Wideband RF Photonic Link with Real-Time Digital Post Processing Navy STTR FY2014.A Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2014.A Topic No.: N14A-T023 Topic Title: Wideband RF Photonic Link with Real-Time Digital Post Processing Proposal No.: N14A-023-0123 Firm: Pharad LLC 1340 Charwood Road, Suite L Hanover, Maryland 21076 Contact: Dalma Novak Phone: (410) 590-3333 Web Site: www.pharad.com Abstract: Pharad is teaming with the Applied Physics Laboratory of The Johns Hopkins University to propose and investigate the feasibility of wideband (VHF to SHF) RF-to-digital photonic link architectures with real-time digital signal processing (DSP) that can meet the stringent performance metrics of military systems. The key requirements for our wideband DSP linearized RF-to-digital photonic link include a fiber distance of 300 meters, a minimum spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) of 120 dB-Hz2/3, and a 2 GHz instantaneous bandwidth. Our Phase I study will explore the trade-offs of several RF-to-bits photonic link architectures and compare the achievable link performance as well as the hardware implementation complexities, with a specific focus on the potential to minimize the size, weight and power (SWaP) required by the electronic back-end digital signal processing (DSP) subsystem. We will carry out theoretical analyses as well as benchtop proof-of-concept demonstrations that will provide experimental validation of the proposed wideband, high dynamic photonic RF-to-bits link architectures incorporating real-time processing. Based on the outcome of our Phase I trade studies we will create a design solution for an RF-to-bits photonic link with an electronic backend processor that provides the optimal combination of linearity performance, hardware complexity, and opportunity for low SWaP. Benefits: The military transition opportunities include incorporating this technology into the digital backend of Navy C4ISR systems on undersea platforms incorporating high dynamic range RF photonic links. This RF over Fiber technology will also have direct application to fronthaul/backhaul requirements of commercial wireless systems. The novel RF-to-digital photonic links with real-time processing backends that will be realized through this program will be immediately relevant to future commercial communications infrastructure requiring high performance, high data rate digital fiber optic remoting links. Return