Investigation of a conformal amplifier embedded in an aerospace composite structure

Thomas C. Baum, Richard W. Ziolkowski, Kamran Ghorbani, Kelvin J. Nicholson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper has investigated the implementation of a conformal amplifier embedded into a high performance aerospace composite quartz fiber re-enforced polymer (QFRP) matrix. A cyanate ester resin system provided by Lonza (PT-30) was used to encapsulate the quartz fibers (Astroquartz II) and the passive/active elements. This enabled a streamlined aerodynamic functional skin to be formed over the leading edge of an airfoil. Apart from the active amplifier component, a passive bias-tee and power LED were also integrated into the skin. The conformal amplifier performance was measured and found to have low-loss and acceptable impedance matching between 0.01 GHz and 1.0 GHz. The amplifier gain is above 10 dB up to 2.0 GHz. The successful manufacturing process for this conformal amplifier has demonstrated the ability to integrate novel microwave circuits into composite materials on a highly conformal surface.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEuropean Microwave Week 2017
Subtitle of host publication"A Prime Year for a Prime Event", EuMW 2017 - Conference Proceedings; 47th European Microwave Conference, EuMC 2017
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages588-591
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9782874870477
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 19 2017
Event47th European Microwave Conference, EuMC 2017 - Nuremburg, Germany
Duration: Oct 10 2017Oct 12 2017

Publication series

NameEuropean Microwave Week 2017: "A Prime Year for a Prime Event", EuMW 2017 - Conference Proceedings; 47th European Microwave Conference, EuMC 2017
Volume2017-January

Other

Other47th European Microwave Conference, EuMC 2017
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityNuremburg
Period10/10/1710/12/17

Keywords

  • Amlifiers
  • Confomal Structures
  • Multifunctional Structures
  • composite structures

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Instrumentation

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