Phased arrays using dual-wafer fabrication/high-integration processes

This paper explores the current research being conducted at the US Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (RDEC) on the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. It discusses the benefits of an electronically steerable phased array (ESA), in particular as it applies to a military environment. It includes a background study into the components behind the active ESA and discusses the current level of integration of the microelectronic circuitry in the design. The purpose of the research is to explore the highest possible level of component integration for a phased array utilizing the state-of-the-art in solid state electronics and semiconductor fabrication and packaging. The paper also discusses the future direction of the research to be conducted on the RDEC.