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Superconductor ADC for WindSat
Navy SBIR FY2015.1
| Sol No.: |
Navy SBIR FY2015.1 |
| Topic No.: |
N151-063 |
| Topic Title: |
Superconductor ADC for WindSat |
| Proposal No.: |
N151-063-0598 |
| Firm: |
HYPRES. Inc.
175 Clearbrook Road
Elmsford, New York 10523-1109 |
| Contact: |
Deepnarayan Gupta |
| Phone: |
(914) 592-1190 |
| Web Site: |
www.hypres.com |
| Abstract: |
The ability to directly digitize high frequency analog radio frequency (RF) signals greatly simplifies multi-band microwave receivers. Superconductor analog-to-digital converters (ADC) offer discriminating advantages in both bandwidth and fidelity due to very high sampling rates and quantum-accurate digitization based on counting of magnetic flux quanta. Multiple digital-RF receiver systems incorporating superconductor ADCs have been in operation for over two years in field-ready configurations at Government laboratories, and have demonstrated direct digitization of RF signals above 20 GHz. We propose to increase sampling rates from 40 GHz in current ADCs proven in these delivered systems to 100 GHz and 200 GHz. These ADCs will be designed together with proportionately faster on-chip digital circuits and high-quality analog circuits that will allow us to not only design, but to build, and demonstrate hardware prototypes in Phase II. During Phase I, we will build circuit models and use state-of-the-art simulation tools to develop a roadmap of ADC designs with increasing speed and complexity to meet the needs of spaceborne microwave radiometry and other RF applications. |
| Benefits: |
Superconductor ADC is the cornerstone of the modular, multi-function, digital-RF receiver that has reached technology readiness level 6. These wideband digital-RF receivers have demonstrated enabling operational utility for many naval RF systems needs, ranging from satellite communications, electronic warfare, tactical data links, and spectrum monitoring. The proposed superconductor ADC improvement will enable spiral development of these systems by digitizing progressively wider instantaneous bandwidths with high dynamic range and sensitivity directly at RF. Superior dominance of the RF spectrum will be achieved by the resultant next generation receiver systems. These wideband receivers will be incorporated in a future maritime, airborne, and spaceborne military transceiver/receiver system. |
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