Transformational Element Level Arrays (TELA) Testbed (Preprint)

Abstract : The Air Force is in need of antenna technologies to support surveillance needs in a complex Radio Frequency (RF) environment. Requirements dictate the need to find weak and strong emitters simultaneously over broad bandwidth, while resolving emitter data such as angle of arrival and time of arrival for signal identification and tracking. Previous work at AFRL has resulted in many technologies that support these needs. Many components exist today that were only theoretical a few years ago, such as phased array antennas that support 10:1 bandwidth, broadband MMIC components, and miniaturized digital receivers. An effort is underway at AFRL to develop systems combining these elements, resulting in wideband phased arrays encompassing multiple receiver channels and capable of forming multiple beams through digital beamforming. The key elements of this effort revolve around three key areas: RF modeling, system integration, and system testing. The TELA Testbed allows for the integration of these technologies as a system that can be tested and verified through modeling. The ultimate goal is a broadband aperture simultaneously supporting EW, communications, and multiple radar modes. This approach will lead to reduced size, cost, weight, and power consumption while serving multiple simultaneous users with minimal impact on an airframe.