Multifunctional phased array antennas - yearly report 2012

The Project Multifunctional Phased Array Antennas study the area of multifunctional phased array antennas from several different approaches and system levels. A draft of system parameter evaluation of multifunctional phased array antennas for candidate platforms, for example laptop lid, helicopter, hand held soldier system and medium size UAV has been developed. Parameters such as available area for the antenna, available DC-power and choice of frequency have been discussed. The aim of the study is to in a more clear way identify how such a system can be used in a multi-functional way (multifunctional system). The measurement setup for 3D-SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) has been used for a measurement campaign to verify sparse and compact receiver arrays verified by measurements. The campaign results indicate that the concept works well. The benefits by using the 3D-SAR-concept is that it reduces the shadowing effects behind for example high buildings and thus an improved the capability of intelligence acquirement in urban environments is expected compared to the commonly used technologies today [2]. In the antenna area a new and fast design method for Vivaldi antenna elements has been developed and evaluated [18]. An experimental textile integrated antenna for soldier has also been designed, manufactured, measured and tested. The aim of the study is to improve the flexibility for a soldier by reducing the number of needed external antennas. A series fed patch antenna array for a switched antenna realization for 3D-SAR has also been designed, manufactured and verified during 2012. We have in the area of signal processing continued our studies of phased array antennas suppression of clutter and jammers capability. We have also studied detection of moving targets as well as low probability of intercept targets. Within the area of radar architectures different architecture topologies are studied with focus on optimizing the radar performance, reducing the complexity and power consumption, but also lower the manufacturing costs. We also see fruitful synergy effects by the EC-projects MEMS-4-MMIC, NANOTEC and AIRBEAM and the VINNOVA-financed Eurostarsproject HumanFinder. The project has also given input to the Gripen VU-project by development of a radar simulator for improved radar in JAS 39 Gripen.