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Ultra-wideband step notch array using stripline feed

June 9, 2007
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Conference Paper
Author:
Glenn A. Brigham
…
Published in:
IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Int. Symp., 2007 Digest, 9-15 June 2007, pp. 3361-4.
Topic:
antennas
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

Electronically scanned array (ESA) antennas capable of efficiently radiating over an octave of bandwidth provide system designs with more flexibility in multiple mode operation. Communication and radar bands occupy different frequency allocations and the growing research in Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communications make the use of a single ESA to cover these frequencies an area of interest. Array antennas constructed of tapered-slot antennas and TEM horns have been investigated and shown to operate successfully over an octave bandwidth. These antennas use vertical feeds which make them optimal for brick architectures, but less than desirable for tile architectures. Conventional notch antennas require a feed extending vertically away from the notch antenna which makes a flat 2-D connection between antennas difficult. In this work an Ultra-Wideband Step Notch Array (UWSNA) was designed for ESA applications. The array operates over a 6-12 GHz range using a flat, tile-based 2-D feed network making this array optimal for conformal applications with a minimum of vertical distance. Simulation results and measurements on a small prototype demonstrate the concept.
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Summary

Electronically scanned array (ESA) antennas capable of efficiently radiating over an octave of bandwidth provide system designs with more flexibility in multiple mode operation. Communication and radar bands occupy different frequency allocations and the growing research in Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communications make the use of a single ESA to cover these...

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Ultra-wideband step notch array using stripline feed

Design of overlapped subarrays using an RFIC beamformer

June 9, 2007
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Conference Paper
Author:
Sean M. Duffy
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Published in:
IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Int. Symp., 2007 Digest, 9-15 June 2007, pp. 1791-4.
Topic:
antennas
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

Electronically scanned arrays require a minimum number of controls, Nmin, given by the number of orthogonal beams that fill a prescribed scan sector. Most practical antenna arrays require considerably more than Nmin control elements, but overlapped subarray architectures can approach this theoretical limit. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an overlapped subarray architecture. The overlapped subarray network produces a flattopped sector pattern with low sidelobes that suppress grating lobes outside of the main beam of the subarray pattern. Each radiating element of the array is connected to multiple subarrays, creating an overlapping geometry. It is possible to scan one beam, or a fixed set of contiguous beams, over the main sector of the subarray with a set of Nmin phase shifters. Alternatively, digital receivers can be connected to the Nmin subarrays and multiple simultaneous beams can be formed digitally. Digital subarray architectures using a combination of element level phase shifters and subarray level receivers makes it possible to scan multiple beam clusters over all space. The conventional approach to the design and manufacturing of the overlapped subarray network shown in Figure 1 is challenging and costly due to the complexity of the microwave network. However, the design of the overlapped subarray beamformer using Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFIC) represents a novel approach for implementing an efficient trade-off between the agility and capability of fully digital arrays and the cost effectiveness of analog arrays.
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Summary

Electronically scanned arrays require a minimum number of controls, Nmin, given by the number of orthogonal beams that fill a prescribed scan sector. Most practical antenna arrays require considerably more than Nmin control elements, but overlapped subarray architectures can approach this theoretical limit. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of...

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Design of overlapped subarrays using an RFIC beamformer

A component model approach for the RCS validation of an electrically large open-ended cylindrical cavity

June 9, 2007
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Conference Paper
Author:
Audrey J. Dumanian
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Published in:
IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Int. Symp., 2007 Digest, 9-15 June 2007, pp. 2275-2278.
Topic:
radar
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

A novel RCS component prediction model approach to producing both fast and accurate scattering from an electrically large open-ended cylindrical cavity (circular cross section) is presented. The component model is a hybrid approach which easily permits individual scattering mechanisms to be coherently combined to produce a high fidelity signature. For this problem, the component model included scattering produced from the interior of the cavity calculated via the waveguide modal approach combined with the scattering produced from the cavity's finite thick rim opening (i.e., annulus) computed via the Method of Moments (MoM) and finally combined with the cavity's external base ring edge diffraction computed via PTD. Narrowband and wideband signature analysis for the circular cylindrical cavity configuration are presented to validate the component prediction model with static range measurements, and another prediction result computed using MoM for X- band frequencies and linear polarization. Excellent agreement is achieved among the data sets: measurement and prediction (component and MoM model).
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Summary

A novel RCS component prediction model approach to producing both fast and accurate scattering from an electrically large open-ended cylindrical cavity (circular cross section) is presented. The component model is a hybrid approach which easily permits individual scattering mechanisms to be coherently combined to produce a high fidelity signature. For...

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A component model approach for the RCS validation of an electrically large open-ended cylindrical cavity

Orthogonal transfer arrays for wide-field adaptive imaging

June 7, 2007
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Conference Paper
Author:
Barry E. Burke
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Published in:
Proc. 2007 Int. Image Sensor Workshop, 7-10 June 2007.
Topic:
optics
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

The orthogonal transfer array (OTA) is a novel charge-coupled device (CCD) imager based on the orthogonal-transfer CCD (OTCCD). The OTCCD, in turn, is a device capable of charge transfer in all directions and has been developed for adaptive imaging in ground-based astronomy. By using a bright guide star as a beacon, the OTCCD can correct for wavefront tilt due to atmospheric effects as well as compensation for telescope shake, which in turn enhances the resolution and SNR. However, for wide field-of-view imaging the atmospheric wavefront distortions decorrelate over distances more than a few 10's of arcmin and hence an array of independently driven OTCCDs is required. To resolve this issue we developed the OTA, which consists of a two-dimensional array of OTCCDs combined with addressing and control logic to enable independent clocking of each OTCCD. This device enables spatially varying electronic tip-tilt correction and was developed for the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) program at the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy (UH/IfA)
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Summary

The orthogonal transfer array (OTA) is a novel charge-coupled device (CCD) imager based on the orthogonal-transfer CCD (OTCCD). The OTCCD, in turn, is a device capable of charge transfer in all directions and has been developed for adaptive imaging in ground-based astronomy. By using a bright guide star as a...

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Orthogonal transfer arrays for wide-field adaptive imaging

Guidance material for Mode S-specific protocol application avionics

June 4, 2007
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Project Report
Author:
Robert D. Grappel
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Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report ATC-334
Topic:
mode S data links
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This ATC report presents guidance material for the use of "Ground-Initiated Comm. B" (GICB) register set contained in a Mode S transponder. The guidance material is intended to provide assistance for implementers of Mode S avionics installations. A common summary of the requirements and specifications for Mode S GICB transponder register data link applications is developed. While this ATC report focuses primarily on the "Elementary Surveillance" (ELS), "Enhanced Surveillance" (EHS), and "Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast" (ADS-B) applications, guidance information is also provided for general transponder configuration and architecture of other Mode S functions employing the GICB register set. Although the information contained in this ATC report is drawn from a number of approved national and international standards, it is not intended to replace or supersede those standards documents. In the event of a conflict or contradiction between this ATC report and any approved standards (see references 1 through 6), the approved standard takes precedence and the reader is encouraged to contact the authors of this document. Reference 4 is the most-recent and complete specification for the Mode S register contents. For ease of reference, the relevant Mode S register images have been duplicated in Appendix A of this report.
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Summary

This ATC report presents guidance material for the use of "Ground-Initiated Comm. B" (GICB) register set contained in a Mode S transponder. The guidance material is intended to provide assistance for implementers of Mode S avionics installations. A common summary of the requirements and specifications for Mode S GICB transponder...

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Guidance material for Mode S-specific protocol application avionics

A 16mW 8Mbps fractional-n FSK modulator at 15.8-18.9GHz

June 3, 2007
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Conference Paper
Author:
Matthew Z. Straayer
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Published in:
2007 IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Symp., 3-5 June 2007, pp. 533-536.
Topic:
integrated circuit
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

Indirect modulation of fractional-N synthesizers is an energy-efficient architecture capable of moderate data rates, and is well-suited for use in sensor networks or WLAN. Although the architecture is used primarily at low RF frequencies, the capability for fractional- N synthesizers at Ku-band and above currently exist in available silicon technology. Recent demonstrations at 10- 25GHz show promising results, although power consumption at this higher frequency remains high for small batterypowered devices. This work implements a fully-integrated fractional-N synthesizer optimized for power efficient modulation at 15.8 to 18.9GHz with an 80MHz reference. Binary and 4-ary FSK modulation of up to 8Mbps is achieved while consuming 16mW in IBM 0.18um SiGe BiCMOS.
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Summary

Indirect modulation of fractional-N synthesizers is an energy-efficient architecture capable of moderate data rates, and is well-suited for use in sensor networks or WLAN. Although the architecture is used primarily at low RF frequencies, the capability for fractional- N synthesizers at Ku-band and above currently exist in available silicon technology...

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A 16mW 8Mbps fractional-n FSK modulator at 15.8-18.9GHz

A sub-10mW 2Mbps BFSK transceiver at 1.35 to 1.75GHz.

June 3, 2007
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Conference Paper
Author:
Timothy M. Hancock
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Published in:
2007 IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Symp., 3-5 June 2007, pp. 97-100.
Topic:
wireless
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This work presents the design and measurement of a 2Mbps BFSK transceiver at 1.35 to 1.75GHz for use in wireless sensor node applications. The receiver is a direct conversion architecture and has a sensitivity of -74dBm at 2Mbps and consumes 8.0mW. The transmitter generates orthogonal BFSK modulation through the use of digital pre-emphasis of the synthesizer frequency control word and consumes 9.7mW including the power amplifier. The transmitter delivers >3dBm of output power for a total transmitter power efficiency of 23% and a transmitter FOM of 4.85nJ/bit at 2Mbps.
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Summary

This work presents the design and measurement of a 2Mbps BFSK transceiver at 1.35 to 1.75GHz for use in wireless sensor node applications. The receiver is a direct conversion architecture and has a sensitivity of -74dBm at 2Mbps and consumes 8.0mW. The transmitter generates orthogonal BFSK modulation through the use...

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A sub-10mW 2Mbps BFSK transceiver at 1.35 to 1.75GHz.

Air traffic management decision support during convective weather

June 1, 2007
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Journal Article
Author:
Mark E. Weber
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Published in:
Lincoln Laboratory Journal, Vol. 16, No. 2, June 2007, pp. 263-276.
Topic:
air traffic control
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

Flight delays caused by thunderstorms are a significant and growing problem for airlines and the flying public. Thunderstorms disrupt the structured, preplanned flight routing and control process that is used to handle dense air traffic streams in congested airspace. Today's coping strategies are developed by traffic flow management (TFM) specialists who interpret weather measurements and forecasts to develop delay and rerouting strategies. The effectiveness of these strategies is limited by the lack of quantitative models for the capacity impacts of thunderstorms, and by the difficulty of developing and executing timely response strategies during rapidly changing convective weather. In this article, we describe initial work to develop more effective response strategies. We first review insights gained during operational testing of a simple but highly effective Route Availability Planning Tool that can significantly reduce convective-weather induced departure delays at congested airports. We then discuss work to develop core technical capabilities and applications that address broader TFM problems, including en route congestion. Objective models for airspace capacity reductions caused by thunderstorms are discussed, as is an associated scheduling algorithm that exploits the capacity estimates to develop broad-area TFM strategies that minimize delay. We conclude by discussing candidate real-time applications and airspace system performance analysis that is enabled by our weather-capacity models and optimal scheduling algorithm.
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Summary

Flight delays caused by thunderstorms are a significant and growing problem for airlines and the flying public. Thunderstorms disrupt the structured, preplanned flight routing and control process that is used to handle dense air traffic streams in congested airspace. Today's coping strategies are developed by traffic flow management (TFM) specialists...

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Air traffic management decision support during convective weather

Enhanced regional situational awareness

June 1, 2007
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Journal Article
Author:
Curtis W. Davis III
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Published in:
Lincoln Laboratory Journal, Vol. 16, No. 2, June 2007, pp. 355-380.
Topic:
aircraft
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

Airspace protection in the capital area is provided by an Integrated Air Defense System (IADS) created through the coordinated response of U.S. government and local law-enforcement agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Capitol Police. The IADS includes U.S. Coast Guard helicopters, fighter aircraft, and airborne early-warning aircraft cued by surveillance radars. Under Operation Noble Eagle, the response to a threat includes warning flares deployed from fighter aircraft and, ultimately, the use of surface and air-launched missiles. Selecting the appropriate response requires a means for rapidly assessing the aircraft threat. New and existing sensors must be simultaneously cued to the target of interest and integrated with existing sources of information to display a common-air-picture display to support the decision makers. This article describes the development of an Enhanced Regional Situation Awareness system, an integrated sensing and decision support system developed for the complex and busy airspace surrounding the National Capital Region.
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Summary

Airspace protection in the capital area is provided by an Integrated Air Defense System (IADS) created through the coordinated response of U.S. government and local law-enforcement agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Capitol Police. The IADS includes U.S. Coast...

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Enhanced regional situational awareness

Improving air traffic management group decision-making during severe convective weather

June 1, 2007
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Conference Paper
Author:
James E. Evans
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Published in:
11th World Conf. on Transport Research, June 2007.
Topic:
air traffic management
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

There is an urgent need to enhance the efficiency of United States (U.S.) air traffic management (ATM) decision-making when convective weather occurs. Thunderstorm ATM decisions must be made under considerable time pressure with inadequate information (e.g., missing or ambiguous), high stakes, and poorly defined procedures. Often, multiple decisions are considered simultaneously; each requiring coordination amongst a heterogeneous set of decision-makers. Recent operational experience in the use of improved convective weather decision support systems in the Northeast quadrant of the U.S. is reviewed in the context of literature on individual and team decision-making in complex environments. Promising areas of research are identified.
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Summary

There is an urgent need to enhance the efficiency of United States (U.S.) air traffic management (ATM) decision-making when convective weather occurs. Thunderstorm ATM decisions must be made under considerable time pressure with inadequate information (e.g., missing or ambiguous), high stakes, and poorly defined procedures. Often, multiple decisions are considered...

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Improving air traffic management group decision-making during severe convective weather
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