Sub-Array Demonstrators for Wideband, High-Power, Beam-Agile Transmitters Exploiting Polarization-Rotating Phase Shifters
Abstract
Project SummaryTitle: Sub-Array Demonstrators for Wideband, High-Power, Beam-Agile TransmittersExploiting Polarization-Rotating Phase ShiftersPrincipal Investigator: Nader Behdad, University of Wisconsin-MadisonProgram Officer to Receive This Proposal: Dr. Daniel Green, ONR Code 312Research Problem and Objective: The overall objective of this project is to develop sub-array demonstrators for high-power-capable (HPC), ultra-wideband, phased-array antennas using the concept of polarization-rotation phase shifting. This research focuses on the phased-array component (inclusive of HPC phase shifting mechanism) of compact beam-agile transmitters of interest to the future electronic-warfare needs of the Navy. The proposed technology is expected to be used in conjunction with one or more high-power microwave sources in a passive or hybrid active/passive phased-array architecture. The target technical specifications include input powerlevel of 50 W (CW) or 500 W (pulsed at 10% duty cycle) per element, minimum bandwidth of one octave (2:1) with a target bandwidth of 3:1 in the C-X band region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and a minimum phase quantization level of 1-bit with a target of 2-bits.To accomplish these goals, we will build upon our latest discoveries in the area of polarizationrotating (PR) reflect- and transmit-array designs. We will investigate phased-array architectures that employ PR-based reflect- and transmit-arrays to achieve wideband beam collimation andbeam scanning. We will design unit cells of PR-based, electronically-tunable spatial phase shifters with 1- and 2-bit phase quantization capability and develop thermal management solutions for their active cooling under high-power microwave excitation. Prototypes of these unit cells will be fabricated and experimentally characterized at input power levels of 50 W (CW) and 500 W (pulsed). The most promising design will subsequently be selected to design asub-array demonstrator optimized for high-power operation. A prototype of the sub-array will be fabricated and experimentally characterized. The prototype will include the digital control circuitry required for phase shift control and the relevant thermal management solutions.The technical concepts proposed in this project are directly relevant in addressing the future electronic warfare (EW) needs of the Navy. Navy~s current dominance of the electromagnetic spectrum is part due to the availability of large deck space and sufficient prime power levels that the surface combatant ships can provide EW systems to perform high-power emission and high dynamic range reception. Widespread use of smaller unmanned systems in the future is expected to challenge the ability to perform current tasks such as electronic support and attack. Small unmanned systems will be particularly challenged to emit in the electromagnetic spectrum with smaller form factors and more restricted prime power budgets. The proposed technologies contribute towards the development of efficient, beam-agile RF emitters for EW systems on size andpower-constraint platforms of the future. The proposed concepts are also expected to find applications in radar, high-throughput microwave/mm-wave communication links, satellite communications, and long-range wireless power transfer. Reduced complexity, high-power handling capability, broadband operation, simplification of thermal management, and high overall efficiency are the some of the key features of the proposed phased-array technology. Thecombination of these features is not currently available from existing phased-array antenna technology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912502
Entities
People
- Nader Behdad
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Wisconsin System