Search our publications

Subject and Purpose. A new S-band transceiver module (TRM) is presented. The purpose of the work is to describe the module characteristics and the main technical and technological solutions adopted. Methods and Methodology. The TRM design is based on the numerical methods of the microstrip high-frequency line simulation. The proposed technical and technological solutions are experimentally validated. The TRM cost reduction as well as the availability of the components were the main criteria in the choice of the appropriate solutions. Results. The consideration is given to the development results of an S-band TRM with output power of 50 W intended for the use in active phased array radar. The technical solutions to reduce the module cost, simplify the manufacture, and provide the consumer attractive characteristics are presented. The module is performed with a wide use of the microwave solid integrated circuits widespread in 3G and 4G communication systems. All the module components are placed on the same printed circuit board (PCB) upon an FR-4 substrate. The reception path provides 36 dB amplifi cation with a noise fi gure of 1.4 dB in the 2.8-3.2 GHz frequency band. For the amplifi cation and the phase shift control, a separate 6-bit attenuator and a 6-bit phase shifter are used. The introduced protection systems allow safe operation of the module at an arbitrary value of antenna port voltage standing-wave ratio. Conclusion. A new S-band TRM is suggested, based on the microwave solid integrated circuits widespread in communication systems. The employment of these electronic components as well as modern powerful gallium-nitride (GaN) components and inexpensive composite materials for a PCB substrate make it possible to improve the effi ciency and reduce the cost of TRM compared to the existing analogues. High output power, low noise of the receiver and a reliable separation of the reception and transmission channels make the proposed TRM promising as part of modern active phased array radar. Key words: transceiver module (TRM), phased antenna array, gallium-nitride (GaN) amplifi er, microstrip SHF devices, thermal conditions.