An Integrated Ultra-Wideband Antenna for Software Radios

Pharad proposes the design of low profile, conformal, efficient, ultra-wideband antenna platforms that can operate over the entire 2 MHz to 2 GHz frequency band. Such an antenna will be an integral part of the Joint Tactical Radio System. Our innovativeapproach to achieving such a large operating bandwidth encompasses two key aspects: (i) the implementation of a series of wideband printed diplexers that split this multi-decade bandwidth into more manageable frequency blocks and (ii) our selection ofoptimal radiating elements, namely Aperture Stacked Patches (ASPs) for frequencies greater than 250 MHz and for the lower frequency range, the use of either existing low frequency aircraft antennas or our proposed novel printed multi-layered spiralantenna. Our proposed ultra-wideband antenna incorporates all the salient attributes of printed circuit technology (low profile, lightweight and low cost). Another feature of our antenna platform is the relative ease with which it can be upgraded tooperate at frequencies well beyond 2 GHz, as a result of the low component count. Since our ultra-wideband antenna system is based upon printed circuit technology, we will also conduct material, thermal, vibration, and reliability analyses to ensure itcan tolerate the strenuous environmental conditions encountered on an aircraft.