A Three MMIC Solution For X-Band RF Front Ends

M/A-COM has developed new MMICs (monolithic microwave integrated circuits) for X-band radar applications that enable the condensing of an RF front end into a set of only three MMICs. An equivalent set of single-function MMICs might require 9 to 11 MMICs. Reducing the number of MMICs provides a wide range of advantages including smaller size, lower assembly costs, and higher reliability.

The block diagram in Figure 1 shows the transmit and receive functions included in the MMICs that may be combined to form an X-band front end. The phase shifter, attenuator, gain blocks, driver amplifier, and switches are contained in a multifunction MMIC. The LNA (low-noise amplifier) MMIC features an integrated limiter that handles up to 10 W of CW input signals. The power amplifier MMIC provides up to 20 W of output power.