Modular RF design for QUASAR Ku-band polarimetric SAR system

A new compact fully polarimetric Ku band SAR system (SBK) is being developed by INTA radar Laboratory as an advanced payload for QUASAR project, which involves INTA new SAR developments for small platforms and UAV´s. SBK design is based on previous developments of INTASAR program for his X-band SAR prototypes, RIX and RBX, focusing work on units miniaturization and new RF payload development. SBK RF development comprises the design of a modular KU-band RF payload mostly consisting on a highly stable Tx/Rx module, a Ku-band front-end and a planar antenna. RF design for the whole system and each of the RF related modules is shown including RF internal calibration capabilities of SBK.