The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected Northrop Grumman to develop advanced wideband digital antenna technology for next generation radio frequency sensors using active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs).

The $11.9m contract with the DARPA microsystems technology office requires Northrop Grumman to work on the first phase of the arrays on a commercial timescales (ACT) programme.

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Under the ACT programme, key technologies will be developed for next-generation AESAs by designing a reusable digital common module that contains the required integrated circuits.

Northrop Grumman electronic systems sector director of advanced technology William Phillips said: "Our wideband digital common module design is a breakthrough in AESA capability, enabled by the application of commercial system-on-chip technology with integrated high-speed data converters that enable direct RF sampling.

"Reuters reported that Brent futures gained 35 cents to $110.30 a barrel, while US oil increased 18 cents to $104.58 a barrel."

"The reusable common module provides the key building block that will make digital AESA technology affordable for a wide variety of applications."

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Semtech and Systems & Technology Research will serve as Northrop Grumman’s subcontractors on the project.

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Semtech chief systems architect Craig Hornbuckle said: "Our disruptive ultra high-speed analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue converter technology will help revolutionise phased array technology.

"With an input bandwidth extending through K-band, these data converters enable increased flexibility and functionality, reduced power and enhanced performance over traditional architectures, supporting next-generation radar, electronic warfare and satellite communications applications."

Prior to the new contract, Northrop Grumman has developed and designed AESAs for several other programmes, some of which include the F-16, F-22 and F-35 airborne radars, the AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR ground/air task oriented radar and the AN/ASQ-236 radar surveillance pod.