Miniturization of microwave devices using lossy networks

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The objective of this research program is to develop an innovative class of microwave devices for next generation ground and space based wireless communication systems. The research is expected to result in miniaturized high performance RF/Microwave filters and multiplexers.It will truly be a technological breakthrough in the field in the fact that it utilizes the existing dissipation in the device to act favorably toward communication system performance enhancement. This is a major paradigm shift in the field of filter design, which enables the engineer to design very high quality RF/Microwave filters and multiplexers using very low cost and low volume resonators. The proposed method will have a significant impact in the low power section of the communication system. In this project, we also propose to embed the RF/Microwave filter and multiplexer assembly in a small chip, together with the already existing LNA assembly. This becomes possible by using advanced lossy filter synthesis techniques, combined with tiny amplifiers exploiting RF/Microwave transistors. The outcome will be one integrated circuit chip including both LNA and filters, with tremendous savings in size, mass and cost. The next part of the proposed research deals with tunable devices. Having manufactured the device on a single small chip, it then readily becomes an excellent candidate for electronically tunable RF/Microwave filters and multiplexers, which are already of a great interest to the industry. We also propose the use of Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology to provide further quality and tunability to these devices. MEMS technology has already shown its potential for tunable RF/Microwave components but suffers from low-Q electrical components. Our proposed techniques in the design of lossy filters/multiplexers can deliberately overcome these issues, while taking advantage of the electronic tunability of MEMS. This program will definitely promote more academic and industrial collaborations between university and industry.