T/R "core chips" for S-, C- and, X-band radar systems

This paper presents the design and measurement results of three MMIC core chips. The core chips; consisting of TIR-switches, multi-hit attenuators, multi-hit phase shifters, amplifiers and LVTTL logic, are targeting phased array radar systems at S-, C-, and X-band. The set of core chips, using standard pHEMT processes, exhibited excellent first-pass results including: small RMS attenuator and phase errors, small gain-variations and a first pass RF spec yield of average 50%. With a few design adjustments and process targeting it is believed that reaching a RF spec yield of 70% is possible for a future chip production ... making the chip-set very attractive for low cost phased array T/R-modules.