Multi-Channel Electronic Scanning Module for an Ultrahigh Frequency (UHF) Circular Array

The objective of this project is the development of a control module capable of providing the excitation for the Navy's UHF electronically scanned array radar currently under development. This radar will enable enhanced beam agility and scan rates overpresent radar systems. The Navy has identified a need for a scanning module able to direct a tapered excitation to a subset of a fifty-four element array.The solution Trex Enterprises proposes is a module which integrates basic branchline couplers with advanced, high-power ferroelectric phase shifters. Branchline couplers are commonly used as beam splitters or combiners in microwave electronics. The noveldesign proposed utilizes the phase shifting capability of ferroelectrics to achieve independent control over the phase and output power to each of the array elements. This enables a tapered excitation to the array with enhanced gain and maximum powerefficiency in a compact, lightweight package. In Phase I of this project, Trex shall develop a detailed design of the control module, including the device layout, dimensional, thermal and electrical specifications. 1. Military airborne radar with superior beam agility.2. Wireless data transmission.3. Cellular base stations.