Rugged MEMS-Enabled Ku-Band Phased Arrays

XCom Wireless is a developer of RF MEMS for tunable filters and phased array antennas, high-performance circuitry identified as critical technologies for the next generations of defense and commercial RF electronics. XCom MEMS-enabled microwave circuitry provides an alternative to solid-state technologies in communications and radar systems, with these miniaturized passive components replacing power-hungry and HEMP-sensitive GaAs active devices. In this program, XCom is using RF MEMS-enabled phase shifters for compact Kill Vehicle-to-Ground phased array antennas for half-duplexed communications at 20-22 GHz. This approach provides intrinsic advantages in size reduction, cost, and complexity of phased array subsystems, as well as improved radiation hardness, HEMP-tolerance, and survivability in space and launch environments. This proposed effort stems from a suite of complementary RF MEMS and antenna design and packaging programs at XCom, with the vast majority of costly MEMS design and development work already behind us. Additional efforts to increase the technology readiness level (TRL) development and mature system demonstrations are also proposed and costed separately, with high interest already shown by the GMD IFICS group as well as multiple MDA KV prime contractors for supporting this vision towards potential Phase III opportunities.