European High-Performance Processor for RF Defense Applications

ongoing

The deployment of RF-CMOS (Radio Frequency Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) technologies for realizing RF Systems-On-a-Chip has revolutionized many applications through its unparalleled performance, manufacturability, and cost-efficiency. However, many of the components used in defence applications originate from outside Europe today. This dependence on external component suppliers is not really acceptable for the defense industry, where components could be withheld or delayed for strategic reasons by foreign governments. It is therefore crucial for Europe to develop an intrinsically secure, ITAR free, supply chain for building RF-based RF defence systems which delivers state of the art components and is reliable, accessible and which can be preferentially offered to European OEMs for their future requirements. The ePERFECT project aims to formulate a strategy for the development and ownership of an advanced RF-CMOS supply chain within Europe to address these issues. To achieve the overall project aims, European end users (OEMs) with different technology requirements and products will engage with European design groups and technology suppliers, to create components for the defence electronics industry over the coming decades. The target of ePERFECT is to develop a fine pitch European RF-CMOS supply chain that can produce high-performance RF components like transceivers and processors. These components will be validated and incorporated into next-generation digital AESA Radar, wideband communication and narrowband communication systems. Furthermore, a first review of novel 3D RF systems packaging approaches for future development is being undertaken. The capabilities of the RF-Processor and RF-Transceivers planned for this project will be exposed to the whole European OEM community to ensure maximum awareness of their capabilities through an OEM information exchange forum. Creating a critical mass in Europe around the core elements of the supply chain.