Reconfigurable Distributed Amplifier Matching for Radar and EW Modes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar systems with distributed amplifiers face challenges in switching between radar and EW modes due to high switch losses, complex arrangements, and high costs, particularly when using wide band-gap transistors like GaN, which require small transistors for broad bandwidth and high output power.
Innovation Solution
A distributed amplifier arrangement with an input and output matching stage, each comprising multiple transistors and inductors, and switch transistors that allow re-configurable matching networks to switch between radar and EW modes by varying the electrical properties of switch transistors, reducing the need for additional switches and improving power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used to switch between radar and EW modes with separate amplifiers and matching networks, then mode switching capability is achieved, but switch losses and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radar and EW modes into a single distributed amplifier architecture, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers and multiple switching mechanisms. The matching networks are designed to handle both modes through reconfigurable circuit elements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining mode switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed amplifier is designed with universal functionality to operate in both radar and EW modes. The matching networks incorporate reconfigurable elements that allow the same hardware to serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated amplifiers for each mode and reducing the number of switches required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used to switch between radar and EW modes, then mode switching capability is achieved, but switch losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the switching functions into a single switch architecture within the distributed amplifier, the patent reduces the number of switches from multiple to one or a minimal set. This consolidation directly reduces cumulative switch losses while maintaining the ability to switch between radar and EW modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The single switch or minimal switch architecture is designed to perform multiple switching functions for both radar and EW modes. This universal switching mechanism reduces the total number of switches required, thereby reducing overall switch losses compared to having separate switches for each mode.
3Power
If GaN transistors are used for high output power, then power efficiency is improved, but transistor size must be small for broad bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed amplifier architecture segments the amplification function across multiple transistor stages connected in a distributed configuration. This allows the use of small GaN transistors (necessary for broad bandwidth) while achieving high total output power through the cumulative effect of multiple segments working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-transistor high-power approach to a multi-transistor distributed architecture, adding the dimension of spatial distribution. This allows small transistors (satisfying bandwidth requirements) to be arranged in a distributed configuration that achieves high total power output through cumulative contribution from multiple elements.
Data Source
AI summary
An amplifier stage in a radar system including an input matching stage, a transistor stage and an output matching stage. At least one of the matching stages includes a switch. Each switch is arranged to connect or disconnect a corresponding at least one grounded matching component to or from the matching stage. Each switch in the matching stages of the amplifier stage is a switch that is arranged to connect or disconnect grounded matching components to or from the matching stages.