An Integrated Antenna Set for Software Radios

Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) is a software radio capable of tuning from 2MHz to 2000MHz. A wideband antenna or a set of antennas are needed to support operation across the entire frequency spectrum of JTRS. To meet this need, Applied EM is proposing an innovative conformal design, which addresses the issues of ultra wide bandwidth, and conformality. The proposed design employs a novel material design to increase the bandwidth of conformal antennas. A unique design that covers the VHF/UHF bands and above (20-2000MHz) is proposed. For this adaptation, broadband antenna design will be optimized using emerging materials and scaling for a design which satisfies the required size restrictions and satisfies gain, pattern, and return loss requirements. Under the proposed effort, we will develop engineering prototype antennas and validate the design through measurements. A design optimization study will also be conducted for placement of the antenna set on the aircraft. Field measurements are proposed to integrate the antenna with JTR System. Development of these ultra wideband antenna designs will provide for robust antenna systems capable of providing interface not only to JTRS, but also to a wide variety of broadband communication equipment.