Technology Background

20GHz Receive Array Sizing - 2D ScanPhased Array Antennas

Phased Array Antennas are arrays of small antennas. By adjusting the relative phase of the signal received by (or transmitted from) each antenna element it is possible to electronically steer the beam to point precisely in a given direction and to dynamically adjust the beam direction to compensate for movements of the antenna or satellite.

High gain and/or high directivity requires many antenna elements, so 1 degree beam-width requires 100 X 100 = 10,000 elements.

As the graph on the right illustrates useful gain (G/T) at useful scan angles (up to 70 degrees) requires at least 6,000 elements if no rain margin (meaning if for, as here, antennas mounted on airplanes flying above the clouds). For ground systems add 5+ dB, which means a minimum of 18,000 elements.

 

Phased Array Per ELement Costs at 20 GHz and 44 GHzThe Problem

To date, phased arrays have been expensive because of the large number of these circuits. Costs have been reduced by an order of magnitude as MMICs have replaced original discrete components, and targets have been set to reduce them by another order of magnitude in the next 5 years (right).

Our Solution

Relies on specially designed ASICs with a sub $1 fabrication cost allowing 1 to 2 orders of magnitude system cost reduction. For Further information please contact the company.