Reconfigurable Amplifier Matching Branches for Radar and EW Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar systems with distributed amplifiers face issues of high switch losses and complex, expensive arrangements when switching between radar and electronic warfare modes, due to the need for multiple switches and matching networks.
Innovation Solution
A distributed amplifier arrangement with switch transistors only in the matching branches, allowing for re-configurable matching networks that eliminate the need for switches in high power branches, enhancing isolation and efficiency by varying the electrical properties of switch transistors to switch between radar and EW modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches and matching networks are used to switch between radar and EW modes, then mode switching capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed amplifier is designed to perform multiple functions by reconfiguring the same hardware for different operating modes (radar and electronic warfare). The matching networks are designed to provide both narrowband matching for radar mode and broadband matching for EW mode, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The matching networks incorporate switchable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration between different operating modes. By dynamically changing the electrical properties of the matching networks through switching, the system adapts between narrowband radar operation and broadband EW operation without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple fixed networks
2Adaptability or versatility
If switches are placed in high power branches to switch between modes, then mode switching is achieved, but switch losses increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching function is extracted from the high-power signal path and relocated to the matching networks where power levels are lower. This separates the switching operation from the high-power amplification function, allowing switches to operate in a lower-power environment where losses are minimized while still achieving mode reconfiguration
3Adaptability or versatility
If two different amplifiers are used for radar and EW modes, then mode-specific performance is improved, but device complexity and isolation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single distributed amplifier is designed to serve both radar and electronic warfare functions by reconfiguring the matching networks. The same amplifier core provides high-power narrowband output for radar mode and broadband linear amplification for EW mode, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers and reducing isolation requirements between different signal paths
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an amplifier stage (1) in a radar system comprising an input matching stage (2), a transistor stage (3) and an output matching stage (4). At least one of the matching stages (2, 4) comprises at least two branches, each branch having certain electric properties. The amplifier stage (1) further comprises switching means (33, 34, 35, 36) arranged for switching such that at least one of the branches is electrically connected to the amplifier stage (1).