Soldier Worn Antennas
Abstract
The performance characteristics of custom and commercial off-the-shelf antennas were determined by analysis or measurement for the GPS and soldier radio (1755-1850MHz) bands. Several locations for these antennas on the body were considered. Based on the analysis and measurements, a state-of-the-art off-the-shelf patch antenna with integrated low-noise amplifier was selected for GPS, coupled with a broadband planar fan monopole fed against the shield of the GPS amplifier. The complete assembly measures 2" long by 1" wide and 0.25" thick. A shoulder epaulet type pouch was designed and fabricated for mounting on the MOLLE which contains the antenna assembly. A survey of miniature GPS integrated receivers was also conducted. One unit was selected and delivered. Brassboard soldier radios were fabricated using off-the-shelf components. The latter were used to test the integrated epaulet antennas over two 400m links, one nearly flat tree covered path, and the second a more obstructed path also with tree coverage. Results of link testing with the radios having an output power of ^20dBm showed that single or multiple repeats of the simple test message were only required when both test subjects were prone at 400m over the flat path and beyond 200m on the more obstructed path.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA392206
Entities
People
- Glynda O. Benham
- Marshall W. Cross