R) Modules

Transmit / Receive (T/R) Modules

Your phased array program requires a T/R module solution that will meet your customer’s requirements. There is a select group of companies that can successfully execute on at T/R module program. Don’t trust your program to a supplier without the proper experience. Our team of engineers has been developing T/R modules since 1990, with a successful track record for Tile Modules (1, 2) and brick modules. Furthermore, MPT had successfully developed a panel array with 296 elements.

The figure below shows a typical phased array T/R module electrical block diagram. The beam steering is achieved with the phase shifter and the antenna pattern is controlled by the attenuator. Proper design of the circuitry is required to achieve the highest levels of performance. Careful attention to materials and processes are required to achieve the reliability demanded by system. By partnering with MPT, you can have the confidence that your module will achieve the highest performance and reliability.

T/R module offer a unique set of challenges. This is due to the combination of performance level and environmental survivability requirements. Some of the challenges faced in T/R modules are:

Frequency Range:

Most T/R modules operate above 5GHz with most operating somewhere in the range of 10-30GHz. At these frequencies, packaging is much more difficult. Distributed effects begin to dominate.

Thermal Issues:

The power dissipation requirements can be significant. Power density can be as high as 1KW/cm2 or more. Such power densities require the use of solutions that can pull away the heat quickly and efficiently.

RF Output Power:

Closely related to the thermal issues are the output power requirements per element. The output power can be 10-20W or more per element with High Power Amplifier efficiencies in the 30-40% for most amplifiers.

Environmental Requirements:

Most T/R modules must be hermetic. This can add complexity to the packaging required. Issues such as Hydrogen Poisoning drive the use of Hydrogen getters. The temperature range requires the use of materials and processing which will result in a reliable solution.

Module Gain:

Most modules require a gain of 40-50dB which can lead to oscillations. Special attention must be paid to module layout.
Interconnect requirements: The electrical interconnects and transitions can be the most challenging requirement. They must carry the radar signals without degrading electrical performance. At the same time they need to handle bandwidth, reliability, cost, alignment issues and vibration.
MPT is uniquely experienced to fully execute on these requirements to achieve a balanced design that will achieve your program requirements.

R. Sturdivant, et. al., “Design and Performacne of a High Density 3D Microwave Module,” IEEE International Microwave Symposium Digest, 1997, pp. 501-504.
R. Sturdivant, et. al., “Transitions and Interconnects Using Coplanar Waveguide and Other Three Conductor Transmission Lines,” IEEE International Microwave Symposium Digest, 1996, pp. 235-238.