Analysis and Design of Adaptive Multi-Function Antenna Systems Based on Signal Fragmentation

We propose an innovative approach to the design of multi-function adaptive antenna systems using signal fragmentation by short pulses (wavelets). It relies on the sampling theory, approximation theory, and numerical optimization; it has passed significant prior testing. The use of short pulses allows the radiation of long waves by small size antennas/arrays, which would otherwise be inefficient. This, in turn, enables performing various diverse tasks, e.g., radar imaging and telecommunications, by the same antenna system. In Phase I, we designed a wavelet-based antenna and optimized it numerically for energy performance while maintaining the desired spectral “purity” of the composite signal. A multi-function system prototype has been fabricated and tested, confirming the theoretically predicted properties of the antenna and its broadband-ness. Phase II work includes non-isotropic antennas, multi-frequency signals, and more comprehensive optimization. The resulting improved optimization technique will be tested, validated, and provided as industrial quality software tool with documentation. Proceeding from CW to AM, FM, FSK, and chirps, we will incorporate the capacity to represent radar and communication codes, optimally trading off between spectral leakage and energy efficiency. Directional antenna prototype will be fabricated and shown to generate the desired signals with minimum error and maximum energy efficiency.