Enhanced Radar Metrology by Means of Miniature Angle Sensors

The physics of future space-based radar systems that are capable of tactical-grade target tracking require very large apertures operating at high orbital altitudes. It is essential to develop a system for locating the critical RF antenna components in response to thermal and dynamic inputs if the required coherent performance is to be achieved. For the large aperture architectures PSI has studied, basic geometric considerations mandate that angle measurement techniques have the greatest usefulness for the radar problem. PSI has chosen laser-scanning instruments as its basic angular measurement technology for space, due to their combination of speed, accuracy, simplicity of processing, and size. Our proposed innovation reduces by approximately a factor of ten the errors associated with temperature drift and digital processing in comparison with today¡¦s similar market technologies. Our proposed miniature angle sensor enables measurement of an example large, flexible antenna to better than ƒÜ/100 accuracy.