Plasma Limiter: RF Mitigation Device for Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems

The widespread use of communication devices and radar systems has made our society increasingly vulnerable to disruptive, high-power, short pulse electromagnetic interference (EMI) and high power microwaves (HPM). Significant advances in devices thatproduce these high-power, short pulses have been made in the US and abroad in the past few decades. As a result, the need for devices that can protect sensitive communications equipment from such disruption is greater than ever. The primary objective ofthe proposed Phase I program is the development of a S-band plasma limiter to protect RF electronics, specifically within radars and electronic warfare systems. The S-band plasma limiter has target specifications of 10kW power handling, <1 nsec responsetime, and <.5 dB insertion loss. The limiter will operate on the same principle as our X-band waveguide plasma limiter. The potential commercial market for plasma limiters as RF protection devices is tremendously broad and includes radar systems,telecommunications systems (including mobile phones), and DSTV. In the near term, marketing will be directed immediately towards the military sector to protect all air, land, sea, and space based radars with a focus on Naval high threat radar systems suchas the Aegis platform AN/SPY-1 radars. The plasma limiter will be integrated into new radar systems and retrofitted into existing systems. Accurate Automation Corporation will work with leading defense manufacturers to bring to market low cost plasmalimiters.