, CA: The electromagnetic spectrum is becoming an increasingly contested battlefield. The sophistication of electronic countermeasures is increasing, fighter aircraft of the fifth generation are more challenging to detect, and most major world powers are investing in cyber warfare technology that will allow them to dominate the spectrum. Many devices use the spectrum for wireless connectivity as cellular providers roll out 5G and vehicle manufacturers promote V2X communication. Scientists and engineers who design and test intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems face new hurdles due to this progression. As engineers are tasked with creating increasingly complicated systems utilizing more cost- and time-efficient techniques, these obstacles present chances for innovation. Gallium Nitride for Front-End Components Gallium Nitride (GaN), regarded by some as the most significant semiconductor breakthrough since silicon, can work at a significantly greater voltage than standard semiconductor material. Higher voltage indicates more efficiency; therefore, RF power amplifiers and attenuators utilizing GaN consume less energy and generate less heat due to increased voltage. As more suppliers of GaN-based RF components with production-ready, dependable products join the market, the utilization of GaN-based amplifiers has expanded. The growth of active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar systems requires this technology. Each of the hundreds or thousands of antennas in an AESA has its phase and gains control. These radar systems electronically steer beams using a phased array of transmitters and receivers without physically moving the antenna. Compared to conventional radars, these radar systems are gaining popularity due to their higher power on target, spatial resolution, and increased robustness. For instance, even if one element of the array fails, the radar will continue to function. Increased usage of GaN amplifiers in AESA radars should result in improved performance, as similar output power may be achieved with smaller form factors, and less cooling is required. As the sophistication of GaN-based applications and solutions increases, so does the importance of matching component-level test results with those at the system level. Traditional component testing techniques employing vector network analyzers provide a precise, narrowband view of forward and reflected gain and phase. However, this common method's continuous wave (CW) stimulus does not adequately represent the component's final signal environment. Use the broad flexibility of vector signal analyzers and vector signal generators to generate pulses and modulated stimuli more reflective of real-world applications and their settings. Combining this capability with S-parameter analysis is a way of component-level testing that is becoming increasingly strategic. Evolving FPGA Technology for Cognitive Techniques FPGA technology is also constantly evolving. Modern FPGAs include substantially more logic, offer higher processing power per watt, and handle data streaming up to 150 Gb/s with dedicated IP blocks. Five years ago, such techniques were just inconceivable, but today's FPGAs' improved computational capacity makes them possible. New FPGA technology enables the implementation of machine learning techniques into cognitive radar, which is one area of innovation. These strategies make radars more sensitive to their surroundings, providing more actionable intelligence. Instead of pre-programmed operating modes (searching mode, tracking mode, etc.), machine learning permits radars to adjust automatically to the optimal operating parameters, such as operating frequency and waveform kinds. Additionally, machine learning enables features such as automatic target recognition (ATR) and knowledge-assisted operation. While aerospace and defense firms have utilized FPGA technology for many years, we have also witnessed the development of more advanced FPGA design tools. Higher-level tools can increase development efficiency by streamlining the transfer of host-based algorithms to FPGAs and incorporating low-level HDLs into the design. Through the abstraction of board infrastructures, such as PCI Express, JESD204B, memory controllers, and clocking, LabVIEW FPGA also benefits from the close NI hardware-software interaction. This transfers the focus of FPGA development from board support to algorithm design, thereby reducing development effort without compromising performance. Even for software engineers and scientists with no previous VHDL or Verilog experience or hardware engineers with tight deadlines, more abstracted FPGA tools can be a game-changer in reducing development cycles. ...Read more

The pending patent delivers the most eco-friendly bleach and dye method, eliminating the usage of harsh chemicals, water, and electricity. “For decades, polyester and cotton have been in a race to be the fabric that contains the best properties of synthetic and natural fibers,” says Harrie Schoots, President of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. Fibre52 Cotton has presented a patent-pending method that will transform the way cotton is prepared and colored by drastically reducing the use of water and energy, removing harsh chemicals, and providing a natural-performance cotton fiber that can compete with synthetics. “Fibre52 gives a big lead to the cotton team in this race to produce an ultra-performance fabric, with no treatments, that brings the best of both worlds: optimal continuous comfort in a breathable natural fabric that manages moisture and dries quickly,” adds Schoots. The typical method of treating cotton, which has been used for over 80 years, involves dangerous chemicals and high temperatures that weaken the fibers. The licensed technique of Fibre52 cotton substitutes toxic chemicals with bio-active materials and employs lower amounts of heat in the pretreatment process, resulting in water, energy, and process cycle time savings of up to 50 percent. With the addition of Fibre52's dye technology, cotton keeps its natural characteristics and wicks sweat away from the skin rather than sticking to it. Fibre52 cotton is an intelligent temperature and moisture regulator, generating a layer of dry air adjacent to the skin and achieving a high comfort rating. “Fibre52s patent-pending technology combines the comfort of cotton with strength properties and moisture-management performance much better than poly-anything does, so you can be comfortable in a wider range of temperatures,” says Laura Thornquist, President of Fibre52. “This inexpensive, eco-friendly alternative technology is easily transferable, allowing textile manufacturers to utilize current machinery with no additional capital investments and repeatable in resultant coloration and shade of material with no need to change dye recipes.” Under the supervision of NCSU and SGS, Fibre52 underwent many rigorous tests to demonstrate its performance functionality. Fibre52 received top ratings in dynamic cooling and drying rate testing, as well as for less pilling and enhanced tear strength. The experiments found that Fibre52 cotton delivers a consistent heat flux and a quick drying time, indicating that the wearer would be more comfortable in both hot and cold climates because of the gradual change in microclimate. Fibre52 also marks a big step forward in terms of sustainability for the fashion sector and the production process. The innovative technology substitutes toxic chemicals with bio-active ingredients, consumes up to 50 percent less water and power, and shortens the dyeing process by up to two hours. With its performance characteristics, Fibre52 makes it easier to substitute petroleum-based fibers and fabrics and advances the circular economy with a more durable, recyclable fabric. ...Read more

The ocean space is evolving into a more digital-driven zone, following technological advancements like automation, AI, low-cost sensors, etc. in the sector.                        The seas are all set to undergo a rapid-paced industrial revolution with the development of robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), low-cost sensors, satellite systems, big data, and genetics, which are critically opening up new sectors of use and research within the ocean sector. These disruptive marine technologies facilitate a clean and safe future for oceans. Yet, every postulate comes with its own set of traits, invading ocean health meticulously in certain ways. However, innovations in ocean space have radically transformed the method of harvesting food, energy, minerals, and data from the seas. Ships, like driverless cars, are likely to become automated skipping processing in the future, as technology advances. As an industry with an economic value of nearly 380 billion USD, ocean shipping accounts for a distinct consideration, on account of the ocean traffic that often prevails, causing pollution and introducing invasive species and ocean roadkill. That is, over 200 whales were struck by ships in the previous decade, upsetting the ecosystem's balance critically. Hence, innovation frontiers in the ocean automotive space are envisioning progressive techniques like autonomous shipping, which assist the sector with a more efficient, clean, and cost-effective practice. The method combines pre-existing sensor technology with induced decision-making algorithms. Similarly, SCUBA divers work at deeper depths, with the desired period of nearly 15 minutes to complete complicated tasks. In addition, their bodies are under 10 times normal pressure. As a result, experts in the field are making feasible efforts to develop humanoid underwater robots capable of handling archaeological artefacts and employing force sensors to simulate a sense of touch for their pilots. As a result, highly skilled humanoid robots will likely replace human divers in performing deep and dangerous ocean research and engineering tasks, thereby restoring a flow in the ecosystem. Augmented and virtual reality technologies are gaining momentum in the ocean space, poised for robust economic growth. One testamental development in the sector is designing augmented vision displays—a waterproof, supercharged version of Google Glass—to assist divers and search and rescue teams to complete complex tasks with nearly zero visibility, integrating data feeds from sonar sensors. Because of advancements in aquaculture technology, an exponential increase in underwater farming is gaining plausible traction. Fish farming, highly considered a prominent source of protein, is distinctly shifting offshore on the grounds of technological innovations, thereby mitigating problems and hazardous impacts that could plague fish farms. Along with this, undersea cloud computing and new waves of ocean technology, as well as ocean thermal energy, are soaring in the ocean space, favouring plausible innovations and opportunities in the domain. ...Read more