High power, precision beamforming networks for radar phased arrays

A suite of software permits rigorous analysis of waveguide branch guide couplers and derivation of the complete scattering matrices of multiport power dividers incorporating these couplers and including other waveguide components such as bends. This is used in conjunction with a design procedure which can achieve a nominally frequency invariant output distribution over a wide bandwidth using couplers with the minimum number of branches. Coupling values close to -3 dB are used where possible to reduce manufacturing costs. A manufacturing methodology enables beamformers to be constructed at high frequency without the need for expensive techniques such as spark erosion. A number of designs have been undertaken at C-band and J-band and use of the software has enabled units to be manufactured without the need for empirical optimisation