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Trade Space Analysis Of Antenna Array Architecture Using System Modeling Tools, Eugene Johnson
Trade Space Analysis Of Antenna Array Architecture Using System Modeling Tools, Eugene Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
This trade study has two objectives. The first provides a trade space analysis of differing array architectures and associated radio frequency components using system-modeling tools. The second objective develops system modeling tools aiding similar analysis by other users. These objectives were accomplished by evaluating a selected group of output parameters to include overall system cost, mass, and power consumption, as well as the minimum detectable input level, system spurious free dynamic range, and selected beam spoilage parameters caused by the use of discrete phase shifters. A fixed number of designs were evaluated using simulation. The evaluation process examined input parameter …
Electrostatic Radio Frequency (Rf) Microelectromechanical Systems (Mems) Switches With Metal Alloy Electric Contacts, Ronald A. Coutu Jr.
Electrostatic Radio Frequency (Rf) Microelectromechanical Systems (Mems) Switches With Metal Alloy Electric Contacts, Ronald A. Coutu Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
RF MEMS switches are paramount in importance for improving current and enabling future USAF RF systems. Electrostatic micro-switches are ideal for RF applications because of their superior performance and low power consumption. The primary failure mechanisms for micro-switches with gold contacts are becoming stuck closed and increased contact resistance with increasing switch cycles. This dissertation reports on the design, fabrication, and testing of micro-switches with sputtered bi-metallic (i.e., gold (Au)-on-Au-(6.3at%)platinum (Pt)), binary alloy (i.e., Au-(3.7at%)palladium (Pd) and Au-(6.3at%)Pt), and ternary alloy (i.e., Au-(5at%)Pt-(0.5at%)copper (Cu)) contact metals. Performance was evaluated, in-part, using measured contact resistance and lifetime results. The micro-switches with …
Thin Film Encapsulation Of Radio Frequency (Rf) Microelectromechanical Systems (Mems) Switches, Eric D. Marsh
Thin Film Encapsulation Of Radio Frequency (Rf) Microelectromechanical Systems (Mems) Switches, Eric D. Marsh
Theses and Dissertations
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) radio frequency (RF) switches have been shown to have excellent electrical performance over a wide range of frequencies. However, cost-effective packaging techniques for MEMS switches do not currently exist. This thesis involves the design of RF-optimized encapsulations consisting of dielectric and metal layers, and the creation of a novel thin film encapsulation process to fabricate the encapsulations. The RF performance of several encapsulation designs are evaluated with an analytical model, full wave electromagnetic simulation, and laboratory testing. Performance degradation due to parasitic and reflection losses due to the package is considered, and RF feed-throughs of the transmission …