X-band Receiver Block ADC (9684)

Advanced wideband, large, multimode distributed phase array radars require significantly improved T/R modules. Q-DOT proposes a staged X-band receiver block (XRB) chip development, beginning with the key analog to digital converter (ADC). Combined with key RF front end cells and integrated as a single-chip X-band receiver, the proposed X-band receiver block offers 10 to 20 dB dynamic range improvement and 2 - 4 times the bandwidth of existing digital receivers for a fraction of their size, weight, and power. High integration allows the XRB to be moved into the T/R module, with at most a single down conversion from X-band, which will ultimately be on-chip. The proposed SiGe BiCMOS technology enables integration and performance well beyond current T/R modules. The baseline X-band receiver block IC architecture will be defined during Phase I, and key ADC parameters specified. Key circuits will be designed and simulated to assess and project the ADC's performance. During Phase II, prototype ADCs, and perhaps additional XRB cells, will be designed, integrated, fabricated, and tested. System insertion will occur during Phase III when advanced T/R modules for large-aperture systems are developed.