Thermal Equilibrium in T/R Module Operation and Active Phased Array Antenna Calibration

Abstract

This paper provides insight into the thermal drift in insertion characteristics of the T/R module and its effect on the radiation performance of an active phased array antenna. An efficient liquid-cooled heat exchanger plate is considered to achieve thermal equilibrium in an active phased array antenna to maintain its radiation performance. Herein, a theoretical investigation is carried out to quantify degradation in radiation performance due to change in complex excitation of radiation element at high temperature. This analysis provides theoretical guidelines for the reliable operation of active phased array antennas without performance degradation at high temperatures