SBIR-STTR Award

Electromagnetic illumination testing of aircraft has been used for many years to identify vulnerabilities to electromagnetic sources. Recently, a new hardware concept was developed which promises to greatly increase the dynamic range of the measurements made during illumination. This new system also promises a reduction in noise, size and costs. This concept, named the dual channel down converter (DCDC), has been successfully demonstrated in a preliminary test. This SBIR effort proposed to investigate several modifications to the hardware. These modifications have three objectives. first, some of the modification swill serve to remedy shortcomings identified during the preliminary use of the DCDC. Second, some will serve to increase the performance of the hardware. Third, some will reduce the cost of a measurement system based on the DCDC concept. An industrial partner has been identified for this project, Wiltron Company in Morgan Hill, California. The potential commercial products form this effort include a network analyzer on a computer card and versatile, low cost RF measurement systems. Wiltron's experience in the design, manufacture and sales of RF and microwave equipment will greatly enhance the possibility of a commercial product resulting from this effort.

Keywords:
Rf Testing Rf Testing Network Analyzer Network Analyzer Down Converter Down Converter

Phase I of this SBIR effort investigated a new method for making ratioed measurements of Air Force systems being illuminated by electromagnetic waves. The system which was designed and built had similarities to a piece of test equipment called a vector network analyzer (VNA). In at least one significant way, it differed from traditional VNA's: the new system had a wider measurement bandwidth over which data could be acquired, a feature which greatly enhances its usefulness when dealing with communications signals. This Phase II project proposes to develop that feature into a commercial product. While the applications of digitally modulated signals are increasing rapid, the test instrumentation is lagging behind. A succinct description of the proposed effort is to add modulated signal capabilities to a VNA to produce a new instrument to be called a wideband network analyzer. This new technology will have the accuracy of a VNA and the modulation capabilities of a digital radio tester. There is significant market demand for such an instrument. The goal of the proposed effort is to develop the algorithms, software and hardware to point where incorporation of the technology into an existing instrument will be a straightforward task.

Benefits:
A commercial partner, Wiltron Company, has been identified for rapid commercialization of the technology. Wiltron is a developer of radio frequency and microwave test equipment. Their manufacturing, marketing and distribution capabilities will greatly enhance the prospects for a successful commercial product.|

Keywords:
Rf Testing Rf Testing Network Analyzer Network Analyzer Down Converter Down Converter