Guidance Research

Sensors used for small weapons guidance include radars operating in microwave and millimeter wave frequencies, which are built into a phased-array with T/R modules. In traditional phased-array antenna systems, a common source is connected to a power distribution network that generates RF signals for each T/R module. This proposal describes a revolutionary approach of integrating unique signal sources within each T/R module, based upon recent demonstration of a single-chip phased-locked oscillator developed at Hittite Microwave Corporation. The proposed design achieves beamsteering by a time delay circuit contained within the phase-locking loop, and it allows single-plane integration of RF circuits, thus eliminating all vertical RF connections. This approach eliminates the high-power signal generator, reduces the circuit loss, and enables low-cost assembly of planar RF modules. Hittite has demonstrated some of the basic building blocks including a totally integrated synthesizer and a time delay circuit, and developed a packaging concept for complete arrays and sub-arrays. The proposed program will lead to implementation of a miniaturized RF seeker for application in small platforms. The proposed RF seeker may be used in conjunction with electro-optic seekers with all-weather operational capabilities.