Development of Conformal Totally Autonomous Self-Adapting Phased Array Antennas

This project focuses on discovering the fundamental theory and limitations of autonomous selfadapting conformal phased array antennas. Of particular interest is to derive new theory on conformal phased array antennas that change shape with time then use this theory to study, synthesize and experimentally test a novel class of phased array antennas that can autonomously preserve the radiation pattern for various surface deformations. The impacts of this new theory and unique class of autonomous selfadapting phased array antennas are numerous and include the following:
1) the theoretical results will provide insight on the behavior of phased array antennas on changing conformal surfaces,
2) new radiation correction techniques could then be explored analytically to compensate for vibrations (e.g. from surfaces on aircraft), surface expansion and contraction due to heat (e.g. for satellite communications), wind effects (e.g. antennas on buildings) and clothing (i.e. wearable arrays) and
3) antennas could then be designed to be placed on changing surfaces that were not previously considered as feasible options (for example: a wearable smart phased array antenna on a soldier with direction of arrival capabilities).
During the last two years the research group has been actively involved in the design of selfadapting antennas, conformal antenna synthesis and flexible electronics manufacturing techniques. The work has been carried out in collaboration with NDSU (North Dakota State University) during an exchange program involving a PhD candidate.

Funding source     University of Padova Grant

Period     2016-2018

PARTNERS

Microelectronics group of Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova