Highly Linear and Compact MMW Phased Array Transmitters

Source: Northrop Grumman Microelectronic Products & Services

Critical Technology that will Enable Next Generation Satcom Phased Arrays

  • Next generation phased array designs will be driven by desire for increased capacity
  • Evolution to smaller beam widths and more simultaneous beams favors phased arrays
    • ~100 simultaneous beams from one aperture
    • Today's typical communication links use complex modulation requiring greater than 26 to 30 dB C/N for BER of 10-6 to 10-9
  • Critical phased array technologies will be:
  • High efficiency and linearity SSPA's
    • Maintain high C/I with many beams
    • P1dB is not a good measure of linearity for multi-carrier modulation
    • Two tone OIM3 /OIP3 is an approximation for multicarrier schemes
    • Noise to Power Ratio (NPR) for intra channel signal distortion
    • Adjacent Channel Power Ratio (ACPR) for adjacent channel interference
  • Compact multiple-beam beam formers
    • Earth coverage, ~1000 beams
    • Need to reduce die size and cost

    Click here to download the application note in pdf format.