RF data communications link for setting electronic fuzes

Abstract

Fuze setting data for setting a projectile fuze may be transferred from a fuze setter to a fuze over a radiative data link. The radiative data link may comprise a signal transmission over one or more bands selected from a group consisting of the audio, ultrasonic, infrared, RF, visible and UV bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. In one embodiment, frequency shift keying is used to modulate a radio frequency carrier signal. Operational power for the fuze may be inductively transferred from the fuze setter to the fuze over a magnetic inductive link.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to a communications link between a fuze setter and a fuze, and more specifically to an improved fuze setter capable of transmitting a magnetic inductive power carrier signal and a separate high speed data signal. [0002] Multifunctional electronic fuzes for artillery and other projectiles are generally known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,704 teaches a multifunctional magnetic fuze, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Multifunctional electronic fuzes may be programmed to trigger detonation of a projectile upon the satisfaction of various parameters, such as time-to-burst, turns-to-burst, height of burst, proximity, and the like. [0003] Fuzes may be programmed by a fuze setter before the projectile is launched. Generally, fuzes are powered up and set or programmed using a magnetic inductive link between the fuze and the fuze setter. U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,704 and U.S. Pat. No...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] It is an object of the invention to provide a high speed data communication link that provides a greater amount of setting data to the fuze over a predetermined period of time.

[0018] It is an object of the invention to provide a high speed data communication link that allows for faster firing rates.

Problems solved by technology

However, because of the narrow bandwidth of the modulated signal, transmission of the setting data is relatively slow.

However, prior art methods are not capable of satisfying the high data transfer rates required to program newer fuzes that utilize GPS data within desirable time constraints.

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