Low Cost Active Array Module Design for Transmit and Receive Operation

This paper describes the design and testing of an active phased array element for both transmit and receive operation. Emphasis is placed on cost reduction since many elements will be used in a complete active array. A single solid-state source is used both to generate the transmitted signal and to act as a local oscillator on reception. Frequency stability is obtained by locking the source to a stable reference from a master oscillator for the array. Limits to performance are discussed together with presentatation of results for a 1OGHz element using either a Gunn or Impatt device as the source.