In radar detection and directional communications, receiver sensitivity and angular estimation accuracy are important factors in detection and angular tracking performance. Operating in the 15.7 GHz to 17 GHz band, the Ku-Band 768-Channel Two-Dimensional Phased Array Antenna integrates 768 active channels, the antenna structure, an antenna-in-package (AIP) module, receive-path amplification and compensation circuitry, and dedicated sum/difference networks into an integrated mechanical housing measuring ≤400 mm × 420 mm × 129 mm with a total mass of ≤17 kg, delivering a reception gain of ≥30.5 dB and a normal G/T of ≥3 dB/K (room temperature, weighted).
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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- 768-Element Reception Aperture: Incident electromagnetic waves are collected across a corner-truncated grid of Nx = 32 in azimuth and Ny = 32 in pitch (with four 8 × 8 corner sub-arrays removed) containing 768 active antenna elements.
- Distributed Channel Conditioning: Signals captured by the array undergo receive-path amplification and phase/amplitude compensation across multiple channels before beam synthesis.
- Integrated Sum/Difference Processing: Internal sum/difference networks combine the processed receive signals to form sum (Σ) and difference (Δ) outputs for angular error signal extraction.
- Polarization Configuration: Vertical polarization serves as the typical baseline configuration across the receiving aperture.
Receiver Sensitivity: G/T and Reception Gain
Receiver sensitivity is characterized by the specified reception gain and G/T parameter of the active array:
- Reception Gain: The array provides a reception gain of ≥30.5 dB across the operational frequency band under factory benchmark test conditions.
- System Figure of Merit (G/T): The array provides a normal G/T of ≥3 dB/K (room temperature, weighted), providing a specified baseline for receiver sensitivity.
- Broadband Reception Coverage: The reception performance specifications apply across the entire 15.7 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: Dedicated sum/difference processing circuits are integrated directly within the antenna housing.
- Angular Discrimination: The integrated network forms sum (Σ) and difference (Δ) signal outputs, supporting monopulse angle tracking.
- Dedicated Difference Ports: The front-end provides SSMP-J RF interfaces with dedicated ports for azimuth and pitch difference outputs.
- 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.
Integration and Operational Conditions
The physical envelope and operating specifications of the 768-channel front-end support integration into mobile and stationary platforms:
- 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 and Clearance: The enclosure maintains an overall envelope of ≤400 mm × 420 mm × 129 mm (inclusive of the rear compartment structural components), requiring structural consideration for its ≤17 kg mass during installation.
- 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 18 V to 36 V through the dedicated J30J-4-pin high-current connector, with a specified power consumption of ≤1000 W at a 30% operational duty cycle.
Tracking & Reception FAQ
Q: What reception sensitivity metrics characterize the 768-channel active array?
A: Across the 15.7 GHz to 17 GHz operational band, the array provides a reception gain of ≥30.5 dB and a normal G/T of ≥3 dB/K (room temperature, weighted) under factory benchmark test conditions.
Q: How does the integrated sum/difference network support target tracking?
A: The front-end incorporates internal sum and difference networks that combine processed receive signals into sum (Σ) and difference (Δ) outputs directly within the antenna housing, with dedicated SSMP-J ports for azimuth and pitch difference signals. The sum and difference outputs provide the signal paths required for monopulse angle tracking. The array also specifies a beam-pointing error of ≤0.2° within the stated scan range.
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 (18 V to 36 V, ≤1000 W at a 30% duty cycle) is supplied via a separate J30J-4-pin high-current connector.