| Sol No.: |
Navy SBIR FY2016.1 |
| Topic No.: |
N161-031 |
| Topic Title: |
Low Loss Low Cost Power Combiner |
| Proposal No.: |
N161-031-0352 |
| Firm: |
Nuvotronics
7586 Old Peppers Ferry Loop
Radford, Virginia 24141 |
| Contact: |
Steve Huettner |
| Phone: |
(800) 341-2333 |
| Web Site: |
http://www.nuvotronics.com |
| Abstract: |
Nuvotronics offers an improved manufacturing method for power combiners with improved efficiency performance, which will be cost-competitive with existing designs from S-band through Q band. The technology can have broad applications in Navy radar and electronic warfare systems that require solid-state power-combined amplifiers with power levels to hundreds of watts. We will streamline our exclusive PolyStratar microfabrication process to batch-manufacture affordable 3D couplers using plated copper on low cost substrates. Couplers developed during this program will be fully compatible with automated module assembly, require no critical wire-bond geometries, and be held to micron tolerances that will improve repeatability. Next generation radar and EW systems will benefit from this technology by enabling more affordable and efficient solutions. Data from test articles in the Phase I study will be compared to benchmarks set by couplers used by our transition partner to underscore improved performance parameters and prepare our path toward point solutions in Phase II, enabling rapid transition to programs of record. |
| Benefits: |
The proposed improved coupler technology is fully compatible with existing GaN-based T/R module technology at operating frequencies from L band to Q band, and is compatible with existing automated assembly processes standard to the industry (e.g. high-speed pick-and-place assembly). More efficient combining resulting from the proposed technology will reduce heat load on HPA GaN MMICs, improving reliability. Service life of couplers will far exceed 15 years under military operating and non-operating temperature ranges. Commercial applications of GaN amplifiers such as cell phone base stations will also be well served by this technology for more efficient operation. |