Recent antenna- and microwave systems designed at CSIR, DPSS for radar systems

Abstract

We have decided to develop some common building blocks for use in radar system at the CSIR, DPSS. The reasons for doing this are: a) The cost of ad-hoc- developed RF subsystems (using connectorised components) is getting to be prohibitive as a percentage of system cost, b) The size and weight of such subsystems is not suitable for airborne use, and c) The development time required for RF subsystems is often limiting the response times required by our clients. The following building blocks are in the process of being developed: a) A C-band RF front end that includes protection, LNA and STC functions, b) A P- to X-band (band selected at build via selection of filters) receiver that can be a single- or dual heterodyne, c) A P- to X-band exciter with a similar architecture to the receiver, d) An oscillator module that includes two independent synthesizers, of which one includes a DDS function, as well as the ability to lock to a GPS-supplied frequency standard and e) Support modules such as backplanes and power supplies.