T/R-module technologies today and possible evolutions

After many years of development the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar technology reached a mature technology level. Many of today's and future radar systems will be equipped with the ASEA technology. T/R-modules are key elements in active phased array antennas for radar and electronic warfare applications. Meanwhile T/R-modules using GaAs MMICs are in mass production with high quantities. Top priority is on continuous improvement of yield figures by optimizing the spread of key performance parameters to come down with cost. To fulfill future demands on power, bandwidth, robustness, weight, multifunctional sensor capability, and overall sensor cost, new emerging semiconductor and packaging technologies have to be implemented for the next generation T/R-modules. Using GaN MMICs as HPAs and also as robust LNAs is a promising approach. Higher integration at the amplitude and phase setting section of the T/R-module is realized with GaAs core chips or even with SiGe multifunction chips. With increasing digital signal processing capability the digital beam forming will get more importance with a high impact on the T/R-modules. For lower production costs but also for sensor integration new packaging concepts are necessary. This includes the transition towards organic packages or the transition from brick style T/R-module to a tile T/R-module.

[1]  M. van Heijningen,et al.  X-Band Robust AlGaN/GaN Receiver MMICs with over 41 dBm Power Handling , 2008, 2008 IEEE Compound Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Symposium.

[2]  Gabriel M. Rebeiz,et al.  An X- and Ku-Band 8-Element Phased-Array Receiver in 0.18-$\mu{\hbox{m}}$ SiGe BiCMOS Technology , 2008, IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits.

[3]  W. Menzel,et al.  Architecture and interconnect technologies for a novel conformal active phased array radar module , 2003, IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium Digest, 2003.

[4]  T. Edwards.  Semiconductor Technology Trends for Phased Array Antenna Power Amplifiers , 2006, 2006 European Radar Conference.

[5]  Ilesanmi Adesida,et al.  AlGaN/GaN HEMT‐based fully monolithic X‐band low noise amplifier , 2005 .

[6]  M. Oppermann,et al.  GaN MMIC based T/R-Module Front-End for X-Band Applications , 2008, 2008 European Microwave Integrated Circuit Conference.

[7]  H. Berg,et al.  T/R "core chips" for S-, C- and, X-band radar systems , 2004, 34th European Microwave Conference, 2004..

[8]  H. Hommel,et al.  Current status of airborne active phased array (AESA) radar systems and future trends , 2004, 34th European Microwave Conference, 2004..

[9]  A.M. Kinghorn.  Where next for airborne AESA technology? , 2009, IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine.

[10]  Y. Mancuso,et al.  T/R- Modules Technological and Technical Trends for Phased Array Antennas , 2006, IMS 2006.

[11]  A. de Boer,et al.  Fully-integrated core chip for X-band phased array T/R modules , 2004, IMS 2004.

[12]  D. Floriot,et al.  State of the Art 58W, 38% PAE X-Band AlGaN/GaN HEMTs Microstrip MMIC Amplifiers , 2008, 2008 IEEE Compound Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Symposium.