32 GHz power-combining TSA array with limited sector scanning

The authors describe an active power-combining approach to the problem of obtaining higher power output for a number of millimeterwave applications. This approach is predicted to have an efficiency which is essentially independent of the number of elements. The combiner is intended to be used with the spacecraft transmitters in the NASA deep-space communication network, which is being extended for operation at 32 GHz. The transmitter power will first be split into a number of channels and amplified by MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) power amplifiers. The output from the amplifiers will be fed to the elements of a phased array designed with TSA (tapered slot antenna) radiators. The array thus combines the power of the amplifiers and feeds it into a near-field Cassegrain reflector system. Circular polarization will be obtained from the linearly polarized array by means of a polarizer. The array is also designed for scanning (+or-10 degrees ) by incorporating MMIC phase shifters in each channel; the corresponding scan for the reflector system is +or-1 degrees . Measured data on prototypes are presented.<>