EP3277060B1 - Microelectronic module for modifying the electromagnetic signature of a surface, module array and method for modifying the electromagnetic signature of a surface - Google Patents

Description

Various embodiments relate generally to a microelectronic module for altering the electromagnetic signature of a surface, and a module array and method for altering the electromagnetic signature of a surface.

The development of modern vehicles, such as modern aircraft, is increasingly aimed at reducing detectability by, for example, enemy radar. This is achieved, for example, by so-called stealth or stealth technology. Among other things, the geometric shape of a vehicle, such as a ship, a land vehicle or an aircraft, is optimized in such a way that the vehicle appears much smaller on an opposing radar screen, or is displayed in a different position or with a delay. However, such geometric optimizations have the disadvantage, for example, that they often only have a passive effect and cannot be adapted to the respective situation.

U.S. 2012/193483 A1 describes systems, apparatus, and software products and methods for controlling boundary layer flow across an aerodynamic structure that use plasmas to create separate areas of flow structures of different strengths be able. An example of such a device provides plasma regions that can be individually voltage and/or frequency controlled and modulated for flow control purposes.

CHENG-XUN YUAN ET AL: "Properties of Propagation of Electromagnetic Wave in a Multilayer Radar-Absorbing Structure With Plasma- and Radar-Absorbing Material", IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PLASMA SCIENCE, IEEE SERVICE CENTER PISCATAWAY, NJ, US, Vol. 39, No. 9, September 1, 2011 (2011-09-01 ) describes a setup of a multilayer radar absorbing structure with plasma and radar absorbing material (RAM) to investigate the camouflage mechanisms of the multilayer absorber. The method of impedance transformation with multiple dielectrics is used to analyze the propagation of electromagnetic waves in the multilayer structure. The dependencies of the attenuation of the EM waves on the parameters of the plasma and the RAMs are presented.

TED ANDERSON ET AL: "Plasma Frequency Selective Surfaces", IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PLASMA SCIENCE, IEEE SERVICE CENTER PISCATAWAY, NJ, US, Vol. 35, No. 2, April 1, 2007 (2007-04-01 ) describes the use of plasma as a replacement for metal in a frequency selective surface (FSS). FSS were used to filter electromagnetic waves. Each FSS layer is modeled using numerical methods, and the layers are stacked to produce the desired filtering. Genetic algorithms are used to determine the stacking required for the desired filtering.

LEE SOO-MIN ET AL: "Scattering characteristics of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma", 2013 EUROPEAN RADAR CONFERENCE, EMA, 9 October 2013 (2013-10-09 ) describes the fabrication of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator at atmospheric pressure and a plasma is generated by applying a high AC voltage. In addition, its scattering properties are measured by comparing S-parameters. The antenna polarization is also taken into account because of the configuration of the proposed DBD actuator.

U.S. 7,255,062 B1 describes a plasma shielding system in the form of an apparatus that creates a prescribed plasma environment with a prescribed plasma density gradient and shields an object surrounded by that environment. Surface microwaves are used to create this plasma environment and customize it for a specific application.

DE 10 2007 051243 B3 describes a radome with a plasma seal integrated therein, which comprises a plasma-carrying layer and electrodes for plasma excitation, the radome having a sandwich structure made of honeycomb core and cover plates, the plasma-carrying layer being contained in the honeycomb core of the sandwich structure and the electrodes arranged between the honeycomb core and cover plates at least in the operating frequency range of the antenna are RF transparent.

CN 1 596 060 A describes a non-equilibrium plasma source that discharges strong ionization and a method of generating the plasma. It includes a ground electrode, a discharge electrode, and a dielectric layer. It supplies the discharge electrode with AC voltage and generates plasma with a density of 10 to 15 per cubic centimetre. Under the action of an external force transfer the plasma from the discharging electric field.

Proceeding from this, it is the object of the invention to specify a device which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages.

This object is achieved with a device having the features of claim 1 and with a method having the features of claim 13. Exemplary embodiments are presented in the dependent claims and the following description. It should be pointed out that the features of the exemplary embodiments of the devices also apply to embodiments of the method and vice versa.

A microelectronic module for changing the electromagnetic signature of a surface is specified. The microelectronic module has a thin-layer, flat substrate and at least one voltage converter for converting a first voltage provided into a higher or lower second voltage. Furthermore, the microelectronic module has at least one actuator. The actuator has at least one generator for generating an electrical plasma from the second voltage provided by the voltage converter. At least the voltage converter and the actuator are arranged on the thin-layer, flat substrate. The electrical plasma generated by the actuator interacts with electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface, resulting in a change in the electromagnetic signature.

The invention is based on the idea of generating the electromagnetic signature of a surface of an electrical plasma interacting with electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface. In this case, the electric plasma can be generated as a function of the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface, and the electromagnetic signature of a surface can be changed as a result. The electromagnetic signature radiated from the surface is preferential to a unaffected reflected electromagnetic signature, .ie, for example, the radar cross section of a vehicle appears changed, for example, on a radar screen, preferably reduced. Thus, for example, the electromagnetic signature can be actively adapted to the respective situation.

The term "actuator" can be understood as any type of device that is capable of converting an electrical signal into another physical quantity.

The term "voltage converter" can be understood as any electrical element capable of converting an input voltage to a higher or lower output voltage.

According to a preferred embodiment, the microelectronic module also has at least one detection unit. The detection unit has at least one sensor for detecting electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface. The sensor can be suitable, for example, for detecting electromagnetic interactions of photons impinging on the sensor with the electrons or atomic nuclei of a detector material of the sensor.

According to a preferred embodiment, the microelectronic module also has a control unit. The control unit is set up to control the generation of the electrical plasma as a function of a signal from the detection unit, a receiver, control commands from a higher-level transmitter and/or control element, and/or information from at least one other conventional sensor, an antenna and/or a control or regulation system. The receiver is set up to receive external data containing information about the detection of the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface. The microelectronic module can thus be controlled in a targeted manner according to the detected electromagnetic radiation in order to change the electromagnetic signature of a surface.

According to a preferred embodiment, the actuator is further set up to detect the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface. As an alternative to external sensors, the actuator itself can also be able to detect the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface. This has the advantage that no further detectors or sensors are required, or the detection can be improved by combining with further detectors or sensors.

According to a preferred embodiment, the electric plasma is generated as a function of the detected electromagnetic radiation and/or the received data on the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface. The electrical plasma is generated as a function of the detected electromagnetic radiation and/or the received data on the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface. This has the advantage that the generation of the electric plasma can be adapted to the requirements.

According to a preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic signature of the surface is changed by absorption and/or reflection of an external wave of the electromagnetic radiation. The absorption and/or reflection of the electromagnetic radiation can be changed, for example, by reducing the backscattering of the electromagnetic radiation and/or by damping the surface wave of the electromagnetic radiation. Alternatively, the electromagnetic signature of the surface can also be changed, for example, by a combination of the absorption or reflection described above with, for example, a conventional RAM (radar-absorbing material) coating or other radar-absorbing materials or also infrared camouflage. This has the advantage that, for example, the radar-absorbing properties of a RAM coating can be improved.

According to a preferred embodiment, a frequency-selective surface is generated with the aid of the at least one actuator. Distributed or periodically conductive plasma structures can be generated preferably on, in or under the surface by controlling the at least one actuator. The generated plasma preferably has a specific frequency band. The width of the frequency band and/or the center frequency can preferably be controlled by an applied magnetic field. By influencing the generated plasma, an active metamaterial is preferably formed. The active metamaterial can be used, for example, as a band pass, band stop, high pass, low pass or a combination of these to change the electromagnetic waves. This has the advantage that the electromagnetic radiation can be changed in a targeted manner in order to falsify the radar image, for example.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thin-layer, flat substrate is a flexible and/or multidimensionally deformable film or grid. For example, the lattice can have a flexible and/or multidimensionally deformable lattice structure. Alternatively, the thin-layer, flat substrate can also consist of a comparable material that is suitable for the components of the module to be mounted, inserted or attached to it and that is as thin and stable as possible. For example, the substrate can also have a fabric, a lattice structure or a composite material. This has the advantage that the module can be kept small in terms of its geometric dimensions, with sufficient stability being provided to apply the module permanently or reversibly to a surface, for example by gluing it.

According to a preferred embodiment, the module has a plurality of actuators. The majority of the actuators preferably have a different and/or identical orientation. This has the advantage that the electromagnetic radiation striking the module from different directions, for example, can be changed in a targeted manner.

According to a preferred embodiment, the module has at least one switching element for activating and/or deactivating the module and/or at least one of the plurality of actuators. This has the advantage that a single module itself, or a module or several Modules of a plurality of modules can be specifically activated and / or deactivated.

The term "switching element" can be understood as any type of device capable of changing a connection from an open state to a connected state. This can also be understood to mean a connection which is open on one side and which can be closed permanently or reversibly, for example, by connecting the module to an electronic unit for control, for example.

According to a preferred embodiment, the actuators can be used to form an antenna that is freely definable on the surface or an antenna array for adapting the antenna gain, polarization and reception direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the antenna or the antenna array can be used as a transmitting and/or receiving antenna for electromagnetic radiation. This has the advantage that the antenna or antenna array can be used to send and/or receive data, if necessary. This has the advantage that the module can also be used as a receiving or transmitting antenna.

According to a preferred embodiment, the transmitting and/or receiving antenna can be coupled to an external transmitter and/or receiver via a coupling and/or decoupling device. This has the advantage that the antenna or the antenna array, which can be embodied as a transmitting and/or receiving antenna, for example, can be connected to an external transmitter and/or receiver. This allows, for example, data from the external transmitter via the as Transmitting antenna trained antenna or the antenna array, are sent and / or data are received from the external receiver via the trained as a receiving antenna antenna or the antenna array.

According to a preferred embodiment, the voltage converter, the switching element, the actuator, the detection unit, the sensor, the receiver, the transmitter and/or the control element are designed as a MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) structure. Alternatively, the voltage converter, the switching element, the actuator, the detection unit, the sensor, the receiver, the transmitter and/or the control element can also be designed as a nanoelectromechanical system. Other advantageous components of the module can also be designed, for example, as a MEMS structure or as a nanoelectromechanical system, insofar as it is advantageous and applicable. This has the advantage that the dimensions of the module and its components can be kept very small. The space required for the module can thus be reduced to a minimum, for example.

Furthermore, a modular array is specified, having a plurality of microelectronic modules as described above. By arranging a plurality of the modules in an array, the change in the electromagnetic structure of a surface can be amplified and/or used in a targeted manner.

According to one embodiment, a plurality of microelectronic modules can also be arranged on a common thin-layer, flat substrate. This has the advantage that, for example, the application of the module can be facilitated or accelerated on a surface, which means that the costs for assembly can be reduced.

According to a preferred embodiment, the actuators of the plurality of modules can be controlled with a time offset and/or with a phase shift. The intensity can be influenced, for example, by utilizing interference phenomena. A time-delayed and/or phase-shifted activation of the actuators can make targeted use of interference phenomena when generating the electrical plasma.

According to a preferred embodiment, the modular array has one or more switching elements that are set up to activate and/or deactivate one or more actuators of the modular array. This has the advantage that the modular array can be controlled individually and the geometric dimensions can be kept small depending on the application.

Furthermore, an arrangement of at least one previously described microelectronic module or at least one previously described modular array on and/or in a surface of a vehicle is specified.

According to a preferred embodiment, the surface has a coating which at least partially absorbs electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface. The coating can consist of a RAM material, for example.

According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle is an aircraft, a watercraft or a land vehicle. By arranging at least one module or at least one modular array, the electromagnetic signature can be changed so that, for example, the electromagnetic signature can be reduced and the radar image of the vehicle can be falsified as a result.

Furthermore, a method for changing the electromagnetic signature of a surface using at least one previously described microelectronic module or at least one previously described modular array is specified. The method includes the step of converting a provided first voltage to a higher or lower one

second voltage up. The method also has the step of detecting electromagnetic radiation. The method further includes the step of generating an electrical plasma from the second voltage. The method also includes the step of changing the electromagnetic signature of the surface by interaction of the electrical plasma that is generated with electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface.

FIG. 1

eine erste Ausführungsform eines mikroelektronischen Moduls zeigt;

FIG. 2

ein Modularray aufweisend eine Mehrzahl von mikroelektronischen Modulen zeigt;

FIG. 3

die Anordnung einer Mehrzahl mikroelektronischer Module auf der Oberfläche eines Flugzeugs zeigt; und

FIG. 4

ein Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Veränderung der elektromagnetischen Signatur einer Oberfläche zeigt.

In the drawings, the same reference numbers generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; Instead, emphasis is generally placed on illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1

shows a first embodiment of a microelectronic module;

FIG. 2

Figure 13 shows a modular array comprising a plurality of microelectronic modules;

FIG. 3

shows the arrangement of a plurality of microelectronic modules on the surface of an aircraft; and

FIG. 4

shows a flowchart of a method for changing the electromagnetic signature of a surface.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or configuration described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or configurations.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "front", "rear", etc. is used with reference to the orientation of the figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments in a number can be positioned in various orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein can be combined with one another unless specifically stated otherwise. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Within the scope of this description, the terms "connected", "connected" and "coupled" are used to describe both a direct and an indirect connection, a direct or indirect connection and a direct or indirect coupling. In the figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference symbols, insofar as this is appropriate.

In the methods described herein, the steps may be performed in almost any order without departing from the principles of the invention, unless a temporal or functional order is expressly stated. When a claim states that a step is performed first and then several other steps are performed in succession, it is to be understood that the first step is performed before all other steps, but the other steps are performed in any suitable order can be if not within the other steps one sequence is outlined. Portions of claims that recite, for example, "Step A, Step B, Step C, Step D, and Step E" are to be understood as performing Step A first, Step E last, and Steps B, C, and D can be performed in any order between steps A and E, and that the order falls within the stated scope of the claimed method. Furthermore, specified steps may be performed simultaneously unless express language in the claim indicates that they are to be performed separately. For example, a step of performing X in the claim and a step of performing Y in the claim may be performed concurrently within a single operation, and the resulting process falls within the stated scope of the claimed method. figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a microelectronic module 100. The microelectronic module 100 for changing the electromagnetic signature of a surface has a voltage converter 101 in the illustrated embodiment. The voltage converter 101 is used to convert a provided first voltage V1 into a higher or lower second voltage V2. In the embodiment shown, the microelectronic module 100 also has an actuator 102 . In the embodiment shown, the actuator 102 has a generator 103 for generating an electrical plasma from the second voltage V2 provided by the voltage converter 101 . The voltage converter 101 and the actuator 102 are arranged on a thin-layer, flat substrate 104 . The thin-layer, flat substrate 104 is a film, for example. That by the actuator 102 generated electrical plasma interacts with electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface. The electric plasma changes, preferably reduces, the electromagnetic signature of the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface. Voltage converter 101 is electrically coupled to actuator 102 .

According to a further embodiment that is not shown, the microelectronic module 100 can also have more than one voltage converter 101, in which case the number of voltage converters can also be electrically connected to one another and can thus, for example, interact. The microelectronic module 100 can also have a plurality of actuators 102, it being possible for each actuator 102 to have, for example, one or more generators 103 for generating an electrical plasma. Furthermore, according to an embodiment that is not shown, the microelectronic module 100 can have a detection unit for detecting the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface, and/or a control unit, set up for controlling the generation of the electric plasma depending on a signal from the detection unit, a receiver for receiving external data containing information about the detection of the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface, control commands from a higher-level transmitter and/or control element, and/or information from at least one other conventional sensor, an antenna and/or a control or control system.

figure 2 shows a modular array 200 having a plurality of microelectronic modules 201. Each of the Microelectronic modules 201 has a voltage converter 202 and an actuator 203, having a generator 204 on a thin-layer, flat substrate 205. Although each of the modules 201 shown has its own switching element 204, according to an alternative embodiment (not shown), one switching element 204 can also be provided for two or more modules 201. The microelectronic modules 201 of the modular array 200 are electrically connected to one another (not shown).

figure 3 3 shows the arrangement 300 of a plurality of microelectronic modules 301 on the underside of an aircraft 302. FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of microelectronic modules 301 are arranged almost over the entire surface on the underside of the wings 303, 304 of the aircraft 302 in order to change the electromagnetic signature of the aircraft surface.

In a further embodiment that is not shown, microelectronic modules 301 can also be provided on the entire surface of the aircraft, both on the underside and on the top.

figure 4 FIG. 4 shows a flow chart 400 of a method for changing the electromagnetic signature of a surface using at least one microelectronic module or at least one modular array. In step 401 a provided first voltage is converted into a higher or lower second voltage. In step 402 electromagnetic radiation is detected. In step 403, an electrical plasma is generated from the second voltage. Next, in step 404, the electromagnetic signature of the surface generated by interaction electrical plasma altered with electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface. While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, the scope of the invention is determined by the appended claims.

Reference List

100, 201, 301

module

101, 202

voltage converter

102, 203

actuator

103, 204

generator

104, 205

substrate

200

modular array

300

airplane

303, 304

wing

400

flow chart

401 - 404

process steps

V1

first tension

v2

second tension

Claims (13)

1. Microelectronic module (100) for altering the electromagnetic signature of a surface, comprising:

   a thin-layered planar substrate (104);

   at least one voltage converter (101) for converting a first voltage (V1) provided into a higher or lower second voltage (V2);

   at least one actuator (102), comprising at least one generator (103) for generating an electrical plasma from the second voltage (V2) provided by the voltage converter (101);

   wherein at least the voltage converter (101) and the actuator (102) are arranged on the thin-layered planar substrate (104); and

   wherein the electromagnetic signature of the surface is altered by an interaction of the electrical plasma generated by the actuator (102) with an electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface.
2. Microelectronic module according to Claim 1,

   further comprising at least one detection unit comprising at least one sensor for detecting an electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface; and

   a control unit, configured for controlling the generation of the electrical plasma depending on a signal from the detection unit.
3. Microelectronic module according to Claim 2,
   further comprising a receiver, configured for receiving data, containing information about the detection of the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface.
4. Microelectronic module according to Claim 3,
   wherein the electrical plasma is generated depending on the detected electromagnetic radiation and/or the received data about the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface.
5. Microelectronic module according to any of the preceding claims,
   wherein the electromagnetic signature of the surface is altered by absorbing and/or reflecting an outer wave of the electromagnetic radiation, by reducing the backscattering of the electromagnetic radiation and/or by damping the surface wave of the electromagnetic radiation, or in a combination with a conventional RAM coating.
6. Microelectronic module according to any of the preceding claims,
   wherein a frequency-selective surface is generated with the aid of the at least one actuator (102), wherein, by means of the driving of the at least one actuator (102), distributed or periodically conductive plasma structures are generatable on, in or below the surface, wherein the generated plasma has a specific frequency band, wherein the width of the frequency band and/or the centre frequency are/is controllable by means of an applied magnetic field, wherein an active metamaterial is formed by the influencing of the generated plasma, said metamaterial being usable as band-pass filter, bandstop filter, high-pass filter, low-pass filter or a combination thereof for altering the electromagnetic waves.
7. Microelectronic module according to any of the preceding claims,
   wherein the thin-layered planar substrate (104) is a flexible and/or multidimensionally deformable film or lattice.
8. Microelectronic module according to any of the preceding claims,

   wherein the module (100) comprises a plurality of actuators (102); and

   wherein the module (100) comprises at least one switching element for activating and/or deactivating the module and/or at least one of the plurality of actuators (102); and

   wherein an antenna that is freely definable on the surface or an antenna array for adapting antenna gain, polarization and receiving direction can be formed by the actuators (102), wherein the antenna or the antenna array is usable as transmitting and/or receiving antenna for electromagnetic radiation; and

   wherein the transmitting and/or receiving antenna can be coupled to an external transmitter and/or receiver via a coupling-in and/or coupling-out device.
9. Microelectronic module according to Claim 2, wherein the voltage converter (101), the actuator (102), the detection unit and/or the sensor are/is embodied as MEMS structure.
10. Module array (200),
    comprising a plurality of microelectronic modules (201) according to any of the preceding claims.
11. Module array according to Claim 10,
    wherein the actuators (204) of the plurality of modules (201) are drivable in a time-staggered and/or phase-shifted manner.
12. Arrangement (300) of at least one microelectronic module (301) or of at least one module array according to any of the preceding claims on and/or in a surface of a vehicle (302),

    wherein the surface has a coating that at least partly absorbs an electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface, and/or

    wherein the vehicle is an aircraft, a watercraft or a land vehicle.
13. Method (400) for altering the electromagnetic signature of a surface using at least one microelectronic module or at least one module array according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:

    converting a first voltage provided into a higher or lower second voltage by a voltage converter (401);

    detecting an electromagnetic radiation (402);

    generating an electrical plasma from the second voltage by a generator of an actuator (403), wherein at least the voltage converter and the actuator are arranged on a thin-layered planar substrate;

    altering the electromagnetic signature of the surface by interaction of the electrical plasma generated with an electromagnetic radiation impinging on the surface (404).

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