Demonstration of X-Band Wideband Scanning Using Hybrid Beam Steering Components

This paper demonstrates the use of hybrid beam steering components for wideband electronic scanning. A uni-directional multifunction monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) core chip is combined with three numbers of single pole double throw (SPDT) switches to realize bi-directional TTD units for transmit and receive operation. The realized bi-directional TTD unit is characterized for its functionality at the four-element subarray for true-time delay beam steering. The 6-bit digitally controlled phase shifters and a 6-bit true-time delay (TTD) units are used in a hybrid configuration to realize an X- band wideband 16-element linear array. The element level phase delay (limited to a maximum 360 degrees) and subarray level time delay in steps of 3.125 ps (maximum delay of 197ps) is applied for the array calibration and beam steering. The radiation pattern is measured at the center operating frequency f(0), and the beam is steered at f(0) + 0.5 GHz to validate squint-free beam scanning. The proposed configuration with a two-stage hybrid phase/time delay demonstrates the wideband beam steering and eliminates the beam squint for wide instantaneous signal bandwidth for high-resolution imaging active phased array radars.

Automated summary

This paper demonstrates the use of hybrid beam steering components for wideband electronic scanning. By combining a uni-directional multifunction MMIC core chip with single pole double throw switches, the authors were able to realize bi-directional TTD units for transmit and receive operation. The proposed configuration eliminates beam squint and enables wideband beam steering.