This project’s primary objective is to create an IC capable of retro- directive beamforming in a phased antena array system. This allows the antenna to automatically point in the direction of the strongest signal instead of spending time on beam steering techniques. Further, we can create interesting configurations of the array for different applications.
I am assisting a graduate student to test this design by measuring the timing charecteristics of the system. Currently the IC design is being optimized and fabricated with testing slated for Fall 2019. I have assisted in charecterizing capacitor crystals for the IC using a FieldFox Spectrum Analyze as well as designed a testing apparatus for the transmitter / receiver. I was also able to begin soldering some of the components down for one of the testing boards.
