Astron Wireless Technologies was recently granted a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II award by the Department of Defense for the development of an adaptive-bandwidth, high-power RF antenna. The objective is to devise a universal approach to the design of very-high-power broadband antennas for the non-lethal use of RF energy. This development and the subsequent production of a prototype system is based on the Phase I development of a 10:1 bandwidth basic log-conical antenna.

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Astron had previously developed a similar antenna operating above 1 GHz. During Phase II, the program will focus on creating a truly miniature, high-gain, high-power antenna operating up to 1000 MHz. The use of rotary joints will also be investigated.

"This program places Astron at the forefront of the ultra-high-power antenna field," said Joe Jahoda, chief technical officer at Astron Wireless Technologies. Astron has 26 years of experience in RF antenna systems design and development, using its own internal research and development funding and participating in SBIR programs.