Description
The scope of this Artes 5.1 activity is to design a Transmit reconfigurable direct radiating array based on a sparse layout and to validate the design with a representative antenna demonstrator.
Sparse arrays, based on non-regular lattices, are a valid alternative to periodic arrays because they are able to generate an equivalent tapering by adjusting the element positions. They also allow reducing the number of elements, and increasing the DC to RF overall efficiency of the antenna.
In this activity the optimization of the irregular array layout has been done in such a way to satisfy the required radiative performance keeping at the same time a simplified beam forming network and cooling system (e.g. heat-pipe).
During the project several challenges have been faced and solved adopting state of the art solutions like:
• design, manufacturing and testing of an innovative Active Feed Module composed by a square horn, integrating two SSPAs, mounted directly on the Heat Pipes so improving the cooling management;
• design, manufacturing and testing of a modular box BFN able to feed an 8 Active Feed Module providing the re-configurable network for multi-beams (i.e. 4 beams per polarization) based on multi-layer PCB technology and high MMICs integration.
