X-band dual channel transmit/receive module using heterojunction multilayer substrate

ABSTRACT This article presents a X‐band dual channel transmit/receive (T/R) Module for AESA radar applications. Instead of the conventional low temperature cofired ceramic technology, we suggested the heterojunction (Ceramic + FR4) multilayer substrate. This structure makes a simple T/R Module fabrication process with low cost. Dual channel allows reducing the size and weight of the T/R Module. Substrates has RF cavities to attach each MMIC chips. RF cavity has a subcover to seal the MMIC and to give an additional area for charging capacitors. The T/R Module's output power is 10 W, efficiency 23%, and noise figure is under 3 dB. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1850–1854, 2014