Up-converter design and transmit path characterization for MIRA-CLE Ka

MIRA-CLE Ka (MIMO radar-configurable in Ka-band) is a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) radar system in Ka-band for various applications like change detection with an accuracy of about 1 mm. The requirements for the signal generation, in terms of spurious suppression, amplitude ripple, and phase variation are very critical for this system. Designing appropriate filters is one of the major challenges for up-converting a signal to higher frequencies. The extraction of the phase information required for the system calibration is a critical part too, since a non-linear frequency translating system is used. This paper presents the design and construction of an up-converter, in addition to the characterization of the MIRA-CLE Ka transmit path.