TREX ENTERPRISES CORPORATION — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: Trex Enterprises proposes the design and fabrication of a sub-THz heterodyne communication

Description

Trex Enterprises proposes the design and fabrication of a sub-THz heterodyne communications link capable of one-way broadcast of high speed data to multiple receivers within 1 km. The link operates near the 183 GHz water vapor absorption line and has the design goal of>3 Gbps data rates, with a path to 10 Gbps in the near future. The transmitter incorporates a novel antenna horn design that minimizes energy in sidelobes to increase range and aid in covertness. The proposed baseline approach tunes the carrier frequency around the water absorption line to cloak the transmission beyond the required link range. Trex has identified sources for wide band sub-THz amplifiers and mixers, but the majority of components required for the design are already in production for Trexs commercial communication links. Trex is a world leader in the field of point-to-point MMW communications links, selling 70/80 GHz full-duplex communications links to both military and commercial customers through its Loea Communications Corporation subsidiary, and also has significant experience in systems operating above 200 GHz. Fabrication of the new sub-THz modules and components will take place in Trexs MMW electronic assembly facility in West Hatfield, MA, while system final assembly and test will be performed at Trex headquarters in San Diego, CA.