Nuvotronics, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N141-034

Description

High-power-handling, low-loss (1 dB) microwave phase shifters hold the key to affordable electronically steerable apertures for radar and communications, eliminating the need for active TR modules at every element. Nuvotronics proposes a solid-state approach which will provide loss performance equal to or better than the best demonstrated MEMS phase shifters, reliably handle ten watts of peak power without gain compression, and switch in nanoseconds. Our approach exploits a state-of-the-art MMIC process and utilizes new architectures for 180 and 90 degree bits for flat phase states and low loss over wide bandwidths. In Phase I of this program Nuvotronics will execute linear models of four-bit solid-state phase shifters at S, C, and X-band to show feasibility of high-power solid-state phase shifters with less than 1 dB average loss. Our Phase I program will culminate in breadboard demonstration of a C-band 180 degree phase shifter bit with 10 watts power handling using production-released MMIC technology. During Phase II we will demonstrate a complete four-bit MMIC design at X-band that meets all RF requirements at production cost target of