High power digital direction finding antennas

Abstract

A novel high-power digital direction finding antenna architecture is presented. Direct digitization of the antenna signal is accomplished using a symmetrical number system electro-optical wideband analog-to-digital converter. By directly digitizing the antenna signals, the need for down conversion and automatic gain control circuitry can be eliminated. The design of a 5-bit prototype that uses three integrated optical interferometers is discussed and its experimental DC performance (transfer function) is evaluated. The hardware realization of a three channel 14-bit device currently being constructed in the Optical Electronics Laboratory is also discussed.Digital antennaselectro-optics