Digital Array Analog to Digital Converter

Receivers for digital beam forming systems rely on high-speed analog-to-digital converters (ADC) for digitization of the RF signal, but the current state of technology limits application of this technology at carrier frequencies exceeding few giga-hertz. For application in the MILSATCOM frequency bands (20 GHz down-link), digital receivers may be implemented using one or more frequency conversion devices. For receivers used in air-borne platforms, the size and cost of such converters must be minimized relying on advanced integration techniques. This proposal describes Hittite's approach of integrating the front-end coupled with utilization of ADC representative of the most advanced capability. The integrated front-end will be a converter and LOs which will translate the input carrier into an IF band. A baseline architecture of the digital receiver is presented and technology needs for further improvement f this receiver architecture are discussed. The proposed program will lead to a miniaturized design of an integrated ADC, with an appropriate converter, that can be used in a system operating in the EHF band for MILSATCOM applications.