A Ka-band MMIC phased array antenna

The NASA/CIT Jet Propulsion Laboratory deep-space network will utilize Ka-band communication systems (32-GHz downlink, 34-GHz uplink) for deep-space missions in the mid-1990s. For the spaceborne segment, a small Ka-band planar phased array with approximately 25 elements can be used to feed a 4-m dual-reflector system. The beam scanning capability of the phased-array allows the narrow beam ( approximately 0.2 degrees ) of the large reflector to perform fine beam pointing toward Earth. A 32-GHz transmitting phased array is currently under development utilizing MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) devices. As a first step, a linear array composed of six subarrays of microstrip radiators, six modules of power amplifiers, and phase shifters has been fabricated and tested. The results indicate that this MMIC phased array has adequate beam scanning capability. >