Reconfigurable Microwave Amplifiers Using Field Programmable Microwave Substrate (FPMS)

Novel reconfigurable microwave amplifiers based on the field programmable microwave substrate (FPMS) concept are presented. An FPMS demonstration board, consisting of a 256-unit-cell metamaterial on FR4 substrate, is programmed to realize a variety of matching and filtering networks connected to the terminals of an embedded general purpose microwave transistor. Unprecedented tuning freedom is achievable, allowing not only variable amplifier gain and center frequency, but also adjustable bandwidth and dual-band operation. The design methodology for several implementations in the 1-2.5 GHz range is given along with experimental validation. Good agreement with simulated performance is obtained. The proposed reconfigurable amplifier design approach, with its inherent flexibility and low-cost components, is a promising candidate for agile microwave circuit functions in future intelligent wireless systems.