On the use of MEMS phase shifters in a low-cost Ka-Band multifunctional ESA on a small UAV

We present a system concept for a Ka-band multi-functional electronically steerable antenna (ESA) on a small UAV that is based on using sub-arrays with low-loss RF MEMS phase shifters. Our analysis shows that low phase shifter losses are critical if the dissipated radar hardware DC power should fit within the given requirements. The results presented in this paper also indicate that adequate performance (in terms of 2 dB of average losses at 35 GHz) can be possible to achieve with a Ka-band 4-bits MEMS phase shifter design made on quartz