SBIR-STTR Award

This Phase I SBIR proposal describes our plan to develop a compact dual-channel V-band and W-band radiometer for measuring total path attenuation on a satellite to ground communications link. Design goals for this instrument include a compact design with built in calibration loads, including a COLFET that achieves a low temperature reference without the need of cryogenic cooling. To simplify the electronics design, direct detection at RF is anticipated. Phase I research will result in a detailed radiometer design, and an algorithm coded to extracting total path attenuation from measured brightness temperature.

Benefit:
Successful development of the proposed dual band radiometer will result in a compact, all-weather instrument suitable for continuous monitoring of total path attenuation. Attention to a modular design adaptable to other frequency bands, in a compact package suitable for installation in standard aircraft probe canisters will promote sales for ground-based as well as airborne applications.

This Phase II SBIR proposal describes our effort to develop a combined radiometer and radar sensor to estimate total atmospheric path loss for potential satellite links at V-band and W-band (71-86 GHz). Termed WAXRR, for W-band and X-band Radar Radiometer, this system will be used to generate statistics of total atmospheric loss with a dynamic range exceeding 20 dB. The radiometer section of WAXRR is suitable for measuring total path attenuation under clear or nearly clear sky conditions, while the dual-frequency radar is intended for measuring loss in the presence of stronger clouds and precipitation. The WAXRR system is readily transportable and hosts its own website for remote instrument control and display.

Benefits:
Atmospheric loss statistics generated over a two-year time period in Phase III will be used by the Air Force in evaluating the satellite link budget and potential outage rates at potential sites for satellite ground stations. Commercial applications include profiling super-cooled liquid water above airports for assessing aircraft icing potential and the development of compact, pod-mounted radars and radiometers for airborne cloud and water vapor remote sensing.

Keywords:
Atmospheric path loss, attenuation, millimeter-wave, radar, radiometer