T/R module for CASA Phase-Tilt Radar Antenna Array

T/R modules for active phased array radars

“…Short wavelength radars (C-and X-bands for example) require a more compact design that demands high component integration and low power consumption modules with acceptable RF performance level. The cost of CASA X-Band T/R modules based on COTS components is $567 for 100 units, which can be reduced to $341 if large quantities (>1000 units) are produced [11], [13]. Similarly the cost of a C-band ATSR T/R module based on COTS components is $399, which can be reduced to $188 for a production volume of 10,000 units [6].…”

“…The NSF CASA Engineering Research Center at the University of Massachusetts developed an X-band 1-D escanning phased array antenna composed of 72 x 32 elements where the 64 elements in azimuth plane were excited by ATAR T/R modules [11], [13]. ATAR modules reduce the number of control components per channel and provide a better dynamic range compared with other architectures.…”

Transmit/receive (T/R) modules architectures for dual-polarized weather phased array radars

“…The cost of X-Band T/R modules based on COTS components is $567 for 100 units, which can be reduced to $341 if large quantities (> 1000 units) are produced [11]. Similarly the cost of a C-band ATSR T/R module based on COTS components is $399, which can be reduced to $188 for a production volume of 10,000 units [6], [8].…”

“…Adding the cost for the high power amplifier, LNA, and switches, the overall cost per T/R module can be between $100 to $180 per unit. Figure 2a-b illustrates the brick modules developed in CASA for one-dimensional scanning active array and for NCAR Airborne Phased Array Radar (APAR) based on COTS components [8], [6]. Brick modules in general provide excellent RF perfonnance, considering the large area available for distributing the component for high RF and thennal isolation.…”

“…The NSF CASA Engineering Research Center at the University of Massachusetts developed an X-band I-D e scanning phased array antenna composed of 72 x 32 elements where the 64 elements in azimuth plane were excited by ATAR T/R modules[8]. The Tx block consists of a high-power amplifier (PA) and medium-power amplifier (MP A), where as the Rx block consists of a low noise amplifier (LNA) and gain block (GBl).…”