Reconfigurable Transmit/Receive Front-End for Multifunctional Sensors

Purpose and goal

Flying platforms are limited in how large and heavy sensors they can carry. Each new desired capability means more systems and thus increased weight. It is therefore desirable to study how to combine several capabilities in one sensor, e.g. radar and communication. A dedicated sensor has been optimized for the best possible performance, and when you want to combine different functions, it will be a big challenge to maintain this. This project aims to study different concepts for energy efficient and multi functional amplifiers to enable multi functional sensors.

Expected effects and result

The possibility of combining several functions in one sensor will enable future flying platforms with significantly more capabilities than today´s solutions. The reduced size and weight when you have fewer sensor systems will mean that the energy requirement is reduced, and thus the operational time or range is increased. The project also leads to maintaining a valuable collaboration with university college and industry, as well as ensuring knowledge building in relevant areas at a low TRL level.

Planned approach and implementation

The project is led by Saab Surveillance, who is also responsible for defining the requirements for a relevant multi functional sensor system. The researchers at Chalmers are world leaders in the design of energy-efficient amplifiers, and will lead the work with the development of various amplifier concepts. There is also a long-term desire to start up an industrial doctoral student in the area, which will lead to close cooperation between Chalmers and Saab in circuit design and integration.