Design, simulation, construction, and measurement testing of fast-reconfigurable radio frequency switched-stub matching networks.

Today’s world is increasingly dependent on wireless communications, and fifth generation (5G) cellular technologies have recently entered the picture. Part of their designated spectrum overlaps with that of S-band radar systems. In order to effectively share the spectrum, the high-power radar systems must be able to transition to alternate operating frequencies in real time. To do this without sacrificing transmit range requires reconfigurable matching networks placed in between the power amplifiers and phased-array antenna elements in the radar transmitters which must be able to meet the power and speed requirements of the system. Historically, tuners have struggled to meet both requirements simultaneously. This thesis presents a simulated design, an algorithm to optimize reconfigure the circuit as operating conditions change, a low-power prototype switched-stub reconfigurable matching network, and a prototype taking advantage of custom semiconductor plasma technology with the purpose of progressing towards a solution that meets the radar system requirements.