Shipboard Low Noise Amplifier Assembly

This program introduces the concept of a mast-mounted, shipboard, low-noise amplifier (LNA) assembly. Today’s receiver electronics are kept within a ship’s hull protecting sensitive circuitry from exposure to harsh electromagnetic, weather and corrosive conditions. Heavy, expensive, low-loss cabling is used to connect the receiver to the mast-top antenna. An ideal solution will eliminate this cabling by mounting the receiver LNA at the top of the mast. Elimination of front-end cabling will also improve the dynamic range and noise figure of the receiver. The solution must survive powerful electromagnetic energy generated from nearby transmitters without reflecting that energy back into the environment. This is not possible with current technology.

Balanced Solution:

Design and deliver a hermetically sealed LNA to meet stringent RF performance requirements and withstand severe environmental conditions. Electrically, the integrated package will contain: a very wide-band, non-reflective input; a highly linear, low-noise amplifier; and a low-loss bypass path. Physically, the assembly will be compact for mast-top deployment and resistant to the severe environments to which it will be exposed.