Abstract :
An overview of applications of radio frequency microelectromechanical system (RF MEMS) technology in radio detection and ranging (radar) sensors is given. RF MEMS components for radars include attenuators, limiters, (true-time-delay) phase shifters, transmit/receive (T/R) switches and tunable matching networks. Radar subsystems which benefit from RF MEMS technology include active electronically scanned arrays (T/R modules), passive electronically scanned arrays (lenses, reflect arrays, subarrays, and switched beamformers), and radomes. Using a bottom-up approach, the figures of merit for RF MEMS technology are related to the figures of merit for radar subsystems. The paper also discusses ultra wideband RF MEMS reflect array and T/R module design as examples. First, electronically scanned array, radar and RF MEMS fundamentals are briefly introduced.
Keywords :
limiters; micromechanical devices; phase shifters; radar; sensors; RF MEMS technology; active electronically scanned arrays; attenuators; limiters; passive electronically scanned arrays; phase shifters; radar sensors; radio detection; radio frequency microelectromechanical system technology; ranging sensors; transmit/receive switches; tunable matching networks; Attenuators; Lenses; Passive radar; Phase shifters; Radar applications; Radar detection; Radiofrequency microelectromechanical systems; Sensor systems and applications; Switches; Ultra wideband technology; RF MEMS; Radar;
