W-Band Anti-Jam Receiver

TECH FOCUS AREAS: Network Command, Control and Communications TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors; Electronics; Space Platform; Information Systems OBJECTIVE: Develop anti-jam receiver operating from 81 to 86 GHz suitable for future wideband satellite communications (SATCOM) satellite applications. DESCRIPTION: Expanding the availability of battlefield information for better situational awareness to the warfighter will require increased satellite communications (SATCOM) capacity. Due to the present frequency allocation restrictions in existing SATCOM bands, there is a continually increasing need to exploit frequency spectrum available in nontraditional bands such as 81 to 86 GHz for uplinks and 71 to 76 GHz for downlinks. In order to access this spectrum, a new generation of transmitter and receiver microelectronics, will be required. The Air Force is interested in sponsoring research to develop anti-jamming 81 to 86 GHz block down converter receiver. Would support multiple high data rate channels using advanced signal modulation waveforms. Develop a low noise block down converter receiver with high dynamic range and high resistance to interfering signals. Investigate filtering or other techniques for Jammer mitigation. Demonstrate low noise, high linearity and Conversion gain to significantly improve the overall sensitivity of receiver. PHASE I: Develop innovative 81-86 GHz block down converter receiver designs that are resistant to jamming. Validate design feasibility through modeling and simulation. PHASE II: Fabricate one or more prototypes and characterize performance in areas of jamming resistance, NF, gain, bandwidth, operating frequency, and operating temperature range. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Next generation of Wideband High data rate satellite communications. Commercial applications include high speed wireless communications for backhaul for 5G and internet. NOTE: The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the proposed tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the Announcement and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the Air Force SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Kris Croake, kristina.croake@us.af.mil. REFERENCES: 1. C. Hofmann, A. Knopp, Satellite Downlink Jamming Propagation Measurements at Ku-Band, 2018 IEEE MILCOM. 2. W. Ciccognani, et al., Millimeter Wave Low Noise Amplifier for Satellite and Radio-astronomy Applications, 2012 IEEE First AESS European Conference on Satellite Telecommunications, Oct. 2012. 3. X.B. Mei, et al., A W-band InGaAs/InAlAs/InP HEMT Low-Noise Amplifier MMIC with 2.5 dB Noise Figure and 19.4 dB Gain at 94GHz, 20th International Conference on Indium Phosphide and Related Materials, IPRM Digest, May 2008. 4. K.Y. Lin, et al., W-Band InP Based HEMT MMIC Low Noise Amplifiers, JPL Technical Report Server, Nov. 2002