Real-time feedback control for 3D printed antennas
Date
2019
Authors
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
In recent years several authors have noted the immense potential of additive manufacturing (AM) to create parts for radio frequency and microwave applications. At the present time, however, AM lacks the consistency and reliability needed to make end-use parts. Quality assurance is of particular importance in high frequency applications, where small variations in material and geometry can have significant effect on performance. ☐ This paper outlines a procedure for introducing feedback control in AM through real-time sampling of the S-parameters. At the core of the process is an algorithm that monitors a part’s performance as material is added incrementally and, via reference to a model, updates the print-path to achieve best results. The merit of feedback as applied to our scenario is its ability to correct for disturbances in the manufacturing environment and the effects of underlying hidden variables. The efficacy of the procedure developed in this paper is then demonstrated for the practical scenario of 3D printing a microstrip antenna designed to operate in the C band.