Objective
The emergence of RF-MEMS technology offers new opportunities for microwave devices currently limited in terms of consumption, insertion losses and linearity. Among them, high power MEMS switches represent a major challenge, both for phase shifters of low cost beam scanning antennas, and for Tx/Rx switches of handset RF modules. The goal of ARHMS is to design and manufacture phase-shifters for Tx tracking antennas, based on High Power MEMS switches. Thermal dissipation, reliability and packaging cost reduction will be major technical issues. The chosen demonstration of the developed subsystem is a phase array antenna to be integrated into a car roof for high data rate on board multimedia applications. Expected output is the availability of high power RF MEMS to be used on various wireless communication systems.
Objectives:
There is a need to supply the widest possible access to essential telecommunication infrastructures and services for the citizen. In telecommunication applications, RF switches are key components, involved in many essential sub functions. Today MEMS technology presents a very attractive alternative by improving performance over traditional components. However MEMS switches developed to date do not comply with market needs when submitted to RF power. The goal of ARHMS is to study, design and manufacture new microwave subsystems based on RF MEMS switches capable of handling significant RF power (1 to 10 watts). The selected demonstration of the developed subsystem is phased array antenna to be integrated into a car roof for high data rate onboard vehicle communication base on INMARSAT link. Other potential applications include dual mode WLAN modules.
Work description:
The project is breakdown as follows :
WP I: General specifications End-users will specify the performance requirement for high power switching subsystems in RF wireless communication in the range 1-5 GHz (tracking antennas both on premium class cars and trucks);
WP II: RF subsystems and HP RF MEMS technology development Starting from consortium current know how on phase shifter and RF MEMS technology current, series of simulations and tests will be used to determine:
- best architectures and models for selected RF subsystems based on MEMS packaged switches;
- optimal design through electromechanical, electromagnetic and thermal simulations;
- technology and material improvements of MEMS switch and packaging (wafer level) to fulfil high RF power and cost requirement;
WP III : MEMS technology implementation : detailed design, manufacturing and tests of HP RF MEMS switch. Reliability and ageing modelling studies;
WP IV : Design manufacturing and tests of L-band phase shifter based:
(i) on high K LTCC substrate (Hybrid modules);
(ii) pre-packaged high power MEMS switches;
WP V and VI: High power MEMS based phase shifter module validation onto car L-band antennas for INMARSAT communications. A L-band transceiver, able to track Inmarsat satellites from a car roof, will be built and tested.
Milestones:
T0+4: Specifications of high power RF MEMS phase shifters for both tracking L-band car antenna; electrical requirements of demonstrators;
T0+18: High power packaged MEMS switch designed for L-band;
T0+35: Fully tested demonstrators of the car transceiver;
T0+36: Guidelines for HP RF MEMS manufacturing for various communication systems.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
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Coordinator
92200 Neuilly Sur Seine
France
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