RF Sensor Performance in Electrically Large, Complex Environments

Modern military and commercial aircraft include numerous RF systems and associated antennas serving a multitude of functions. Typically, the designed free space performance of antennas is degraded by their installation on the airframe. Also, the presence of many RF systems in a small region creates enormous opportunity for undesired inter-system electromagnetic interference (EMI) via antenna-to-antenna coupling. These facts present the antenna/platform integrator with an enormous problem: how to place the numerous antennas on the airframe so that they can perform their stand-alone functions while minimizing interference. We propose to develop a tool that implements asymptotic ray tracing on electrically-large, high-fidelity airframe CAD models to accurately predict installed antenna performances and co-site interference. Phase I will focus on proof-of-concept development and validation core and advanced methods. In Phase II, the computational engine will be coupled with a sophisticated graphical user interface (GUI), with emphasis on visualization to aid the user in problem setup, multi-system management, and interpretation of results. The tool will offer advantages over existing asymptotic solvers through more accurate near field interactions, creeping wave algorithms for realistic geometries, and powerful diagnostic features.