Abstract :
Submission date: January 14, 2013; publication date: August 2013. In recent years, phased arrays have undergone major changes with the introduction of new technologies such as GaN devices for high power, high linearity T/R module, SiGe and CMOS front-end chips with multiple-channels for lower cost T/R modules and integrated complex back-ends, low cost packaging techniques at 1-120 GHz, millimeter-wave wafer-scale techniques with integraed antennas, and new device technologies for low-loss phase shifters (RF MEMS, SOS and SOl CMOS, etc.). Phased-arrays have thus continued to push the technological limits leading to higher performance levels (power, linearity), large-scale deployment in millimeter-wave systems, and complex architectures such as multiple-beam communication and radar systems based on analog or digital beamforming, all enabled by a dramatic increase in integration levels. In fact, the initial defense applications of phased-arrays has evolved into a wide field of use, including X toWband point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communications, automotive radars, navigation, active imaging systems, astronomy, ground surveillance and mapping, and medical systems, to name a few. The increased impact of phased-arrays is noticeable throughout society, especially in the communications, automotive radars, and safety/security applications. The IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques is soliciting papers for a special issue on Phased-Array Technology, covering all related aspects, with a planned publication date of June 2013. The technologies employed are diverse, but share complexity, performance and manufacturability challenges.
