Talk 1: Optimizing Rod Antennas for Manpack Systems for Both Amateur and Military Applications
Rod antennas, widely used in portable radio systems, are crucial for reliable communication in amateur and military contexts. These systems must perform well under varying environmental and ionospheric conditions, where signal propagation is frequency-dependent. At any time of day, an optimal frequency or small band of frequencies between two points remains stable for several hours. We can perform best by properly matching an antenna to this frequency. In this discussion, we will introduce a combination of matching techniques that improve transmission and provide better coverage than previous methods.
Talk 2: Some Further Thoughts and ideas concerning the classical half-wave diploe antenna
The half-wave dipole is a widely used antenna in Amateur Radio and other communications. It is often one of the first antennas studied in college courses. Professor R.W.P. King dedicated over 100 years to studying dipoles, and his accurate measurements continue to validate modeling software. Through his 1950 book Antennas, Professor John Kraus inspired many in the field, including the speaker. This presentation will explore key topics related to the half-wave dipole. First, we will assess the accuracy of various antenna modeling codes, using a unique surface model in FEKO as a reference dipole compared to wire Method of Moments (MoM) methods. We will also review the famous formula 468/f, which calculates the length of a half-wave dipole in feet (where f is in MHz), and discuss its effectiveness and common misconceptions. It does not reliably tune all antennas to resonance for different wire or tubing diameters, so we will provide a simple interpolation method for adjustments. Lastly, we will present a new design method for constructing a half-wave dipole antenna independent of the conductor's diameter, whether wire or tubing.
Talk 3:The State-of-the-Art in Antenna-based Techniques for Mitigating Threats to the Global Positioning System (GPS)
Nearly every aspect of society relies on positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). However, GPS signals are vulnerable to spoofing and jamming due to their unauthenticated nature and weak signal strength at the Earth's surface. Implementing such attacks with low-cost hardware and open-source software is relatively easy, leaving many regions susceptible to these threats. Research over the past few decades has focused on improving PNT performance amid jamming and spoofing, typically categorized into five main approaches: 1) signal processing methods, 2) antenna-based methods, 3) artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, 4) non-GNSS sensors, and 5) hybrid methods combining various strategies. This presentation will provide an overview of GPS and GNSS technologies, common attack strategies, and various mitigation methods, primarily focusing on antenna-based techniques. It will introduce a taxonomy of these techniques to enhance signal reception by maximizing authentic GPS signals and minimizing those from attackers. The presentation will highlight well-known techniques and ongoing research, and discuss key research gaps and future directions.
Talk 4:The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program, “HAARP”, A Brief History and Engineering Review.
The HAARP Research Facility is a cutting-edge ionospheric research project in Alaska, funded by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and DARPA. Built by APTI/BAE Systems, it analyzes the Earth's ionosphere and develops ionospheric enhancement technologies for radio communications and surveillance. Construction began in 1993, with research operations starting in 1996 and completion in 2007. The facility was transferred to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) in 2015 and continues to operate today. The main instrument, the Ionospheric Research Instrument (IRI), features a 180-antenna phased array and operates at 5 Gigawatts, making it one of the highest-powered HF transmitting systems in the world. It temporarily excites specific areas of the ionosphere for scientific studies. Additional instruments include VHF and UHF radars, a fluxgate magnetometer, a Digi-sonde, an induction magnetometer, and low-light CCD camera systems. The facility also has a 15-megawatt diesel power plant and a modern operations center. HAARP is recognized for successfully overcoming unique challenges in radio engineering. This presentation will highlight how the facility's systems were designed and operated, along with examples of scientific research conducted there.
Co-sponsored by: IEEE North Jersey Section AP/MTT17, ED/CAS, PHOTONICS Chapter and Radio Club of America (RCA)
Speaker(s): Prof. James K. Breakall, Jack L. Burbank, Steve Floyd, Prof. (Dr. Ing. Habil) Ulrich L. Rohde
Agenda:
4:15 PM – Refreshments/Meal/Dessert and Networking
4:30 PM-6:30 PM: Talk by Ulrich L. Rohde, Professor, Chairman, Synergy Microwave, NJ; James K. Breakall, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802. Jack L. Burbank is the Vice President for Advanced Communications at Sabre Systems, and Steve Floyd is the HAARP Chief Engineer and Principal Systems Engineer at Ultra Electronics.
You do not have to be an IEEE Member to attend. Refreshments are complimentary for all attendees. Please invite your friends and colleagues to take advantage of these Invited Lectures.
Room: 202, Bldg: ECEC, 141 Warren St, New Jersey Institute of Technology, The Lewis and Julia P. Kieman Conference Room, Newark, New Jersey, United States, 07102
