Co-Site Interference Mitigation in Phased Arrays Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-104 Topic Title: Co-Site Interference Mitigation in Phased Arrays Proposal No.: N101-104-0924 Firm: Pharad LLC 797 Cromwell Park Drive, Suite V Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061-2540 Contact: Dalma Novak Phone: (410) 590-3333 Web Site: www.pharad.com Abstract: In this Phase I effort Pharad will carry out a theoretical and experimental feasibility study of several innovative approaches for mitigating the effects of co-site interference that arises due to narrowband transmit and wideband receive phased array apertures that are deployed in close proximity to each other. Our proposed solutions for addressing the problem of co-site interference will include an active optical interference cancellation system based on an RF photonic link as well as methods for improving the electromagnetic isolation between the transmit and receive phased arrays. During Phase I we will develop a preliminary design for a photonics-based active interference cancellation circuit and analyze the performance of our developed link architecture. We will also investigate the application of Artificial Magnetic Conductors (AMCs), lossless, reactive surfaces that inhibit the flow of tangential electric surface current, to reduce the coupled RF energy between the transmit receive antenna arrays. We will create novel, small footprint electromagnetic isolation circuits based on AMC structures and verify their operation using both analytical and experimental techniques. The work carried out in Phase I will lay the groundwork for the Phase II effort; the design, fabrication and test of a prototype interference mitigation system. Benefits: The interference cancellation techniques developed through this program will be primarily applicable to military use as the module specifications and performance requirements are military centric and intended for use in military X-band and K-band systems. Potential customers for this development program could be any in-service submarine or perhaps future submarines incorporating the Advanced Sail. The novel technologies that we will develop in this program for mitigating co-site interference in submarine phased array systems, will also be of direct benefit for other military and commercial wireless systems employing phased array systems that encounter similar performance challenges. The installation of transmit and receive apertures in close proximity to one another in platforms that are severely space limited is a common problem, and ensuring reliable full-duplex communications remains an on-going challenge. Return