Wideband and High-Power Reconfigurable Plasma Matching Network for Compact and Efficient Phased Array Emitters
Abstract
Project AbstractApproved for Public ReleaseIn phased array systems, input impedance seen at the port of each antenna element constantly changes by the beam parameters and scan angle due to variation of mutual couplings between different elements. This often results in an undesirable jamming range reduction. Currently, in many active phased-array systems, a circulator is implemented in front of each amplifier, so that the amplifiers always see matched loads. In this case, however, a mismatch will occur between the circulator and the antenna. Also, it is very challenging to have circulators that can support both wide bandwidth and high power, as required in emerging electronic warfare systems. To address these challenges, we propose the design of a (a) high-power, (b) fast, (c) highly linear, and (d) wideband electronically tunable matching network based on cold plasma switching technology to adaptively optimize efficiency of active phased array elements. Such a reconfigurable matching network can be placed between the power amplifier and the antenna of a typical radiating element and is expected to allow optimum power transfer at different array scan angles and frequencies, as well as in changing environments. By the proposed approach of reconfigurable high-power matching networks, it is possible to eliminate such bulky and lossy circulators and dynamically load individual amplifiers to achieve high efficiency over the entire array. Fast tuning and high linearity of plasma switching enables such a tuner technology to also support pulse transmitters as well as radar waveform optimization and rapid frequency agility. The technical objective of the proposed effort is to develop and demonstrate the application of a compact and high-power reconfigurable plasma matching network for efficient power transmission. Purdue University, the lead institution, will focus on the design and performance evaluation of resonant and non-resonant high-power plasma switches with respect to required system-level parameters such as loss, isolation, tuning speed, linearity, and thermal stability. Furthermore, the Purdue team will design and characterize the reconfigurable plasma matching network based on the plasma switching technology to evaluate the system loss, impedance coverage, repeatability and stability, response time, and power handling. The University of Illinois team will design and fabricate custom plasma tuning cells based on the matching network requirements. The Baylor University team will design and test fast algorithms to adaptively tune the plasma matching network, using a software-defined radio platform, to optimize power transfer efficiency between the amplifier and antenna element in a prototype transmitter system. The Naval Surface Warfare Center~Crane Division team will focus on evaluating size, weight, and power related to tuner size and structure to fit within the needed system framework. This team will also contribute to full system evaluation under high power levels in both CW and pulse scenarios to assess ultimate parameters like reliability, thermal stability, and probable lifetime.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912549
Entities
People
- Dimitrios Peroulis
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Virginia