P.A. Tushnov - Head of Department, Chief Technologist, JSC «Radiofizika». E-mail: tushnovp@mail.ru V.S. Berdyev - Ph. D. (Eng.), Head of Department, JSC «Radiofizika». E-mail: v_ber@mail.ru B.A. Levitan - Ph. D. (Eng.), General Director, JSC «Radiofizika»; Head of Department of Radio-Physics and Technical Cybernetics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University); Head of Department 909 «Mechanical Design of Antenna-Feeder Systems», Moscow Aviation Institute

Modern radar systems development involves transition to digital active phased array antenna. A distinctive feature of active phased array antenna is shifting of power amplification from group receive and transmit paths to the antenna aperture due to the introduction of a new element - a receive-transmit module. JSC «Radiofizika» conducted R&D works of P-, S- and X-band receive-transmit modules on the basis of modular layout principle using integral functional unit. JSC «Radiofizika» is now actively working on creation of receive-transmit modules in Ka band. Brief description of developed S- and X-band receive-transmit modules is given. Article examines economic aspects of receive-transmit module design as receive-transmit module cost is a major contributor to the total cost of active phased array antenna. JSC «Radiofizika» established special production areas for serial manufacturing of receive-transmit modules and radioelectronic units for active phased array antennas. These areas are characterized by a full scope of technological processes from development of receive-transmit modules for active phased array antennas, setting-up of full technological cycle for serial production (including automated measurement and calibration of module parameters) to mass production of receive-transmit modules and radioelectronic units for active phased array antennas. JSC «Radiofizika» solved a number of key scientific, technological and organizational issues in the process of receive-transmit modules line development for different frequency bands and creation of series manufacturing base. A strategy was developed for a unified technical policy in the field of receive-transmit module and radioelectronic units design for active phased array antennas. New competitive technological and engineering solutions were implemented in the process of receive-transmit module design. A unified series of base receive-transmit modules and radioelectronic units for active phased array antennas in P-, L-, S-, X- and Ka-bands were created. It was done on the basis of modular layout principle using integral functional units. Production area of serial receive-transmit module manufacturing was organized to enable full cycle automated development and production of receive-transmit modules, radioelectronic units, analog and digital components necessary for the production of active phased array radar. A special manufacturing and testing area is now operating to support serial production of receive-transmit modules. It comprises assembly, setting, calibration and testing lines for receive-transmit modules and fragments of active phased array antenna. A highly effective development of active phased array antennas is ensured through the use of principles and approaches of serial production and automation of parameters measurement process of receive-transmit modules and radioelectronic units.

 

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