Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation

 

Microfabricated Broadband Components For Microwave Front Ends Public Deposited

https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/0p096711m
Abstract
  • Broadband components for microwave and millimeter-wave RF front ends enable increased flexibility and functionality, such as using one front end for multiple electronic warfare frequency bands or using frequency scanning to electronically steer the main beam of a radar array. This thesis explores the usefulness of a sequential copper deposition, microfabrication process known as the PolyStrataTM process for broadband passive elements in two frequency ranges: 4-18 GHz and 130-180 GHz.

    The 4-18 GHz band research focuses on taking advantage of the low loss, low dispersion, high isolation, and relatively high power handling capability of the PolyStrataTM process by enabling passive parts of a MMIC to be moved off chip, thus saving expensive semiconductor wafer area. Specifically assembly structures referred to as sockets, inductors, and bias tees are designed, fabricated, and tested as a means of hybridly integrating MMICs, SMDs, and PolystrataTM lines. Measured data is in agreement with full-wave simulations and shows that PolyStrataTM integration introduces minimal parasitics and is therefore an attractive packaging technology.

    The 130-180 GHz band research focuses on taking advantage of the accuracy and tight tolerances of the PolyStrataTM process to make frequency-scanning, traveling-wave, slotted waveguide arrays at G-band using a WR-05 compatible PolyStrataTM waveguide. The array achieves scanning greater than 1°/GHz, and more than 20° steering with less than 15% fractional bandwidth. The a 20-element slot array has a beamwidth of 6.3° near the center of the band (150 GHz). The array is 2 cm in length, has a mass of approximately 0.063 mg, can be connected to standard waveguide, and is scalable to a 2-D array.

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  • 2011
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  • 2020-02-10
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