Although this system works well, its size, weight and power requirements make it impractical for small platforms. Transmitted or received radio frequency energy is forced to flow in one specific direction only, which is along the direction of the magnetic lines of flux. In current technology, nonreciprocity is achieved by using isolators with powerful magnets that create a strong magnetic field. This single-direction movement is known as “nonreciprocity.” By forcing the energy’s path to move in one direction, only, an isolator prevents signal distortion and equipment damage. This is an important factor in wireless devices like radar systems-or even cell phones-where a common component both sends and receives signals. “The novel device in our work,” said Page, “is essentially an RF isolator.”Īn RF isolator is a device that keeps unwanted radio frequency energy from reflecting back into a transmitter. Now the same team of Air Force researchers is leveraging this technology to create “giant nonreciprocity” in similarly small microwave transmission devices. Using a layer of piezoelectric material (a material that changes shape when subjected to an electric field) coupled with a very thin film of permanently magnetized material, the new RF filter has a small fraction of the size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) of the older bulkier and more expensive technology. Derek Bas, recently patented a new tunable RF filter design that can replace the currently used YIG (yttrium iron garnet) based device. Working toward the aim of developing game-changing RF technology, Air Force Research Laboratory scientists led by Dr. The typical difficulties of making smaller mechanical and physical components, however, are dwarfed by the challenges posed by making the required onboard electronic equipment smaller, lighter, and less power-hungry. WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – As the Department of the Air Force continues with the unrelenting pursuit of driving down the size, weight and power of radio frequency (RF) components, the inherent challenges in these types of technologies are compounded.
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