Phased-array Antenna Ferroelectric Phase Shifter for a Higher Microwave Power Level

The mass production of the phased-array antenna needs in the phase shifters with the following substantial characteristics: 1) Small power in the biasing networks, 2) Relatively high microwave power, 3) Low production cost. This problem can be solved by using thin film ferroelectric tunable capacitors. The basic components of the transmission type phase shifter are reflection type phase shifters in a combination with a branch line hybrid junction. The reflection type phase shifter is formed as a parallel junction of ferroelectric tunable capacitors and of an inductive component. Analysis shows that, if the maximum biasing voltage is 200 V, the amplitude of the microwave voltage across the tunable capacitors can reach 20 V or 50 V for different design versions without essential cross modulation. That provides 1 W or 10 W in pulse for each reflection type phase shifter. The duration of the phase distribution rearrangement is estimated as nanosecond time interval. Thereafter, a small capacitance of the tunable capacitors provides a small recharge current. A leakage current of the ferroelectric capacitors is smaller than 10(-9)A. The information about industrial production of microwave ferroelectric devices of low cost is now available. Methods of modeling and design of the ferroelectric components and systems have been developed. The phase shifters have been designed for phased-array antennas, smart antennas, and other communication and radar applications. Results of the simulation and experimental investigation of the phase shifter based on (Ba,Sr)TiO3 films at the frequency 3.7 GHz are discussed.