Electromagnetics and Radar Technology
Antenna System Design
ARCON's innovative antenna research includes the development and application of Neural Network (NN) techniques for adapting phased arrays to conditions where system functions are degraded or unknown. Our engineers also perform research in the use of radial basis function NNs in digital beamforming arrays for single-source target location and direction finding. ARCON's current research includes the combination of NN and Genetic Algorithms (GA) for antenna array pattern synthesis; beam steering and pattern shaping; application of GA to find acceptable beam-steering solutions for a badly behaved x-band receiver array with an analog feed structure and non-linear Reggia-Spencer phase shifters; and the application of GA to the design of Josephson junction arrays as radiating sources.
The development of antenna design algorithms and application programs is an important component of our computational electromagnetics capabilities. One of our programs facilitates the processing and analysis of the input and output of the NEC4
Computational Electromagnetics
ARCON offers over 35 years' experience in electromagnetic analysis and simulation. Our electromagnetic engineering personnel are highly proficient in the application and combination of visualization and Computer Aided Design (CAD) techniques with electromagnetic analysis software.
Propagation Analysis
Developing radar signal simulators and designing tactical radar devices is another one of ARCON's areas of expertise. We have developed techniques for the real time implementation of simultaneous, complementary clutter in moving radar systems. Our engineers have also developed software to simulate radar signals and tactical radar design.
Signal Processing
Full-dimension Space-Time Adaptive Processing (STAP) – used to detect small, moving targets embedded in non-stationary, heterogeneous clutter scenario - is an important technology in ARCON's inventory of electromagnetics and radar technology tools. STAP techniques and their applications are generally synonymous with long CPU run times, and data collection necessary for implementation of STAP imposes huge storage capability demands. ARCON has developed STAP algorithms; written STAP programs; and, most importantly, has the experience and expertise to perform STAP modeling and simulation calculations.
Space-Based Radar System Design
ARCON is currently researching the design and utilization of sparse arrays of space-based radars for enhanced spacecraft imaging for spacecraft classification and identification to augment our nation's space situational awareness capabilities.