Multi-band Electronically Configurable Feed for Ground Antennas

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. In this program, XCOM is extending the capabilities of our RF MEMS components by employing them as critical elements in a reconfigurable antenna feed. Two approaches will be pursued: (1) employing MEMS matrices to switch between transmit and receive filters in the bands of interest, and (2) employing MEMS as embedded tuning elements in the filters themselves, which is expected to enhance power handling capabilities. The performance requirements of the filters will support the present needs of Ground Mobile Terminals (GMTs) and the future needs of the Transformational Communications Architecture (TCA) to establish and maintain microwave and millimeter-wave links to ground-based terminals as well as airborne, mobile, and man-portable platforms. XCOM has already released RF MEMS relay products based on a mature MEMS manufacturing process at a major domestic foundry, and has also developed a lower-cost MEMS process for use in future products, including prototypes developed in this program. This program benefits from the strong internal interest in the underlying device technologies, and benefits from significant real cash infusion into maturing the designs and processes employed.