Monolithic Transmit Modules for a Multibeam Ku-Band Phased-Array Antenna

This paper presents the design and performance of Ku-band transmit modules that were developed for insertion in a multibeam active phased array. The design considerations and performance of the transmit module´s monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) elements are also presented. These elements include a 5-bit digital attenuator (15.5-dB range and 0.5-dB resolution), a 5-bit digital time-delay circuit (360° range and 11.25° resolution), amplifiers, and the array controller.