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Ka-band Satellite Phased Array Antenna

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9453-13-M-0173
Agency Tracking Number: F131-079-0668
Amount: $149,920.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF131-079
Solicitation Number: 2013.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2013
Award Year: 2013
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2013-08-30
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2014-05-30
Small Business Information
5340 Airport Blvd.
Boulder, CO -
United States
DUNS: 125961123
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Luke Sankey
 RF Engineer
 (303) 449-5211
 lsankey@firstrf.com
Business Contact
 Jeanne Hill-Jurik
Title: Contracts Manager
Phone: (303) 449-5211
Email: jhill-jurik@firstrf.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

ABSTRACT: Future SATCOM payload antennas need to provide much greater spot beam control flexibility. Currently deployed systems utilize phased array fed dishes limiting the number of spot beams and gain since earth coverage is accomplished by limiting the number of beamwidths scanned. The solution proposed is a direct illumination phased array that is scaleable for very high gain. Greater than 30 simultaneous beams are supported without substantially increasing the integration complexity of the beamforming network over a single beam phased array. The proposed approach leverages commercially available components but proposes to integrate more devices into a single package for greater function density and board area reduction. The proposed Phase I program will validate through simulation and test the fundamental building block for this advanced multi-beam phased array for future Ka-band SATCOM payload antennas. BENEFIT: FIRST RF is proposing a scalable, modular approach to multibeam phased arrays that does not require the cost, size, and complexity of multiple RF manifolds. This leap ahead in phased array technology will be advantageous in all applications for directive array antennas. Applications that will benefit from multiple beams include high data-rate line of sight communications for mobile military forces (ground, air, and sea) where multiple beams can increase frequency re-use and network capacity and multi-beam radars. Multi-function wideband arrays are also being developed to simultaneously support communications, electronic support, and electronic attack functions. A lightweight, cost-effective means for providing multiple beams will significantly increase the capability of those systems and increase the flexibility of platform integration. Commercial MIMO and"smart antenna"communications networks will benefit from a low cost multi-beam array by increasing communications capacity and range in complex environments.

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

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