Plasma Limiter: RF Mitigation Device for Operation in Stressing Environments

The widespread use of communication devices and radar systems has made our society increasingly vulnerable to disruptive, high-power, short pulse electromagnetic interference (EMI) and high power microwaves (HPM). Significant advances in devices thatproduce these high-power, short pulses have been made in the US and abroad in the past few decades. As a result, the need for devices that can protect sensitive communications equipment from such disruption is greater than ever. The primary objective ofthe proposed Phase I program is the development of a microstrip plasma limiter to protect phased array antennas with hybrid microwave integrated circuitry (HMIC). The microstrip plasma limiter has target specifications of 10kW power handling, <1 nsecresponse time, and <.5 dB insertion loss. The microstrip limiter will operate on the same principle as our X-band waveguide plasma limiter. The potential commercial market for plasma limiters as RF protection devices is tremendously broad and includesradar systems, telecommunications systems (including mobile phones), and DSTV. In the near term, marketing will be directed immediately towards the military sector to protect all air, land, sea, and space based radars with a focus on high threat radarsystems such as THAAD and Ballistic Missile Defense radars. The microwave board stripline configuration will be implemented into new phased array antenna systems. Accurate Automation Corporation will work with leading defense manufacturers to bring tomarket low cost plasma limiters.