Transmit/receive module for phased array antenna system
First Claim
1. A transmitting and receiving module for amplifying signals in an antenna array, comprising:
- signal-receiving means, comprising;
means for providing a low-loss path for a received signal from at least one antenna element of said array to provide a reception mode;
means at the input of the signal-receiving means for limiting the signal amplitude of the received signal to a predetermined level;
means for amplifying the received signal;
means for normalizing the phase of each amplified received signal; and
means for switching the amplified signal to an output connector; and
signal-transmitting means, comprising;
means for switching the module to a transmission mode;
means for adjusting the phase of a signal to be transmitted;
means for amplifying the adjusted signal to be transmitted; and
means for providing a low-loss path for the amplified signal to be transmitted to an antenna connection.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A phased array antenna system includes a plurality of active radiating antenna elements each of which is driven by and each of which drives a transceiver module located closely adjacent thereto. Each transceiver module includes a high-power pulse signal-transmitting amplifier powered by a high-capacitance, low current dc rectifier system to minimize charging currents and provide very high pulse currents, and a low-noise amplifier for amplifying the received signal. The modules further include a transmit/receive switch, phase adjusting circuits in the input to the high-power signal-transmitting amplifier and in the output to the low-noise signal-receiving amplifier for normalizing the signal phase, and amplitude limiting means in the input of the low-noise signal receiving amplifier for protecting the low-noise amplifier during the transmit mode. The transceiver module utilizes microstrip line technology to provide tuned circuit elements, is compact in size and low in cost, and permits an improvement in noise, gain, and radiated power characteristics to be realized in phased array radar systems.
43 Citations
11 Claims
-
1. A transmitting and receiving module for amplifying signals in an antenna array, comprising:
-
signal-receiving means, comprising; means for providing a low-loss path for a received signal from at least one antenna element of said array to provide a reception mode; means at the input of the signal-receiving means for limiting the signal amplitude of the received signal to a predetermined level; means for amplifying the received signal; means for normalizing the phase of each amplified received signal; and means for switching the amplified signal to an output connector; and signal-transmitting means, comprising; means for switching the module to a transmission mode; means for adjusting the phase of a signal to be transmitted; means for amplifying the adjusted signal to be transmitted; and means for providing a low-loss path for the amplified signal to be transmitted to an antenna connection. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A transmitter and receiver module for use with radiating antenna elements of a phased array antenna system, comprising:
-
a small housing forming first and second coaxial connections, said first coaxial connection being adapted for connection with a system control for generating, controlling, and permitting the use of electromagnetic energy transmitted from and received by the phased array antenna system, said second coaxial connection being adapted for connection with a radiating antenna element; a circulator for electromagnetic energy located within said housing adjacent and connected with said coaxial antenna connection, said circulator having an input connection and an output connection; a pulsed high-power amplifier for electromagnetic energy centrally located within said housing at one side thereof having its output connected with an input connection of the circulator and its input connected with a first phase-adjusting network located within said housing near the coaxial system connection; a signal-limiting means connected with the output of the circulator for limiting the electromagnetic energy passing therethrough; a low-noise amplifier for electromagnetic energy located centrally within said housing at the other side thereof having its input connected with the signal-limiting means and its output connected with a second phase-adjusting network located near the coaxial system connection; and a transmit and receive switch located and connected between the first and second phase-adjusting networks and the coaxial system connection. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A transceiver module for location adjacent an antenna element of a phased array microwave antenna system comprising:
-
a conductive housing; and a microstrip substate within the conductive housing forming a first pathway for transmission of microwave energy to the antenna element and a second pathway for transmission of microwave energy from the antenna element, said housing and said microstrip substrate including a first coaxial connection to a system control, and a second coaxial connection to said antenna element, said first and second pathways extending from and connecting with said first coaxial connection and including PIN diodes connected with each of the first and second pathways at a distance equal to one-quarter wavelength of the microwave energy of the system to form a transmit/receive switch, said first pathway extending from said transmit/receive switch and being connected with a first plurality of stub tuners, from said first plurality of stub tuners to a high-power amplifier for amplification of said signal to be transmitted, and from said high-power amplifier to a circulator for transmission to said second coaxial connection, said circulator forming a low-loss path from said high-power amplifier to said second coaxial connection, and a low-loss path from said second coaxial connection to said second pathway, said second pathway extending from and connecting with said circulator and including a PIN diode connected with said second pathway, and further extending from said PIN diode limiter to a low-noise amplifier for said received microwave energy, said second pathway further connecting said amplified received signal with a second plurality of stub tuners whose effective impedance may be varied to control the phase of the amplified received signal and extending from said second plurality of stub tuners through said transmit/receive switch to said first coaxial connection, said housing also carrying a plurality of connections to control the impedances of the PIN diodes of the transmit/receive switch.
-
Specification