Architectures For Low Cost Active Arrays

This effort will survey innovative architectural approaches which exhibit potential for reducing the cost, size, and weight of active arrays. Communications applications will be emphasized, but other applications such as radar will also be considered. LOW cost is the single most important factor for fielding active array communications systems since significant quantities of phased arrays are required on different platforms in an operational communications system. The array feed has been identified to be one of the most promising areas for applying innovative architectures to achieve low cost and reduced size and weight. AU potential architectural approaches will be subjected to a multi-level systems engineering screening process. Each architecture will be ranked, with low cost approaches which show strong potential for commercial applications, receiving the highest consideration. For architectures that pass the second level of screening, the following will be assessed: 1) the potential for commercial application, 2) the potential impact on T/R module design and interface requirements, and 3) the requirements for new multi-technology electronics modules which may be required at the subarray or column level This effort will provide preliminary plans and recommendations for a follow-on demonstration.