MMICs insertion in a Ku-band active phased array for communications satellites

A 64-element, Ku-band, active phased-array antenna developed for application in communications satellites is presented. Antenna radiation pattern and spatial isolation measurements show good agreement with predictions. In order to minimize the performance variations among the array elements, the 5-b digital phase shifter, the 50-b digital attenuator, and the amplifiers have been realized using MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) technology. This allowed the realization of 64 active modules whose amplitude and phase variations over 11.7 to 12.7 GHz are within +or-1.5 dB and +or-10 degrees . The successful development of this broadband active phased array has demonstrated the maturity of MMIC technology and the feasibility of active arrays in future communications satellites.<>