Adaptive Auto Tune Filters for Nanosecond Response Signal Processing for ESM

Jamming and co-site Interference from high power, on-board emitters such as long-range radar present significant challenges to multi-mission capability and interoperability for airborne Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and ESM systems. Metamagnetics proposes a wide band, Auto-Tune Filter (AtF) based on its Frequency Selective Limiter technology to enhance the Navy’s ESM probability of intercept and radar mission effectiveness on SWAP sensitive airborne platforms. AtF technology can be used to produce small, passive, solid-state devices that automatically filter high amplitude jamming and interference signals. The AtF is able to tune to an interfering frequency in less than 100 nanoseconds and provide a 20dB+ notch filter response with Q in the 100-1000 range.AtFs are analog devices that provide Signal Processing capability at RF without power, control circuitry or software and can significantly reduce the complexity of complementary Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and coordination techniques in both direct staring and superheterodyne broadband receivers. Any number of discrete notches can be simultaneously generated in a single AtF device. Minimal modification to the ESM architecture is needed since the signal processing occurs in real-time. The AtF can enable ESM to continue over a large bandwidth at the same time as other onboard emitters are transmitting.