| This thesis explores the possibility of higher levels of component integration onto a single semiconductor chip, or substrate. It is directed mainly at the inclusion of the radiating element, or antenna, associated with a Transmit/Receive (T/R) module of a phased array antenna system and the barriers associated with this task. 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 location importance of the microelectronic circuitry in the design. This thesis presents a design and patterns for a patch antenna fabricated on a silicon substrate. It also addresses one of the major barriers associated with the integration of this antenna and presents a possible solution. It concludes with areas for continued research in the field of phased arrays. |
