Dual-frequency distortion predictions for the Cutler VLF array

Author

Berg, Eric C. ; Roberts, Michael A. ; Simpson, Ted L.

Author_Institution

California Univ., Irvine, CA, USA

Volume

39

Issue

3

fYear

2003

fDate

7/1/2003 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

1016

Lastpage

1034

Abstract

The VLF transmitting system in Cutler, ME currently broadcasts at one frequency through a two-element antenna system. This study investigates simultaneous operation at 24.0 and 17.8 kHz. Detailed nonlinear PSPICE models were generated for the system including the amplifier triodes, saturable dynamic-tuning reactors, and the closely-coupled antenna elements. The predicted behavior is in close agreement with available observations. Upper limits are placed on harmonic content, <-59.8 dBc, and intermodulation distortion, <-78 dBc.

Keywords

SPICE; active antenna arrays; broadcast antennas; harmonic distortion; intermodulation distortion; multifrequency antennas; transmitting antennas; 17.8 kHz; 24.0 kHz; Cutler VLF array; VLF transmitting system; amplifier triode; dual-frequency distortion; harmonic distortion; intermodulation distortion; nonlinear PSPICE model; saturable dynamic-tuning reactor; two-element broadcast antenna system; Antenna arrays; Broadcasting; Frequency; Intermodulation distortion; Power amplifiers; Power generation; Radiofrequency amplifiers; SPICE; Transmitters; Transmitting antennas;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Aerospace and Electronic Systems, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9251

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TAES.2003.1238753

Filename

1238753