Low Cost, High Performance Transmit/Receive Integrated Circuits on a Single Chip

In the proposed effort we plan to build a fully-operational X-band T/R Integrated Circuit. One of the key-elements to building a fully operational radar is the requisite RF electronics that feed to each antenna element. Historically, radar transmit/receive (T/R) modules have been implemented as complex, multi-chip GaAs MMICs, resulting in very high cost per T/R module, high launch weight, and high power dissipation; all of these characteristics are clear disadvantages for weight and size restricted vehicles. Very recently, however, SiGe technology, coupled with the low-power-density array radar system design paradigm has emerged as a viable path in defense radar system design and is rapidly gaining traction. While this low-cost, light-weight radar design paradigm was initially begun as a path forward for next-generation defense ground-based X-band tactical radars, this SiGe radar design methodology is clearly extendable to a variety systems, and will provide compelling advantages for MDA applications, other defense radar systems, and eventually commercial applications as outlined in this proposal.