Revolutionary Photonics-True-Time-Delay Units

In this SBIR program we will design, build, and deliver a phased array radar time delay unit (TDU) with unprecedented performance. The enabling innovation is a new photonics-true-time-delay (PTTD) architecture that will provide: larger delay tuning (up to 20 nsec), low insertion loss (<2 dB), high bandwidth (>10 Gbit), rugged monolithic construction with no moving part, and very low SWaP. Importantly, this approach will realize large time delay tunability and low insertion loss, all in a form factor that enables integration of many channels in a compact package. For example, we have designed a device that will provide 1000 channels in one monolithic"window-pane"like package (~70 & #61620;70 & #61620;0.3 cm). This may be mounted directly prior to an antenna array. Finally, the simplicity of the approach enables low production costs.