Ku-Band 1024-Channel 2D Phased Array: Full-Matrix Aperture Architecture, Dual-Axis Steering, and Transmit Performance

In radar tracking and high-capacity directional communications requiring rapid beam positioning across broad angular sectors, two-dimensional active beam steering replaces mechanical gimbals with planar phase control. Built on a fully populated planar grid across the 15 GHz to 17 GHz band, the Ku-Band 1024-Channel Two-Dimensional Phased Array Antenna integrates 1024 active channels, the antenna structure, transmit/receive (TR) modules, an internal power divider, and differential network circuitry into an integrated mechanical housing measuring 420 mm × 400 mm × 129 mm with a total mass of ≤17 kg, delivering a normal system EIRP of ≥91 dBm at room temperature.

Aperture Configuration: 1024-Element Full-Matrix Architecture

The 1024-channel active front-end populates a dense planar geometry to implement two-dimensional electronic steering without corner truncation:

• Aperture Coordinate Layout: The radiating face is structured on a complete coordinate grid of Nx = 32 in azimuth and Ny = 32 in pitch, forming a full 32 × 32 active aperture containing exactly 1024 radiating elements.
• Integrated Subsystem Packaging: The mechanical enclosure packages the complete antenna array, TR modules, power divider module, and differential beam-forming network within a unified metal housing.
• Transmit Channel Feeding: During transmission, RF excitation signals route through the internal power divider to individual TR modules for amplification and phase adjustment before forming directed spatial beams.
• Polarization Configuration: Vertical polarization serves as the typical baseline configuration for the radiating aperture.

Symmetric Dual-Axis Electronic Beam Steering in Azimuth and Pitch

The active planar architecture provides identical scanning coverage across both orthogonal steering axes:

• Azimuth Electronic Scanning: The array provides electronic beam steering across an azimuth angular sector of ±45°.
• Pitch Electronic Scanning: The array supports electronic beam steering across a pitch angular sector of ±45°, matching the angular sweep range of the azimuth plane.
• Beam-Pointing Precision: The typical beam-pointing error is specified at ≤0.2° across the stated ±45° scan range.

Transmit Signal Path: 1-to-1024 RF Distribution, Channel Amplification, and EIRP

The transmitter architecture distributes and amplifies the external input signal across the 15 GHz to 17 GHz operating bandwidth:

• RF Input Drive Level: The front-end accepts a nominal input excitation drive specified at 22 dBm ± 1.5 dBm.
• 1-to-1024 Power Distribution: An internal divider network branches the single RF input to individual TR modules, where channel-level phase and amplitude weighting occur.
• Per-Channel and Full-Array Output Power: Individual active channels deliver a peak output power of ≥27 dBm. Combined across the full 1024-element active aperture, the array achieves a peak output power of ≥57 dBm across the operating band.
• Antenna Output Gain and System EIRP: The antenna provides an output gain of ≥33 dB, while the normal system EIRP is specified at ≥91 dBm at room temperature under factory benchmark test conditions.
• Pulsed Duty Cycle Limits: The transmitter architecture supports operating transmission duty cycles of up to 25%.

Mechanical Envelope, Power Demand, and Physical Interfaces

The 1024-channel active array establishes defined mechanical, electrical, and thermal boundaries for platform integration:

• Physical Dimensions and Mass: The unit measures 420 mm × 400 mm × 129 mm (including rear compartment structural components) with a total mass of ≤17 kg (excluding external variable-frequency and signal processor subsystems).
• DC Prime Power Requirements: Internal electronics operate from a DC voltage range of 18 V to 36 V, supplied through a dedicated J30J-4-pin high-current connector. Total DC power consumption is specified at ≤1300 W at a 25% transmission duty cycle.
• RF and Control Interfaces: The RF interface uses SSMP-J connectors (including dedicated azimuth and pitch difference ports). Command routing and beam steering are controlled via a dedicated J30J_15TJL connector.
• Environmental Specifications: The operating temperature spans -40 °C to +70 °C, with a storage temperature rating of -50 °C to +70 °C.
• Surface Finish: The metal cavity features a colored conductive oxide treatment, while the exterior antenna surface is coated with white primer.

Frequently Asked Questions (2D Array Architecture & Transmit Path)

Q: How does the 1024-channel full 32 × 32 aperture differ from corner-truncated array geometries?

A: Unlike corner-truncated configurations where corner sub-arrays are removed to form an octagonal profile, this antenna populates the entire 32 × 32 coordinate grid. Retaining all 1024 active radiating elements maximizes the physical aperture area and power-combining capacity, delivering a full-array peak output power of ≥57 dBm and symmetric electronic steering of ±45° in azimuth and ±45° in pitch with a typical beam-pointing error of ≤0.2°.

Q: What transmit power scaling is achieved from the 1-to-1024 distribution architecture?

A: The antenna accepts an input excitation of 22 dBm ± 1.5 dBm, which is divided internally among the 1024 channels. With each TR module delivering a peak output power of ≥27 dBm, the array provides a combined full-array peak output power of ≥57 dBm across the 15 GHz to 17 GHz band. The antenna output gain is specified at ≥33 dB, while the normal system EIRP reaches ≥91 dBm at room temperature under factory benchmark test conditions.

Q: What components are included within the ≤17 kg mechanical assembly, and what is excluded?

A: The mass specification of ≤17 kg includes the integrated antenna structure, TR modules, power divider, differential network, and rear compartment mechanical components. It excludes external platform-level electronics, specifically external variable-frequency components, frequency synthesizers, and digital signal processor subsystems.