Micro-Electrical Mechanical Systems Based Electronically Steerable Antenna

The use of multiple beams and frequencies make phased arrays desirable elements in modern communication systems. Phased arrays enable area scanning with much greater detail and speed than traditional antenna systems. High insertion-loss phase shifters in the array currently create the need for expensive hardware to compensate for poor phase shifter performance. MEMS switches have features that make them an ideal candidate as a device technology for high-performance phase shifters. They offer very low insertion loss, small physical size, and demonstrate proven results for high performance phase shifters. The insertion loss of the phase shifter will be improved by an innovative approach which eliminates the longest true time delay bit in a multi-bit system. Toyon Research Corporation and Rockwell Scientific Company have outlined a comprehensive Phase II program for the design of a low-loss, reliable, MEMS multi-bit phase shifter, including the design and simulation of a complete multi-bit phase shifter and a demonstration of the completed system. The final application of the completed phase shifter is for use in an antenna phased array system. A cost analysis will be performed for transitioning the phase shifter to commercial production.