Magnetically Actuated Phase Shifter (MAPS)

Recent advances in the fieldable technologies by near-peers has pushed the Department of Defense to develop and field its own technologies that will provide a strategic advantage to the United States. Among these technologies are High Power Microwave (HPM) weapons. 30 years ago, HPM weapons were large ground-based platforms. The technology has greatly advanced since then, now providing systems that have even been deployed on airborne systems. There are still many challenges with deploying the technology in a real-world environment. Namely, ease of deployment and survivability in harsh environments.  The MaXentric team proposes the Magnetically Actuated Phase Shifter (MAPS). The MAPS solution integrates a conventional waveguide 90-degree hybrid structure with an innovative, magnetically actuated phase shift mechanism. Our breakthrough lies in the RF and mechanical design of the magnetically controlled component, ensuring a repeatable phase shift with minimal field enhancement. The key advantages of our design include: (1) enhanced vacuum sealing, (2) faster phase tuning, and (3) improved high-power handling reliability within a more compact form factor.