The MAN (Microstrip Array Network) is included in a project of an ultra wide band radar. The circuit of the MAN, made with GCPW (Grounded Coplanar Waveguide) lines and IC switches,  is designed to achieve the interconnections between the RF signal processing module RX-TX and the antennas array. It’s also dynamically reconfigurable, to enable the selection of antennas using an external command.

  The circuit operates in the S-band and its main characteristics are preserved with temperature variations. This project has some challenging aspects to be ensured, such as a phase difference between the channels of ±2°, isolation below -40dB, maximum insertion loss of -3dB and amplitude unbalance of ±0.2dB. In order to achieve these performances a full-wave EM analysis has been required.

Prototype of S-band antenna array switching network

Prototype of S-band antenna array switching network