Investigation of a Composite Embedded RF Passive Devices

The ability to embed RF passive circuits into composite structures, such as structural glass fibre reinforced polymers (GFRP), provides a unique solution for platforms manufactured out of composite materials. Using a developed conducting carbon-nickel-copper (CNC) veil material complex multi-layer RF sub-components for use in a RF front-end have been investigated. This paper describes the design and fabrication of a Wilkinson power splitter and 90° branch line hybrid coupler embedded into a multi-layer aerospace composite structure. The composite structure was fabricated from a pre-impregnated structural glass material (Hexcel HexPly 914E) commonly utilised in the aerospace industry. The RF performance of the power splitter and hybrid coupler has been evaluated and the results were consistent with the assumed design parameters.