Design and discussion of a compact feeding network for Ku-band active phased array

A compact feeding network for Ku-band active phased array applications is proposed and investigated in this paper. The feeding network is integrated into the substrate with structure size of 8.2λ₀ × 9λ₀ at the center frequency for a 16×16 array scale, when 32 output ports are welded perpendicularly for connecting the active TR modules and 3 input ports (sum port, azimuth difference port, and elevation difference port) are interconnected to IF modules vertically. Two methods such as shield cavity-microstrip hybrid (SCH) technique and substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technique are researched and discussed, and corresponding prototypes are manufactured and measured, respectively. Particular measured results are given in order to demonstrate the new methods´ traits for different application conditions.