Title :
Ka-band MMIC beam steered planar array feed
Author :
Rascoe, D. ; Crist, R. ; Riley, A. ; Cooley, T. ; Duffy, L. ; Antsos, D. ; Lubecke, V. ; Chew, W. ; Yngvesson, K. ; Schaubert, D.
Author_Institution :
Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Technol., Pasadena, CA, USA
Abstract :
A 32-GHz, 21-element array feed incorporating 63 MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) devices and providing electronic beam steering using 21 VLSI control chips is under development. An innovative building-block construction approach providing easy verification of device performance prior to integration in the array is described. In addition, the subarray layer concept with plug-in RF connectors allows for easy removal of a layer for repairing one of the components. This planar array demonstrates state-of-the-art design technology required for implementation of Ka-band transmit arrays in future NASA (US National Aeronautics and Space Administration) deep-space missions.<>
Keywords :
MMIC; antenna feeders; broadcast antennas; microwave antenna arrays; reflector antennas; space communication links; 32 GHz; Cassegrain reflector antenna; EHF; Ka-band; MMIC; NASA; Si control chips; VLSI control chips; beam steered planar array feed; building-block construction; deep-space missions; electronic beam steering; monolithic microwave integrated circuit; plug-in RF connectors; subarray layer concept; transmit arrays; Beam steering; Connectors; Feeds; MMICs; Microwave antenna arrays; Microwave devices; Microwave integrated circuits; Monolithic integrated circuits; Radio frequency; Very large scale integration;
Conference_Titel :
Microwave Symposium Digest, 1990., IEEE MTT-S International
Conference_Location :
Dallas, TX
DOI :
10.1109/MWSYM.1990.99703
