NASA Tech Briefs’ Electronics & Computers Web page spotlights design innovations in electronic components, semiconductors and integrated circuits (ICs), board-level electronics, power electronics, and computer hardware, as published in NASA Tech Briefs magazine. Many of the Tech Briefs below are correlated to a Technical Support Package (TSP) or White Paper that can be downloaded free of charge.

Charge-Control Unit for Testing Lithium-Ion Cells
Spaceborne Processor Array
Commercial Product Activation Using RFID
Chromatic Modulator for a High-Resolution CCD or APS
Instrumentation System Diagnoses a Thermocouple
Cup Cylindrical Waveguide Antenna
Cluster Inter-Spacecraft Communications
Electronic Escape Trails for Firefighters
Fast Electromechanical Switches Based on Carbon Nanotubes
Architecture for a High-to-Medium-Voltage Power Converter
24-Way Radial Power Combiner/Divider for 31 to 36 GHz
Three-Stage InP Submillimeter-Wave MMIC Amplifier
Solid-State High-Temperature Power Cells
Fast Offset Laser Phase-Locking System
Using Transponders on the Moon to Increase Accuracy of GPS
Controller for Driving a Piezoelectric Actuator at Resonance
Coaxial Electric Heaters
High-Density, High-Bandwidth, Multilevel Holographic Memory
Breadboard Signal Processor for Arraying DSN Antennas
Digital Receiver Phase Meter
Nano-Multiplication-Region Avalanche Photodiodes and Arrays
Disabling CNT Electronic Devices by Use of Electron Beams
Tailored Asymmetry for Enhanced Coupling to WGM Resonators
Phase Calibration of Antenna Arrays Aimed at Spacecraft
Measurements by a Vector Network Analyzer at 325 to 508 GHz
Dot-in-Well Quantum-Dot Infrared Photodetectors
Integrated Microbatteries for Implantable Medical Devices
Increasing Discharge Capacities of Li-(CF)n Cells
Creep Analysis of Lead-Free Solders Undergoing Thermal Loading
Robot Electronics Architecture
Inertial Orientation Trackers With Drift Compensation
Microstrip Yagi Antenna With Dual Aperture-Coupled Feed
Patterned Ferroelectric Films for Tunable Microwave Devices
High Power Amplifier and Power Supply
Ka-Band TWT High-Efficiency Power Combiner for High-Rate Data Transmission
Switched Band-Pass Filters for Adaptive Transceivers
Loss-of-Control-Inhibitor Systems for Aircraft
Four-Way Ka-Band Power Combiner
Waveguide Calibrator for Multi-Element Probe Calibration
High-Voltage Power Supply With Fast Rise and Fall Times
Noncoherent DTTLs for Symbol Synchronization
Wireless Measurement of Contact and Motion Between Contact Surfaces
Wireless Measurement of Rotation and Displacement Rate
Tachometers Derived From a Brushless DC Motor
VCO PLL Frequency Synthesizers for Spacecraft Transponders
Wide Tuning Capability for Spacecraft Transponders
Optoelectronic System Measures Distances to Multiple Targets
Interface Electronic Circuitry for an Electronic Tongue
Wirelessly Interrogated Position or Displacement Sensors
Inductive Linear-Position Sensor/Limit-Sensor Units
Hilbert-Curve Fractal Antenna With Radiation-Pattern Diversity
Single-Camera Panoramic-Imaging Systems
Inexpensive Clock for Displaying Planetary or Sidereal Time
Efficient Switching Arrangement for (N + 1)/N Redundancy
Lightweight Reflectarray Antenna for 7.115 and 32 GHz
Alternative Controller for a Fiber-Optic Switch
Robotic Vision-Based Localization in an Urban Environment
Cathodoluminescent Source of Intense White Light
MCM Polarimetric Radiometers for Planar Arrays
Two-Band, Low-Loss Microwave Window
WGM-Based Photonic Local Oscillators and Modulators
Aperture-Coupled Thin-Membrane L-Band Antenna
Focal-Plane Arrays of Quantum-Dot Infrared Photodetectors
Laser Range and Bearing Finder With No Moving Parts
Miniature L-Band Radar Transceiver
Using G⁴FETs as a Data Router for In-Plane Crossing of Signal Paths
Radiation-Tolerant Dual Data Bus
Nanocomposite Photoelectrochemical Cells
Using Isolated Signal Conditioners to Protect Equipment and Ensure Measurement Accuracy
Ultracapacitor-Powered Cordless Drill
Miniature Intelligent Sensor Module
“Smart” Sensor Module
Flight Qualified Micro Sun Sensor
Increasing Linear Dynamic Range of a CMOS Image Sensor
Mo/Ti Diffusion Bonding for Making Thermoelectric Devices
Photodetectors on Coronagraph Mask for Pointing Control
High-Energy-Density, Low-Temperature Li/CF_x Primary Cells
Electro-Optical Modulator Bias Control Using Bipolar Pulses
Mars-Approach Navigation Using In Situ Orbiters
Cylindrical Asymmetrical Capacitors for Use in Outer Space
High-Accuracy, High-Dynamic-Range Phase-Measurement System
Multi-Antenna Radar Systems for Doppler Rain Measurements
Modular Architecture for the Measurement of Space Radiation
Smart Data Node in the Sky
VLSI Design of a Turbo Decoder
Architecture of an Autonomous Radio Receiver
Scanning Terahertz Heterodyne Imaging Systems
Master Clock and Time-Signal-Distribution System
Synchronous Phase-Resolving Flash Range Imaging
Bar-Code System for a Microbiological Laboratory
Narrow-Band WGM Optical Filters With Tunable FSRs
Mapping Nearby Terrain in 3D by Use of a Grid of Laser Spots
Digital Beam Deflectors Based Partly on Liquid Crystals
Noise-Canceling Helmet Audio System
Two-Way Communication Using RFID Equipment and Techniques
Smooth Phase Interpolated Keying
Maintaining Stability During a Conducted-Ripple EMC Test
Photodiode Preamplifier for Preamplifier for Weak Signals
Advanced High-Definition Video Cameras
Wide-Temperature-Range Integrated Operational Amplifier
Advanced Systems for Monitoring Underwater Sounds
Wireless Data-Acquisition System for Testing Rocket Engines
Processing Raw HST Data With Up-to-Date Calibration Data
System for Secure Integration of Aviation Data
Servomotor and Controller Having Large Dynamic Range
Digital Multicasting of Multiple Audio Streams
Hybrid Mobile Communication Networks for Planetary Exploration
Optically Transparent Split-Ring Antennas for 1 to 10 GHz
Power-Amplifier Module for 145 to 165 GHz
Ice-Penetrating Robot for Scientific Exploration
Calibration Test Set for a Phase-Comparison Digital Tracker
Arrays of Miniature Microphones for Aeroacoustic Testing
Wireless Acoustic Measurement System
High-Power, High-Efficiency Ka-Band Space Traveling-Wave Tube
Gratings and Random Reflectors for Near-Infrared PIN Diodes
Aerial Videography From Locally Launched Rockets
Optoelectronic Nose Senses Vapors Associated with Hazmat and Security Scenarios
Video Guidance Sensor and Time-of-Flight Rangefinder
Multiple-Agent Air/Ground Autonomous Exploration Systems
Multiloop Rapid-Rise/Rapid Fall High-Voltage Power Supply
Applications for Subvocal Speech
A 640 x 512-Pixel Portable Long-Wavelength Infrared Camera
An Array of Optical Receivers for Deep-Space Communications
Coating MCPs With AlN and GaN
Automatic Locking of Laser Frequency to an Absorption Peak
Noise Source for Calibrating a Microwave
Self-Passivating Lithium/Solid Electrolyte/Iodine Cells
Hybrid Deployable Foam Antennas and Reflectors
Gesture-Controlled Interfaces for Self-Service Machines
Domed, 40-cm-Diameter Ion Optics for an Ion Thruster
Infrared Instrument for Detecting Hydrogen Fires
Modified Coaxial Probe Feeds for Layered Antennas
Detecting Negative Obstacles by Use of Radar
Pseudorandom Switching for Adding Radar to the AFF Sensor
Electro-Optical Imaging Fourier-Transform Spectrometer
Optically Driven Deformable Mirrors
Multiple-Flat-Panel System Displays Multidimensional Data
Probe Station and Near-Field Scanner for Testing Antennas
Automatic Alignment of Displacement-Measuring Interferometer
3D X-Ray Luggage-Screening System
Photodetector Arrays for Multicolor Visible/Infrared Imaging
Intersection Monitor for Traffic-Light-Preemption System
An Alternative for Emergency Preemption of Traffic Lights
Vehicle Transponder for Preemption of Traffic Lights
Automated Announcements of Approaching Emergency Vehicles
Digital Front End for Wide-Band VLBI Science Receiver
Full-Duplex Digital Communication on a Single Laser Beam
Pointing Reference Scheme for Free-Space Optical Communications Systems
Microwave Oscillators Based on Nonlinear WGM Resonators
Stabilizing Microwave Frequency of a Photonic Oscillator
IMU/GPS System Provides Position and Attitude Data
Compact, Efficient Drive Circuit for a Piezoelectric Pump
Developing Signal Pattern Recognition Programs
Airport Remote Tower Sensor Systems
Embedded Sensors for Measuring Surface Regression
Range-Measuring Video Sensors
Miniature Housings for Electronics With Standard Interfaces
Receiver Would Control Phasing of a Phased-Array Antenna
Modern Design of Resonant Edge-Slot Array Antennas
Simplified Optics and Controls for Laser Communications
Coherent Detection of High-Rate Optical PPM Signals
MEMS to Replace Quartz Oscillators as Frequency Sources
“Virtual Feel” Capaciflectors
Magnetic-Field-Response Measurement-Acquisition System
Miniature Housings for Electronics With Standard Interfaces
Lightweight Electronic Camera for Research on Clouds
Optical Profilometers Using Adaptive Signal Processing
T-Shaped Emitter Metal Structures for HBTs
Advanced Ka-Band Transceiver With Monopulse Tracking
Improved Photon-Emission-Microscope System
Data-Analysis System for Entry, Descent, and Landing
Hybrid Power Management
Hybrid UV Imager Containing Face-Up AlGaN/GaN Photodiodes
Magnetometer Based on Optoelectronic Microwave Oscillator
Absolute Position Encoders With Vertical Image Binning
Multiple-Bit Differential Detection of OQPSK
Some Improvements in H-PDLCs
Laser System for Precise, Unambiguous Range Measurements
Video-Camera-Based Position- Measuring System
Portable Airborne Laser System Measures Forest-Canopy Height
Deployable Wide-Aperture Array Antennas
Insect-Inspired Optical-Flow Navigation Sensors
Medium-Frequency Pseudonoise Georadar
Front-Side Microstrip Line Feeding a Raised Antenna Patch
Artificial Immune System for Recognizing Patterns
System for Processing Coded OFDM Under Doppler and Fading
High-Performance Satellite/ Terrestrial-Network Gateway
Dual-Band Feed for a Microwave Reflector Antenna
Internet-Based System for Voice Communication With the ISS
Magnetic-Flux-Compensated Voltage Divider
Hexagonal and Pentagonal Fractal Multiband Antennas
Power Divider for Waveforms Rich in Harmonics
SCB Quantum Computers Using iSWAP and 1-Qubit Rotations
High-Power Fiber Lasers Using Photonic Band Gap Materials
Circuit Indicates That Voice-Recording Disks Are Nearly Full
Quantifying Traversability of Terrain for a Mobile Robot
Software-Reconfigurable Processors for Spacecraft
Modeling and Diagnostic Software for Liquefying-Fuel Rockets
Progress on a Multichannel, Dual-Mixer Stability Analyzer
Nanowire Thermoelectric Devices
Fasteners for Printed Circuit Board Attachment
Patch Antenna Fed via Unequal-Crossed-Arm Aperture
Adaptable System for Vehicle Health and Usage Monitoring
Apparatus Characterizes Transient Voltages in Real Time
Improvements of ModalMax High-Fidelity Piezoelectric Audio Device
Long-Range Emergency Preemption of Traffic Lights
High-Efficiency Microwave Power Amplifier
Optimizing Parameters for Deep-Space Optical Communication
Advanced Three-Dimensional Display System
Full-Circle Resolver-to-Linear-Analog Converter
Continuous, Full-Circle Arctangent Circuit
High-Aperture-Efficiency Horn Antenna
CdZnTe Image Detectors for Hard-X-Ray Telescopes
Simulating a Direction-Finder Search for an ELT
Adaptive Thresholding and Parameter Estimation for PPM
Displacing Unpredictable Nulls in Antenna Radiation Patterns
Coupled Receiver/Decoders for Low-Rate Turbo Codes
Integrated Pointing and Signal Detector for Optical Receiver
Coherent Laser Instrument Would Measure Range and Velocity
Printed Microinductors for Flexible Substrates
Digital Receiver for Microwave Radiometry
Series-Connected Buck Boost Regulators
Printed Antennas Made Reconfigurable by Use of MEMS Switches
Fractal Reference Signals in Pulse-Width Modulation
Upgrading the Space Shuttle Caution and Warning System
Sensors for Pointing Moving Instruments Toward Each Other
Improved Cathode Structure for a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Improved Anode for a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
X-Band, 17-Watt Solid-State Power Amplifier
Full-Power Computers Run Indefinitely on Hot-Swappable Lithium-Ion Batteries
Indoor Navigation Using Direction Sensor and Beacons
Automated Analysis, Classification, and Display of Waveforms
Fast-Acquisition/Weak-Signal-Tracking GPS Receiver for HEO
Signal Design for Improved Ranging Among Multiple Transceivers
High-Rate Digital Receiver Board
Tests of Multibeam Scintillation Mitigation on Laser Uplinks
Research and Development in Optical Communications
Improved Timing Scheme for Spaceborne Precipitation Radar
Strobe Traffic Lights Warn of Approaching Emergency Vehicles
Improved Method of Locating Defects in Wiring Insulation
Four-Channel PC/104 MIL-STD-1553 Circuit Board
Compact Tactile Sensors for Robot Fingers
Improved Ion-Channel Biosensors
Suspended-Patch Antenna With Inverted, EM-Coupled Feed
System Would Predictively Preempt Traffic Lights for Emergency Vehicles
Hyperboloid Wire Basket Connector Technology Provides High-Performance Interconnect Solutions
CHEM-Based Self-Deploying Spacecraft Radar Antennas
Scalable Multiprocessor for High-Speed Computing in Space
Low-Cutoff, High-Pass Digital Filtering of Neural Signals
Iterative Demodulation and Decoding of Non-Square QAM
Data Relay Board With Protocol for High-Speed, Free-Space Optical Communications
Analyzing Spacecraft Telecommunication Systems
FPGA-Based, Self-Checking, Fault-Tolerant Computers
Ultralow-Power Digital Correlator for Microwave Polarimetry
Grounding Headphones for Protection Against ESD
Highly Efficient Vector-Inversion Pulse Generators
Lightweight Stacks of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Optoelectronic Sensor System for Guidance in Docking
Ka-Band Autonomous Formation Flying Sensor
CMOS VLSI Active-Pixel Sensor for Tracking
Lightweight, Self-Deploying Foam Antenna Structures
Electrically Small Microstrip Quarter- Wave Monopole Antennas
Active Power Filters Provide a Cost- Effective, Flexible Solution for System Harmonic Control
A 2-to-48-MHz Phase-Locked Loop
Some Improvements in Signal-Conditioning Circuits
Membrane-Based Water Evaporator for a Space Suit
Compact Microscope Imaging System With Intelligent Controls
Chirped- Superlattice, Blocked- Intersubband QWIP
Charge-Dissipative Electrical Cables
Deep-Sea Video Cameras Without Pressure Housings
RFID and Memory Devices Fabricated Integrally on Substrates
Scalable Architecture for Multihop Wireless ad Hoc Networks
Improved Thermoplastic/Iron-Particle Transformer Cores
Cooperative Lander-Surface/Aerial Microflyer Missions for Mars Exploration
Reduction of Phase Ambiguity in an Offset-QPSK Receiver
Eight-Channel Continuous Timer
Radar for Monitoring Hurricanes From Geostationary Orbit
EHW Approach to Temperature Compensation of Electronics
Polymorphic Electronic Circuits
Micro-Tubular Fuel Cells
Analysis of SSEM Sensor Data Using BEAM
Hairlike Percutaneous Photochemical Sensors
Video Guidance Sensors Using Remotely Activated Targets
Simulating Remote Sensing Systems
Advanced Signal Conditioners for Data-Acquisition Systems
Downlink Data Multiplexer
Parallel-Processing Equalizers for Multi-Gbps Communications
AIN-Based Packaging for SiC High-Temperature Electronics
A Building-Block Approach to COTS Technology
Radar for Measuring Soil Moisture Under Vegetation
Electronic Tongue for Quantitation of Contaminants in Water
Modular Wireless Data-Acquisition and Control System
Microwave System for Detecting Ice on Aircraft
Routing Algorithm Exploits Spatial Relations
Two-Finger EKG Method of Detecting Evasive Responses
Tailoring Ion-Thruster Grid Apertures for Greater Efficiency
Lidar for Guidance of a Spacecraft or Exploratory Robot
Backed Bending Actuator
Compact Optoelectronic Compass
Micro Sun Sensor for Spacecraft
Adaptive Fault-Tolerant Computer Capable of Error-Free Operation During Solar Flares
Passive IFF: Autonomous Nonintrusive Rapid Identification of Friendly Assets
Finned-Ladder Slow-Wave Circuit for a TWT
Directional Radio-Frequency Identification Tag Reader
Techniques for Characterizing Microwave Printed Antennas
Cylindrical Antenna With Partly Adaptive Phased-Array Feed
Command Interface ASIC - Analog Interface ASIC Chip Set
MMIC HEMT Power Amplifier for 140 to 170 GHz
High-Voltage Droplet Dispenser
Network Extender for MIL-STD-1553 Bus
Prototype Parts of a Digital Beam-Forming Wide-Band Receiver
A Timer for Synchronous Digital Systems
Noncoherent Tracking of a Source of a Data-Modulated Signal
Flight Test of an Intelligent Flight-Control System
Monitoring Volcanoes by Use of Air-Dropped Sensor Packages
Capacitive Sensors for Measuring Masses of Cryogenic Fluids
Multimode Broad-Band Patch Antennas
UHF Microstrip Antenna Array for Synthetic-Aperture Radar
164-GHz MMIC HEMT Frequency Doubler
GPS Position and Heading Circuitry for Ships
Connecting to Thermocouples With Fewer Lead Wires
Zipper Connectors for Flexible Electronic Circuits
Modular, Parallel Pulse-Shaping Filter Architectures
High-Fidelity Piezoelectric Audio Device
Photovoltaic Power Station With Ultracapacitors for Storage
Parallel Subconvolution Filtering Architectures
Radio System for Locating Emergency Workers
Capacitor-Chain Successive-Approximation ADC
Simpler Alternative to an Optimum FQPSK-B Viterbi Receiver
Multilayer Patch Antenna Surrounded by a Metallic Wall
The Ames Power Monitoring System
Adaptive Suppression of Noise in Voice Communications
Microbatteries for Combinatorial Studies of Conventional Lithium-Ion Batteries
High-Performance Solid-State W-Band Power Amplifiers
Wireless Temperature-Monitoring System
Analog Binaural Circuits for Detecting and Locating Leaks
Cascade Back-Propagation Learning in Neural Networks
Using PXI-Based Arbitrary Waveform Generators for Non-Standard Raster/Stroke (Vector) Video
Block QCA Fault-Tolerant Logic Gates
Hybrid VLSI/QCA Architecture for Computing FFTs
Nanoconverters for Powering Nanodevices
Signal-Conditioning Amplifier Recorders
SpaceWire Driver Software for Special DSPs
Contactless Rotary Electrical Couplings
MOS Circuitry Would Detect Low-Energy Charged Particles
Software for Remote Monitoring of Space-Station Payloads
Relating Downlink Data Products to Uplink Commands
Integrated Electrode Arrays for Neuro-Prosthetic Implants
Common/Dependent-Pressure-Vessel Nickel-Hydrogen Batteries
High-Energy-Density Capacitors
Eroding Potentiometers
Survivable Failure Data Recorders for Spacecraft
Bit-Serial Adder Based on Quantum Dots
Compact Interconnection Networks Based on Quantum Dots
Delay/Doppler-Mapping GPS-Reflection Remote-Sensing System
Photodiode CMOS Imager With Column Feedback Soft Reset
Digital Flash X-Ray Imager for Quantitative Physiology
High-Frame-Rate CCD Camera Having Subwindow Capability
Interface System for Downlinking Digital TV Signals From Spacecraft
Stereoscopic Vision System Tracks Objects in Real Time
High-Efficiency Ultraviolet CCD Video Camera for Biology
Data Acquisition and Control Systems Laboratory
Geography-Based Routing in an Ad Hoc Communication Network
CMOS Image Sensors Capable of Time-Delayed Integration
Adaptive Camouflage
Microstrip Patch Rectenna With High Output Voltage
Ultracapacitors Store Energy in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Optically Transparent Patch Antennas
Improved Thermoelectric Converter Units and Power Generators
Sensor Webs
Microplasmic Coating Shows High Resistance to Wear, Heat and Corrosion
Three-Phase Sine-Wave Generator
Seven-Element Circularly Polarized Patch Antenna
Biotelemetry Using Implanted Unit To Monitor Preterm Labor
Fabry-Perot Fiber-Optic Temperature Sensor
Luneberg Lenses Made of Open-Cell Polyurethane Foams
Single-Event Latchup Protection of Integrated Circuits
Inverse Rectennas for Two-Way Wireless Power Transmission
Plasma Window Technology for Propagating Particle Beams and Radiation from Vacuum to Atmosphere
Bounceless Switch/Monostable Multivibrator
Impedance-Based Cable Tester
Transmitting Data Signals via Fiber-Optic Power Lines
Photoelectrochromic "Smart" Windows and Displays