03/23/2022
By Sokny Long

The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, invites you to attend a Master’s thesis defense by Jotham Kasule on “Printed Microwave Connectors.”

MSE Candidate: Jotham Kasule
Defense Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. EST
Location: ETIC Room 401 (RURI Conference Room)

Committee Chair (Advisor): Craig Armiento, Ph.D., Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Director, Printed Electronics Research Collaborative (PERC),

Committee Members:

  • Alkim Akyurtlu, Ph.D. Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Co-Director, Printed Electronics Research Center (PERC)
  • Corey Shemelya, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, UMass Lowell

Brief Abstract
The potential to use Additive Manufacturing (AM) to fabricate printed circuit boards (PCBs) calls for development of AM connectors to provide interconnections to the PCB. This is particularly challenging for PCBs that must operate at microwave frequencies. This paper describes the development of a printed, planar microwave connector operating from 1-7 GHz. The connector, which is based on a Grounded Coplanar Waveguide (GCPW) transmission line structure, is fabricated using 3D-printed thermoplastic material (PEEK) and conductive nanoparticle silver paste. Electromagnetic models were established to provide guidance on design tradeoffs and their impact on microwave performance. and were developed using the measured dielectric properties of printed PEEK. New mechanical designs were also developed to provide accurate alignment and robust connection of the two halves of the planar connector structure. Initial connector prototypes were fabricated to validate the new planar design using conventional double-sided copper laminates (Isola MT40). The designs were then implemented in an all-printed version of the connector. The insertion loss of the printed connectors was measured to be less than 1.7dB across the band.

All interested students and faculty members are invited to attend.