An affordable low-profile multifunction structure (ALMS) for an optoelectronic (OE) active array

Three leap-ahead technologies that can be combined into a design to make affordable shared-aperture active array radars are discussed. They are microwave multichip module (MCM) packaging, digital radar, and photonic signal manifolding and true time-delay beamsteering. It is noted that a photonic/MCM/digital radar system will provide a wide bandwidth, shared aperture radar that will be multifunctional and flexible, and one that can be reconfigured for use in a large number of applications. The 3-D design is compact and lightweight for use in conformal and/or embedded structures (smart skins) applications. The use of an all-digital type corporate transmit and receive feed system with a photonic manifold provides a flexible, fault and calibration tolerant configuration. The MCM design will provide subarray wafers that can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner and have high yield, very small size, minimum depth, light weight, and flexibility in mounting and assembly into large arrays, with high reliability and minimum maintainability support requirements.<>