WDM Based True Time Delay Array for Advanced RF Beamforming

An innovative concept for a scalable true time delay (TTD) array for digital beamforming is proposed. The concept is photonics and fiber optic wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) based and will support transmit/receive applications over the 1 to 20 GHz, extendable up to V bands. The design provides a digitally controlled true time delay array for beamforming effectively adaptive to Navy phased array radars and RF communications in any portion of RF spectral coverage. The Phase I approach will develop the photonic WDM true time delay array and demonstrate the key characteristics followed by a Phase II Program that will optimize the design and demonstrate full functioning 2x4 or 4x4 array of TTD for beamforming. Agiltron is working closely with BAE Systems on this unconventional approach leveraging our recent breakthroughs in manufacturing high performance fiber delay lines and fiber optic WDM technologies. The proposed approach overcomes the deficiencies associated with electronic beam forming components, offering frequency independent performance by controlling the phase and amplitude in a small, lightweight package with minimal power consumption. Our approach provides unprecedented performance in terms of scalability to large array, wide dynamic range, and fast dynamic reconfigurability.