Novel, Low-Cost Phased Arrays Manufactured by 3D Printing (1000-295) Navy STTR FY2014.A Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2014.A Topic No.: N14A-T021 Topic Title: Novel, Low-Cost Phased Arrays Manufactured by 3D Printing (1000-295) Proposal No.: N14A-021-0125 Firm: SI2 Technologies 267 Boston Road North Billerica, Massachusetts 01862 Contact: Erik Handy Phone: (978) 495-5326 Web Site: www.si2technologies.com Abstract: SI2 Technologies, Inc. (SI2) proposes to develop printed, high-efficiency phased arrays operating at Navy-relevant frequencies. The proposed development effort will include trade studies identifying the best printing technique or combination of techniques to meet the Navy's phased array performance goals. The printed array will incorporate both printed radiating elements and an innovative printed packaging concept for the array electronics. SI2's approach will minimize production costs, array volume, and thermal management issues, and maximize array efficiency. The array will offer dual polarization. This effort will combine SI2's considerable experience with printed electronics, phased array antenna design, and phased array antenna fabrication and testing, all for DoD applications. SI2's Phase I program will focus on the design, fabrication, and cost of a single printed array element. The Phase I Option and Phase II efforts will focus on larger, steerable printed arrays, whose design and fabrication will be informed by the Phase I study. Benefits: The proposed program will lay the groundwork for low-cost manufacturing of antenna systems involving minimal hand assembly, a significant departure from conventional approaches. This will allow phased arrays to be integrated into a broader range of Navy platforms, and will facilitate the rapid prototyping and evaluation of new phased array designs prior to large-scale deployment. Return