X-Band Solutions for Radar & Satellite Communications

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Pushing the Envelope for Higher Performance X-Band Radios

Pushing the Envelope for Higher Performance X-Band Radios

The drive for higher efficiency, bandwidth and power density in X-band radar and satellite communications (SATCOM) is pushing system providers to adopt new technologies to enable next-generation systems.

Richardson RFPD carries a broad product portfolio and provides extensive technical support for X-band system development. By dividing X-band radio development into three sub-systems—TX/LO generation, frequency conversion, and beamforming—the information below presents several design approaches to consider.

Each block diagram includes associated benefits and challenges, and most blocks are interactive, with embedded links to a selection of products optimized for X-band radar and SATCOM applications.

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X-Band Circuit Sub-Systems

TX / LO Generation

A critical function in RF circuits, TX/LO generation provides a stable-frequency source signal to mixers and other frequency conversion components, to ensure RF signals are upconverted and downconverted accurately.

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Frequency Conversion

The stable-frequency source signal from TX/LO generation is then used in frequency conversion circuits to lower the frequency for lower-cost signal processing, or to raise the frequency in preparation for over-the-air transmission.
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Beamforming

Arguably the most innovative developments in X-band radar is AESA phased array systems that are enabled by integrated beamformer ICs and RF front-end modules (FEMs).

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Technology Drivers

Direct Conversion/Zero IF

Initially deployed in superheterodyne receiver architecture, X-band radios are evolving to direct conversion/Zero-IF implementations.

Low Power Integration

With the advent of off-the-shelf beamforming ICs, phased array is much simpler to develop and deploy. Multiple high-speed data converters in a single package and integrated transceiver ICs enable phased array radios.

REPLACING GaAs WITH GaN

GaAs offers excellent linearity, but GaN’s power density and efficiency improvements, coupled with higher bias voltages, are often a better choice—especially with new X-band radios. In addition, GaN transmit devices are available in impedance-matched FETs (IMFETs) and multi-stage MMIC amplifier combinations to offer a variety of deployment options.

TX / LO Generation

  • Hover / Click to Find the Best Components

Option 1 (Least Flexible & Largest)
  • Benefits
  • Best performance for pulse applications
    • Challenges
  • Size
  • Filtering
  • Flexibility
  • Power consumption

    • Option 2 (Most Flexible)
    • Benefits
  • Best performance for FMCW applications
  • Fastest and most flexible
    • Challenges
  • Size
  • Power consumption
  • Cost

    • Option 3 (Performance Most Flexible)
    • Benefits
  • Good performance
  • Fast
  • Flexibility
    • Challenges
  • Size
  • Power consumption
  • Cost

    • Option 4 (Performance 10 fs of Jitter)
    • Benefits
  • Size
  • Power consumption
  • Cost
  • Flexibility
    • Challenges
  • Lowest performance
  • Slowest

    • Frequency Conversion

    • Hover / Click to Find the Best Components

    Direct Sampling
    • Benefits
  • No mixing
  • Now practical at L/S-band
    • Challenges
  • A/D input bandwidth
  • Gain not distributed across frequency

    • Heterodyne 
    • Benefits
  • Proven, trusted
  • High performance
  • Optimum spurious
  • High dynamic range
  • EMI immunity
    • Challenges
  • A/D input bandwidth
  • Gain not distributed across frequency

    • Direct Conversion
    • Benefits
  • Maximum A/D bandwidth
  • Simplest widebabnd Option
    • Challenges
  • Image rejection (IQ balance)
  • In-Band IF harmonics
  • LO radiation
  • EMI immunity (IP2)
  • DC and 1/f noise

    • Beamforming 

    Whether you are looking for integrated or discrete beamforming solutions, Richardson RFPD can support your requirements.
    • Hover / Click to Find the Best Components

    Integrated Solutions

    Component manufacturers have released several new, integrated component solutions that combine multiple product functions in a single device—from integrated circuits to connectorized modules. Listed below are some of the latest integrated solutions that can speed your X-band project time-to-market.
    Part Number
    Product Type
    Description
    Availability
    HMC8108LC5
    Downconverter
    9 GHz to 10 GHz Low Noise Converter
    Order / Learn More
    HMC908ALC5
    Downconverter
    9 GHz to 12 GHz I/Q Downconverter
    Order / Learn More
    HMC1113LP5E
    Downconverter
    10 GHz to 16 GHz I/Q Downconverter
    Order / Learn More
    CHR3662-QDG/20
    Downconverter
    7 GHz to 16 GHz Integrated Downconverter
    Order / Learn More
    ADRF6780ACPZN
    Upconverter
    5.9 GHz to 23.6 GHz Microwave Upconverter
    Order / Learn More
    ADAR1000ACCZN
    Beamformer
    8 GHz to 16 GHz, 4-Channel, X-Band Beamformer
    Order / Learn More
    ADTR1107ACCZ
    RF Front End Module
    6 GHz to 18 GHz PA/LNA/Switch FEM
    Order / Learn More
    1222
    RF Amplifier Module
    9 GHz to 10 GHz 250W Power Amplifier
    Order / Learn More
    Empower RF 1222

    RF & Microwave Support

    Allow us an opportunity to assess your project and help bring your vision to market faster.

    Ask an Expert

    About our Team of Experts

    Richardson RFPD has a team of over 50 technical resources available to provide design assistance on a variety of topics.  Although there are too many to name, we have highlighted specific topics that provide a representation of our support. 

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    Helpful Links