Quantum navigation.

Lockheed Martin and Q-CTRL have been awarded a contract by the US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to develop a prototype of a quantum inertial navigation system (INS). This innovative solution could revolutionize military navigation methods, allowing for accurate positioning even where GPS is not available.

Called QuINS, the system is based on quantum sensors that enable extremely precise determination of position, speed, and orientation. QuINS operates fully autonomously, using only internal measurements and no external signal such as GPS. This means that the system will work in all conditions. "We want to take this breakthrough technology out of the laboratories and into practical application to support national security,” — said Dr. Valerie Browning, Vice President of Research and Technology at Lockheed Martin. — “Thanks to our projects in quantum technology and cooperation with industry leaders — Q-CTRL and AOSense — we are creating a solution that can really save lives on the battlefield.”

Lockheed Martin is working with Q-CTRL, a company that develops software to stabilize and control quantum systems. Q-CTRL, backed by the LMVentures fund, is recognized as a leader in quantum control engineering. Its technologies improve the accuracy and reliability of quantum devices.

The second partner is AOSense, a company specializing in the production of advanced quantum sensors used in navigation, positioning and synchronization (PNT) systems. Lockheed Martin complements this cooperation with its experience in adapting the technology to demanding conditions and integrating it into existing military systems.

“IBM Q quantum computer” by Lars Plougmann is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

The first stage of the collaboration will focus on testing the performance of the QuINS system. The team, in collaboration with DIU, will demonstrate the technology and evaluate its practical applications on the battlefield and in other demanding environments. One of the key applications of this technology is submarine navigation. Currently, these vessels must periodically surface to correct their position using GPS signals, which exposes them to detection. Quantum navigation systems, based on quantum sensing and the use of single-atom motion, make it possible to precisely track the position of a submarine for a long period of time without the need to surface, increasing their undetectability and mission safety.

Quantum sensors used in navigation represent an advanced technology based on the principles of quantum mechanics, which allows for measuring physical quantities such as acceleration and rotation with extraordinary precision. It works based on the principle of atomic interferometry – instead of classic mechanical sensors, ultra-cold atoms are used, most often rubidium or cesium, cooled to temperatures close to absolute zero. These atoms are put into a state of superposition by using appropriately configured laser pulses, which means that their matter waves diverge into two different paths. If the system is accelerated or rotated, these two paths diverge slightly. When they are brought together again after a certain period of time, a characteristic interference pattern is created, which makes it possible to determine exactly how the position of the system has changed. This makes it possible to calculate movement and position in space very accurately without the need for a satellite signal.

The introduction of quantum inertial navigation systems is a significant step forward in the field of navigation. They offer unparalleled precision and independence from external signal sources, which is crucial for military operations and other applications requiring high reliability.

Fiber splicing in different standards – installers' concerns.

Single mode optical fibers are manufactured in accordance with specific standards. ITU (International Telecommunication Union) recommendations are often used to determine the threshold values of physical and transmission parameters of fibers. Popular recommendations in this area include ITU-T G.652.D and the G.657.A1, A2 and B3 family of recommendations.

The fibers covered by the individual recommendations should be compatible with each other, i.e. it should be possible to connect them, although practice shows that, depending on the parameters of a particular fiber and the capabilities of a splicer, the effects of splicing G.657.B3 and G.652.D fibers may be unsatisfactory (high insertion loss).

Nevertheless, in the vast majority of cases, it should be possible to splice fibers of different standards, and the insertion loss of the connection should not exceed the value commonly considered to be the upper limit: 0.1 – 0.15 dB with OTDR measurement in both directions and averaging of the insertion loss value.

View of the image of fibers in the G.657.B3 and G.652.D standard on the screen of the Sendun SD-9+ L5877 splicer.

Inexperienced installers are often unsure whether the splice effect shown in the image above is correct. Although the splicer estimates the attenuation of the splice to be 0.01 dB, the image of the fibers visible through a good optical system suggests that there may be high attenuation at the joint.

The Sendund SD-9+ L5877 splicer has a high-quality optical system that allows the fibers to be distinguished on the screen in terms of the refractive index profile in the core and the sheath. The horizontal white and darker stripes in the image are the result of the refraction of light generated by the splicer's LED on individual fiber layers. Obviously, individual standards can differ significantly in this respect due to the different refractive index profiles. However, according to the ITU-T recommendations, these fibers should be compatible. The final effect of splicing (its exact insertion loss) can only be determined by precise OTDR measurement, but such connections should certainly not be rejected out of hand.

EasyIP 4.0+ series cameras with ColorVu 3.0 technology.

DIPOL's offer is gradually being expanded with a new series of Hikvision IP cameras from the EasyIP 4.0+, which is distinguished by even greater efficiency and better image quality than the previous generation of cameras. Thanks to ColorVu 3.0 technology, which uses the HikAI-ISP signal processor based on artificial intelligence and 3D LUT color correction technology, users can enjoy a color image around the clock with important identification details. AcuSense 2.0 technology, i.e. perimeter protection with human/vehicle object filtering, together with the AcuSearch function, enables even better filtering of false alarms and quick searching for objects of interest. Models with the -2U designation have excellent sound quality in various application scenarios thanks to Audio 2.0 technology with 2 microphones for perfect noise reduction. Models with the /SL designation have a built-in speaker and strobe light, and provide active and effective deterrence of intruders through audio messages and light signaling when a user-defined event is triggered.

Hikvision DS-2CD2047G3-LI2UY/SL K03215 IP bullet camera

CoorVu 3.0 solution presentation

How to connect several IP cameras with one cable?

A common problem in surveillance systems is the need to add another camera at a camera location without the possibility of running an additional cable. This is possible with special PoE switches, called extenders, such as ATTE xPoE-4-11A-HS N29810 or xPoE-3-11A N29814.

Using xPoE-4-11A-HS N29810 to install additional cameras on a single cable

Note that the total power consumed by the cameras connected to the extender (PoE receivers) cannot exceed the power budget offered by the switch that powers the entire line:

To ensure that the cameras work properly, the power balance must be calculated, taking into account the power consumption of the cameras (maximum power consumption should be assumed). In addition, you need to take into account the losses on the power cable, which depend on its cross-section, length and the voltage value on the PoE line.

Satellite TV (2 satellite positions), terrestrial TV, radio – distribution in 1 fiber.

TERRA equipment for TV/SAT systems in multi-family buildings using optical fiber and PON (Passive Optical Network) technology is an excellent alternative to a typical system based solely on coaxial cable. PON is a technology that uses only passive infrastructure (fiber optic cabling, optical splitters) in the optical transmitter-receiver section.

///The use of optical transmitters Terra OTM302T 6F31 A3030 and OTF302 6F55 A3055 enables the distribution of DVB-T/T2 and SAT signals from two positions through one optical fiber. LEDs on the housing allow for immediate verification of the correctness of connections and network diagnostics. The signal from the two satellite positions is transmitted separately at two wavelengths: 1310 nm and 1550 nm. A WDM 1x2 L383521 coupler was then used to transmit the signals in a single fiber. The FOS 102 E A98882 optical splitter allows the optical signal to be split into two channels. The next step is to use the WDM 1x2 L383521 coupler again for each of the two optical paths to split it into two wavelengths and feed the signal to the ORQ302 E A3133 optical receiver, which converts the transmission medium (light to copper). The output signal is split into satellite (4 polarization/band pairs) and DVB-T2, DAB and FM.

How HDMI to IP converters work.

HDMI converters use multicast transmission for data transfer between the transmitter and receiver. For this reason, it is not recommended to use converters in home networks (such a stream is sent in a traditional/simple network to each device, which overloads switches and routers). It is best to create a dedicated network for the converters, or dedicated VLANs (virtual local area networks).

HDbitT protocol is used for transmission. High-Definition Digital Bit Transmission Technology enables the transmission of audio/video at resolutions up to 4Kx2K @ 60Hz over the network cables, electrical wiring, fiber optic cable, coaxial cables, or wirelessly. HDbitT is a standard that provides all-in-one connectivity. The protocol enables comprehensive distribution of 4K Ultra HD video and audio signals, as well as the transmission of RS232, IR and USB control signals.

Application diagram of the HDMI to IP converter with the H3613 USB extender

Schematic diagram of a two-wire video intercom based on Hikvision's 2-Wire HD system. The 2-Wire HD video door intercom system from the EY series is the perfect solution for upgrading an outdated intercom or video door intercom system that uses a single or paired cable as a communication bus. In this system, communication and powering of devices such as door stations or monitors is done using DS-KAD7060EY G74828 and DS-KAD7061EY G74830 distributors. This is a Plug & Play system, which, once the devices are properly addressed and configured using the switches on their backsides and powered up, the whole thing starts working. Additional configuration is possible through the door station using AP (Access Point) mode. Remote operation of the system via the Hik-Connect application is possible, when using indoor monitors with WiFi interface. An additional advantage of the door station's main module is the possibility of fitting 1-2 call buttons or a blanking plug, e.g. if the ringing function is provided by an additional module...>>>więcej

Example diagram using the Hikvision 2-Wire HD video door intercom system from the EY series

Alpsat – professional measurement of DVB-T2/C/S2 signals