New Horizons in Receiver Technology.
Abstract
Efficient military communication by means of electronic (including optical) signal transmission depends on the available bandwidth, transmitter power and transmission losses, detector sensitivity and dynamic range, and the ability to discriminate against interference or jamming. Theoretical as well as practical performance limits are set by the receiver sensitivity, an element of the system for which the system engineer desires a performance near the theoretical limit. This report describes the theoretical and environmental constraints, as well as significant new device developments that will make possible communications over approximately three decades of presently unused spectrum, from EHF through the IR. Recently, new sources have been developed in this spectral regions, and simple, efficient mixers will permit wideband, multichannel communication systems that can take advantage of the shorter wavelengths and unique transmission properties of the atmosphere. At the short-wavelength end of the spectrum, new room-temperature Schottky diode and hot carrier mixers are inherently sensitive and offer a bandwidth in excess of 10 GHz. At these short wavelengths, high directivity can be achieved with a small aperture, a particularly attractive feature for satellite-satellite communications. High atmospheric absorption permits short-range terrestrial and air-to-air communications, relatively interference free, with frequent reuse of the spectrum.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 20, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA046489
Entities
People
- Arnold H. Silver
- Thomas S. Hartwick
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation