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New funding supports research in data transmission and acquisition
The Advanced Instrumentation Systems Department at Sandia National Laboratories is responsible for the transmission and acquisition of data from wide variety of complex test objects. Recent state-of-the-art test objects demand higher data rates with simultaneous use of tracking and data acquisition capabilities, thereby necessitating use of electronically scanned or phased array antennas with multi-directional pointing capabilities. To this end, Sandia has teamed up with Muhammad Dawood, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, to conduct research that is aimed at quantifying the performance parameters of a Ku-band planar scanning array using Rotman lens in 2D configuration for a medium power transmitting system. The primary objective is to select optimum technology, configuration and design parameters for a phased array antenna that can meet Sandia’s requirements of higher data transmission and acquisition, and may have simultaneous tracking and scanning capabilities. This objective will be achieved through a detailed theoretical and simulation study of different technologies and configurations and choosing the optimum solution in terms of cost, losses, efficiency, power handling capabilities, etc. A scaled-down bench-top prototype is also planned to demonstrate the feasibility and working of the system, and compare its performance results with those of simulations. Dawood received a grant of $40,000 from Sandia National Laboratories for this research.