ENSC46 Helical D-Pole Antenna SFM
Team Members: Caleb Archer, Nicholas Urbaniak,
Igor Vegner, Ryan Lum
Faculty Advisor: Steve Zemke
Sponsor: Eigen Wireless
Liaison: Jon Thrope
Project Overview: Smart antenna systems are able to manipulate how electromagnetic waves are transmitted and received in order to improve the performance of radio links (i.e. Wi-Fi, cell phones, radar etc). For example, manipulating the polarization of electromagnetic waves can significantly improve the signal quality and throughput of the desired signal while reducing the negative effects of interference. Antenna sets that can manipulate polarization are a critical component of adaptive polarization transceivers. Over the past two years SARL students have made significant progress refining the 3D modeling, simulation, prototype fabrication, and test process of unique multi-polarization helical antenna arrays. The performance of these antennas merits transition to a
Design For Manufacturing (DFM) effort. Successful antenna design and DFM requires active cooperation and frequent tradeoff decision making between mechanical and electrical engineers.
Summary statement of project goal: Research, identify and rank 5 alternative material and manufacturing techniques for the helical antenna array, Select the top two candidates, design, simulate build and test each design and iterate through at least one additional prototype cycle on each. Work with SARL students to co-author, publish and present a paper at the July 2016 IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society conference.
Project Deliverables:
1. A project plan and ongoing documentation covering the goals, timeframes, assignments and other aspects of the project.
2. A thorough DFM decision matrix including; Non Recurring Engineering (NRE)
estimates, tooling, per piece material and assembly cost, assembly time, mechanical tolerance limits and associated electromagnetic performance variation.
3. At least 2 prototype design build test cycles for each of the top two candidate designs.
4. A complete manufacturing package for the top candidate design.
5. A final report and presentation.
Management & Communication Expectations:
This team will meet with the Eigen liaison every month while meeting with the faculty advisor every week. Project planning, status, work breakdown and assignments will be captured and distributed weekly.
Research Expectations: The team will interview last year’s SARL team, gather and review all prior results and documentation.