NA MARKET SURVEY (not a solicitation for bid) Market Survey and RFI on RF MEMS and Ferroelectrics Phase Shifters for Phased Array Antennas The U.S. Army RDE command, Research and Development Center, Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate, is conducting a market survey to determine the identity of companies and soliciting White Papers that address the Army Manufacturing Technology (M ANTECH) Program for Affordable Phase Shifters for Phased Array Antennas. The US Army is interested in developing sources for advanced technologies, designs, fabrication techniques, materials, and packaging concepts that can be applied to the large scale ma nufacture of RF Micro-Electro-Mechanical Switches (MEMS) and ferroelectric phase shifter components. The purpose of the MANTECH Program is to develop and demonstrate technologies that will advance the current state-of-the-art of RF MEMS/ferroelectric phas e shifter devices and increase the cost effectiveness of these devices and related components for the Armyâs development of low cost phased array antennas for SATCOM on the move applications. The U.S. Army RDE command is looking for potential sources to take part in a Mantech Program for affordable phase shifters for phased array antennas. This Mantech program will address both Ferroelectric and MEMS based phase shifters in separate efforts. The program will be a multi-year effort with phased deliver ies over the duration of the effort. OBJECTIVE: The Army is pursuing technologies to meet transformation goals of a lighter, faster, more lethal force with integrated on-the-move communications from sensor to shooter. Affordable Phased Arrays provide the means for this high data rate on-the-move commun ications. The cost of phased arrays is dominated by the current high cost of packaged MMIC phase shifters. MEMS and Ferroelectric phase shifters provide a low cost option for these costly items. MEMS and ferroelectric phase shifters will reduce size and weight, power consumption and cost of phased array antenna systems. The primary objective of this effort is to produce low cost phase shifters with a total packaged cost of less than or equal to $10 minimum, less than $5 objective, with a loss less than 4 dB and operational switching life greater than 10(12th power) cycles. Systems utilizing these phase shifters are planned for 18.5-21.2 GHz, 27.5-31 GHz and 43.5-45.5 GHz. INFORMATION SOUGHT: This market survey is soliciting technical white papers for the development and demonstration of manufacturing technology processes to enable the low-cost production of MEMS or ferroelectric phase shifters for phased array antennas. The objective of this e ffort is to develop sources to provide products that meet the Armyâs performance reliability, and cost requirements. Attainment of this objective should result in the ability to produce low-cost (less than $10), MEMS/Ferroelectric tactical grade phas e shifters suitable for DoD weapons systems. Additionally, the phase shifters should withstand the environmental requirements associated with a tactical battlefield. The offeror should have an understanding of the goals and missions of the DOD Manufacturing Technology Programs with a major emphasis on affordability, life-cycle-cost, and technology transitioning to industry. Accordingly, the white paper should address i n sufficient detail the necessary areas of process improvements that are critical to achieving the above mentioned program goals and objectives, specifically phase shifter cost drivers. Current state-of-the-art and baseline capabilities should be thoroughl y discussed, including manufacturing process improvements required to achieve affordable MEMS/ferroelectric methodology. Key factors to be addressed, but not limited to, are; a. Detailed design of MEMS or Ferroelectric phase shifter b. Detailed fabrication methods/techniques c. Technical barriers d. Methodology for overcoming technical barriers and as sociated Risk e. Packaging f. Operational Frequency g. Loss h. RF power handling capability i. Power consumption j. Switching speed k. Maximum hold down time l. Operational Lifetime (# switching cycles) m. Operating Environment n. Cost of packaged devices (for various quantities and yields) The overall scientific, technical, engineering, and manufacturing approach to meeting objectives and technical requirements should be addressed including; the degree of organization's technological advancement in MEMS/ferroelectric phase shifter component development; background and experience in MEMs or ferroelectric development and manufacturing; listing and description of relevant facilities and equipment (and their location) that would be used during the conduct of this effort. Package design and fabric ation processes must be considered for high volume, low cost phase shifter integration into phased array antenna modules. In addition, this market survey is soliciting MEMS or ferroelectric phase shifter sample devices/materials. The government will conduct independent testing and evaluation of the MEMS devices and materials provided under this effort. Offerors should be prep ared to supply to the Government samples of the devices or test structures that are identical (i.e. from the same lot) to the ones they are using to assess process maturity, device reliability, RF performance, and/or failure mechanisms. Additionally, the g overnment may use government owned or independent laboratories to test and evaluate sample MEMS or ferroelectric materials/devices. In addition, each manufacturer should include license and data rights being offered. Interested companies should submit their white papers and sample devices/materials to the Technical POC below NLT 27 Jun 2003. An unclassified meeting for all interested U.S. manufacturers of MEMs/Ferroelectric phase shifter devices/materials will be held on Jun 9, 2003, at Booz Allen & Hamilton, 151 Industrial Way East, Eatontown, NJ 07742 (note: no visitor authorizations reqâ d), from 0900 to 1500 hours. Attendees are required to pre-registrer. Participants who do not pre-register will not be allowed into the meeting. To register, contact Louis Coryell at (732)-532-9210, x5632,
contact@example.gov or Debra Catalano at ( 732)-532-9210, x 5614,
contact@example.gov. The cutoff date for registration is June 3, 2003. Technical POC: Louis A. Coryell; US Army CECOM; Space & Terrestrial Communications Directorate; Tactical Space Systems Branch; AMSEL-RD-ST-SS-TA; Building 210, Rom 215; Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703-5203; Phone (732)-532-9210, x5632; DSN 992-9210, x5632; FAX (732)-542-4212;
contact@example.gov
