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A02-118 TITLE: Global Positioning System (GPS) Pseudolite Transmit Antenna TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM Soldier OBJECTIVE: GPS Pseudolite effectiveness depends upon a uniform received power level. The objective of this topic is to design, build, and demonstrate a lightweight, low-cost transmit antenna with relatively uniform power density over a large battlespace area for use on elevated GPS Pseudolite transmitters. DESCRIPTION: Position information is the keystone to information dominance of the Future Combat System and the Objective Force. The Global Positioning System is the fundamental provider of position information especially for dismounted forces or robotic platforms and remote sensors. A viable, cost effective way to improve the robustness of GPS to electromagnetic interference is to deploy pseudolites. Pseudolites are near terrestrial transmitters that emit GPS like navigation and timing signals. The signal received from the pseudolites is substantially greater than that received from interference. The main factor for pseudolite navigation is to insure line-of-sight from the pseudolite to the receivers. For ground vehicle applications this requires that the pseudolites be elevated above the ground. There is an additional requirement that the received power at a given user receiver from all the pseudolites in the constellation be at a reasonably equal level. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or other elevated platforms have very limited weight and size capacity that make it difficult to mount a conventional cosecant squared antenna array. PHASE I: The purpose of Phase I is to conduct research and do trade studies. The contractor will select the GPS Pseudolite transmit antenna technology and design. PHASE II: The purpose of Phase II is to design, construct and demonstrate a working model of the Pseudolite Transmit Antenna. This phase will include a demonstration of the antenna performance. A complete specification will be defined and a final report will be written. PHASE III: The proposed antenna will have dual use applications for Differential GPS transmitters as well as for GPS Pseudolites. There are many commercial applications requiring pseudolites such as harbors, canals, and airports. All of these applications can benefit from these antennas. REFERENCES: 1) "Pseudolite Battlefield Navigation System Outdoor Test Results", Jeffery Tuohino, Michael G. Farley, John C. Weinfeldt, Proceedings of Institute of Navigation GPS '99 12th International Technical Meeting, Sep 14-19, 1999. 2) "Centimeter-Accuracy Indoor Navigation Using GPS-Like Pseudolites", Changdon Kee, et. al., GPS World, Volume 12, Number 11, November 2001, pp. 14-22. KEYWORDS: Navigation, GPS, Pseudolite A02-119 TITLE: Refrigerant Expansion Energy Recovery System TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM, Soldier Support OBJECTIVE: Develop a system to recover and use work energy from carbon dioxide refrigerant expansion in reversible heat pumps, satisfying US Army requirements for heating and cooling over a wide range of operating conditions. DESCRIPTION: The high working pressure of natural refrigerant carbon dioxide (CO2) and its thermal properties offer the potential of significant size and weight savings over conventional refrigerant systems. Recent breakthroughs in technology development in compressor and heat exchanger design may now allow it to be employed simply and economically in a wide variety of large and small cooling and heating systems for both mobile and stationary applications. However, the development of key components is necessary to allow further development of integrated systems in the size ranges applicable to military standard families. Energy efficiency throughout the range of ambient temperatures remains a significant challenge. Recovering and utilizing the work energy otherwise lost in the expansion process of a refrigeration cycle would mark a major advance in environmentally responsible, logistically sustainable heating and cooling systems. A smaller, lighter, more efficient system will lead to a smaller power source and increased mobility for tactical users. This will directly enhance the deployability of the Objective Force. A military standard family of Environmental Control Units (ECUs) exists, all of which operate using chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The Army has 25,000 units fielded ranging from ½ to 5 refrigeration ton cooling capacity and the US Air Force has about 10,000 fielded units as well. Most of these units are nearing the end of their useful lives, and will have to be replaced soon. This presents a unique opportunity to leap ahead with the introduction of a cheap, efficient, and easily supportable natural refrigerant such as CO2 and reap the benefits of small size and weight, higher efficiency, and greater heating performance. PHASE I: Develop a system concept to recover and use work energy from carbon dioxide refrigerant expansion in reversible heat pumps to satisfy US Army requirements over a wide range of ambient temperatures. Design and model the system to demonstrate its feasibility and key features, including performance characteristics over the range of operating conditions for cooling and heating. PHASE II: Design and fabricate full size working prototypes in nominal 3-ton cooling capacity as developed in Phase I. Fabricate and test these prototype ECUs to military requirements using laboratory test standards. PHASE III: US Army and US Air Force will have direct applicability to over 35,000 ECUs now fielded. The technology will have additional spin-offs to many under-the-hood air-conditioning systems in military tank and automotive applications. Once proven in military use, the huge commercial cooling and heating market offers a tremendous number of additional spin-off applications. As can be seen in several other high-tech applications (GPS, composites, etc), military use and production methodologies can lead to eventual commercial use, lower costs, wider commercial use, and then even lower costs. REFERENCES: 1) Manzione, J., Calkins, F., “Improved Performance of Transcritical Carbon Dioxide as a Refrigerant in Army Tactical Environmental Control Units,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, New York, 2001. 2) Patil, A., Manzione, J., “US Army CO2 Development Program,” 20th International Congress of Refrigeration, IIR/IIF, Sydney, 1999 KEYWORDS: work recovery, expander, air-conditioning, heat pump, cooling, heating, refrigerant A02-120 TITLE: Microwave Digital Beamformer (DBF) Radar Technology TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM, Firefinder OBJECTIVE: To develop and demonstrate a high performance and affordable Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) Digital Beamforming (DBF) radar system that enhances battlefield awareness with advanced detection, tracking, and nulling capabilities. DESCRIPTION: Digital Beamforming technology offers tremendous flexibility for numerous radar applications including: adaptive control of the radiation pattern for jammer/clutter suppression, generation of multiple beams, as well as integration of multiple functions within the aperture; e.g., the integration of communications and radar function in the same aperture. The transition to digital beamforming from current phased array technology is analogous to the transition from dish antenna technology to phased arrays. The heart of the digital beamforming radar is the transmit/receive (T/R) module or, for bistatic radar applications, the receive module, signal digitization, and digital signal processing (DSP). The function of the receive module is to downconvert the required bandwidth of the RF spectrum to an intermediate frequency that is sufficiently low to permit digitization using A/D technology. The information is then digitally processed using advanced algorithms to provide accurate and comprehensive radar target data. The key to economical implementation of digital beamforming technology is extremely small and low cost RF modules, e.g., Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) combined with maximum DSP. PHASE I: Investigate, model, and analyze various RF receiver architectures for optimum performance, e.g., sensitivity, dynamic range, IF output...etc., versus cost, size, component availability (COTS/specialized) for application to DBF technology; microwave monolithic integrated circuits (MMICs) are preferred. Investigate and analyze digital performance requirements starting from the A/D conversion to the digital signal processor including the necessary software algorithms. Identify potential for integrating the analog and digital functions into a single chip to reduce cost and parts count. Model the radar system performance/benefits based on the previous analog/digital research. Maximum attention should be given to the lowest cost and weight versus system performance during this phase. Based on the above findings, a radar architecture including the analog, digital, antenna, and the recommended frequency of operation for the Phase II demonstrator should be identified. PHASE II: Develop, test, and demonstrate a prototype MMIC based receiver module that meets the requirements derived in Phase I. The prototype module can initially be fabricated with minimal MIC circuits for demonstration but must have a direct MMIC replacement. Develop, test, and demonstrate the digital components and algorithms. Integrate the analog and digital functions into a single module and demonstrate performance versus requirement. Based on the breadboard results, identify and recommend a final architecture that addresses performance and manufacturing concerns. PHASE III: Eight to sixteen modules, from the Phase II final recommendation, will be fabricated and fully characterized. Integrate the modules to fabricate a fully integrated DBF subarray including antenna, processor, software and demonstrate in a fielded test environment. Tests will include a variety of targets to verify system capability. Several areas of applications include surveillance, target acquisition, Air Traffic Control, GPS satellite systems, and cellular radio technologies. DBF system capability of nulling and multiple beams would permit higher isolation between 'cells' resulting in increased capacity per cell, the ability to track multiple targets and simultaneously provide surveillance, and the capability of reducing multi-path signals while enhancing the desired signal. KEYWORDS: Microwave, D/A, radar, jamming, nulling, MMIC, DSP. A02-121 TITLE: Miniaturized Integrated Noise-Limiting Radio Frequency (RF) Front-End TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Project Manager, Signals Warfare OBJECTIVE: Design and demonstrate a miniaturized and fully integrated noise-limiting RF front-end for electronic support (ES), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and multi-mode military communication receivers. The front-end should provide an order-of-magnitude improvement in size, weight, power, cost or complexity as compared to current commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies, or will provide an order-of-magnitude improvement in frequency coverage, noise-limiting, selectivity, or other such technical specification. DESCRIPTION: The trend in ES/SIGINT and multi-mode communications receivers is toward ever wider instantaneous operating bandwidths. For the ES/SIGINT function, this is driven by a desire for higher probability-of-intercept (POI). For the communications function, this is driven by a desire for more covert operation using spread spectrum waveforms. In both cases, the trend toward wider bandwidths fosters a greater likelihood of encountering strong interference somewhere within the band to which the receiver is tuned. This includes the particularly challenging case of several large discrete interference signals spaced across the band, such as in the case of a broadband ES receiver and VHF/UHF broadcast TV and FM radio. Here we seek to develop a miniaturized and fully integrated noise-limiting RF front-end to help mitigate these problems. The objective is to provide a capability for filtering and/or limiting several strong interfering signals at or near the antenna and/or first gain stage, thereby minimizing signal capture effects. It is a further objective to provide this capability with manageable RF properties such that the hardware may be applied to multi-channel systems requiring phase and amplitude tracking. Recent advances in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) resonators and filters, programmable surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices, frequency selective limiters, etc. all have yielded candidate technologies for performing the desired noise-limiting function. Under this topic, these and other candidate technologies will be leveraged to provide a fully integrated RF front-end. PHASE I: Provide a detailed design of a miniaturized and fully integrated noise-limiting single-channel RF front-end. Provide a detailed trade study report comparing all considered candidate technologies and detailed reasoning for technology selection. Provide a MATLAB(TM), SPICE(TM) or other engineering simulation of the proposed design. Provide specific detail to quantify and support claimed improvements in performance over currently available COTS items. PHASE II: Fabricate and deliver prototype single-channel miniaturized and fully integrated noise-limiting RF front-end. The deliverable will be tested at the contractor facility and proper operation will be validated prior to delivery to the Government. Testing will include the selective elimination (band-stop) or isolation (band-pass) of any or all TV stations within a 60 MHz bandwidth window placed at any point in the 30MHz to 1000MHz range. Testing will also validate the ability for phase and amplitude tracking of the three sets of deliverable hardware. The deliverables will include a detailed functional design of the integrated RF hardware (complete RF, DC, and control circuitry layouts). PHASE III: This hardware has direct application to consumer broadcast television reception. The ability to enhance signal quality for TV and /or FM reception will provide for a substantial commercial marketplace as an adjunct to TV and FM antennas, amplifiers, and receivers. KEYWORDS: Radio Frequency, ES/SIGINT A02-122 TITLE: Air Vehicle Sound Suppression Technology TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform ACQUISITION PROGRAM: OBJECTIVE: The objective of this program is to develop sound cancellation technology to enhance the battlefield survivability of small, unmanned, rotary wing vehicles against air defense systems and small arms. DESCRIPTION: The Army and Navy are investigating the utility of small, unmanned, rotary wing vehicles (such as helicopters) for battlefield surveillance and perimeter monitoring applications. The vertical take off/landing, hover capabilities and low speed maneuverability of these air vehicles are critical for these missions as well as a wide variety of specialized missions to include search and rescue, close air support, anti-armor, artillery spotting and special operations. To make optimum use of these maneuverability and vertical lift capabilities, the air vehicle will often need to be inserted close to enemy positions. In these close-to-the-enemy applications, these vehicles must operate with a low likelihood of detection. If these vehicles are detected, the enemy is alerted to the air vehicle's surveillance mission and is subject to enemy fire. Thus, the ability to avoid detection by enemy forces is a critical requirement in many of the missions performed by both manned and unmanned air vehicles. The rotary wing vehicle is particularly laden with detectabilty challenges. While some of these can be addressed by design modifications such as mufflers, the effects exhibited by the rotors, blades and their components have traditionally proven more difficult to suppress. Modern sound sources and synchronous processing technology offer the possibility of novel cancellation methods using devices that are carried and powered on the air vehicle itself. PHASE I: Determine sound propagation characteristics of typical small military unmanned aircraft. Develop a simulation to evaluate observability and propagation characteristics. Assess detection ranges for these unmanned aircrafts. Estimate the nature of mitigation needed to reduce these detection range parametrically, up to at least a factor of ten. PHASE II: Develop active sound cancellation concepts. Evaluate the effectiveness of each notional concept using computer simulations. Select a preferred concept and conduct a proof of concept test taking into consideration tactical environment. Use these test results to calibrate the computer simulation. Report resulting performance of noise cancellation concept. PHASE III: Sound cancellation technology would have wide application to a broad range of military helicopter applications as well as commercial operations, including general aviation, law enforcement, traffic monitoring, news, medivac, and search & rescue. In addition, there are a number of applications for sound mitigation in various industrial environments. KEYWORDS: Rotary vehicle sound characteristics, noise suppression, detection range, active noise cancellation, simulation, integration, sound characteristics, survivability, sensors A02-123 TITLE: Small, Low Cost Infrared Semiconductor Laser System, for Military Platform Protection and Free Space Communications TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM AES AEC and Science & Technology Communications OBJECTIVE: This program would provide a low cost, multi-spectral, laser system for Infra-Red Counter-Measure (IRCM) applications to enhance survivability of platforms under risk of missile attack. With proper design, this multi-spectral source could be used in systems to defeat both Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) and Surface-to-Air (SAM) Missiles. DESCRIPTION: The contractor will be required to design and build a low cost multi-spectral IR Semiconductor Laser System (SLS) for operation at ambient temperatures with an output power of 2 W/line. A study will be conducted of the different semiconductor laser technologies to determine the most appropriate technology for each of the three Infra-red (IR) laser lines. The longest line, at about 4.5 microns, represents a technological challenge at these operating temperatures and average powers. It is envisioned that the operating temperatures of the actual semiconductor laser bars, at the specified output powers, would be above 250 K, so that a small Sterling Cycle cooler could handle the heat load. It is also anticipated that a multi-faceted laser bar, or an array of devices with appropriate lensing, will be required to achieve the appropriate output power, at least for the mid IR. Thus, special techniques to collimate and combine the beams from each device or facet of the laser bar may be required to provide adequate power and beam quality, particularly, in the mid IR. A goal would be a 2 - 3 X diffraction limited circularized beam, focused for fiber coupling. Overall or "Wall plug" efficiency is also viewed as a key parameter of the system. Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) IR Fiber & Jam Head will be provided for Infra-Red Counter-Measure (IRCM) testing. PHASE I: A study will be conducted of the different semiconductor laser technologies to determine the most appropriate technology for each of the three Infra-Red (IR) laser lines. PHASE II: Characterization, design, construction and test of the multi-spectral prototype source will be conducted. It must be demonstrated that beam quality and system optics are adequate to facilitate efficient coupling to an appropriate fiber. IRCM testing will be arranged with a DOD facility. PHASE III: This IR countermeasure technology has application for both military aircraft and commercial aircraft under high risk of terrorist attack. The system could also be adapted to enhance ground platform survivability against ATGMs. Free space communications using mid IR semiconductor lasers also offers another area of dual military/commercial application. Remote chemical sensing would be another potential application of this source technology. REFERENCES: 1) Enhanced CW Performance of Interband Cascade Lasers Using Improved Device Fabrication, J. L. Bradshaw, J. T. Pham, Rui Q. Yang, J. D. Bruno and D. E. Wortman, IEEE J. Quantum Electron. Special issue on semiconductor lasers, Feb./Mar. 2001. 2) Power, Efficiency, and Thermal Characteristics of Type-II Interband Casecade Lasers, Rui Q. Yang, J. L. bradshaw, J. D. Bruno, J. T. Pham and D. E. Wortman, IEEE J. Quantum Electron., 37, 282-289 (2001). 3) Low-Threshold Interband Cascade Lasers with Power Efficiency Exceeding 9%. J. D. Bruno, J. L. Bradshaw, Rui Q. Yang, J. T. Pham, and D. E. Wortman, Appl. Phys. Lett. 76, 3167 (2000). 4) Mid-Infrared Type-II Interband Cascade Lasers, J. L. Bradshaw, J. D. Bruno, J. T. Pham, D. E. Wortman and Ruie Q. Yang, J. Vac. Sci. Tech. B, 18, 1628-1632 (2000). 5) Continuous Wave Operation of Type-II Interband Cascade Lasers, J. L. Bradshaw. J. D. Bruno, J. T. Pham, D. E. Wortman and Rui Q. Yang, IEE - Optoelectronics: special issue on Mid-IR Optoelectronics: Materials and Devices, 147, 177-180 (2000). Continued on next page. 6) Interband cascade lasers: progress and challenges, Rui Q. Yang, J. D. Bruno, J. L. Bradshaw, J. T. Pham and D. E. Wortman, Physica E, 7, 69-75 (2000). 7) R. Kaspi, A. Ongstad, C. Moeller, G.C. Dente, J. Chavez, M.L. Tilton, and D. Gianardi, Appl. Phys. Lett. 70, 302 (2001), "Optically pumped integrated absorber 3.4 um laser with InAs-to-InGaAsSb type-II transition" 8) R.E. Bartolo, W. W. Bewley, C. L. Felix, I. Vurgaftman, J. R. Lindle, J. R. Meyer, D. L. Knies, K. S. Grabowski, G. W. Turner, and M. J. Manfra, Appl. Phys. Lett. 78, 3394 (2001), "Virtual-Mesa and Spoiler Mid-IR Angled-Grating distributed Feedback Lasers Fabricated by Ion Bombardment." 9) W. W. Bewley, C. L. Felix, I. Vurgaftman, R.E. Bartolo, J. R. Lindle, J. R. Meyer, H. Lee, and R. U. Martinelli, Appl. Phys. Lett. 70, 3221 (2001), "Mid-Infrared Photonic-Crystal Distributed-Feedback Laser with Enhanced Spectral Purity and Beam Quality." 10) I. Vurgaftman, C .L. Felix, W. W. Bewley, D. W. Stokes, R.E. Bartolo, and J. R. Meyer, Phil. Trans. Roy. Sec. London A 359, 489 (2001), "Mid-IR 'W' Lasers." 11) "Continuous Wave Operation of a Mid-IR Semiconductor Laser at Room Temperature," Mattias Beck, Daniel Hofstetter et al. Science vol. 295, pp. 301-305, 11 Jan 2002. 12) "CW Operation of a Mid-IR Semiconductor Laser at Room Temperature," Scienceexperess/www.scienceexpress.org/20 Dec 2001/Page1/10.1126/science.1066408 KEYWORDS: Semiconductor lasers, laser diodes, Infra-Red Counter-Measures, Wavelength Beam Combining A02-124 TITLE: Light-Weight, High-efficient, Wideband Compact Power Amplifier TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Electronics ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM Prophet OBJECTIVE: Develop an agile, high efficiency, compact, light-weight, ultra-wideband (1.5-3000 MHz), low cost, high power amplification system for a variety of military systems. DESCRIPTION: Currently available power amplifier (PA) technology does not satisfy the needs of evolving military requirements. Today's broadband, high efficiency PAs are limited to HF and LVHF. At UHF frequencies, PAs exhibit bandwidths of 10% or less and are characterized by distributed amplification, poor efficiency and large physical size. In cellular bands, the efficiencies approximate 20%. Today's technology developments/innovations, including circuit designs/components with greatly increased bandwidth, require high power switching transitors, Class D, E and F high power circuits and wideband, high power electronic tuning. Military services make extensive use of the frequencies from 1.5 to 3000 MHz for numerous tactical applications. These applications require a plethora of radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers to support communications, electronic attack, RF detonation of explosives and other army requirements. Reducing the number of amplifier designs will lower operation and maintenance costs, enable multi-function missions with fewer systems and increase operational effectiveness by reducing prime power requirements. High efficiency in the power amplifier lowers the cost of operation, reduces size and weight, reduces prime power requirements, extends battery life, and increases operational time. A power output of 200 - 500W. or more per module is desired with the objective of combining modules to produce a minimum of 1KW output. The goal for efficiency is 60 percent or better. The amplifier should be operable over at least a 3:1 frequency band. PHASE I: Investigate techniques for achieving program objectives. Test critical design concepts through simulation or experimentation. Prepare conceptual system design. PHASE II: Design, fabricate, and test prototype amplifier modules and systems to demonstrate the concepts from Phase I. PHASE III: Transition prototype design to use in an actual Army system. Develop related prototypes for commercial applications. The generation of RF power also goes beyond military requirements but, also to commercial TV/radio/cellular/PCS communications, RF heating and lighting, plasma generation, and medical applications such as x-ray and magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI). High efficiency in the power amplifier lowers the cost of operation, reduces size and weight, reduces prime power requirements, extends battery life, and increases operational time. REFERENCES: 1) US Army Training and Doctrine Command Pamphlet 525-66. 2) P. B. Kenington, High Linearity RF Amplifier Design. Norwood, MA: Artech, 2000. 3) S. C. Cripps, RF Power Amplifiers for Wireless Communication Norwood, MA: Artech, 1999. Continued Next Page 4) H. Zirath and D. B. Rutledge, “An LDMOS VHF class-E power amplifier using high-Q novel variable inductor“, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech., vol. 47, no. 12, pp. 2534 – 2538, Dec. 1999. 5) M. D. Weiss, F. H Raab, Z. B Popovic, "Linearity of X-band class-F power amplifier in high-efficiency transmitters“, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech., vol. 49, no. 6, pp. 1174, June 2001 6) F. H. Raab, B. E. Sigmon, R. G. Myers, and R. M. Jackson, “L-band transmitter using Kahn EER technique“, IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech., pt. 2, Vol. 46, no. 12, pp. 2220 – 2225, Dec. 1998. KEYWORDS: radio frequency, amplifiers, transmitters, communications, bandwidth Directory: osbp -> SBIR -> solicitations solicitations -> Army sbir 09. 1 Proposal submission instructions dod small Business Innovation (sbir) Program solicitations -> Navy sbir fy09. 1 Proposal submission instructions solicitations -> Army 16. 3 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions solicitations -> Air force 12. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions solicitations -> Army 14. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions solicitations -> Navy small business innovation research program submitting Proposals on Navy Topics solicitations -> Navy small business innovation research program solicitations -> Armament research, development and engineering center solicitations -> Army 17. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions solicitations -> Navy 11. 3 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions Download 1.78 Mb. 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