Microminiature radio frequency transmitter for communication and tracking applications

Richard I. Crutcher; Mike S. Emery; Kelly G. Falter; C. H. Nowlin; Jim M. Rochelle; Lloyd G. Clonts

doi:10.1117/12.266740

18 February 1997 Microminiature radio frequency transmitter for communication and tracking applications

Richard I. Crutcher, Mike S. Emery, Kelly G. Falter, C. H. Nowlin, Jim M. Rochelle, Lloyd G. Clonts

Proceedings Volume 2938, Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence Systems for Law Enforcement; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.266740
Event: Enabling Technologies for Law Enforcement and Security, 1996, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

A micro-miniature radio frequency (rf) transmitter has been developed and demonstrated by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The objective of the rf transmitter development was to maximize the transmission distance while drastically shrinking the overall transmitter size, including antenna. Based on analysis and testing, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with a 16-GHz gallium arsenide (GaAs) oscillator and integrated on-chip antenna was designed and fabricated using microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) technology. Details of the development and the results of various field tests are discussed. The rf transmitter is applicable to covert surveillance and tracking scenarios due to its small size of 2.2 multiplied by 2.2 mm, including the antenna. Additionally, the 16-GHz frequency is well above the operational range of consumer-grade radio scanners, providing a degree of protection from unauthorized interception. Variations of the transmitter design have been demonstrated for tracking and tagging beacons, transmission of digital data, and transmission of real-time analog video from a surveillance camera. Preliminary laboratory measurements indicate adaptability to direct-sequence spread-spectrum transmission, providing a low probability of intercept and/or detection. Concepts related to law enforcement applications are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Richard I. Crutcher, Mike S. Emery, Kelly G. Falter, C. H. Nowlin, Jim M. Rochelle, and Lloyd G. Clonts "Microminiature radio frequency transmitter for communication and tracking applications", Proc. SPIE 2938, Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence Systems for Law Enforcement, (18 February 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.266740

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KEYWORDS

Transmitters

Antennas

Gallium arsenide

Buildings

Receivers

Microwave radiation

Oscillators

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