Ultra-wideband duplexers for low and high peak power applications

Two different duplexers have been conceived, designed and tested that allow for using an impulse ultra-wideband (UWB) radar in a monostatic configuration. The first one, which is based on a fast GaAs SPDT switch, is usable with a low peak power transmitter (<100 mW), while the second one, completely passive, is intended for high peak power applications (up to 50 kW). Both exhibit an instantaneous bandwidth covering the frequency range (400 MHz-4 GHz) which is the most suitable frequency band for detecting buried antipersonnel landmines by means of UWB radar. These duplexers contribute to a gain of space, weight and cost, three important factors in the design of portable detection systems for humanitarian operations.