Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: A16-096

Description

To address the Army’s need for an indoor GPS satellite constellation antenna array, in Phase II, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to advance the development of the new Scalable Dynamic GPS Broadband Patch Antenna Array (SPAN) system proven feasible in Phase I. The SPAN system design integrates broadband GPS-band adaptive antenna arrays coupled with EMI-immune fiber-optic interface between SPAN’s orbit-like platform in an anechoic chamber and a GPS multichannel signal simulator in the control room. This design allows the SPAN system to simulate realistic over-horizon satellite constellation in an anechoic chamber. Electronically controlled via fiber optic interface, these dynamically switchable, time-position specific antenna arrays synthesized signals change in accordance with real GPS constellation rotation. Based on the solid results in Phase I, POC will, in Phase II, complete the SPAN system’s critical design and develop and demonstrate a functional SPAN prototype as an indoor GPS satellite constellation antenna array integrated with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) GPS signal simulator for receivers or systems testing. Based on the assembly and testing of the Phase II prototype, POC will develop a plan for future development and commercialization of SPAN technology in Phase III.