Realisation Aspects of SWaP Optimised RF Front End Using Multi-Function Modules

The basic building blocks of Microwave Superheterodyne Receiver for Electronic Warfare (EW) are frequency conversion mixers, filters and amplifiers. Mixers are integrated in between tunable filter and highly selective filter for achieving the required sensitivity, image rejection, spurious suppression and selectivity. Small-size and high-performance devices are necessary to improve the functionality of system in light weight platforms. Switch Filter Bank (SFB) based tunable filters are used in multi octave microwave receivers for EW application. Most of the size of the receiver is occupied by the SFBs. This paper discusses about the SFB, which has been realised in a compact size using SWaP (Size Weight and Power) optimised Multi- Function Modules (MFM) using reduced ground discontinuity and improved flatness in the frequency response.