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

"This project addresses the need for improved control electronicsto support the Navy's UHF Electronically Scanned Array (UESA)project. UESA will offer full electronic scanning capability inan airborne radar system, a feature which is crucial to targetacquisition and tracking, and hence the defense of navalbattlegroups. To achieve its full potential, UESA requires atapered beam excitation, in which the excitation peaks at adesired array element and falls off away from it. At the sametime, phase control of the excitation must be maintained to alterthe direction of the beam. The solution proposed is to use broadside couplers tocontrol the amplitudes of the beamform, along with phase shiftersto control its phase profile. Phase I of the study provided thegeneral design concept of the integrated device, the fabricationprocess, and material specifications. The Phase II study wepropose here will implement the design and work toward a working,fully characterized prototype of the device, as well as a robustfabrication process for future production. The task will requirethe fabrication of three major components: the broadside couplercircuit, the phase shifters, and the support electronicscontrolling the phase shifters.BENEFITS: If successful, the work can find application in military airborne radar platforms. The scanning module will improve the UESA radar's ability to detect low radar cross-section targets at long range by reducing rad