Active antenna sub-system development for space-borne SAR

• Published in: Twelfth International Conference on Antennas and Propagation (ICAP 2003) pp. 233 - 236
• Main Authors: Gibbons, M, Stewart, A, Notter, M
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: London IEE 2003
• Subjects: Antenna arrays; Radar equipment, systems and applications; Satellite communication systems; active radiating tiles; electronic modules; radar antennas; spaceborne radar; passive RF units; isostatic blades; mechanical devices; integrated front-end sub-system; integrated X-band tile; structural components; microwave antenna arrays; space-borne SAR; R&D program; wiring looms; system parameters; active antenna sub-system; sub-array; active antenna arrays; flexible RF cable interconnects; synthetic aperture radar; satellite antennas; Envisat ASAR antenna; SAR front-end antenna subsystem; Astrium; Portsmouth; large SAR antenna aperture
• ISBN: 9780852967522; 0852967527
• DOI: 10.1049/cp:20030057

This paper discusses some of the innovative features incorporated in a new type of SAR front-end antenna subsystem, currently the subject of an R&D program at Astrium, Portsmouth. Traditionally, such active radiating `tiles' - used to populate the large SAR antenna aperture - have been a mixed assembly of electronic modules, structural components and passive RF units, all having different interface requirements. On the Envisat ASAR antenna, for example, this has necessitated the extensive use of wiring looms, flexible RF cable interconnects and mechanical devices such as isostatic blades (to offset CTE mismatch). The build cost, especially at AIT level, has proved to be unacceptably high and has led to the `Integrated Front-End Sub-System' concept (IFESS). To this end, Astrium are preparing a partially integrated X-band tile to demonstrate the key technology areas. Critical system parameters are listed.