Reconfigurable Microwave Devices for Modern Wireless Applications

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Reconfigurability of microwave devices is a key feature that is fast becoming a vital requirement for modern wireless systems. Autonomous Vehicles, Mobile Communication, Aviation & Space Exploration and even the Healthcare Industry is now relying on intelligent electronic systems. These systems need component-level agility and system-level adaptability to meet the necessary requirements. Keeping this in view, this research program proposes two streams of radio frequency (RF) component design that can answer these challenges: 1. Magnetically Controlled Tunable Microwave Components: Tunable RF components based on magnetic substrates have been realized on bulk ferrite substrates over the years. However, their large size did not render them integrable in compact communication systems. In the present day and age, commercial applications such as smart gadgets require wireless solutions to be extremely compact and easily portable. Thus, if these magnetic based components are to compete with the other technologies, then there needs to be an adaptation in their implementation. The applicant has previously used the multilayer ferrite LTCC (Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic) technology to realize compact and efficient tunable designs. By the virtue of vertical integration, the size was reduced immensely while improving efficiency manifolds. However, two major issues are still left outstanding and cannot be over-looked: i) Cost, ii) RF Loss. These problems can be resolved by using the new substrate printing techniques based on magnetic inks. The work will focus on designing economical magnetically tunable components with high quality RF performance. 2. Field Programmable Microwave Substrate (FPMS): Analogous to magnetically tunable RF devices, FPMS is a new innovative idea that can realize reconfigurable RF components exploiting dielectric properties as opposed to the magnetic ones. Using this idea, the designers can employ a single device to perform multiple RF functions. Usually an RF device has a single function associated with it with limited tunability. For instance, a tunable antenna can be operated at different frequency bands, but its radiation pattern is usually unaltered. FPMS provides a unique strategy where a single device can perform multiple functions. This allows for a range of RF functions to be integrated into a single solution, inculcating a paradigm shift from the state of the art. However, once again the dominant challenge is RF loss, that completely hampers the efficiency of the RF devices. The proposal will focus on improving the RF loss, among other design advancements to demonstrate high gain and reconfigurable antenna designs based on FPMS technology. The grant will support the training of 4 graduate and 5 undergraduate students. They will acquire the necessary skills to find employment in Canadian industries where wireless applications are rapidly growing and the need of highly skilled HQPs is on the rise.