Revolutionary active array using solid state ´models´ and fiber optics

An active array radar concept and design is discussed. It uses advanced multichip module microwave and photonic technology in order to provide the basis for the next generation shared, conformal aperture and to meet the highest-priority military and commercial radar needs. A 3-D stack of AlN wafers is composed of GaAs MMIC chips that have been designed and manufactured in a flip chip configuration. Electronic and optoelectronic components on each subarray tile are put in the 3-D wafer stack to support the total subarray functions, and fiber optic links are used to manifold the transmit, the receive, and control signals to and from the subarray tile.