Multifunction Phase Array Antennas

Toyon Research Corporation proposes to demonstrate a new lens antenna designed to meet the extreme demands of next-generation, large-aperture, space-based radar (SBR) with significantly improved electrical and mechanical efficiency. The X-band, agile-beamdesign has better aperture efficiency, better sidelobe performance, and wider field-of-regard than a reflector-type antenna. As a hybrid between a conventional active array antenna and a passive lens, the active lens is superior to both.The proposed active lens features super-low-power, single-chip InP transmit/receive modules to be provided by Rockwell Scientific Company (RSC). These chips will be optimized for low power consumption on receive, a significant departure from airborne radardesign rules. In the first year, RSC will develop prototype T/R module chips and Toyon will optimize the feed and lens antennas. In the second year, Toyon will integrate and test the RSC MMICs in a prototype active-lens. With