Maneuverability and guidance systems, not just raw speed, are key differentiators for hypersonic missiles. That requires aerodynamic pressure sensors, optical sensors, inertial sensors, space-based tracking, infrared sensors, and more. All are combined into a single guidance system using sensor fusion. This article reviews the sensor types for hypersonic guidance, navigation, and target acquisition systems. Hypersonic […]
What sensors are needed to counter the hypersonic threat?
The old analogy of missile defense as “hitting a bullet with a bullet” no longer applies. The muzzle velocity of bullets is “only” 1,800 mph. A hypersonic missile travels at about 3,900 mph, twice as fast. A bullet can’t catch a hypersonic missile! To implement a hypersonic missile defense, it takes a comprehensive suite of […]
What are the mathematics that enable sensor fusion?
The mathematics that enable sensor fusion include probabilistic modeling and statistical estimation using Bayesian inference and techniques like particle filters, Kalman filters, and α-β-γ filters, which allow for combining data from multiple sensors while accounting for noise and uncertainty to produce a more accurate overall picture of a system or environment. Neural networks (NNs) are […]
What is negative temperature coefficient?
A negative temperature coefficient (NTC) refers to any physical value that decreases as the temperature increases or vice versa. In electronics, NTC usually refers to a material’s decreasing resistance as the temperature rises. This article examines how NTC device performance is quantified and compares with other technologies like resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) and positive temperature […]
When are signal conditioners not needed with sensors?
Signal conditioning is necessary in most sensor applications, but there are exceptions. This article discusses those exceptions and reviews sensor technology, system design, and operational considerations where signal conditioning may be unnecessary and expensive. Sensing is all about the output signal. External signal conditioners are not needed when signal conditioning is integrated into the measurement […]
What are the defense applications of electro-optical sensors?
Electro-optic sensors span a wide range of technologies, from various types of imaging devices to infrared (IR) detectors. They are used for various defense applications that enhance situational awareness, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue, threat detection and target identification, and protection against IR-guided missiles. Electro-optic and IR (EO/IR) sensors convert electromagnetic […]
How do facial recognition biometrics work?
Facial recognition biometrics is an advanced form of image recognition based on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). It can be used on still or video images. This article begins by discussing the basics of facial recognition, including facial detection and feature extraction using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). It then moves on to consider […]
How do ear recognition biometrics work?
In the era of face masks, ear recognition can provide a viable alternative to more commonly used facial recognition. The human ear remains relatively unchanged, making it suitable for security authentication applications. It can also be easier to extract information from since it is not subject to variations like facial expressions. Ear recognition biometrics analyze […]
How does voice recognition biometrics work?
A voiceprint, also called a voice template, is a unique pattern of a person’s voice sounds. Based on hundreds of subtle voice characteristics, voiceprints can be used to identify a person, just like fingerprints or facial recognition. The uniqueness of voiceprints derives from the fact that there are over 70 body parts, each of which […]
How do eye & iris scan biometrics work?
Iris scan biometrics is one of two techniques that use unique eyeball characteristics for security and identification purposes. The other technique is retinal scanning. Iris scans are more commonly used because they are quicker and less invasive, but retinal scanning can be more accurate. The two techniques also have different applications. A retinal scan requires […]
