Antenna chip simplifies phased array radar for avionic designers

For avionics designers, the ADAR1000 enables flat-panel antenna arrays, which shrinks the profile of conventional radar systems and facilitates the design of smaller, lighter aircraft.

The new ADAR1000 is a plug-and-play chip that allows designers with little or no RF experience to extend the performance and operating life time of their radar systems.

The 4-channel ADAR1000 active antenna beamforming chip replaces 12 discrete components needed for antenna phase-gain adjustments and digital controls. The IC supports Time Division Duplexing (TDD) across the X and Ku bands. It includes an integrated T/R switch than can be used to select the common port as an input for transmit (Tx) or an output for receive (Rx).

The four pairs of Tx and Rx channels have independently programmable gain and phase settings. The ADAR1000 can be configured to directly control all aspects of external T/R module pulsing with minimal extra circuitry. All settings can be loaded into built-in memory for fast access to gain-phase states and T/R module settings.

The ADAR1000 offers a scalable building block for fast implementation of active antenna phased arrays targeting next-gen radar and communications systems without the need for extensive third-party design support.

“ADI is combining the industry’s broadest RF portfolio with extensive design and packaging expertise to help customers quickly implement phased array antennas,” said John Cowles, General Manager of Analog Devices’ RF and Microwave Business Unit.

“Our new phased array offering is smaller, lighter, and as powerful as a typical phased array solution. It also increases potential uses for phased array as it significantly reduces the profile of the antenna.”

ADAR1000 active antenna beamforming chip product features

• 8GHz to 16GHz frequency range
• Half-duplex TDD for Tx and Rx
• Single-pin Tx/Rx control
• Versatile T/R modules control modes
• 360° phase control with less than 2.8° phase resolution
• Greater than 31dB gain control with 0.5dB resolution
• On-chip memory for pre-stored beam positions
• Auxiliary 8-bit A/D converter for power detectors and temperature sensor
• Support for low power modes
• Four wire SPI interface

Analog Devices’ RF and microwave portfolio provides the broadest capabilities in the industry coupled with deep system design expertise to support designs with complete signal chain capability, including RF, microwave and millimeter wave.

Customers can choose from a broad selection of discrete components and integrated solutions, including a comprehensive antenna to bits portfolio for applications from DC to beyond 100GHz. ADI offers the widest array of technologies, including CMOS, SiGe, BiCMOS, SOI, GaAs and GaN, for markets including communications, test and measurement instrumentation, industrial, and aerospace and defence.