MMIC modules for a 44 GHz transmit phased array

EHF military satellite communications uplinks require (ground, airborne, or shipborne) transmitters capable of rapid beam steering over a wide scan angle. This allows precise alignment between source and receiver at all times, even if one or both is in rapid motion. In addition, it allows a number of signals directed at different receivers at arbitrary locations in space to be multiplexed real-time. Multiple-element MMIC modules for a high-power, high-efficiency 44 GHz transmit phased array are demonstrated. Two-element modules, employing TRW HEMT-based MMICs, have demonstrated 28 dBm output power per element and 21-23% module power-added efficiency. We believe these to be the highest output power and power-added efficiency achieved by MMIC-based EHF phased array modules to-date.