Microelectromechanical X-Band Integrated Tile for Planar Array

摘要

Phase shift devices with low insertion losses (<2 dB) are required for novel, high performance RF apertures. Examples of these architectures include RF lenses, and quasi-active. Wideband, two dimensional planar array subassemblies with embedded true time delay is an enabling technology for an affordable space based radar reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) system that provides unprecedented world wide. continuous, all weather, high resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) maps and ground moving target indications (GMTI). Successful development and application of this technology can reduce the number of transmit/receive modules required for large, wide band, two dimensional space based radar active, electronically scanned aperture (AESA) antennas by an order of magnitude over conventional, current technology. While industry continues to concentrate on developing affordable transmit/receive modules, this technology dramatically reduces the number of modules required, with associated reductions in power and weight. Although true time delay techniques have been developed using current technology, these approaches are too heavy and costly to support the affordability requirements for a constellation of satellites. This final report describes the risk reduction effort performed to develop a concept utilizing micro- electromechanical systems (MEMS) to implement embedded true time delay in planar array subassemblies.