SBIR-STTR Award

We propose to undertake a design study on conformal antennas for USMC Radio Battalions. The Phase I study will identify and optimize wideband fractal element antennas (FEA) for this application through computer (NEC and FEM-based) modeling, guided by our firm’s genetic optimization using efficient and proprietary hardware and software. The resultant optimized fractal elements fall within the firm’s existing patents and pending patents, thus combining a successful design solution with the rights to implementation. Both the approach and technology access are unique to our firm in this task. In addition to providing a design solution, the firm will also undertake proof of concept fabrication of wideband fractal element candidates on transparent substrates in preparation for Phase II prototype fabrication and testing.

Benefits:
Wideband conformal antennas from fractal designs provide unique opportunities for application in vehicular, aviation, amateur radio, consumer electronic markets. Convergence towards multiple frequency use in wireless and telecom also requires a 'one size fits all' antenna approach easily met by the technology.

Keywords:
conformal fractal element antenna genetic optimization wideband

Fractal Antenna Systems, Inc. has employed a proprietary fractal coded genetic optimization algorithm to identify very broadband, small footprint antenna candidates for non-intrusive conformal vehicular antennas. The proposed Phase II effort will extend these results by fabricating, modifying, and improving these candidates followed by testing them in the lab and in a realistic environment for USMC signal intelligence operations. The deliverable antennas will be extremely broadband; relatively small in form factor; window mountable; and produced on conformable membrane substrate. The fabrication of such antennas also will lead to commercial use in UWB; security, and "universal access"T antennas in many wireless and telecom applications. Very broad band vehicular antennas will meet the needs for a variety of extant and emerging applications and modalities, such as: ultra wide band(UWB); Homeland Security; wireless LAN; RFID; and personal communications devices.

Keywords:
Fractal, Wideband, Window , Antenna, Conformable, Non-Intrusive