Advanced Digital Millimeter Wave Radio using Wideband Phase-Locked Loops under Microprocessor Control

Advances in millimeter wave (MMW) technology that allow for a more cost effective design, demand greater bandwidths to support data processing systems, and increase the threat to communication systems have resulted in a renewed interest in MMW communication to support the USAF mission. To simultaneously realize these goals, Hazeltine Corporation, under contract to USAF, has designed and built a four channel, full duplex MMW (36-37 GHz) radio. The unit uses phase-locked gunn diode oscillators as MMW sources, under microprocessor control, to realize a significant improvement in terrestrial link range and performance. Other features, such as digital orderwire, alignment tone mode, selectable bandwidths, and a tower-to-shelter intercoms, increase the system´s versatility. Radio performance will be evaluated at Rome Air Developmernt Center´s (RADC´s) MMW test range where the effects of atmospheric conditions on MMW link performance will also be monitored.