Ultra-wideband transmitter research

Author

Agee, Forrest J. ; Baum, Carl E. ; Prather, William D. ; Lehr, Jane M. ; O´Loughlin, James P. ; Burger, Jeffrey W. ; Schoenberg, Jon S H ; Scholfield, David W. ; Torres, Robert J. ; Hull, Jonathan P. ; Gaudet, John A.

Author_Institution

Air Force Office of Sci. Res. Phys. & Electron. Directorate, Washington, DC, USA

Volume

26

Issue

3

fYear

1998

fDate

6/1/1998 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

860

Lastpage

873

Abstract

The generation of ultra-wideband (UWB) pulses is a challenging problem that involves generating pulses with fast rise times on the order of 100 ps and voltages of more than 500 kV. Pulsewidths from 130 ps to a few nanoseconds (ns) are possible. A critical step involves switching high voltages with precision. The use of both gas and oil for the switching medium has been accomplished with varying results. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is pursuing both media in the gas-switched H-series of pulsers and in studies of oil switches that promise good performance in compact packages. We are also pursuing solid-state switched systems that have demonstrated the potential for use in compact systems and in transient antenna arrays with steerable beams. The paper reviews recent progress in fast, high voltage switching and UWB transmitter development. These UWB pulsers and antennas have the potential for use in transient radar, target identification, and communications

Keywords

antenna accessories; high-voltage techniques; microwave antenna arrays; microwave devices; microwave generation; photoconducting switches; pulsed power switches; radar transmitters; radio transmitters; reflector antennas; reviews; switchgear; transmitting antennas; 100 ps; 130 ps; 500 kV; Air Force Research Laboratory; UWB transmitter development; communications; compact packages; compact systems; critical step; fast high voltage switching; fast rise times; gas-switched H-series pulsers; high voltage switching; oil switches; pulsers; pulsewidths; reviews; solid-state switched systems; steerable beams; switching medium; target identification; transient antenna arrays; transient radar; ultra-wideband pulses; ultra-wideband transmitter research; Laboratories; Packaging; Petroleum; Pulse generation; Radar antennas; Solid state circuits; Switches; Transmitters; Ultra wideband technology; Voltage;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0093-3813

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/27.700855

Filename

700855