True time delay networks are one of the most critical structures of wideband phased-array antenna systems which are frequently used in self-protection and electronic warfare applications. In order to direct the main beam of a wideband phased-array antenna to the desired direction / phase values, which are linearly dependent to frequency, are essential. Due to the phase characteristics of the true-time delay networks, beam squint problems for broadband phased array systems are minimized. In this thesis, different types of true-time delay structures are investigated for wideband phased array applications and a tunable S-band true-time delay network having delay over 1ns with high resolution is developed, designed, fabricated and measured. Lower-cost, smaller occupied area, digital/analog control mechanism and ease of implementation are the other features of the developed network. High delay values with high resolutions for wideband operation are achieved through the combination of several techniques / therefore the desired S-band TTD network is constructed with the synthesis of switched-transmission lines, constant-R networks and periodically-loaded transmission lines. Higher delay states are realized by the switched-transmission lines technique, while the method of constant R-network is used for the intermediate delay states. To increase the tuning flexibility, smaller delay states are accomplished by analog-voltage controlled periodically loaded transmission lines. A step-by-step procedure is followed during the design process of the S-band true time delay network. Firstly, each method used in the TTD network is analyzed in detail and developed for PCB implementation and the use of COTS components. Then, the designed structures are verified via linear and EM simulations performed by ADS2011&reg / . After that, the effects of production tolerances are examined to optimize each design for S-band operations. Moreover, the designed structures are fabricated by using PCB technology and measured. Finally, a software code is developed in MATLAB to generate the overall cascaded network with the help of measured data.

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International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 28-31, 1996 / Town and Country Hotel and Convention Center, San Diego, California / Aerospace Report No. TOR-0059(6110-01)-3, section 1.3.3 outlines the design and performance requirements of SGLS (Space Ground Link Subsystem) uplink services equipment. This modulation system finds application in the U.S. Air Force satellite uplink commanding system. The SGLS signal generator is specified as an FSK (Frequency Shift Keyed)/AM (Amplitude Modulation)/PM (Phase Modulation) sub-carrier modulator. GDP Space Systems has implemented, on a single 6U-VME card, a SGLS signal generator. The modulator accepts data from several possible sources and uses the data to key one of three FSK tone frequencies. This ternary FSK signal is amplitude modulated by a synchronized triangle wave running at one half the data rate. The FSK/AM signal is then used to phase modulate a tunable HF (High-Frequency) sub-carrier. A digital design approach and the availability of integrated circuits with a high level of functionality enabled the realization of a SGLS signal generator on a single VME card. An analog implementation would have required up to three rack-mounted units to generate the same signal. The digital design improve performance, economy and reliability over analog approaches. This paper describes the advantages of a digital FSK/AM/PM modulation method, as well as DDS (Direct Digital Synthesis) and digital phase-lock techniques.

Traditional naval vessels with steel structures have the benefit of large safety factors and a distinct material endurance limit. However, as performance requirements and budget constraints rise, the demand for lighter weight vessels increases. Reducing the mass of vessels is commonly achieved by the use of aluminum or composite structures, which requires closer attention to be paid to crack initiation and propagation. It is rarely feasible to require a lengthy inspection process that removes the vessel from service for an extended amount of time. Structural health monitoring (SHM), involving continuous measurement of the structural response to an energy source, has been proposed as a step towards condition-based maintenance. Furthermore, using a passive monitoring system with an array of sensors has several advantages: monitoring can take place in real-time using only ambient noise vibrations and neither deployment of an active source nor visual access to the inspected areas are required. Passive SHM on a naval vessel is not without challenge. The structures of ships are typically geometrically complex, causing scattering, multiple reflections, and mode conversion of the propagating waves in the vessel. And rather than a distinct and predictable input produced by controlled active sources, the vibration sources are hull impacts, smaller waves, and even onboard machinery and activity. This research summarizes findings from data collected onboard a Navy vessel and presents recommendations data processing techniques. The intent is to present a robust method of passive structural health monitoring for such a vessel using only ambient vibrations recordings.

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Target of this thesis was to design servo-mechanism suitable for control system of small and speedy aircraft, such as business jets and light multi-purpose attack aircraft. Main task was to use suggested characteristics for computer analysis and determine impact of their changes on servo-mechanism properties. Further on, experimental way of determining these parameters.