Examining The Definition Of "Wideband" Through The Lens Of Electronic Warfare Systems

Wideband in electronic warfare (EW) systems encompasses diverse definitions depending on application focus and circuit components. As RF analog-to-digital converters (RFADCs) advance, EW systems are transforming, expanding bandwidth capabilities and streamlining receiver designs.

Traditionally, wideband receivers employed intermediate frequency (IF) conversion stages, relying on band-select filters, local oscillators, and anti-aliasing filters to process spectrum segments. With RFADCs enabling direct RF sampling, modern designs simplify frequency planning, eliminating intermediate stages. Filters now focus on critical roles like band selection and anti-aliasing to support higher Nyquist zone sampling. This shift redefines “wideband” to include the extended bandwidth of RFADCs and advanced filter technologies.

Transmitters in EW systems are also evolving, demanding broader bandwidths to address diverse threats. MMIC-based power amplifiers require broadband hybrid couplers (e.g., 6–18 GHz) to deliver high power efficiently. These advancements align with the goal of multi-mission capability over wider spectral ranges.

Filters remain a cornerstone of wideband EW systems. Technologies like lumped elements, ceramics, and planar filters adapt to varying bandwidths, with innovations addressing ultra-wideband needs. For instance, Knowles Precision Devices developed the B100RH2W, a 2–18 GHz bandpass filter in a compact, surface-mount package, optimized for size, weight, and power constraints.

These advancements redefine wideband in EW systems, enabling agile, high-performance designs to address emerging challenges across the RF spectrum. As technology evolves, wideband capabilities continue to expand, empowering defense applications with cutting-edge tools