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Enhanced Field Expedient Body Wearable Antenna

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W15P7T-11-C-A602
Agency Tracking Number: A102-097-1243
Amount: $69,866.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: A10-097
Solicitation Number: 2010.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2010
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2010-11-15
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2011-05-15
Small Business Information
144 Research Drive
Hampton, VA 23666
United States
DUNS: 782587406
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 C.J. C.J.Reddy
 President
 (757) 224-2035
 cjreddy@appliedem.com
Business Contact
 C.J Reddy
Title: President
Phone: (757) 224-2035
Email: cjreddy@appliedem.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The objective of this project is to develop a low-profile body-wearable VHF antenna (30MHz to 88MHz) for peer-to-peer communications. A requirement is that the antenna be fitted and practically integrated within the soldier's Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV). Two antenna types are typically used for this application: a) a whip antenna with large visual signature that hinders soldier mobility, making it unattractive, 2) meandered antenna using a long coaxial wire (Mantenna) weaved into the IOTV. The latter antenna is attractive in terms of low profile, but its implementation has so far led to poor performance, well below achievable bandwidth and gain limits. In this SBIR effort, Applied EM and its team members are proposing an innovative antenna solution aimed at reaching optimal performance limits. The proposed body wearable antenna incorporates technologies that include a) Artificial Transmission Lines (ATL) and shaping for miniaturization, b) multi-stage impedance tuning, and c) very thin and lightweight ferrite shielding. The latter is placed between the antenna and body to mitigate body losses. More importantly, it plays a critical role in shielding the soldier's body from RF radiation without appreciable weight impact. Our focus will be on a body-wearable antenna system that is broadband, has optimal gain performance, ease of use, and fully integrated into the IOTV. Preliminary data demonstrate that our concept will lead to a mantenna that can reach near-optimal limits.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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