Gigahertz Digital Synthesizer

To address the Air Force need for an integrated, advanced digital frequency synthesizer, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Gigahertz Digital Synthesizer (GIDS). This proposed device is based on direct digital synthesis implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The innovation in highly optimized indium-phosphide double heterojunction bipolar transistor technology coupled with systems-level component integration will enable the device to generate stable, low-noise, rapidly tunable sinusoidal waveforms in the 2 to 16 GHz range. As a result, this device offers optimum bandwidth, spurious free dynamic range, noise figure, tuning time, frequency stability, form factor, and weight, as well as minimal power consumption, lower cost, and digital control, which directly address the Defense Technology Area 7 requirements for a compact and low-power frequency synthesizer capable of coupling with digitally controlled active filters. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of GIDS by selecting the optimum synthesizer design after conducting a trade study, simulate the design, and then build a prototype from commercial off-the-shelf components. In Phase II, POC plans to evaluate the Phase I prototype test results and conduct refined simulations based on realistic ASIC element modeling for subsequent very large scale integration fabrication. BENEFIT: The low power consumption and small form factor of the GIDS device will permit quality signal generation for multiple applications, ranging from communications test instruments to medical research equipment. GIDS can be incorporated into wireless communications and electronic warfare systems across all branches of the military.