Ballistic Missile Innovative Radar and RF Products

Radars for missiles and missile defense systems rely on phased array antennae and integrated T/R modules made of MMICs. As the missile defense scenario becomes increasingly complex to counter advanced threats, functions of microwave and millimeter-wave hardware becomes correspondingly complex posing a new challenge for large-scale integration, packaging, and reliability improvement. This proposal is addressed to those issues related to producibility and reliability of microwave packages. Several novel concepts are introduced as potential topics of investigation. Examples of novel concepts include: (1) single-planer integration of all RF circuits, including signal sources, for T/R modules,(2) development of T/R modules based on advanced wide band-gap semiconductors, and (3) radiation hardness and space qualification of devices made of novel semiconductor processes. Those advanced concepts will be evaluated to determine the benefit vis-à-vis current requirements and limitations, and a the Phase 1 effort will lead to definition of maximum pay-off approach to apply one or more of those advanced concepts. Hittite Microwave Corporation is a designer and supplier of MMICs and highly integrated and miniaturized microwave packages and assemblies. The proposed program will lead to simplification of manufacturing methods of high-density microwave assemblies for both military and commercial end-use applications.