Millimeter Wave Digital Arrays (MIDAS)
Abstract
The Millimeter Wave Digital Arrays (MIDAS) program is developing a common millimeter wave phased array tile that is scalable to large arrays to provide wideband frequency agility from 18-50 gigahertz with element-level digital beamforming. Millimeter wave systems are used today to achieve physical security through the use of narrow antenna beams in a small form-factor. We see this applied to satellite communications and tactical line-of-sight communications such as in the F-22 and F-35. One of the challenges of using directional communications in mobile applications is the problem of knowing where to point the antenna when both platforms are mobile. This can be solved with digital beamforming to enable a mobile platform to listen in all directions with many antenna beams to facilitate neighbor discovery when transmitting. Digital beamforming also enables multiple beams to communicate with several neighbors simultaneously. This capability will increase the network throughput and robustness that will be tolerant to unexpected outages. To achieve these goals, MIDAS is developing a common digital phased array tile that can be used to build large arrays from this common block. The program is executed in two primary technical areas. First, advanced complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology is used to develop the core transceiver elements at a size and power consumption that is required to fit in the small size required by current millimeter wave systems. Second, a combination of advanced packaging and high-performance compound semiconductors is used to build the wideband antenna and front-end amplifiers necessary to make a complete system. Technologies from this program are intended for transition through commercial industry to the Services.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Source ID
- 7a75907fa513681b3ada736f6a274a06