Introduction. A radar image is an image obtained by remote sensing the earth's surface with a radar device. Radar images are characterized by background graininess caused by speckle noise, which should be filtered to improve the quality of radar images. The structure of speckle noise reduction filters often comprise one or more parameters to control the level of noise smoothing. The values of these parameters have to be selected experimentally. In works devoted to speckle noise filtering, the methods used for selecting filter paraments are rarely clarified.
Aim. To present a methodology for selecting the parameters of multiplicative speckle noise filters on a radar image that are optimal in terms of the quality of the resulting image.
Materials and methods. The article presents a method for determining the optimal parameters of speckle noise reduction filters. This method was applied to the most conventionally used filters. The search for optimal parameters and testing of the filters were carried out using a specially designed image, which contained the objects most frequently found on radar images. The structural similarity index (SSIM) metric was chosen as a metric that assesses the quality of filtration.
Results. After determining the optimal (in terms of SSIM) parameters of speckle noise reduction filters, the filters were compared to select the best filters in terms of the quality of radar image processing. In addition, the operation of the filters under study was tested on images containing various types of objects, namely: large objects, small objects and sharp borders. Knowing which filter copes best with smoothing speckle noise in a particular area and what values of the variable parameters this requires, an optimal quality of radar images can be achieved. Filtering not only improves human perception of radar images, but also reduces the influence of speckle noise during their further processing (object detection, segmentation of areas, etc.).
Conclusion. The proposed algorithm allowed optimal parameters for several speckle noise filters to be determined. The quality of filtration was assessed using an expert method (visually) by comparing images before and after filtration, differential images and one-dimensional image slices. The Frost filter and the anisotropic diffusion filter with optimal parameters showed the best processing quality according to the SSIM metric.

Introduction. Modern digital phased array antenna (DPAA) systems incorporate a large number of identical transceiver modules (TMs). These modules require real-time calibration with a high level of accuracy. In a previous work, we proposed a real-time calibration method for all receiver channels, which is based on the use of a calibration signal (CalSig) of the same frequency spectrum as the reflected signal and modulated in phase and amplitude by BPSK and OOK codes, respectively. This method was found to have a number of advantages over conventional approaches. However, the use of the same CalSig sample for all receiving channels increases the noise power gain at the output of a digital beam-forming unit (DBU). To overcome this limitation, we set out to improve the structure of CalSigs by making them pseudo-orthogonal. As a result, the noise power gain at the DBU output can be significantly reduced compared to that obtained in our previous work.
Aim. To propose an improved design of a controlled amplitude modulation code OOK generator, which allows creation of pseudo-orthogonal CalSigs. As a result, the noise power gain at the output will increase insignificantly, thus having no negative effect on the quality of digital beam forming, signal processing and calibration.
Materials and methods. Theory of system engineering and technology; theory of digital signal processing; system analysis; mathematical modeling.
Results. An improved CalSig for calibrating the receiving channels of TMs was obtained. A structural diagram allowing the formation of pseudo-orthogonal CalSigs was synthesized.
Conclusions. We proposed a new approach to improving the structure of signals used for real-time calibrating the DPAA receiving channels. A structural diagram of an amplitude-modulated OOK code generator for pseudo-orthogonal CalSigs was developed.

Introduction. Machine vision systems are increasingly used in industrial production, particularly for monitoring the quality of electronic components. Radiographic (Х-ray) inspection is currently one of the most popular types of non-destructive testing. Electronic components are typically characterized by a small size, hence, their radiographic inspection should be based on obtaining images and their further enlargement. X-ray equipment for performing such studies is designed such that there are relatively small input doses of X-ray radiation in the plane of the receiver, which leads to a higher image noise than that using conventional X-ray devices.
Aim. To develop a method for automated object recognition on microfocus X-ray images.
Materials and methods. A method for segmentation of X-ray images is proposed. In the first step, adaptive median filtering is performed followed by correction of the image background by subtracting the distorting function. Next, the contours of the objects in the image are identified using the Canny edge detector followed by recognition of the objects on the resulting image.
Results. The developed method was tested for quality control of the installation of microcircuits and for determining the number of electronic components. The experiments confirmed the accuracy of the proposed method. When monitoring the quality of microcircuit installation, the number of detected defects differed from that verified by the operator by less than 10 %. The average error of the proposed method was less than 0.1% when determining the number of electronic components.
Conclusion. The proposed method for object recognition on microfocus X-ray images demonstrated sufficient accuracy in typical tasks of non-destructive testing of electronic components.

Introduction. Reflectarrays have a number of design and functional advantages over their closest analogue - reflector antennas (RA). Although microstrip elements are the most preferred reflectarray elements, single-layer microstrip elements do not allow accurate phase control due to the limited phase adjustment range and a high phase slope. The use of multilayer elements significantly complicates the antenna design and increases its cost. The development of a single-layer element that allows more than 360° phase adjustment and a low phase curve slope is urgent.
Aim. To develop a single-layer microstrip phase-correcting element with a phase adjustment range of more than 360° and to design a reflectarray on its basis for operation in satellite communication networks.
Materials and methods. Numerical studies were carried out using finite element analysis and the finite-difference time-domain method. Radiation patterns were measured using the near-field scanning method in an anechoic chamber.
Results. A phase-correcting element based on a single-layer Maltese cross-shaped microstrip element with close to linear dependence of element size on the phase of the reradiated wave and more than 360° phase adjustment range was developed. On the basis of the investigated element, a foldable reflectarray was designed. The reflector consists of four subarrays, which provide its compact folding for transportation. The results of experimental studies confirmed a high efficiency of the reflectarray, the gain of which is 1.5 dB lower than that of an identical overall dimensions RA in a 7 % operating frequency band. The operating frequency band of the reflectarray in 1 dB gain zone was 11 %.
Conclusion. On the basis of a Maltese cross microstrip element, it is possible to implement a single-layer reflectarray with a more than 10 % frequency band. The developed prototype showed the possibility of creating highly efficient foldable reflectarrays for operation in satellite communication and television terminals.

Introduction. An analysis of radio wave scattering over random surfaces frequently involves integral equations, which are solved by numerical methods. These methods are feasible only provided limited dimensions of the surface. The requirement of surface limitation leads to the appearance of edge currents, resulting in significant errors when calculating the radar cross section (RCS), particularly for grazing incident angles. The influence of edge currents is reduced by a function tapering the incident field amplitude. This function should satisfy the following requirements: to provide a low suppression of the field along the entire finite-size surface between its edges at the same time as decreasing the incident field amplitude to negligible values when approaching the edges. The incident field under the application of the tampering function should satisfy the wave equation with a minimum error. Although various tapering functions are applied for incident field amplitude (i.e. Gaussian, Thorsos, integral), none of them satisfies the aforementioned requirements.
Aim. To suggest a novel function for tapering the amplitude of an electromagnetic wave incident on a perturbed finite-size surface when calculating RCS. In comparison with the known functions, the proposed function must satisfy the entire set of requirements.
Materials and methods. A comparison of the proposed tapering function for incident field amplitude with the known tapering functions was performed, including the estimation of the error of satisfying the wave equation. To prove the applicability of the proposed tapering function, a mathematical modeling of the bistatic scatter diagram of a two-dimensional sea-like finite surface with a spatial Elfouhaily spectrum was carried out using Monte Carlo calculations in the Matlab environment.
Results. Compared to the known tapering functions, the proposed tapering function satisfies the entire set of requirements. The results of mathematical modeling showed that the proposed function for tapering the incident field amplitude provides acceptable accuracy of estimating the RCS of finite-size random surfaces.
Conclusion. A novel function for tapering the incident field amplitude was derived. This function reduces the influence of edge currents on the accuracy of RCS estimation of two-dimensional finite-size random surfaces, thus being instrumental for solving scattering problems.

Introduction. The scattering patterns of non-absorbing coded checkerboard-like meta-coatings (MCs) applied for reducing the radar cross section (RCS) of metal surfaces inevitably contain side diffraction lobes. Therefore, the development of MCs with a low level of diffraction lobes is relevant. For this purpose, it is proposed to use checkerboard-like MCs in the form of a set of several basic flat blocks with the same dimensions. The paper discusses two such basic MC blocks with different coding matrices. The cells of the metasurface contain two coupled elliptical ring resonators and are distinguished by a 2-bit coding of the tilt angle of the anisotropy axis. Coding matrices of the MC blocks are built according to the block principle.
Aim. To investigate experimentally and numerically backscatter patterns (BSP) for consonant (co-) and orthogonal (cross-) polarizations of the two developed flat blocks of the 2-bit digital nonabsorbing anisotropic MCs for different planes and polarizations of irradiation.
Materials and methods. Full-wave simulation of the MC blocks was carried out using the HFSS software by the finite element method. BSP measurements of the fabricated MC layouts were performed in an anechoic chamber of the Center for Collective Usage “Applied Electrodynamics and Antenna Measurements” of the Southern Federal University using an automated information and computing complex.
Results. The RCS reduction for the two blocks under normal irradiation is approximately the same and not less than 12 dB over the 9.8…21 GHz band. A good matching between the simulation and measurement results of backscattering patterns of the blocks in the region of the central lobes for various planes and polarizations of the irradiation is noted. In the principal planes, the blocks cancel the central lobes of the BSP by 10…25 dB; in the sector of angles of around ±40°, the backward RCS of the blocks is lower than that of the reference. In the diagonal planes, there is a cancellation of the RCS by 13…15 dB and an expansion of the central lobe of the BSP for copolarizations, as well as a bifurcation of this lobe for crosspolarizations in the sector of angles ±9°; outside of this sector the RCSs of the blocks are commensurate with the RCS of the reference.
Conclusion. The developed blocks of the 2-bit digital nonabsorbing anisotropic MCs can be used for broadband cancellation of the RCS of metal surfaces.

Introduction. The transition of glucose into the blood during automated peritoneal dialysis with regeneration of the dialysis fluid leads to a decreased removal of excess fluid from the body and corresponding violations of the water-salt balance.
Aim. To consider a system for automatically maintaining the concentration of glucose in the dialysate solution, which provides effective ultrafiltration, as well as to propose a non-contact photometric feedback sensor.
Materials and methods. The sensor is an optical system of an IR laser diode with a power of 30 mW and a wavelength of 1600 nm, a photodiode and a quartz tube, through which the test solution circulates. The sensor measures the attenuation of the radiation passing through the solution in a pulsed mode and calculates the glucose concentration. The selected combination of digital filters provides compensation for the noise of the optical system. Experimental studies of the efficiency of the sensor were carried out on peritoneal dialysis solutions with various concentrations of urea, creatinine, uric acid and glucose. At the beginning of the experiments, the sensor was calibrated in a pure solution.
Results. It was shown that the developed sensor makes it possible to measure the concentration of glucose in a solution for peritoneal dialysis in the range of 42…220 mmol / l with a relative error of about 15%. The time of one measurement is about 1 minute, which makes it possible to obtain up-to-date information on the current concentration of the solution.
Conclusion. This combination of characteristics will allow the sensor to be used in artificial kidney wearable devices for assessing the glucose content in the solution, calculating the time to change the solution and as a feedback sensor in a system for maintaining the concentration of the osmotic agent.

Introduction. Ventricular late potentials (VLP) are predictors of cardiac disorders such as sudden death syndrome, myocardial infarction and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Therefore, VLP assessment allows the severity and possible dangerous consequences of such disorders to be predicted.
Aim. To determine errors associated with VLP assessment by high-resolution 12-lead ECG recordings.
Materials and methods. VLPs were determined by the modulus of the cardiac electrical vector using signals from orthogonal leads. The conversion error was assessed using synchronous ECG recordings of 12-channel and orthogonal leads, the method of digital filtering (to reduce noise and interference) and the method of identifying characteristic points of the QRS complex and VLPs.
Results. The conversion of 12-lead ECG signals into orthogonal signals results in errors associated with the assessment of both the modulus of the cardiac electrical vector and all VLP indicators. The Kors transformation was shown to provide the minimum errors when assessing the cardiac electrical vector modulus in the QRS area, with the errors related to the VRMS assessment not exceeding 0.084 %. The estimation of the QRSd and LAS errors should consider the nature of VLP variations and the zone of uncertainty in their assessment. The ambiguity of the results of assessing the boundaries of violations and the absence of pathologies in cardiac ventricular depolarization indicates the influence of a large number of factors on research accuracy. Errors in the assessment of these factors may result in under- and overestimation of dangerous heart rhythm disturbances and incorrect prediction of the patient' state.
Conclusion. The obtained results can be used for reducing errors associated with the assessment of VLP indicators, improving the diagnostic accuracy of dangerous heart rhythm disturbances and predicting disease exacerbation due to structural and morphological disorders of the myocardium.