Design of Simplified MSTC Circuitry for Compact Multi-Channel Radar Receivers

• Published in: 2018 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave and RF Conference (IMaRC) pp. 1 - 4
• Main Authors: Sowmya Reddy, A. Sree, Sadhu, Rahul, Nagaveni, H.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01.11.2018
• Subjects: Analog attenuator; Attenuation; Attenuators; Compact multi-channel; Complexity theory; Digital attenuator; Gain; Layout; MSTC; Phased Array Radar; Radar; Receivers; UDC
• ISSN: 2377-9152
• DOI: 10.1109/IMaRC.2018.8877374

This paper describes a novel approach w.r.t. the design of the MSTC circuitry that forms part of a multi-channel compact Up-Down Converter (UDC) used in active phased array radar systems. Apart from providing frequency translation of signals from X band down to IF band, this system also provides necessary attenuation for MSTC applications. In many present-day down-converters, digital attenuators are used for this purpose. But in the case of compact multichannel designs, where the system requirement calls for numerous (eg. 16) channels, providing buffered controls for the digital attenuators in all the channels increases the complexity of the PCB and isolation issues become difficult to tackle. In this paper, we will discuss the performance characteristics of an analog attenuator and the advantage of using it in a multi-channel compact board. Also the basic functionality of the transmit and receive chains is discussed and the theoretical and practical values of the full chain are presented. This MSTC realization - using analog MMIC attenuators in place of digital attenuators - shows that smart RF circuit design can simplify/reduce control circuit complexity, without compromising performance.