Abstract: A multi-channel, dual-band, radio frequency (RF) transmit/receive (T/R) module, for an active electronically scanned array, is provided. The module includes a compact, RF manifold connector and at least four T/R channels. Each of the T/R channels includes a notch radiator, a diplexer coupled to the notch radiator, a power amplifier, including at least one dual-band gain stage, coupled to the notch radiator, a low noise amplifier, including at least one lower-band gain stage and at least one upper-band gain stage, coupled to the diplexer, and a T/R cell, including a phase shifter, a signal attenuator and at least one dual-band gain stage, coupled to the power amplifier, the low noise amplifier and the manifold connector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a monolithic superheterodyne detector pixel operable to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal at millimeter wavelength and produce a video output signal with many orders of improved sensitivity when compared with the prior art. This sensitivity improvement is achieved by translating the received RF signal to a intermediate frequency (IF) signal before detection of the video signal. At the lower frequency of the IF signal, monolithic amplification circuitry can be fabricated more easily to provide necessary gain than would be achievable if simple amplification of the RF signal were attempted. Detector pixels constructed in accordance with the invention each contain an antenna for receiving the RF signal. Local oscillator (LO) signal circuitry likewise apply an externally generated LO signal to the pixel. The RF signal and LO signal are then applied by interconnecting conductors to appropriate mixer means to produce the IF signal.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the invention is directed to a composite MMIC amplifier comprising a plurality of active devices (e.g., FET, HBT, HEMT) arranged on a semiconductor substrate and having inputs and outputs. A pair of input and output transmission lines are coupled in antiphase arrangement to corresponding inputs and outputs of alternate active devices. Each pair of input transmission lines has branched portions extending from a common polarized input terminal. Each branched portion of like polarity extends to a corresponding alternate input and output of an active device and crosses a branched portion of opposite polarity without interference. Impedance matching means is coupled across antiphase pairs of inputs and outputs of adjacent active devices and forms a virtual ground therebetween thereby simplifying the impedance matching circuit.

Abstract: An improved phased-array active antenna transmit-receive means utilizing a multiplicity of individual transmit-receive cells positioned in an array format upon a common wafer of semiconductor material. Each transmit-receiver cell, comprises a multiplicity of redundant, integrated circuit, electronic devices implanted upon the common semiconductor substrate. The transmit-receive cells utilize novel mitered mechanical switches to permanently interconnect individual electronic devices into either transmit or receive circuits during the fabrication and test of the transmit-receive cells. Radio frequency and direct current input and output vias formed from a novel metal evaporation technique connect the devices upon the surface of the common semiconductor wafer to underlying, insulated direct current distribution circuits and a radio frequency manifold.

Abstract: An improved phased-array active antenna transmit-receive means utilizing a multiplicity of individual transmit-receive cells positioned in an array format upon a common wafer of semiconductor material. Each transmit-receive cell, comprises a multiplicity of redundant, integrated circuit, electronic devices implanted upon the common semiconductor substrate. The transmit-receive cells utilize novel mitered mechanical switches to permanently interconnect individual electronic devices into either transmit or receive circuits during the fabrication and test of the transmit-receive cells. Radio frequency and direct current input and output vias formed from a novel metal evaporation technique connect the devices upon the surface of the common semiconductor wafer to underlying, insulated direct current distribution circuits and a radio frequency manifold.

Abstract: An improved phased-array active antenna transmit-receive means utilizing a multiplicity of individual transmit-receive cells positioned in an array format upon a common wafer of semiconductor material. Each transmit-receive cell, comprises a multiplicity of redundant, integrated circuit, electronic devices implanted upon the common semiconductor substrate. The transmit-receive cells utilize novel mitered mechanical switches to permanently interconnect individual electronic devices into either transmit or receive circuits during the fabrication and test of the transmit-receive cells. Radio frequency and direct current input and output vias formed from a novel metal evaportion technique connect the devices upon the surface of the common semiconductor wafer to underlying, insulated direct current distribution circuits and a radio frequency manifold.

Abstract: A power combiner has been described incorporating N transmission lines each having a quarter wavelength or multiple thereof for a frequency within a predetermined frequency range where the input of each transmission line has a resistor coupled thereto with the other ends of the resistors coupled together using inductance and capacitance to compensate for the distances between the resistors to provide a floating node which is low impedance in the predetermined frequency range. A composite amplifier is described on gallium arsenide wherein a power divider and power combiner are coupled to a plurality of MESFET's and wherein each input and output of the power combiner and power divider have a resistive load with respect to the MESFET while including a matching circuit and wherein each input of the combiner has a resistor coupled to a first floating node and each output of the divider has a resistor coupled to a second floating node.

Abstract: A high speed reflectance type phase shifter is described incorporating a wide bandwidth coupler having four ports, two of the ports having a high speed diode coupled thereacross a resistor coupled in shunt across each diode to provide power dissipation at times the diodes are non-conducting and a current driver to provide bias current to the diodes. The invention provides constant insertion loss through the phase shifter during the on state and off state of the diodes corresponding to the two phase conditions of the output signal without affecting bandwidth.