A 16-element, K-band monolithic active receive phased array antenna

Advances in the GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) technology in the SHF/EHF suggest the feasibility of very thin active phased arrays which are ideal for conformal applications. A 16-element subarray was utilized to demonstrate the evaluate the design, fabrication, and integration of the recommended array architecture and technology proposed in a study which defines a design approach for the K-band monolithic active receive array. The 1.08 in.*1.08in.*0.24 in array consists of radiating element cells arranged in a 4*4 matrix with a 0.27 in. spacing between adjacent cells. Each radiating cell consists of a cavity radiating element excited by a Lange coupler, a GaAs MMIC receiver chip, and a 3-bit phase shifter. All 16 radiation cells are connected to a power combining network. Performance results are discussed.<>