High Performance S-Band Dual Transmit/Receive Module for Active Phased Array Radar

This paper presents the electrical performance and construction details of the S-band dual transmit/ receive module (DTRM) over 400 MHz bandwidth for an active phased array radar. Each T/R channel of DTRM delivers > 120W peak power with ≥ 38% module efficiency. The T/R module operates up to one milli-sec pulse width and < 20% duty cycle. The T/R module has ≃ 30±2 dB receive gain and exhibits < 3.5 dB noise figure over 400 MHz bandwidth and −10°C to +55°C temperature range. It is designed for a high dynamic range with good sensitivity and exhibits > +4dBm P1dB point and has > +22 dBm OIP3. Each T/R channel is designed in common leg architecture with a 6-bit digital phase shifter, 6-bit digital attenuator, and a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch to reduce the monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) count and cost of the T/R module. The DTRM is realized in an Aluminium 6061-T6 casing and mounted on a heat exchanger for efficient thermal management. The DTRM has a 26-pin D-type high-density (HD) connector and blind-mate adapter (BMA) for the RF interface. It is realized with the physical dimension of ≃ 175.0 mm(L) x 80.0 mm(W) x 26.0 mm (H) (mm) and has < 0.6 Kg weight for modern active phased arrays.