ERA Technology Ltd

About: ERA Technology Ltd is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Antenna (radio) & Antenna measurement. The organization has 334 authors who have published 256 publications receiving 9087 citations.

On combining classifiers

Abstract: We develop a common theoretical framework for combining classifiers which use distinct pattern representations and show that many existing schemes can be considered as special cases of compound classification where all the pattern representations are used jointly to make a decision. An experimental comparison of various classifier combination schemes demonstrates that the combination rule developed under the most restrictive assumptions-the sum rule-outperforms other classifier combinations schemes. A sensitivity analysis of the various schemes to estimation errors is carried out to show that this finding can be justified theoretically.

Surface-Penetrating Radar

Abstract: Surface-penetrating radar is a nondestructive testing technique which uses electromagnetic waves to investigate the composition of nonconducting materials either when searching for buried objects or when measuring their internal structure. A typical surface-penetrating radar transmits a short pulse of electromagnetic energy of 1 ns (10/sup -9/ s) time duration from a transmit antenna into the material. Energy reflected from discontinuities in impedance is received by means of a receive antenna and is then suitably processed and displayed by a radar receiver and display unit. If the transmit and receive antennas are moved at a constant velocity along a linear path, a cross-sectional image of the material can be generated. Alternatively, if the antennas are scanned in a regular grid pattern, a three-dimensional image of the target can be derived. This paper provides a review of the principles of the technique, discusses the technical requirements for the individual subsystems comprising a surface-penetrating radar and provides examples of typical applications for the method. Continued technical improvements in system performance enable clearer radar images of the internal structure of materials to be obtained, thus advancing the application of the technique.

A contactless electrical energy transmission system

Abstract: Most mains-operated equipment in use today is connected to the supply via plugs and sockets. These are generally acceptable in benign environments, but can be unsafe or have limited life in the presence of moisture. In explosive atmospheres and in undersea applications, special connectors must be used. This paper describes a technique, the contactless energy transfer system (CETS), by which electrical energy may be transmitted, without electrical connection or physical contact, through nonmagnetic media of low conductivity. The CETS, which has been used to transfer up to 5 kW across a 10 mm gap, employs high-frequency magnetic coupling and enables plug-in power connections to be made in wet or hazardous environmental conditions without the risk of electric shock, short circuiting, or sparking. Energy may be transmitted without the necessity for accurately manufactured "plug-and-socket" mechanisms and may be transmitted from source to load, even when there is relative motion. Load-source voltage matching may be made inherent to the system.

Millimetre wave and terahertz technology for the detection of concealed threats: a review

Abstract: There has been intense interest in the use of millimetre wave and terahertz technology for the detection of concealed weapons, explosives and other threats. Electromagnetic waves at these frequencies are safe, penetrate barriers and have short enough wavelengths to allow discrimination between objects. In addition, many solids including explosives have characteristic spectroscopic signatures at terahertz wavelengths which can be used to identify them. This paper reviews the progress which has been made in recent years and identifies the achievements, challenges and prospects for these technologies in checkpoint people screening, stand off detection of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and suicide bombers as well as more specialized screening tasks.

Current and future uses of gold in electronics

Abstract: The applications for gold in electrical and electronic components are many and varied, and the quantity used is growing steadily especially with the growth in consumer electrical and electronic goods. This paper considers the various applications in the context of the physical and chemical properties of gold relative to other candidate materials. The question of reliability versus cost inevitably enters into the decision to use gold in a particular application, but the use of gold is widespread nevertheless, since it is often cost effective.