Transmit–Receive Module Diagnostic of Active Phased Array Antenna Using Side-Lobe Blanking Channel

TL;DR

This paper introduces a diagnostic method for radar antenna modules using a side-lobe blanking channel to detect faults efficiently in airborne systems.

Contribution

A novel TRM diagnostic method using the SLB channel is proposed, minimizing space and cost in airborne radar systems.

Findings

The side-lobe blanking channel was successfully used as a probe for TRM diagnostics.

A detection threshold of −50 dBm was determined for fault detection in TRMs.

The diagnostic method was validated in anechoic chambers and real-world fighter aircraft.

Abstract

This article presents a diagnostic method for transmit–receive modules (TRMs) in an airborne active phased array antenna (APAA). Given the spatial constraints of airborne radar systems, the diagnostic functionality was implemented using the peripheral probe method. To minimize the space, cost, and time required for modifications to the existing APAA, the side-lobe blanking (SLB) channel was employed as the probe. To prevent TRM saturation and to determine the fault detection threshold, an APAA-level test was performed using a movable anechoic chamber. The coupling level between the SLB antenna and TRM was maintained between −70 dB and −20 dB. With the result of the APAA-level test, a budget analysis on the signal path was performed, and the input attenuation level was determined. The received signal power was estimated at −40 dBm to −20 dBm. Based on the estimation, the detection threshold was determined as −50 dBm. For the operation of the diagnostic function, simple detection logic and associated control timing is implemented in the radar processor. The effectiveness of the proposed diagnostic method was validated by several test activities, including an anechoic chamber, a rooflab facility, and an actual fighter. The test result shows good agreement with the expectations.

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