Wideband Fast Switched RF Synthesizer

QRC, with subcontractor Texas Instruments, submits this proposal in response to SBIR A96-060 for Wideband Fast Switched RF Synthesizer. The current state of practice of advanced communication and radar systems is to use short on time emitters at any frequency in the in the RF spectrum for various systems. Therefore in support of ESM, ELINT, SIGINT and EA systems, it is necessary to have a method to rapidly tune to the proper frequency to intercept, identify and counter threat signals. This requires a frequency synthesizer capable of tuning over the 0.4 to 22 GHz frequency band in less than 500 nanoseconds. Comstron synthesizers are available with these characteristics, but they are expensive (~$100,000), heavy, and are nominally packaged for 19 inch racks. Recent developments of a direct digital synthesis (DDS) chip provides an opportunity to develop a lightweight, low power and low cost synthesizer to cover the 0.4 to 22 GHz frequency band. The ability to rapidly change frequency from 0.4 to 22 GHz with a lightweight low power synthesizer will increase the ability to provide portable SIGINT, ELINT, ESM and EA Systems for either man portable or vehicle mounted applications which would provide a tactical advantage to the battlefield commander in the development and execution of offensive plans and strategies. A commercial benefit of this development would be in the application of the synthesizer to Commercial TV Broadcasting, Home Satellite Systems, and Radio Astronomy.