Scalable Dynamic GPS Broadband Patch Antenna Array

To address the Army’s need for an indoor GPS satellite constellation antenna array, in a sequential Phase II effort, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (Intellisense) proposes to advance the development of the new Scalable Dynamic GPS Broadband Patch Antenna Array (SPAN) system proven feasible in Phase I and implemented for one GPS frequency band (L1) in a small (simulated GPS coverage is around 2×2 m) scale in Phase II. The SPAN system design integrates broadband GPS-band antenna arrays coupled with EMI-immune fiber-optic interfaces between SPAN’s antenna array in an anechoic chamber and a GPS multichannel signal simulator in the control room. This design allows the SPAN system to realistically simulate over-the-horizon satellite constellations in an anechoic chamber. Electronically controlled via a fiber optic interface, these dynamically switchable, time-position specific antenna arrays’ synthesized signals change in accordance with real GPS constellation rotation. Based on the solid results in Phase II, Intellisense will, in a sequential Phase II, complete the SPAN system’s design for scale up and will develop and demonstrate a functional SPAN prototype as an indoor GPS satellite constellation antenna array integrated with commercial‑off-the-shelf (COTS) GPS signal simulator for receivers or systems testing. The prototype will be ready for testing GPS systems at two frequencies (L1 and L2) and would cover at least 4×4 (and to 7×7 m). Based on the assembly and testing of the sequential Phase II prototype, Intellisense will develop a plan for the future development and commercialization of SPAN technology in Phase III.