Phased array antenna for air platforms

This proposal describes the technical approach to a small size, multi-functional, multi-frequency phased array antenna, which would operate at multi-band frequency ranges without the need for switching or reconfiguration. The phased array antenna designwill cover X, Ku, K and Ka-band frequency ranges and will be capable of high volume data transfer in a timely manner between the users. The RF antenna element (T/R module integrated with planar antenna) design is based on integration of wide-bandtransmitter source (high power RF amplifiers), low noise amplifier (receive subsystem), MIC-based multi-plexer and high gain linear tapered slot antenna (LTSA). Such RF antenna elements when integrated into an array will result in the design of multi-bandphased array antenna. The beam scan in the new design is achieved by incorporating low loss, wide-band phase shifter circuits, operating at multi-frequency bands from X-band through Ka-band. In this novel beam scan technique, phase shift between theadjacent antenna elements in the phased array is achieved by introducing the perturbation (by using piezoelectric transducers) on the microstrip lines feeding the antenna elements. The multi-band phased array antennas will significantly enhance the systemflexibility for air platforms.The proposed research will have a far-reaching impact on future high data rate communication systems, cross link communication between the satellites, surveillance, planar active arrays, sensors. The T/R module, sub-array andarray should have many commercial applications in wireless communications, low cost sensors, radar and satellite communications.