Novel FPGA based T/R Module Controller for Active Phased Array Radar

Abstract

The current state-of-art technologies being researched upon globally for the various functionalities like Radar, Communication, Electronics Warfare, etc., have super components that performs similar functionalities. The Active Antenna Array Unit of modern Active Phased Array Radars consists of Radiating elements, Transmit/Receive (T/R) Modules and associated RF & Digital electronics. This paper explores the existing technologies and suggests improvements for the development of futuristic Active Phased Array Radars. FPGA based T/R Module Controller (TRMC) interfaces with the higher level controller over the Low Voltage Differential Signaling. The TRMC which controls $T$/R module is internally divided into three major sub blocks namely the Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) logic, Decoding logic and Control logic. The controller also provides real time status of critical components of the T/R Module, such as DC power supply temperature, forward power monitoring, reverse power monitoring etc. In proposed architecture we have used suitable Xilinx FPGA and achieved a switching time of <50ns. The realized unit has improved efficiency, reliability and compact without compromising the electrical parameters of T/R Module functionalities. Modern long range Active Array Radar systems are built with large number of solid state T/R Modules for realization of high power aperture product. These radars with multi-function capability require faster target update rates as well as low side lobe levels. For realization of large power aperture multiple T/R Modules are packaged in a single housing. The electronic scanning as well as low side lobe levels are achieved by controlling phase and amplitude of T/R Modules distributed in Active phased Array Radars. As a part of research, several TRMs have been realized, tested, qualified and integrated successfully with the Active Phased Array Radar.