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...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0035] While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments disclosed.

[0036] For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment the invention comprises a high speed radiative data transfer link 10 between a fuze setter 12 and a fuze 20. Fuze setting data may be transmitted by a transmitter 14 within the fuze setter 12, and received by a receiver 22 within the fuze 20.

[0038] Fuze setting data may comprise all relevant information required by a fuze to complete a mission. This data may include a timer startup instruction, a timer calibration signal, arming conditions, time-to-burst, distance or turns-to-burst, height of burst, pr...

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...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0035] While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments disclosed.

[0036] For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment the invention comprises a high speed radiative data transfer link 10 between a fuze setter 12 and a fuze 20. Fuze setting data may be transmitted by a transmitter 14 within the fuze setter 12, and received by a receiver 22 within the fuze 20.

[0038] Fuze setting data may comprise all relevant information required by a fuze to complete a mission. This data may include a timer startup instruction, a timer calibration signal, arming conditions, time-to-burst, distance or turns-to-burst, height of burst, pr...

Images