List of Major Equipment:

- Compact Antenna Test Range (700MHz - 94 GHz)
- HP 8510C Vector Network Analyzer (45MHz - 50GHz)
- Diamond Engineering DAMS 7000 antenna positioner (DC - 40GHz)
- Signatone S-1160 Probe Station with Motic SMZ-168 Microscope
- Cascade Microtech RF and DC micropositioners and RF probes
- 3 Workstation PCs with E/M Software, including:
- IE3D (Zeland) v.14.1
- CST Microwave Studio
- Agilent ADS 2008

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Current Research Projects:

  1. Reconfigurable Antennas and Antenna Arrays
    Design, fabrication and measurements of novel reconfigurable antenna structures with RF MEMS switches, pin diodes and varactors. The introduction of MEMS switches (micro-relays) extends previous work, for example, in reconfigurable fractal and electronically steerable antennas, by permitting physical connection/disconnection of sections of the antenna conductive structure relative to each other and relative to other electromagnetic tuning structures. This agility offers enabling benefits for modern radar and telecommunication systems by permitting deliberate alterations in antenna performance to accommodate changes in mission, environment; tolerance to defects and faults; and enabling new algorithmic approaches that extend complementary techniques such as software radio and direct digital synthesis.

  2. Flexible Antennas using Direct Write and Inkjet Technology on Lightweight and Engineered Substrates
    Direct Write is an additive, low-cost and very fast fabrication technology, ideal for research and prototype evaluation. It has been applied succesfully in RFID and low frequency antenna applications. Its feature size of ~50um allows innovative and complex designs to be fabricated accurately. Flexibility and conformability add to the agility of the prototypes and can minimize the volume occupied by foldable electronic devices. Lightweight and engineered dielectrics are used to minimize weight and enhance electromagnetic performance. In this project we apply existing technology in direct write printing to flexible antennas from 3-40GHz. [Funded by NSF]

  3. Neural Network Algorithms for Adaptive Antenna Systems Neural Networks along with Genetic Algorithms and Support Vector Machines can give fast and accurate solutions in array fault detection and correction. Neural Networks can be used in conjunction with reconfigurable array antennas to control parameters such as polarization, bandwidth, and beam steering, and adaptively adjust them according to changes in the environment. The system has zero human interaction and ideally can be generalized to support unexplored environmental conditions.

  4. Design and Development of an On-Wafer Reconfigurable Antenna Measurement System
    High frequency reconfigurable antennas are extremely hard to be measured in conventional anechoic chambers. Probe stations can be used to measure the needed radiation patterns due to the stability they offer, preventing probe tips from vibrations and damages. A unique system is being developed that will allow reconfigurable pattern measurements at SDSM&T.