Advanced Digital Millimeter Wave Radio using Wideband Phase-Locked Loops under Microprocessor Control

Advances in millimeter wave (MMW) technology that allow for a more cost effective design, demand greater bandwidths to support data processing systems, and increase the threat to communication systems have resulted in a renewed interest in MMW communication to support the USAF mission. To simultaneously realize these goals, Hazeltine Corporation, under contract to USAF, has designed and built a four channel, full duplex MMW (36-37 GHz) radio. The unit uses phase-locked gunn diode oscillators as MMW sources, under microprocessor control, to realize a significant improvement in terrestrial link range and performance. Other features, such as digital orderwire, alignment tone mode, selectable bandwidths, and a tower-to-shelter intercoms, increase the system's versatility. Radio performance will be evaluated at Rome Air Developmernt Center's (RADC's) MMW test range where the effects of atmospheric conditions on MMW link performance will also be monitored.