Scalable Millimeter-wave (MMW) Architectures for Reconfigurable Transceivers (SMART)
Abstract
The Scalable Millimeter-wave (MMW) Architectures for Reconfigurable Transceivers (SMART) program developed a new technology for producing very thin millimeter-wave array apertures and transceivers. The technology development culminated in the demonstration of a large-sized coherent, active electronically scanned array (AESA) with an output power density of 5W per square centimeter and a total layer thickness of less than one centimeter. As part of the High-Capacity Links efforts in this Project, the SMART technology approach resulted in a breakthrough in performance over conventional millimeter-wave approaches. The 3-D multi-layer assemblies developed will greatly reduce AESA packaging complexity and enable very compact, low-cost, millimeter-wave, and radio frequency circuit "building blocks" to combine to form arbitrarily large arrays. New capabilities, such as the ability to construct reconfigurable and/or multi-band AESAs and other MMW circuits, will be enabled by this architectural approach. The SMART program transitioned to industrial producers of MMW radar and communication system components for DoD applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Source ID
- 5f173153dbc6508807ba2913b14ae9ab