Smart Modules/Antennas to Enable Multiple Simultaneous TCDLs

The edge on the battlefield today comes from improved communications and real-time situational awareness. Current solutions relying on omni-directional antennas congest the RF space reducing the effectiveness of TCDL multi-node networks. In addition, the wide coverage pattern of an omni-directional antenna results in high probability of intercept, high probability of detection, and low protection from jamming. Using a directive mechanically gimbled antenna to solve the drawbacks associated with an omni-directional antenna will limit the number of supported communication links to the number of antennas capable of being installed on the platform, and drives SWaP-C to an unacceptable level.FIRST RFs proposes to address these drawbacks with an innovative multibeam active electronically scanned array (AESA) with integrated frequency conversion capabilities. The combination of FIRST RFs phased array antennas with integrated frequency conversion allows for a flexible system that is capable of up to four independent TCDL communication links while keeping the SWaP-C of the system at acceptable level. FIRST RF will also investigate extending the frequency conversion capability within the AESA to provide I/Q analog baseband signals, or potentially digitized I/Q signals, to enable the use of lower cost, or even software defined, radios.