Electric Field Tunable Multi-Ferroic Phase Shifters for Phased-Array Applications

Phased array systems provide significantly greater data collection capabilities, expanded uses and higher reliability as they reduce or eliminate the need for rotating systems. The major hurdle for widespread usage of phased array systems has been the costs associated with not only developing these systems but also the recurring cost of fabrication and operation. This project investigates a disruptive technology by applying multi-ferroic materials to fabricate rf components for these applications. Although ferrites have historically been the choice for low insertion loss reciprocal and non-reciprocal devices, they are difficult to realize in small geometries and their switching time is excessive. Alternatively, active components are extremely costly and require tremendous power to account for adaptive gain concepts. This project develops an alternative that usurps the best of both constructions. In phase I this project will investigate test results of suitable multi-ferroic devices and evaluate the phase shifter and its required dc magnetic field bias to determine if it can achieve the specifications and evaluate manufacturing concepts to determine achievable methods of fabricating multi-ferroic based planar technology. The goal of phase II of this project is to deliver multiple multi-ferroic phase shifters whose performance parameters bridge the gap between these two technologies by providing the smaller size and faster switching of active components and the simpler control and lower insertion loss of ferrite in a miniaturized package.