Maximizing Output Power of All-Digital, Solid-State Arrays for Long-Distance Applications
Abstract
This project will fund a cooperative research and development effort so that the ARRC and Epirus can conduct research required to develop a sophisticated measurement system necessary for the design of high-powered amplifiers and innovative signal conditioning circuits. The research measurement system will be located on OUs campus to leverage joint expertise. Currently, such test capabilitiesdo not exist within the State of Oklahoma, which significantly hinders abilities to innovate and quickly respond to opportunities.The goal is to determine the ability to increase the transmitted long-distance power density of phased arrays to overcome radar range limitations. To create and enhance high power capabilities, investment in a measurement system and associated equipment is required to facilitate the research needed to understand how maximum power from solid-state amplifiers can be achieved. The Advanced Radar Research Center (ARRC) at the University of Oklahoma (OU) has built a strong reputation in the research and development of digitalphased array radars. Traditional, small-signal signal analysis and device measurement tools that we already have at the ARRC not suitable for this these tasks. During the course of the research, we will purchase a high-performance, active load-pull system to provide an efficient and effective tool for this endeavor. Currently, such test capabilities do not exist within the State of Oklahoma, which significantly hinders abilities to innovate and quickly respond to opportunities that serve our nation. This active load-pull system is 10-100X faster than traditional load-pull systems. This is crucial to obtaining larger sets of data in a timely mannerto build more accurate machine learning models for amplifier power and linearization. It has the ability to perform full modulatedmeasurements. This function is important for the research goal of increasing power and range for radar and will provide data to machine learning algorithms that contains modulated waveforms. The project includes: (1) load-pull research; (2) construction and development of a high-power amplifier testbed in Norman, which includes suite of high-power solid-state amplifier prototypes for software development, waveform design, and data analysis; (4) final assemblies on Horus, and (5) research and development by Epirus on digitally controlled impedance matching prototypes, digital predistortion, and adaptive circuits for long-range capabilities and outdoor demos. Approved for Public Release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312762
Entities
People
- Mark Yeary
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Oklahoma