Fast Frequency-Agile Real-Time Optimization of High-Power Tuning Network for Cognitive Radar Applications

This paper describes the fast real-time frequency agility and reconfiguration of a 90 W high-power evanescent-mode resonant cavity tuner using an advanced actuator design. Measurement results demonstrating reconfiguration between three different operating frequencies within the radar S-band allocation are presented. Reconfiguration optimization times are decreased by a factor of ten compared to previous state-of-the-art results. The reconfiguration results in improved radar detection range and spectral compliance following operating-frequency changes. This approach is expected to be useful in frequency-agile cognitive radar spectrum sharing applications.