Multiple Beam Antennas with Semi-Constrained Beamformers

A mobile satellite communications link operating from vehicles on-the-move would provide significant benefits to the Marine Corps in the battlefield environment. The antenna should be capable of simultaneous and rapid tracking of two satellites while the vehicle is in motion over rough terrain, as well as providing ultra-wide bandwidth (C-band through Ku-band), medium to high gain, low profile, rugged, minimal size and mountable on military vehicles. Affordability is also a significant issue. This Phase I effort will focus on multiple beam antennas with semi-constrained beamformers because, with their inherently wide bandwidth, multiple beam capability, and relatively low cost, they offer the most realistic and affordable approach to meeting the above requirements using current state-of-the-art technology. The feasibility of several innovative beamformer and aperture approaches will be investigated and compared with existing designs. Results of a preliminary evaluation using a computer model programmed for this proposal are included in the proposal. The ultra-wide bandwidth requirement poses design challenges due to mutual coupling between elements and intermodulation. The Principal Investigator has wide experience in array design and holds two patents for wideband phased array elements.