An Ultra-Compact Multiple Beamformer: GaAs Megalithic Microwave Signal Processors Stacked in a Fine-Pitch 3-D Layered Architecture

A new ultra-compact multiple beam forming network (BFN) is presented for satellite onboard active phased array systems. Large-scale control functions are carried out directly in the microwave frequency range by GaAs megalithic microwave signal processors (MSP). High-isolation ceramic packages are loaded with the MSP chips and stacked in a 3-D cross configuration by using very fine 2-mm-pitch V/H-arrayed coaxial jacks and plugs. The resulting BFN for exciting a 64 × 32 phased array is integrated im an extremely small volume of 2600 cc.