A flexible and precise APAA system with RF modules including a signal generator

We propose a new concept of an active phased array antenna (APAA) system that realizes multi-frequency and multi-modulation beam forming simultaneously in an array. The proposed APAA system consists of RF modules including an RF signal generator. A distributed array radar system with the proposed configuration can be simplified by not transmitting a signal in RF at the interconnect equipments of modules. The proposed APAA has architectures to measure and compensate the characteristic variations between RF modules by itself. Key features of the proposed APAA are verified by measurements. Transmitter block of the RF module with three SiGe-ICs and signal distribution system are fabricated. The RF module generates various modulated signals of 1Gs/s and operates in C-Ku bands, and measures the RF characteristic variations. The signal distribution system compensates the phase fluctuation of the distributed signals.