Active phased array technology using coplanar packaging technology

Until the present time, active phased array antennas have utilized individually packaged transmit/receive (T/R) modules which provide both transmitter and receiver functions on λ/2 wavelength centers. Such modules usually contain five to seven individual GaAs circuits which provide the following functions: transmit amplifier; phase shifter; variable attenuator; T/R switch; and low noise amplifier. This paper describes some recent efforts to eliminate the fabrication of individual modules and to incorporate other functions to multiply fabricated T/R cell paths including: circulator; radiating element; and signal manifolding. Efforts to date have centered on the 2-20 GHz portion of the spectrum and at Ka-band. An experimental test of a 16-element subarray is discussed