This Phase II proposal makes important advances in antenna technology that enable the dismounted warfighter to reliably receive and transmit RF signals provided by components of DoD's legacy radios, as well as future systems such as the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS). A federation of antennas is proposed for operation over the required 30-2500 MHz instantaneous bandwidth. A small, 3" x 1", linearly polarized element will cover 800 MHz to 2400 MHz. Two or more will be placed on the shoulders and back to provide robust communication as the wearer changes position and orientation. A broadband wire element is integrated with an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) to cover 150 MHz to 800 MHz. The AMC design mitigates body absorption and is suitable for integration with a vest or body armor. The Phase I program also developed a concept for a third antenna, the active balun loop, for the 2 MHz to 150 MHz frequency range. Demonstration hardware for the 800 MHz to 2500 MHz and 150 MHz to 800 MHz frequency bands will be produced under the Phase II program and inserted into DDARPA's Small Unit Operations Phase III program.
Keywords: BROADBAND ANTENNAS, TUNABLE ANTENNAS, PORTABLE ANTENNAS
