Miniaturization feeding network design based on shield cavity-microstrip hybrid technique for active phased array applications

A new monopulse feeding network for Ku-band active phased array applications is proposed. In order to reduce the bulky structure, larger radiation loss, and undesired mutual coupling, a shield cavity-microstrip hybrid (SCH) technique is researched. The feeding network is integrated into the substrate with structure size of 7.9λ₀ × 8.4λ₀ at the center frequency for a 16 × 16 array scale, when all output ports are welded perpendicularly for connecting the active TR modules and 3 input ports (sum port, azimuth difference port, and elevation difference port) are interconnected to IF modules vertically. The prototype is manufactured and measured, and corresponding measured results are given in order to validate the proposed method's correctness.