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Electromagnetic Apertures and Radiolocation

SwRI provides custom antenna design, antenna testing, hemispherical vector sensing DF and geolocation, DF arrays, and radiolocation solutions through our capabilities in electromagnetics and spatial processing algorithms.

Technical Strengths

  • Custom antenna designs for communications, intercept, direction finding and beam-formed arrays
  • Computational eletromagnetics modeling for predicting installed performance of these antennas and DF arrays
  • Antenna testing in anechoic chambers and outdoor far field ranges
  • Antenna and RF design experience spanning from very low frequency (VLF) through the VHF/UHF and microwave bands and into the millimeter wave spectrum, from 3 kHz to 60 GHz and beyond
  • DF algorithm implementation and analysis, including N-channel algorithms and array calibrations, for airborne, shipboard and terrestrial applications
  • Time difference of arrival (TDOA) and Frequency difference of arrival (FDOA) algorithms and systems
  • Hemispherical vector sensing DF and geolocation from a single terrestrial site (single site locator, or SSL) or airborne platform
  • Geolocation algorithms for processing direction of arrival (DoA) and TDOA/FDOA measurements, including the combination of heterogeneous sensor types

The Electromagnetic Apertures and Radiolocation Section has a number of "off the shelf" antennas, DF arrays and radiolocation algorithms available for integration into government or other open architecture systems, but leverages a wealth of experience and internal R&D work to provide custom solutions to challenging problems such as:

  • Conformal or concealed antenna/array installations
  • Small antenna/array footprints
  • Using unique waveform features to isolate signals with spatial processing
  • Designing multi-purpose antennas
  • Anti-jam arrays and algorithms
  • Phased arrays and low-cost phased array alternatives
  • Airship arrays and inflatable antennas