Harsh Environment Robust Micromechanical Technology (HERMIT)
Abstract
(U)The Harsh Environment Robust Micromechanical Technology (HERMIT) program is developing micromechanical devices that can operate under harsh conditions (e.g., under large temperature excursions, large power throughputs, high g-forces, corrosive substances) while maintaining unprecedented performance, stability, and lifetime. Micromechanical RF switches are of particular interest, where sizable power throughputs and impacting operation constitute harsh operational environments. Other applications such as vibrating resonator reference tanks, gyroscopes, and accelerometers are also of interest. Among the HERMIT implementation approaches deemed likely to succeed, two are of the most interest: 1) wafer-level encapsulation or packaging strategies based on MicroElectroMechanical systems (MEMS) technology that isolates a micromechanical device from its surroundings while maintaining a desired environment via passive or active control; and 2) material and design engineering strategies that render a micromechanical device impervious to its environment with or without a package (if possible). A key approach in this program that should allow orders of magnitude power savings is to selectively control only the needed micro-scale environment or volume via MEMS-enabled isolation technologies. The success of this program should enable a myriad of strategic capabilities including lower cost, more complex phased array antennas for radar applications; tiny frequency references with long- and short-term stabilities that greatly extend the portability of ultra-secure communications; and micro-scale inertial measurement units with bias stabilities approaching navigation-grade. The HERMIT program is anticipated to transition via industry to phased array antenna, reconfigurable communication front-end, seeker, and steerable aperture programs being developed by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as to inertial navigation systems and Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) communications needed by these Services.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 7d6d2529705139ef94c632d02a33c9a1