Design of a T/R module for a phased array radar

Plessey is developing an X-band T/R module for use in an 80 element one dimensional active array antenna for radar applications. One of the requirements of a T/R module is to set the phase and amplitude of each microwave channel accurately to achieve low antenna side lobe levels and accurate beam steering. This must be achieved over the full radar bandwidth and operating temperature extremes. A unique closed loop phase and amplitude calibration system in the T/R module enables the radar to continuously compensate for phase and amplitude errors in the phased array antenna at the intended transmit frequency and actual operating temperature. The implementation of microwave monolithic integrated circuits (MMIC) to reduce the size, weight and cost of the T/R module are also described.