Optimum Location and System Engineering of High Power, High Frequency Transmitter-Receiver in Combat Vehicles (Short Communication)

Abstract

This paper discusses the procedure adapted after carrying out several iterations for selecting an ideal location to introduce a high power high frequency (HF) transmitter-receiver in a tactical combat vehicle from electromagnetic compatibility view. This radio set contributes for very high field strength to neighbouring electronic devices and other very high frequency (VHF) Tx-Rx situated in the same vehicular platform. An integrated approach was followed in deciding the optimum solution to locate the HF radio set. Leakage from HF radio set is to be minimised within the vehicle to reduce the field coupling level to neighbouring equipment. Radiation from HF antenna was maximised by careful installation of antenna, outside the vehicle environment to ensure optimum radiation of intended signal. Voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) measurement was carried out to verify this. Four different locations experimented have been reported in this paper. The vehicle penetration loss (VPL) can reveal the amount of leakage from external field generated by antennas to field inside the turret. The HF, being a congested operating spectrum, due care was taken in electromagnetic interference control of HF-VHF radios and other tank electronic subsystems. High RF power of HF transmitter and very high sensitivity of HF receiver could affect systems either way. Hence, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) measures and optimum location of HF radio set are important from MIL-STD461 C, MIL6051-D/MIL-STD464A point of view.

Defence Science Journal, 2010, 60(3), pp.302-306, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.60.357