From AESA radar to digital radar for surface applications

This paper describes how Thales surface radar product policy is evolving from active electronically steered antenna (AESA) radar to digital radar in order to improve its capabilities when operating in challenging electromagnetic environments. It shows how digital receiver technology (with an analogue-to-digital converter behind every antenna element) tailored for the digital beam forming array application is a key enabling technology for enhancing the detection of radiofrequency signals of interest mixed with strong interference. After a description of the architecture and packaging design choices, some recent developments of digital tile receivers in S and X bands are presented. Examples using digital technology are given including M3R, GM400 and SM400. The conclusion focuses on future perspectives in digital radar technology.