Automated T/R Module Testing for the Spaceborne Imaging Radar C (SIR-C) Antenna Subsystem

This paper describes automated transmit and receive test systems for measuring L- and C-band T/R modules used in the Spaceborne Imaging Radar C (SIR-C) antenna subsystem. The SIR-C antenna subsystem is an active phase array that includes 756 distributed L- and C-band T/R modules. Automated microwave testing of each T/R module is essential to reduce test time, to assemble a data base for module comparisons and to ensure that performance specifications are met. The receive test system obtains complete low noise amplifier S-parameters and noise figure. The transmit test system measures peak output power and pulsed insertion phase at power levels greater than 50 watts. Details of the test systems designs are presented along with test results from a group of L-band engineering T/R module units.