LTCC Transmit/Receive X-Band Module with a Phased Array Antenna
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trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 14481 05/20 DB/SA/AN-M-2X2-X-BAND/PDF
Step 10: Verifying System-Level Performance
The final step was to verify the performance of the module at the system level using real signals. The model was imported
into the AWR VSS software and modulated signals such as quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), quadrature amplitude
modulation (QAM), wireless local area network (WLAN) 802.11, LTE, 5G, and others, were injected into the module for testing.
Figure 27 shows the error-vector magnitude (EVM) (top left), the spectrum (top middle), the modulation (top right), the
spectrum (lower left), and the spectrum of the single tone (lower right). The lower middle is the entire design.
Figure 27: Performance system simulations of the module
Conclusion
The AWR Microwave Office circuit design software, AWR VSS system design software, and AntSyn automated antenna
synthesis were used to design an integrated 2x2 TX/RX module and phased array antenna. The multi-technology capability in
the AWR Design Environment platform enabled the designer to use different technologies, including gallium arsenide (GaAs)
chips, LTCC modules, and Duroid boards, seamlessly at the circuit, layout, and EM simulation levels, all within the same
project. AWR software co-simulation provided the ability to work at both the circuit level and system level in a single
environment. The software's specialized synthesis tools were useful for designing the filters and components. EM simulation
was easily used where needed without leaving the AWR Microwave Office environment.
