Transmit/receive module for L-band phased array synthetic aperture radar with polarisation control

Abstract

This paper describes the design, construction and testing of a front end Transmit/Receive (T/R) module prototype for an L-band (1.215GHz-1.3GHz) synthetic aperture radar earth observation satellite which features a novel polarisation control circuit. This circuit is implemented to support the on-board Faraday Rotation compensation. Previous literature does not feature this control at L-band or in a single T/R module. The prototype consists of Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits mounted on a Printed Circuit Board, and laboratory testing shows the polarisation control mechanism functions as designed, as measured results closely match predictions.