Affordable Sub-array for TT&C Phased Array Antennas

ABSTRACT: This Phase I SBIR research addresses an important and timely technological need, specifically the practical development and demonstration of a very low-cost, multi-frequency, multi-beam phased array subarray technology. This low-cost subarray technology is the fundamental building block required for the practical realization of a large hemispherical phased array useful for horizon-to-horizon simultaneous coverage of multi-satellite Tracking, Telemetry and Command (TT & C) systems such as that employed by the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN). As demonstrated by the Geodesic Dome Phased Array Antenna (GDPAA) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) effort, the success of this endeavor rests heavily upon the development of a low cost subarray architecture. Under this proposed effort, Alpha Omega Electromagnetics (AOE) will conduct both mechanical and electrical evaluations and analysis of several planar subarray architectures with the objective of developing a very low cost subarray that will provide equivalent performance to the current state-of-the-art L- and S-band subarray developed by AOE under the GDPAA ATD program and the Advanced Electronic Components for Sensor Arrays (AECSA) program. Results from this investigation will then be used to select a final candidate subarray architecture for design, fabrication and demonstration in a follow-on Phase II effort. BENEFIT: The results of this research will provide one of the critical technologies needed to support the realization of a large, hemispherical phased array antenna capable of horizon-to-horizon coverage. This array will be capable of providing multiple links to simultaneously support several control operations ranging from low altitude to geostationary satellites in different directions. The resulting subarray technology should have far reaching applications including serving as a basic building block of an ESA for the air and space traffic control as well as satellite communication. An additional application of the aperture technology developed under this SBIR will be for mobile applications where the subarray (or groups of subarrays) alone will serve as the complete functional antenna.