The development of an Ka band 8×8 active phased array antenna based on vector modulation technology

In this paper, we present vector modulation technology in millimeter-wave active phased array antenna (APPA) as a replacement of conventional digital phase shifter and digital attenuator. Both a 1×8 Ka-Band active phased sub-array antenna and an 8×8 Ka-Band active phased array antenna are developed to verify vector modulation technology in millimeter-wave active phased array antenna, respectively. Finally, all the measured results showed that the scanning angle of the beam can be reached between -40 degree and 40 degree on both E plane and H plane by controlling of vector modulator.