Low Cost All Metal Additively Manufactured Wideband Antenna Array Modules (Preprint)

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD1097486 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This paper introduces a modular, end-fire, dual-polarized ultra-wideband scalable array MEDUSA realized exclusively with direct metal laser sintering DMLS to achieve a connector-less phased array antenna module. The radiator is based on a variation of conventional tapered slot antennas i.e. Vivaldi to achieve an all metal fully-monolithic element consisting of RF coaxial interface, balun, and free-space transformer. A very low-cost array module is achieved by adapting the design uniquely to the fabrication process in order to eliminate nearly all post-processing. A finite 8x8 array covering 7-21 GHz has been prototyped and measured to demonstrate agreement in active impedance and element patterns.

Author(s):
Massman, Jeffrey P. ; Steffen, Thomas P.
Author Organization(s):
Air Force Research Laboratory, Sensors Directorate Wright-Patterson AFB United States
Descriptive Note:
Conference Paper
Supplementary Note:
IEEE AP-S Symposium on Antennas and Propagation , 05 Jul 2020, 05 Jul 2020,
Pagination:
0004

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release;

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
AFRL-RY-WP-TP-2020-0097
Contract/Grant Number(s):
FA8650-17-C-1026
Monitor Series:
AFRL-RY-WP-TP-2020-0097
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_5_Command and Control
Modernization Areas:
Microelectronics
Communities of Interest:
Air Platforms
Descriptor(s):
laser additive manufacturing, antenna arrays, assembly, impedance, transformers, stereolithography, slot antennas, electronically scanned array, fabrication, phased arrays, selective laser sintering
Field(s)/Group(s):
Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering and Control of Production Systems
Keyword(s):
MEDUSA(modular end fire dual polarized ultra wideband scalable array), DMLS(direct metal laser sintering)
Report Date:
2020 May 01
Creation Date:
2020 May 04