High Resolution / Wide Bandwidth Arbitrary Waveform Generator for Telemetry Applications

ABSTRACT: In order to meet future needs for cost-effective high-capacity, secure telemetry systems, communication systems, smart weapons systems, UAVs, satellites, and other DoD platforms, further advances and innovations in digital-to-analog conversion must be achieved to support the migration to higher frequencies and operation in shared spectrum environments. This dictates a requirement for transmitters capable of wideband, complex waveform modulation, as well as for highly integrated, miniaturized power-efficient solutions. This STTR proposal by TallannQuest and The Ohio State University addresses these needs with a proposed solution for an integrated wideband arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) which could operate with a power-efficient multi-Watt power stage, based on innovative architectural approaches, combined with a semiconductor integration path supporting the wide range of DoD needs listed. TallannQuests experience in developing cost-effective rad-hard ICs using leading-edge CMOS and BiCMOS processes will assure the semiconductor implementation of the AWG will meet the environmental requirements for space, weapon system, and nuclear power applications. By leveraging the technologies and expertise of the ElectroScience Lab at The Ohio State University, this collaborative project will result in a high resolution AWG meeting both DoD needs, as well as those of advanced commercial digital communication systems. BENEFIT: In addition to meeting DoD needs for high-capacity, secure telemetry systems, communication systems, smart weapons systems, UAVs, satellites, and other DoD platforms, the proposed AWG solution that is targeted in this Phase 1 project will widely benefit commercial markets by providing a significant competitive advantage over existing technologies for commercial high-precision wideband AWG/DAC based integrated transmitter solutions. The products developed under this project by TallannQuest, in collaboration with The Ohio State University, will meet a growing need for high performance DACs in mobile/wireless communications, commercial radar, and industrial applications. Commercial satellites will benefit from the high performance AWG functionality, enabled with TallannQuests rad-hard technology, meeting the requirements of space environments. The AWG IC products to be developed under this proposed project fit within the overall IC data converter market, which is projected to reach $5.5B by 2017.