High-power X-band T / R Module Design

In this paper, a high-power X-band T/R module has been designed and manu- factured. The T/R moudle have important significance for development of Active Phased Array Radar. It is one of the core components which compose Active Phased Array Radar, so the high performance of T/R module must be required. The module's design, which is based on microelectronics technology, the development of MMIC- based circuit and the use of multi-layer LTCC substrate microstrip, have been integrated by a chip or multi-functional MMIC circuits and connected by microelectronic. This module has a characteristic of small size, light weight, high performance, good consis- tency.In a group of T/R modules for the same quantity, the greater of the transmitter power, the wider of the scope of the radar radiation, and the better of the capability. Inhance, research of high-power T/R module is very important. In the design of T/R modules, the most critical is the design of power amplifier module. This article also designed a balanced amplifier as the end of transition channel, which used the two power amplifier chips and a bare Wilkinson coupler. In the case of discussing in detail the electromagnetic compatibility analysis and assembly process, and full taking use of the technologe of the hybrid integrated circuit (HMIC) and multi-chip assembly (MCM), the balanced amplifier can achieve high-power to 17.5W. The T/R module can achieve high-power to 14W.The paper firstly briefly introduced the characteristics and principles of X-band T/R modules and secondly, introduced the key components, circuit implementation and automatic test systems of T/R modules. finally, the design and test results of X-band high-power T/R modules were also designed and analyzed in details.