In radar detection and directional communications, receiver sensitivity and angular estimation accuracy are important factors in detection and angular tracking performance. Operating in the 15.2 GHz to 17 GHz band, the Ku-Band 384-Channel Two-Dimensional Phased Array Antenna integrates 384 active functional units, an antenna-in-package (AIP) module, receive-path amplification and compensation, and dedicated sum/difference networks into a unified 315 mm × 315 mm × 39 mm front-end, delivering a weighted reception gain of ≥28 dB and a normal weighted G/T of ≥0.5 dB/K at room temperature.
Aperture-Level Reception Architecture and Signal Synthesis
The receive path combines channel amplification with phase and amplitude compensation across the planar aperture:
Technical Specs & Engineering Support
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- 384-Element Reception Aperture: Incident electromagnetic waves are collected across an asymmetric 16 × 24 grid (Nx = 16 in azimuth, Ny = 24 in pitch) containing 384 discrete elements.
- Distributed Channel Conditioning: Signals captured by the array undergo receive-path amplification and phase/amplitude compensation before beam combining.
- Integrated Sum/Difference Combining: The internal sum/difference networks combine the processed receive signals to form sum (Σ) and difference (Δ) outputs.
- Polarization Configuration: Vertical polarization represents the typical baseline across the receiving face, with horizontal polarization supported as an optional configuration.
Receiver Sensitivity: Weighted G/T and Reception Gain
Receiver sensitivity is characterized by the specified reception gain and G/T performance of the active array:
- Weighted Reception Gain: The array provides a weighted reception gain of ≥28 dB across the operational frequency band.
- System Figure of Merit (G/T): The array provides a normal weighted G/T of ≥0.5 dB/K at room temperature, establishing a baseline metric for reception sensitivity.
- Broadband Reception Coverage: The reception specifications apply across the 15.2 GHz to 17 GHz operating band.
Integrated Sum and Difference Networks for Angular Tracking
Precision tracking architectures rely on simultaneous beam formation to extract angle error signals:
- Internal Sum/Difference Network: The sum/difference processing is integrated within the antenna housing.
- Angular Discrimination: The integrated network forms sum (Σ) and difference (Δ) signal outputs for monopulse angle tracking.
- Beam-Pointing Precision: Electronic steering supports ±45° azimuth and ±45° pitch scanning, with a specified beam-pointing error of ≤0.2° within the stated scan range.
- Array Control Interface: Array control is provided through the dedicated J30J_15TJL connector.
Operational Scenarios: Radar Tracking and Mobile Platforms
The physical envelope and operating specifications of the 384-channel front-end support integration into mobile and fixed installations:
- Angular Tracking Applications: The combination of ±45°/±45° electronic scanning, ≤0.2° specified pointing error, and integrated sum/difference processing supports angular tracking applications.
- Form Factor: The 315 mm × 315 mm × 39 mm enclosure provides a compact form factor for space-constrained installations, with a total mass of ≤4 kg.
- Operating Temperature Window: The specified operating temperature range is -40 °C to +70 °C (storage from -50 °C to +70 °C).
- DC Power Supply: The unit accepts DC input from 16 V to 40 V through the dedicated J30J-4-pin high-current connector, with specified power consumption of ≤300 W at a 20% operational duty cycle (pulse width: 1 µs).
Tracking & Reception FAQ
Q: What reception sensitivity metrics characterize the 384-channel active array?
A: Across the 15.2 GHz to 17 GHz operational band, the array provides a weighted reception gain of ≥28 dB and a normal weighted G/T of ≥0.5 dB/K at room temperature.
Q: How does the integrated sum/difference network support target tracking?
A: The front-end incorporates internal sum and difference networks that form sum (Σ) and difference (Δ) outputs within the antenna structure. Combined with the specified ≤0.2° beam-pointing error within the stated scan range, this architecture supports monopulse angle tracking.
Q: What interfaces handle the array’s tracking control and prime power?
A: Array control is provided through the dedicated J30J_15TJL connector, while prime DC power (16 V to 40 V, ≤300 W at 20% duty cycle, 1 µs pulse width) is supplied via a separate J30J-4-pin high-current connector.