An ultra-low power integrated T/R module for space-based radar technology

The choice of InP HEMT technology is discussed for a highly efficient integrated T/R module. The module includes a receive path comprising of a low noise amplifier, phase shifter and amplifier consuming only 5 mW of DC power at X-band. The transmit path combines phase shifters and amplifiers to provide 10 mW of power per module at an efficiency of 50%. This is achieved by increasing the cut-off frequency of InP HEMT devices and sacrificing their gain for lower DC power consumption. This provides both DC and RF performance criteria for the space based radar antenna design requirements. Future T/R module technologies are also discussed, based on the antimonide based material system, which have already shown a factor of 3-4 reduction in DC power consumption compared to InP HEMT technology.