A New Wide-Band System Architecture for Mobile High Frequency Communication Networks

A new wide-band HF communication system architecture for a multiple, mobile terminal network has been proposed and analyzed. This architecture embodies the complete removal of high power switching and tuning and achieves control of unwanted radiation by the use of highly linear power amplifiers and adaptive interference cancellation methods. To provide maximum flexibility in system operation, provision is made for transmitting and receiving subsystem assets to be shared among users to the greatest degree possible. The transmitter is simply a power bank into which all exciters are connected, and each receiver has access to a selection of antennas through power dividers, diversity combiners, and adaptive array processors. The implementation of this architecture will permit rapid and flexibile frequency selection and channel configuration to accommodate the complex network relaying strategy that will be necessary in modern warfare environment. Research is being conducted by the U.S. Navy on the technologies that require advancement if this architecture is to be brought to fruition for intratask-force communication. A system engineering analysis, substantial measurements and simulations of adaptive cancellation system performance, and development of critical system components have been conducted to validate the architectural concept.