Multi-channel thinned TR module architecture

A low cost multi-channel thinned transmit/receive (TR) module architecture is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to an active antenna assembly including at least one multi-channel TR module for reducing power consumption, the antenna assembly including the at least one TR module including a first phase shifter, a first switch coupled to the first phase shifter, the first switch configured to switch between a transmit circuit and a receive circuit, the transmit circuit including a first power amplifier coupled to the first switch and to a plurality of second phase shifters, and a plurality of second power amplifiers, each second power amplifier coupled to one of the second phase shifters, the receive circuit including a low noise amplifier coupled to the first switch and to a plurality of third phase shifters, and a plurality of second switches, each second switch configured to switch between one of the second power amplifiers and one of the third phase shifters.