X-band sub-antenna for low cost AESA radars

By using a non hermetic surface mount T/R-module packaging concept an X-band 16-pack TRM sub-antenna suitable for AESA radar was designed and manufactured. The sub-antenna was tested in both transmit and receive mode. The sub-antenna includes radiating elements, 16 T/R-modules, RF distribution network, power supply and control logics. The design comprises a highly integrated architecture. A performed cost analysis, with defined assumptions, shows that the cost of an AESA radar can be considerably reduced by using technology of non-hermetic T/R-module packaging, and even further reduced by using SiGe processes for core-chip MMICs.