Metamaterial-based MEM ultra-low-loss non-dispersive phased-array antenna

ABSTRACT: The objective of this effort is to develop and demonstrate approaches for realizing metamaterial-based micro-electrometrical (MEM) ultra-low-loss non-dispersive phased array antennas for multifunction radar and communication systems in unmanned and micro air vehicles. A metamaterial based Ka-band unit cell will be designed and provide the foundation for a 4 bit phase shifter that will be integrated into a phased array antenna system of TECOMSYS design. Each unit cell will be capable of uniform performance between 24.5 GHz and 27 GHz with a phase shift of 45 +/- 5 degrees, have an insertion loss<1dB, return loss>20dB and power consumption<10 W. A compromise between reliability, DC power consumption and switching speed will be studied, with strategies developed to reduce the nominal speed of 10-20 S to the 5 S range. During Phase 2 this new phase shifter will be designed into a standard mechanical package, and be manufactured and qualified by our partners at Innovative Micro Technologies (IMT). Using the 4-bit phase shifter designed in Phase 1, a complete phased-array system will be prototyped and deployed on an unmanned airborne platform for use with existing and future MILSATCOM systems. BENEFIT: Successful development of the MEM Ka-band phase-shifter unit cell will allow a low loss, compact phased array antenna to be manufactured, reducing current phased array (or tracking system) footprints and allowing for robust deployment on micro UAV. Additionally, the basis of the research can be applied to an existing requirement for an airborne dual band (Ku/Ka) MILSATOM antenna for use on multiple platforms.