A Flexible RF Link Enabled by the Redefinable Microwave Passive Components

Abstract

To realize “FPGA-like” microwave components and enhance the reconfiguration ability of microwave links, this article proposes a redefinable microwave component that breaks the limitations of conventional microwave components with single functionality. The redefinable microwave components adopt a “combining tangram” design approach to identify the “greatest common divisor” among several microwave functional structures. The patch + gap structure is used as the multiplex unit, and the RF switches are used to control the current flow direction, forming different electromagnetic distributions, thus achieving dynamic reconfiguration of microwave functions. The resonant performance is adjusted using variable capacitors, enabling the reconfiguration of the performance. The test results of the sample indicate that the microwave passive component can achieve software-defined antenna, filtering, and coupling functions, with adjustable center frequencies for all three functions. Compared with commonly used antenna, filter, or coupler, the performance metrics of the redefinable microwave components have not decreased. Furthermore, the component has also been applied for practical validation in radar systems. The demonstration results show that the redefinable microwave component significantly improves the reconfiguration performance of the microwave link, enabling the microwave system to meet the requirements of multiple application scenarios such as imaging, communication, and distance measurement.