MMIC Module for a K-band Miniature Airborne Active Array Radar

MMICs and T/R (transmit / Receive) modules are being used extensively in systems such as active array radars. The current development of small UAV platforms demands light weight, compact dimensions, low cost and reliability. These requirements have led to the development of smart packages where double sided thick film multilayer substrates are used. A highly integrated MMIC is also required to drive the active antenna array. The components needed for the MMICs are phase shifters, attenuators, switches, Low Noise Amplifiers and medium power amplifiers. Component reuse is achieved by switching both phase shifter and attenuator, shared in transmit and receive path by using switching mechanism. The size of each element fits within the half wavelength spacing constraints.