Direct-Write Processes as Enabling Tools for Novel Antenna Development
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Direct-Write Processes as Enabling Tools for Novel Antenna Development Bryan S. Irwin,1 Robert M. Taylor,1 Michael J. Wilhelm,1 Kenneth H. Church,1 James W. Culver,2 and Douglas H. Werner3 1 Sciperio, Inc., 5202-2 North Richmond Hill Road, Stillwater, OK, 74075, U.S.A. 2 Raytheon Systems Company, 1501 North 72nd Street, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33710, U.S.A. 3 The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Electrical Engineering, University Park, PA, 16802, U.S.A. ABSTRACT Significant research effort is regularly applied to the goal of reducing the size of radiofrequency antennas while maintaining the entire set of positive attributes of proven but relatively large antennas. Such parameters as frequency response (multiple or single), bandwidth, and complexity of the antenna-driver balun structures require iterative optimization. The direct-write processes now available have enabled the insertion of reactive-loading elements as integral parts of the antenna structure, especially into new conformal designs. These reactive-loading elements were used in conjunction with modern design techniques to achieve antenna devices that were reduced in size to as much as half that of traditional counterparts. The performances of the miniaturized antennas constructed by direct-write methods were evaluated and compared to those of traditional antenna structures. INTRODUCTION Antenna development has traditionally consisted of an iterative process. Improvements in mathematical models that predict the electromagnetic response of radiating structures has reduced the number of iterations required to achieve the construction of an antenna with an acceptable response. However, the inability of these models to characterize fully the surrounding environment means that initial construction of the device will require some tuning. Emerging direct-write processes are proving to be useful tools for the rapid prototyping of antenna structures. The ease of design iteration and the speed at which a modified design can be prototyped with the direct-write technologies are finding enthusiastic acceptance in the antennadevelopment laboratory. Mathematical models utilizing genetic algorithm search scheme (GASS) techniques are adding further flexibility to the antenna design process. The GASS techniques allow optimization of input standing wave ratios as selections in the design parameters. Improved antenna form factors and the addition of passive loading elements can also be expected with the improved modeling techniques. DIRECT-WRITE PROCESSES In direct-write processes, pastes or inks containing precursor materials for conductors, resistors, dielectrics, or other electronic components are dispensed in a predetermined pattern onto the substrate of choice. The pastes are then thermally processed by conventional oven heating, by a pulsed-laser heating process, or by a combination of these two thermal processes. The direct-write process is suitable for many of the existing materials presently used by the screen-printing industry. The recent development of ma
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