Active phased arrays for millimeter wave communications applications

Active two dimensional phased array antennas suitable for communication link applications have been demonstrated at frequencies of 20 and 60 GHz. Wide scan angle capability, circular polarization and fast update rates are supported. These parameters enable links between moving platforms with arbitrary orientation and operation in frequency hopping modes. Candidate applications include satellite communications from moving platforms and intersatellite cross links. The performance of a 96 element receive array at 20 GHz and a 30 element receive array at 60 GHz are presented. Both designs are readily extended to larger arrays depending upon mission requirements and represent the first wide scan arrays based on a multichannel tray module to be demonstrated at these frequencies.