Predictive Semi-Active Laser Pulse Correlator for Munitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semi-active laser (SAL) pulse correlators are large, heavy, power inefficient, and expensive, making them impractical for use in small, low-cost guided munitions due to their significant hardware resource requirements and correlation delays.
Innovation Solution
A predictive SAL pulse correlator is developed, incorporating a history buffer, correlation predictor, match identifier, and correlation verifier, or a circular buffer, master state machine, successive approximation state machine, and AND gate, which allows for predictive correlation verification with reduced latency and memory requirements, enabling instantaneous correlation processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional SAL pulse correlators are used, then correlation accuracy is maintained, but device size, weight, and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential correlation verification function from the conventional correlator architecture. Instead of implementing a complete correlation processor, the invention extracts the critical timing comparison function and implements it using a simplified predictive approach with minimal memory storage, thereby reducing weight while maintaining correlation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a predictive model that copies the expected pulse timing pattern from historical data. Rather than storing and processing all raw pulse data, the system creates a simplified predictive representation of the pulse train pattern, which allows accurate correlation verification with minimal storage requirements and reduced hardware weight.
2Reliability
If conventional SAL pulse correlators are used, then correlation verification is performed, but processing delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of pulse timing patterns to establish predictive models before actual correlation verification is needed. By pre-processing the timing data and creating predictive representations in advance, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time processing during correlation verification, thereby reducing processing delays while maintaining verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a streamlined correlation verification process that skips unnecessary processing steps. The predictive model allows the system to directly compare incoming pulses against predicted timing patterns without performing intermediate calculations or storing extensive historical data, enabling rapid correlation verification with minimal delay.
3Productivity
If conventional SAL pulse correlators are used, then correlation processing is performed, but hardware resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the correlation processing function into distinct operational phases: pulse timing detection, predictive model generation, and verification comparison. Each segment is implemented with dedicated simplified hardware optimized for its specific function, eliminating the need for general-purpose processors and reducing overall hardware resource requirements while maintaining processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic predictive model that adapts to changing pulse patterns in real-time. The system continuously updates timing predictions based on observed pulse arrivals, allowing the correlator to maintain high processing efficiency across varying operational conditions without requiring additional hardware resources for multiple fixed-mode processors.
Data Source
AI summary
A predictive semi-active laser (SAL) pulse correlator includes a history buffer, a correlation predictor, a match identifier and a correlation verifier. The history buffer is configured to store an indicator for each of a plurality of received pulses. The correlation predictor is configured to initiate a search of the history buffer for a pulse train match for a future interval and to predict correlation for the future interval when the pulse train match is found. The match identifier is configured to search the history buffer for a specified number of pulse matches corresponding to the pulse train match. The correlation verifier is configured to verify correlation by receiving a pulse during the future interval when the correlation predictor predicts correlation for the future interval.