Session: WE2G | Trends in Future Systems with Low Cost Phased Array |
Chair: | Jeffery Herd, MIT Lincoln Laboratory |
Co-Chair: | John Horton, J.B. Horton Group |
Abstract: | Electronically streered phase array antennas will provide a large degree of operational flexibility in future systems. These arrays with the new capabilities, open a wide spectrum of new applications. The applications covered here rely of low cost arrays. This session will provide an overview of the development required for wide spread use of the low cost array in future systems. |
| | WE2G-1 | Advanced Architecture for a Low Cost Multifunction Phased Array Radar |
10:10 AM-10:30 AM | J. Herd1, S. Duffy1, M. Weber1, G. Brigham1, C. Weigand2, D. Curcio2, 1MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, United States, 2M/A-COM Technology Solutions, Lowell, United States |
(1348) | MIT Lincoln Laboratory and M/A-COM are jointly conducting a technology demonstration of affordable Multifunction Phased Array Radar (MPAR) technology for Next Generation air traffic control and national weather surveillance services. Aggressive cost and performance goals have been established for the system. The array architecture and its realization using custom Transmit and Receive Integrated Circuits and a panel-based Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) will be presented. A program plan for risk reduction and system demonstration will be outlined. |
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WE2G-2 | Commercial Manufacturing Practices Applied to Phased Array Radars |
10:30 AM-10:50 AM | D. J. Carlson, C. Weigand, D. Curcio, T. Boles, M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc., Lowell, United States |
(1313) | Transmit/Receive Modules for Phased Array Radar are often identified as a key cost driver for the system. The cost structure of the module is driven by both the performance specifications and the choices made in design and manufacturing of the module. Seeking a path to dramtically lower the cost of T/R modules for phased array systems, commercial processes and practices have been adopted for the MMIC design, MMIC packaging and module construction. These new manufacturing approaches offer a path to cost reduction while maintaining a high level of performance. |
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WE2G-3 | Leveraging Commercial Wireless Communications Industry Advances to Lower the Cost of Phased Arrays |
10:50 AM-11:10 AM | M. B. Davis, Ball Aerospace and Technology Corporation, Westminster, United States |
(1062) | The aerospace industry has successfully leveraged commercial personal communication RF components and manufacturing technology to reduce the cost of active phased array antennas at L- and S-Band. This paper presents a brief overview of the design considerations for developing low-cost phased array architectures and manufacturing technology. |
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WE2G-4 | Low Cost Electronically Scanned Arrays Based on Surface Mount Active Antennas |
11:10 AM-11:30 AM | M. Sanchez-Barbetty, R. W. Jackson, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States |
(1354) | Abstract — An architecture is described that is targeted for low cost low power high gain electronically steered antenna arrays. To achieve low cost, single chip up/downconverters are assumed and very simple packaging is designed, all of which is suitable for mass production. Specifically, single layer dual polarization active antenna elements convert between RF and IF when fed by a local oscillator signal that is distributed by radiating between backplane layers. Measurements of a 16 element array prototype will be presented. |
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WE2G-5 | Technology Trends for Future Low Cost Phased Arrays |
11:30 AM-11:50 AM | M. Sarcione, A. Puzella, Raytheon Company, Sudbury, United States |
(1042) | The next generation of active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs) is dependent upon many technology and application pulls and the pushes. RF and manufacturing technologies are key elements of achieving more affordable phased arrays in support of both military and commercial applications. Advanced, evolving, mature and even revolutionary device, material and packaging technologies are making significant strides for lowering the cost of phased arrays. To date, phased array usage has been limited to high end military and commercial applications. That’s about to change with the evolution of more affordable AESA architectures that take advantage of RF microelectronics, surface mount RF packaging and new architectures focused on reducing the high cost drivers. New Panel AESA approaches promise a savings of more than 50% since the initial nearly 20 years ago. |
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