Design of a phased array antenna using solid state transmit/receive modules

With the maturing of the technology to achieve solid state transmit/receive modules using both gallium arsenide and silicon the possibilities of a solid state phased array antenna is becoming a practical proposition. We have recently seen the progress of the MOD sponsored MESAR demonstrator programme in the UK and a variety of other programmes worldwide. More recently there have been evaluations to enable transmit/receive modules to become affordable and available. This paper presents some of the trade-offs and design decisions that have been implemented to support these requirements. The design of the antenna has included the thermal aspects, weight considerations and mechanical construction.