APPLICATION NOTE
LTCC Transmit/Receive X-Band Module with a
Phased Array Antenna
The X-band frequency range is widely used for satellite communications (SATCOM) because it
provides a number of advantages over lower frequency systems, including resilience to
interference and weather, smaller terminal size, higher data rates, and ability to provide remote
coverage. SATCOMS are further enhanced through the use of active phased array antennas,
which are made possible by advances in electronic packaging technology and semiconductor
device performance. By employing space-saving, high-functionality system-on-chip (SoC),
system-in-package (SiP), and low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC)-based modules,
SATCOM systems with active phased arrays offer greater flexibility and robustness.
This "how to" application note describes the steps to design a transmit/receive (TX/RX) module
with a 2x2 phased array antenna (Figure 1) operating in the 8-12GHz frequency range. It
highlights several innovative capabilities within the Cadence
®
AWR Design Environment
®
platform, including multi-technology and circuit/system co-simulation, as well as phased array
modeling.
Figure 1: TX/RX module with 2x2 phased array antenna
