Concept And Realisation of the Ka-Band Highly Integrated Front End Module

Design, fabrication, and test results of the Highly Integrated Front End (HIFE) Rx Module for Ka-band frequencies realised in multilayer LTCC technology are presented. The module contains four receive channels equipped to adjust the gain over a dynamic range of 20 dB and the phase over a range of ±180°. Key components for the module are coplanar monolithic phase shifters and switches as well as variable gain amplifiers. The module is the first stage of an active RX antenna and part of the Astrium product strategy for Ka-Band active antenna technologies.