Multi-Channel Transmit-Receive Module (MCTRM) Operating In X-Band For Radar Application

The present paper relates a Multi-Channel Transmit-Receive Module (MCTRM) operating in X-Band for Radar applications. The MCTRM can include a plurality of independent Transmit-Receive Modules (TRM) which is operating on discrete power supplies, whereas MCTRM is realized on a single composite multi-layer PCB. The MCTRM can have a power splitter/combiner at transmit input/receive output. The MCTRM can include RF circuitry. The RF circuitry can be divided into four sections; Micro-strip based RF passive circuitry, common chain, transmits chain and receives chain. The manifold port connected is in-line with the RF transmission path whereas the antenna port connectors are perpendicular to the RF transmission path. Low Voltage Differential Signaling interface is used for communicating with the up-stream systems. For L VDS interface and to obtain fast switching between transmit and receive operation an FPGA-based control circuitry is used. All the active RF devices are pulsed using fast response Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor based logic. The timing of the pulsing circuitry along with the FPGA generated controls has been meticulously tuned to obtain a time difference of 150ns between transmit and receive operation. It is realized on a single composite multi-layer printed circuit board with blind vertical interconnects and is enclosed in a mechanical housing to achieve a compact form factor.