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STTR Phase II: Micromachined components for wireless applications

Award Information
Agency: National Science Foundation
Branch: N/A
Contract: 1431008
Agency Tracking Number: 1431008
Amount: $734,890.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: ES
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2013
Award Year: 2014
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2014-10-01
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2016-09-30
Small Business Information
4200 James Ray Drive, Suite 501
Grand Forks, ND 58202-6090
United States
DUNS: 618971964
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Chopin Hua
 (701) 772-1513
 laserlithco@aol.com
Business Contact
 Chopin Hua
Phone: (701) 772-1513
Email: laserlithco@aol.com
Research Institution
 North Dakota State University Fargo
 
Dept 4000 - PO Box 6050 1735 Research Park Drive
FARGO, ND 58108-
United States

 () -
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

The broader impact/commercialization potential of this project include tunable blocks that would allow a range of spectrally- and spatially-agile devices. These may include high-gain directional antennas that can improve performance while reducing power consumption. The fundamental MEMS varactor technology also offers solutions for critical efficiency and linearity problems as wireless devices employ more complex waveforms. Furthermore, the fundamental switching element in the varactor addresses a significant market need in the $200+ million automated test equipment (ATE) market. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase 2 project will develop tunable power amplifiers for handset applications based on an enabling microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) varactor technology. The successful completion of the proposed effort will allow the team to address significant market needs for reducing the cost and part count of smart phones and wireless devices, and high bandwidth testing needed for automated test equipment (ATE). The methods to be employed include optimizing the MEMS varactor and integrating the varactor into a tunable power amplifier. The proposed tunable approach addresses the high degree of redundancy in wireless designs today. In many cases, a complete front end and antenna, hardwired for a specific frequency, must be replicated for each band. The proposed approach enables tuning a single channel to cover the spectrum, drastically reducing the bill of material and footprints.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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