Name of Sponsoring Organization: Collins Aerospace
Sponsor Point of Contact (name): Mark Billsberry
Email Address:
Name of Technical Mentor (i.e. Subject Matter Expert): Mark Billsberry
TM Email Address:
Project Title: GPS L1 Band Active Antenna
Required EE Area(s) of Expertise: 1) Electromagnetics (Antenna and RF Circuit Design) , 2) RF active electronics, 3), Mechanical design/packaging
Brief Project Description: Develop a GPS L1 Band active antenna for aviation platforms. Design requirements are driven by the industry specification (DO-301). The project includes the design of a passive antenna supporting RHCP polarized operation at L1 (1575.42 MHz) and a low noise amplifier. The complete design should be validated against the requirements using antenna range and bench testing along with integration with a Collins GPS receiver. Mechanical Requirements: Correct form factor (must satisfy industry standard outline). Other Mechanical Requirements: Packaging of the antenna and testing the package for environmental factors such as humidity, vibration, etc. (optional and TBD based on group progress and information from Collins)
Major system products expected from this project: 1) Passive antenna and active electronics design + implementation + testing 2) A minimum of 2 complete antenna with packaging. 3) Simulation based yield analysis. 4) Design/implement live testing and comparison with existing antenna. 5) Project report (Summary of requirements, design implementation and verification)
Parts of the project that “Engineering Design” is expected (e.g., mathematical calculations and/or verification simulations): Please see project description !
The level of support (Time: technical guidance, materials, computing, financial, etc.) for the project. If no financial support will be provided, please offer an estimate of the Materials Cost: 1) Technical guidance by Mark Billsberry (Schedule and frequency TBD) 2) Access for necessary RF design software (HFSS, MWO and ADS (Also available at USF)) 3) Funding provided for materials ($2,000). 4) Access for measurement facilities to characterize antennas and RF devices. 5) Support for visit/measurement at Collins (will depend on pandemic restrictions)