Importance

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Abstract

A module disposed at each radiating element of a phased array antenna, the module having a limiter, a low-noise amplifier and a phase shifter. One embodiment includes a DPDT switch to permit use of a common phase shifter on transmit and receive. On transmit, the DPDT switch is thrown in a position that connects the phase shifter directly to the radiating element. On receive, the DPDT switch is thrown in a position that connects the radiating element through the limiter and low noise amplifier and then to the phase shifter. Another embodiment uses a four-port circulator in place of the DPDT switch, and uses separate phase shifters for transmit and receive. A semi-active module for a constrained feed array uses both a DPDT switch and a circulator and uses a common transmit/receive phase shifter. A semi-active module for a space-fed array uses two DPDT switches, a single phase-shifter and limiter/low-noise amplifier and two antenna elements; one of receive, and one for retransmit. Another module employs a four-port circulator, separate transmit and receive phase shifters, and separate transmit and receive beamforming networks. In a monopulse radar transmitter, a module using a four-port circulator and a separate receive diode phase shifter, limiter and low-noise amplifier is used with a receive monopulse feed, transmit ferrite phase shifters and a transmit series feed.

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First Claim