Phased Array Design With Power Modules

The Navy has an objective to develope technology for active phased arrays where the transmitter source utilizes Microwave Power Modules (MPMs). The use of MPM-driven phased arrays offers the potential of eliminating cooling (required by most active solid-state T/R modules), and reducing weight, size and cost. TSC proposes a design architecture approach tha can efficiently implement the distribution of the MPM power output over selected apertures, or portions of an aperture. Tradeoffs and analyses will be directed toward the design of an MPM-driven phased array for the Navy's Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) antenna. The end result of the Phase I effort will be a feasibility assessment based on the estimated performance, weight, size, and cost of the selected MPM phased array design. Also, Phase II plans for the fabrication and demonstration of the MPM-driven antenna will be provided at the end of Phase I.