Title :
A dual-band array controlled by fiber optic delay lines
Author :
Lee, J.J. ; Yen, H.W. ; Newberg, I. ; Wechsberg, M.
Author_Institution :
Hughes Aircraft Co., Fullerton, CA, USA
Abstract :
The objective was to develop fiber-optic subarray technology to enhance the system performance of phased-array antennas. The near-term plan was to demonstrate the wideband characteristics of a beam-forming network implemented with switchable fiber-optic delay lines. In the breadboard system each line source was divided into four channels, each controlled by one delay line and powered by one high-power amplifier. For the X-band (10 GHz), the line source consisted of 32 dipole elements grouped into four subarrays. The L-band (1.9 GHz) line source had the same length as the X-band array and was formed by eight vertical monopole elements lined up in a parallel-plate structure. The dual-band transmit system was built and tested in the laboratory. The antenna was operating properly as designed. The measured array patterns for the X and L-bands are shown. The observed beam characteristics agreed very well with the theoretical predictions. Preliminarly scan performance was verified by using different sets of precision-cut, unequal line length coaxial cables.<>
Keywords :
antenna accessories; antenna phased arrays; coaxial cables; delay lines; microwave antenna arrays; optical fibres; 0.39 to 1.55 GHz; 1.9 GHz; 10 GHz; 5.2 to 10.9 GHz; L-band line source; X-band array; beam characteristics; beam-forming network; breadboard system; dipole elements; dual-band array; dual-band transmit system; high-power amplifiers; parallel-plate structure; phased-array antennas; preliminary scan performance; switchable fiber-optic delay lines; unequal line length coaxial cables; vertical monopole elements; wideband characteristics; Broadband amplifiers; Control systems; Delay lines; Dual band; Optical amplifiers; Optical arrays; Optical control; Optical fibers; System performance; Wideband;
Conference_Titel :
Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium, 1989. AP-S. Digest
Conference_Location :
San Jose, CA, USA
DOI :
10.1109/APS.1989.134782
