X-Band High Power Compact Octal Transmit/Receive Module

This paper conveys the design of an Octal Transmit-Receive Module (OTRM) functional in X-Band for ground and surveillance radar applications. This illustrates the realization of an optimized module solution using a single composite multi-layer PCB design. The main highlight of this approach is to achieve high transmit power (i.e >44dBm) per channel in a very compact size along with efficient thermal management. Gallium Nitride (GaN) based main power amplifier has been used to achieve high power and efficiency. The module functions on discrete power supplies with inbuilt monitoring, controlling and sequencing circuit. Combination of Field-programmable gate array (FPGA) based control circuitry and timing of the pulsing circuitry enhances the switching rate between transmit and receive operation. Advanced and effective mechanical design fulfills the thermal requirement without any compromise in electrical performance. The developed OTRM delivers high transmit power (>44 dBm), low noise figure (<4dB) and the required receive gain with a proper heat dissipation mechanism.