Scalable Millimeter-wave (MMW) Architectures for Reconfigurable Transceivers (SMART)
Abstract
The Scalable Millimeter-wave (MMW) Architectures for Reconfigurable Transceivers (SMART) program, last funded in FY 2010, 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-steerable array (AESA) with an output power density of 5W per square cm and a total layer thickness of less than 1cm. 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 is transitioning through industrial producers of MMW radar and communication system components for DoD applications. Additional funding in FY 2013 and FY 2014 is budgeted to facilitate this transitional work to move beyond laboratory demonstrations to a manufacturing environment consistent with high yield, volume capability, and advanced readiness levels while maintaining performance. An additional goal is to demonstrate the ability to adapt to system-level requirements as obtained from applications such as air-to-air and satellite communications at MMW frequencies, such as serial addressable arrays and large aperture assembly.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2014
- Source ID
- 752cf8786f6ec98674d5e1c819432c20