Auto Tune Filters for Satellite Receiver Protection of Directed Energy Threats

Metamagnetics proposes to develop Auto-tune Filter (AtF) technology to protect the space based receivers from high power microwave signals. AtF is a passive, miniature, low-cost component technology that can simply be placed after the antenna that automatically and dynamically blocks high power signals and therefore enable radio receivers to continuously operate. Being passive, it does not require any power supply, which is extremely advantageous for size, weight, and power-constrained platforms such as satellites. Unlike traditional fixed/tunable notch filters, active beam nulling, and solid-state limiters, the AtF can automatically sense and track threats, and selectively suppress unwanted electromagnetic interference (EMI) based on its power level, while small signals of interest (below the designated threshold) will pass unaffected. It has fast response in real time (sub-microsecond), without any user input and adaptive algorithms. An AtF can selectively suppress multiple dynamic threats simultaneously that are changing in both power level and frequency, all without affecting signals of interest. The proposed AtFs employ physical properties of thin ferrite films and interaction of pure magnetic spin oscillations with RF/microwave signals. Metamagnetics’ has already developed, fabricated, and tested a series of AtF devices for operating over a wide frequency range from 100 MHz through 20 GHz with power thresholds ranging from -50 dBm to +30 dBm. In this proposed project, Metamagnetics plans to demonstrate prototype space compatible AtF technology. The proposed technology will be adapted to applications in harsh space conditions, including vibrations and mechanical shock. Application of the proposed technology will assure the integrity of satellite radio communication (SATCOM) links, especially those in low-earth orbit (LEO).