Design of a phased-array driver with controllable phases and magnitudes

This paper describes the design of a phased-array driver module that provides controllable phases and magnitudes. A single driver is designed and its architecture is applied to the design of a 16-channel computer-controlled 1-GHz phased-array driver. This device is capable of varying and controlling the magnitudes and phases of its output RF signals and may be used to feed a 4×4 phased-array antenna. The outputs are computer controlled and accuracy is maintained by comparing feedback phase and magnitude values with pre-calibrated ones. Any desired relative phase shift may be obtained at the outputs with up to 30 dB of magnitude variation, having an accuracy of ±5° and ±0.5dB, respectively. This architecture may be applied to the design of larger arrays. Its feedback control techniques may be used to improve beam-steering accuracy.