NASA's Hot 100 Technologies: Communications

Electronic Firefighter Escape Trail

This technology uses recent advances in Radio Frequency Identification Devices, combined with smart software, to create an electronic firefighter evacuation trail and fire safety information location system. The trail can be followed out of a burning building even if interrupted by changing fire conditions.

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Silent Speech

An alternative way of communicating is based on the direct interpretation of nervous system control signals sent to speech muscles by the brain. New ways have been developed using ElectroMyographic Signals (EMGs) to perform common interface functions such as joystick control, keyboard typing, and simple speech command interfacing when reading or speaking to oneself with or without actual lip or facial movements.

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Cellular Reflectarray Antenna (CRA)

This antenna is used with next-generation Ka-band satellites to eliminate the windloading problems associated with larger parabolic reflectors for dish systems. The CRA receives satellite signals for satellite television and communications services within a specified geographic area that comprises approximately 1,500 square miles.

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Portable Wireless Signal Booster

A portable communications signal booster, originally designed to improve communications for lunar missions, is lightweight, portable, and can boost incoming signals to improve local reception for cellphones, laptops, satellite, and Wi-Fi Internet receivers without the need for power plugs, cables, or batteries. It can be configured as an umbrella or window shade for easy deployment and compact storage.

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Extended Range RFID and Sensor Tag

This technology enhances the performance of surface acoustic wave radio frequency tags for passive radio frequency identification and sensor applications without the need for additional transmit power. It also can reduce transmit power requirements for shorter-range passive RFID systems. Applications include first responder personnel and assets, hospital patient tracking, and vehicle and container tracking.

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Real-Time Tracking System Uses Ultra-Wideband RF Signals

A real-time locating system uses ultra-wideband RF signals for tracking and reporting the position of transmitter-equipped people and objects in a variety of environments. Originally designed for use in tracking lunar and Mars rovers, robots, and astronauts, it has applications such as long-range tracking of emergency, military, and mining personnel where GPS is not reliable.

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Ad Hoc Selection for Voice Over Internet Streams

This technology features the ability to select specific audio streams from one or more sources and convert them into a multicast to the user’s audio player. This ability allows a range of information and/or data to be monitored from a remote location using existing network technologies in near-real time.

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Accumulate-Repeat-Accumulate-Accumulate (ARAA) Codes

The ARAA channel coding scheme enables communication at relatively low received signal-to-noise ratios and provides very high power efficiency. This coding scheme has an extremely low error floor and can be implemented with existing technology at low cost. Applications include fixed and mobile wireless channels and mass storage.

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