GaN Front-End Modules for Next Generation Digital Beamforming Phased-Array Applications

The early phased array technology was developed firstly for military radar applications, where multiple beams of radio waves could be steered quickly across the sky to track multiple targets more precisely and easily. With the introduction of transmit/receive (T/R) modules marked the first step towards solid-state phased array technology. Over time, phased array technology has evolved significantly from passive to digital beamforming phased array. This technical paper will explore the brief history and evolution of phased array technology, and the architectural trends and challenges within the industry. It will also offer insight of RFHIC's recent developments of GaN Front-End-Modules (FEMs) designed for next-generation digital phased array applications.