Millimeter Wave Sensor for Identification of Friend or Foe

This proposal describes millimeter-wave sensor concepts for identification of friend or foe. The proposed concept is based on the use of low-cost miniature transponder that can be interrogated from the firing position and/or from munitions in flight. Both the transponder and the interrogator will be built in MMIC chips for low cost and small size. The interrogator function on munitions may be built into a transmittor available on board. The transponer, built in a miniature package using MMIC chips, can be hand-carrier or mounted on any combat vehicle. To realize the full potential of the MMIC technology, it is necessary to develop MMIC compatible circuit technologies for non-reciprocal circuit functions. Based on demonstrated capabilities of active MMIC circulators operating in microwave frequencies, Hittite proposes to extend its design capabilities up to K and Ka-band frequencies. Availbility of MMIC circulators will lead to a higher scale of integration with attendant size/weight reduction and reliability improvement for the total RF equipment.