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Metamaterial-based MEM ultra-low-loss non-dispersive phased-array antenna

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Air Force 		Award ID:
 Program Year/Program:
2012 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
F11B-T28-0298 		Solicitation Year:
2011 		Solicitation Topic Code:
AF11-BT28 		Solicitation Number:
2011.B
Small Business Information
Technology and Communications Systems, Inc.
4025 Tampa Road STE 1107A Oldsmar, FL 33321-
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: Yes
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2012
Title: Metamaterial-based MEM ultra-low-loss non-dispersive phased-array antenna
Agency / Branch: DOD / USAF
Contract: FA8650-12-M-1389
Award Amount: $99,736.00
 

Abstract:

ABSTRACT: The objective of this effort is to develop and demonstrate approaches for realizing metamaterial-based micro-electrometrical (MEM) ultra-low-loss non-dispersive phased array antennas for multifunction radar and communication systems in unmanned and micro air vehicles. A metamaterial based Ka-band unit cell will be designed and provide the foundation for a 4 bit phase shifter that will be integrated into a phased array antenna system of TECOMSYS design. Each unit cell will be capable of uniform performance between 24.5 GHz and 27 GHz with a phase shift of 45 +/- 5 degrees, have an insertion loss<1dB, return loss>20dB and power consumption<10 W. A compromise between reliability, DC power consumption and switching speed will be studied, with strategies developed to reduce the nominal speed of 10-20 S to the 5 S range. During Phase 2 this new phase shifter will be designed into a standard mechanical package, and be manufactured and qualified by our partners at Innovative Micro Technologies (IMT). Using the 4-bit phase shifter designed in Phase 1, a complete phased-array system will be prototyped and deployed on an unmanned airborne platform for use with existing and future MILSATCOM systems. BENEFIT: Successful development of the MEM Ka-band phase-shifter unit cell will allow a low loss, compact phased array antenna to be manufactured, reducing current phased array (or tracking system) footprints and allowing for robust deployment on micro UAV. Additionally, the basis of the research can be applied to an existing requirement for an airborne dual band (Ku/Ka) MILSATOM antenna for use on multiple platforms.

Principal Investigator:

Frank Vassallo
President
(954) 234-7855
fvassallo@tecomsys.com

Business Contact:

Frank Vassallo
President
(954) 234-7855
fvassallo@tecomsys.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Technology and Communications Systems, Inc.
4025 Tampa Road STE 1107A Oldsmar, FL 33321-

EIN/Tax ID: 651147997
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: Yes
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
University of South Florida
4202 E. Fowler Avenue
Tampa, FL 33620-3620
Contact: Tom Weller
Contact Phone: (813) 215-6456