RF Front End Based on MEMS Components for Miniaturized Digital EVA Radio

In this SBIR project, AlphaSense, Inc. and the Carnegie Mellon University propose to develop a RF receiver front end based on CMOS-MEMS components for miniaturized digital EVA radio applications. In Phase I, we have proven the feasibility of implementing a compact, low power and high performance S band receiver front end based on CMOS- MEMS components. Specifically, we conducted link budget analysis to define the radio requirements for different applications, including low data rate voice, data/telemetry and high data rate, high definition video transceiving. We also identified and optimized the receiver front end architecture (i.e. a low-IF architecture), and analyzed its electrical performance based on known properties of individual CMOS- MEMS components. Finally, we fabricated two key components, a high quality factor MEMS band pass filter and a mixer-filter, and validated their performances. Phase II will be focusing on performance improvements of individual device and the whole receiver front end. We will also implement a fully integrated receiver based on the radio- on- a-chip solution, and characterize its performance.

Other than the space exploration, the proposed MEMS based EVA radio also has vast applications in the areas of wireless and mobile radio communications. For example, it can be used by first responders to enhance interoperability among police, firefighters, HazMat, homeland security and medical personnel. It can also be used by the military personnel for the soldier-centric secure communications and mode switchable on-the-fly communications. Finally, the miniature MEMS RF front end components can also find commercial applications in cell phones, pagers, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/UWB radio integration.

The most straightforward application of the proposed miniature MEMS based EVA radio is used by NASA for space exploration. The significantly reduced form factor and power requirements along with the increased selectivity and performance of the MEMS based EVA radio allows long duration human exploration while simultaneously increasing communication reliability and crew safety

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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