Scalable multifunction RF system: Combined vs. separate transmit and receive arrays

A scalable multifunction RF (SMRF) system allows the RF functionality (radar, electronic warfare and communications) to be easily extended and the RF performance to be scaled to the requirements of different missions and platforms. This paper presents the results of a trade-off study with respect to the combination or separation of the transmit and receive arrays of an active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna as part of an SMRF system. The conclusion of a trade-off analysis is that the decision to separate or combine the transmit and receive function in a single antenna depends on the RF functions that are going to be combined. If only radar functions such as surveillance and target tracking are to be combined, there is a preference for combined transmit/receive antennas. If RF functions such as satellite communications and direction finding are to be combined with radar functions, there is an inclination towards separate transmit and receive antennas.