Demonstration of inkjet-printed silver nanoparticle microstrip lines on alumina for RF power modules

• We applied inkjet printing technology to the realization of RF/microwave structures.
• We used a polymer–silver nanocomposite conductive ink printed on alumina substrate.
• We realized, characterized and modeled printed RF structures of different complexity.
• We realized and measured a 0.7–1 GHz, 4 W amplifier with 16 dB gain and 45% efficiency.
• Results obtained demonstrate the application of the technology to RF power modules.

The paper shows the application of direct inkjet printing on alumina for fast-prototyping of high frequency circuits, adopting inks based on polymer–silver nanocomposite. Modeling, design, fabrication and experimental characterization of different microwave testing structures is presented and discussed. The integration of soldered surface mount devices and ground connections through wrap-around is successfully exploited. A 4 W power amplifier operating in the 0.7–1 GHz band (35% fractional bandwidth), is designed, fabricated and characterized, demonstrating the feasibility of the adopted approach.

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