RF & Microwave Electronics

Access our comprehensive library of technical briefs on RF & microwave electronics, from engineering experts at NASA and major government, university, and commercial laboratories.

Briefs: Energy

Energy-Harvesting Device Turns Wi-Fi Signals into Usable Power

This device for harnessing terahertz radiation might enable self-powering implants, cellphones, and other portable electronics.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Microstrip Circuit and Material Characterization System

The system enables measurement of active or passive microstrip line devices with DC probing capability.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Cascaded Offset Optical Modulator

This subsystem is used in free-space optical communications and fiber-optic communications.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Novel Antenna Concept for CubeSat Platforms

While this technology was designed for CubeSats, it may be utilized in any technology that utilizes a structural frame, such as drones.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Toroidal Radiation Pattern Patch Antenna

The antenna is designed for use in extreme conditions such as outer space.

Briefs: AR/AI

Terahertz Receiver for 6G Wireless Communications

The device enables ultra-fast wireless communications at low cost.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Vortex Radiometer for Wireless Communications

Any high-performance communication systems operating in RF or optical frequencies may benefit from this system.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Miniature Antenna Enables Robotic Teaming in Complex Environments

A low-frequency antenna with enhanced bandwidth will enable robust networking among compact, mobile robots.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Self-Assembling Robot Cubes Form Various Structures

The robot blocks jump, spin, flip, and identify each other.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Radar Enables Cars to Spot Hazards Around Corners

Using radar commonly deployed to track speeders and fastballs, the automated system “sees” around corners to spot oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

“One-Way” Electronic Devices

These non-reciprocal devices on a compact chip pave the way for applications from two-way wireless to quantum computing.

Briefs: Aerospace

Testing Swarming Drones

This system has a capacity of more than 1,500 times the volume of a typical testing facility.

Briefs: Aerospace

Bio-Inspired Wing Design for Small Drones

Taking a cue from birds and insects, the wing design helps drones fly more efficiently and makes them more robust to atmospheric turbulence.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Combined Optical Transmitter and Receiver

The tiny unit is significant for the miniaturization of optoelectronic systems.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Comb-on-a-Chip Optical Ruler Measures Colors of Light Waves

The newest version of these combs could revolutionize clocks, telescopes, and telecommunications.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Quantum Sensor Enables Wide Spectral Coverage

The sensor could provide a way to detect communication signals over the entire radio frequency from 1 to 100 GHz.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Electronic Diodes Demonstrate Performance Beyond 5G

Applications include high-speed communications, networking, and sensing.

Briefs: Data Acquisition

Formula May Help 5G Wireless Networks Share Communications Frequencies

This method of machine learning could make communications in the unlicensed bands much more efficient.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Electronically Controlled 2D Reflector Improves Microwave Communications

Flat-panel technology could transform antennas, wireless, and cellphone communications.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Leap in Lidar Could Improve Safety and Security of New Technology

University of Colorado researchers have described a new silicon chip that improves the resolution and scanning speed needed for a lidar system.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Graphene Smart Textiles for Heat-Adaptive Clothing

Smart adaptive clothing can lower the body temperature of the wearer in hot climates.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Smart Surgical Microscope

Imaging technology used to map the universe shows promise for more accurately and quickly identifying cancer cells in the operating room.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Photonic Microwave Generation Using On-Chip Optical Frequency Combs

Using integrated photonic chips fabricated at EPFL, scientists have demonstrated laser-based microwave generators.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

A Combined Optical Transmitter and Receiver

Researchers at Linköping University, together with colleagues in China, have developed a tiny unit that is both an optical transmitter and a receiver.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Single-Atom Transistors

Linking multiple copies of these devices may lay the foundation for quantum computing.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Process for Producing High-Quality, Lightweight Mirrors

The process provides a cost-effective solution for applications in space-based imaging systems, military reconnaissance, and satellite and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).