Locating Device for High Power Microwave Pulse Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locating devices struggle to accurately detect and track sources of short-duration high power microwave pulses due to sensitivity to scatter, shadowing, and resonance effects, which are not effectively addressed by current technologies.
Innovation Solution
A locating device utilizing at least three separately disposed receiving antennas with associated detecting devices to measure time differences in the reception of high power microwave pulses, employing a method based on transition time differences to determine the source location, which is less sensitive to these effects and uses untuned dipoles and HF diodes to enhance detection sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If test equipment with long integration times is used to detect continuously emitted microwave energy, then detection sensitivity for continuous radiation is improved, but the ability to detect short-duration high power microwave pulses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a threshold switch that is periodically reset after each pulse detection, creating a periodic detection cycle that is sensitive to short pulses while ignoring continuous low-level radiation. The threshold switch is reset after a fixed time period following pulse detection, enabling the system to detect repeated pulses while maintaining immunity to continuous interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system dynamically adjusts its response based on the detected signal characteristics. The threshold switch provides a dynamic detection mechanism that changes state based on the presence of high-power pulses, automatically adapting to different pulse scenarios without requiring manual intervention or complex processing.
2Measurement precision
If amplitude discriminating process is used for distance determination, then range estimation is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to scatter, shadowing and resonance effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces amplitude-based distance estimation with a time-based approach using threshold switches and time difference measurement. Instead of relying on signal amplitude comparisons that are susceptible to environmental effects, the system measures the time difference of arrival of pulses at multiple antennas, substituting a more robust temporal measurement for the problematic spatial amplitude measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces time difference as an intermediary parameter to resolve the distance determination problem. By measuring the time difference of pulse arrival at multiple antennas and converting this temporal information into spatial location data, the system avoids direct reliance on amplitude measurements that are affected by scatter, shadowing, and resonance effects.
3Measurement precision
If three antennas are used for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the location determination function into independent modular components: multiple threshold switches connected to separate antennas, a time difference measurement unit, and a location calculation unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining location accuracy through the coordinated operation of the modular elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for robust and accurate determination of the source location with reduced measurement errors, improved robustness, and the ability to handle large antenna separations, enabling precise tracking of high power microwave pulse sources.
Implementation Method 1
a time difference when receiving a signal, based on a constant speed of propagation of electromagnetic waves, corresponds to a different distance of the source from the two antennas
Implementation Method 2
the response threshold of the HF diode, in relation to its short-duration integral over a few nanoseconds, is large enough so that it does not forward conduct at the receiving field strength of the permanent background radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A locating device locates a source emitting a short-duration high power microwave pulse. The locating device contains at least three separately disposed receiving antennas that are not disposed on a line, each with an associated detection device for detecting the point in time of the reception at the antenna of the high power microwave pulse. At least one short time measurement device is provided for determining at least two time differences between the points in time of reception of each two of the detection devices. A computing device is provided for calculating a location of the origin of the high power microwave pulse based on at least two of the measured time differences.