Advanced Wide Band RF Distribution System Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-074 Topic Title: Advanced Wide Band RF Distribution System Proposal No.: N051-074-0165 Firm: SEMTAS Corporation 7217 Masonville Drive Annandale, Virginia 22003-1632 Contact: Arlie Turner Phone: (703) 573-8454 Abstract: Shipboard communications, electronic attack, signal acquisition and direction finding capabilities are required. It is necessary to design and develop an advanced radio frequency distribution system (RFDS) for distribution of extremely small Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Input/Output (I/O), Electronic/Attack (EA) and Communications Signals. The RFDS must provide a low noise RF path from shipboard antennas to below decks processing electronics while operating in a high electromagnetic interference (EMI) environment. SEMTAS and their subcontractor SENTEL (SEMTAS / SENTEL) are very familiar with the problem and the resulting approach to the solution. Recent developments in comb-filter architecture RF distribution systems indicate that this technology offers a solution. Prototype Comb Limiter Combiner and Comb Linear Amplifier Combiner (CLIC / CLAC) hardware was successfully demonstrated for the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS), used by the Army, Navy, and Marines. Laboratory results indicate a significant performance improvement over that of the current frequency hopping SINCGARS multicoupler. The CLIC / CLAC architecture allows up to 16 SINCGARS radios to be connected to one transmit antenna and one receive antenna. The SEMTAS / SENTEL team will scale this technology to the specific requirements and the types of signals involved. Benefits: The benefit is that this RF Distribution System (RFDS) will allow reception of small SIGINT / ELINT / IO / EA /Communications signals, without cosite EMI limitations. Operational parameters such as Sensitivity, Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR), background noise levels, etc. will not be impacted by incorporation of this device, and in some cases the device will improve these parameters. Additionally, the number of antennas will be reduced. It is expected that this RFDS will provide increased performance with reduced size and weight compared to the legacy system. Return