In our hyperconnected world, reliable and high performance RF technology is no longer a luxury; it is essential. From satellite communications keeping us globally connected to the rise of private 5G fixed wireless networks powering Industry 4.0, the demand for innovative RF solutions that enhance connectivity across different platforms has never been greater. As the RF industry undergoes a generational shift to keep up with billions of data-hungry devices across multiple applications, Fortify is using cutting-edge design and advanced manufacturing to provide a new degree of freedom to device performance with gradient-index (GRIN)-enhanced apertures.
At the heart of Fortify’s success lies its patented RF lens beamforming technology, which leverages a unique combination of design and manufacturing processes. This enables the company to create highly effective lenses that significantly enhance the capabilities of traditional antenna systems. These lenses often utilize GRIN lens technology, which is engineered with a dielectric permittivity that can be precisely tuned throughout the structure. This unique property allows GRIN lenses to bend, focus and manipulate RF waves, surpassing the performance of conventional lenses. These GRIN lenses can drastically improve size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) factors that are a crucial consideration for modern RF systems.
ADVANTAGES OF GRIN ANTENNAS
Enhanced directivity and efficiency: GRIN lenses can achieve drastically greater directivity than traditionally manufactured RF systems. This feature significantly enhances signal strength and reduces the likelihood of detection, which is crucial in defense applications where stealth and precision are paramount.
Wide field of view (FoV): GRIN lenses enable wide-angle beam scanning without a significant reduction in gain, providing superior spatial selectivity and range. This capability is essential for applications requiring detailed spectrum reconnaissance and enhanced survivability in hostile environments. Figure 1 shows a GRIN phased array-fed lens that can steer to 90 degrees.
Figure 1 GRIN phased array antenna and scan angle characteristics using a Qorvo development kit.
Figure 2 GRIN switched beam antenna lens and antenna patterns.
Broadband performance: GRIN lenses support extremely wide operating bandwidths, making them suitable for a range of applications from fixed wireless access and 5G communications to multi-band, multi-orbit satellite communication applications. Figure 2 shows a 13 in. diameter lens for wideband beamforming, along with the antenna patterns at 3.5 GHz and 8.2 GHz.
Figure 3 Gain characteristics of GRIN lenses.
Figure 4 Bringing private and secure tactical communications to the battlefield.
Figure 3 shows the increase in gain that can be expected from GRIN lenses versus traditional solutions.
ADVANCING GRIN TECHNOLOGY
Fortify’s manufacturing technology plays a crucial role in advancing GRIN antenna manufacturing. The patented platform combines parallel manufacturing with high-throughput material processing, enabling the scalable production of high-quality GRIN media. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, Fortify’s approach allows for the duplication of parts at the same speed as single-unit production, drastically reducing production costs and time.
Fortify’s design expertise and intellectual property reside in its innovative process and mastery of GRIN principles to enhance both existing and redesigned RF systems. Their vertically integrated approach leverages novel software developed in-house, which bridges traditional high frequency simulation tools like CST and HFSS with Fortify’s manufacturing platform. This integration empowers engineers to unlock unprecedented performance across various RF applications, streamlining the design process and reducing the adoption curve for advanced RF solutions.
Fortify’s end-to-end RF manufacturing solution, combined with its advancements in GRIN technology and unique design expertise, is poised to make a significant impact on the RF industry. The benefits of Fortify’s innovations include:
Reduced total cost of ownership: Fortify’s solutions can reduce overall system costs by increasing gain or enhancing the FoV. GRIN technology and efficient manufacturing processes enable the production of high performance RF systems that provide superior functionality at a lower total cost of ownership. As an example, fixed wireless operators can utilize GRIN lenses to effectively increase the gain of a standard radio. This allows operators to increase the distance between backhaul units to reduce the number of radios needed for point-to-point backhaul drastically.
Increased efficiency: Fortify’s integration enables systems with low and efficient SWaP-C. This enhances operational efficiency, making RF solutions more effective across various applications. The company’s advanced design and manufacturing capabilities enable the creation of compact, lightweight and power-efficient RF systems that deliver exceptional performance. For example, large rotating parabolic dish antennas can be replaced by solid-state, lens-based antennas, drastically reducing the footprint and power consumption of these radar units.
Competitive edge: Fortify’s innovative technologies and streamlined processes provide users with a distinct edge over competitors using traditional solutions. The ability to leverage cutting-edge GRIN technology, coupled with Fortify’s unique design expertise and vertically integrated manufacturing approach, ensures that RF solutions are not only technologically superior but also highly reliable and cost-effective. This competitive advantage is crucial in industries where performance, reliability and cost-efficiency are paramount. Figure 4 shows an example of using GRIN lenses and a switch matrix to reduce the total hardware by 85 percent with commensurate reductions in total power, cost and weight versus a traditional phased array approach.
Fortify’s pioneering efforts in end-to-end RF manufacturing and GRIN technology are set to transform the RF industry. By providing a seamless, efficient production process and leveraging cutting-edge advancements in antenna design, Fortify is meeting the current needs of the market and paving the way for future innovations in RF technology. This holistic approach ensures that Fortify remains at the forefront of the industry, driving progress and setting new standards for excellence in RF manufacturing and production. Fortify’s ability to deliver high performance, cost-effective RF solutions gives users a significant advantage, ensuring they stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving market.
Fortify
Boston, Mass.
3dfortify.com/