A Fully Integrated Multilayer Power Distribution Network for SAR Dual-Polarized Linear Arrays

The design, manufacturing and testing of a planar technology, fully integrated, multilayer, dual-polarized power distribution network, feeding a six element X-band linear array is presented. The selected technology, not used yet for space applications, is particularly suitable for large scale, low cost manufacturing. The proposed architecture provides an isolation between the two polarizations better than 40 dB, an input ports return loss better than 25 dB, and a 0.6 dB worst case amplitude unbalancing with a maximum phase shift of about 9 degrees between output ports, within a 16.7% bandwidth.