SBIR/STTR Award attributes
To address the Armys need for an indoor GPS satellite constellation antenna array, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Scalable Dynamic GPS Broadband Patch Antenna Array (SPAN) system. The proposed array is based on the novel integration of the broadband GPS-band smart antenna arrays coupled with EMI-immune fiber-optic interface between SPANs unique orbit-like platform located in anechoic chamber and GPS multichannel signal simulator/SPAN control system, positioned in the control room. Twenty-four independent antenna arrays and realistically scaled spatial distribution of moving orbits ensure that up to 12 satellite antenna beams can be simultaneously seen by the stationary positioned unit under test (UUT). The RF-over-fiber interface enables single snap connectorization to all output channels of GPS simulation system and supports UUT tests with GPS L1 C/A, P(Y) and M-Noise codes and GPS L2 C/A or P(Y) and L2C, M-Noise codes. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate SPANs feasibility by modeling, including SPANs structure design, precision-control algorithm, and fiber optic interface development. In Phase II, we plan to fully develop the prototype indoor GPS satellite constellation antenna array. At the end of Phase II, the SPAN prototype will be ready for testing at an Army test facility.
