Versatile and efficient hybrid-ring architecture for advanced radar functionalities

An original architecture based on composite configurations of printed-circuit hybrid rings is developed for flexible signal-processing functionalities in advanced monopulse radar applications. The modularity of the proposed topology, together with proper design choices, strongly simplifies the structure of the beam forming network, reducing the relevant ohmic losses, and consequently improving the antenna gain. The circuit also allows us to manage only two radio frequency channels (instead of the conventional three), combining the delta- and omnidirectional channel functions. The principles of the structure are presented, and a specific layout is designed. Stripline prototypes are fabricated and tested for L-band applications. The compared results of simulations and measurements fully confirm the interesting performance of this device. The versatility of the architecture is illustrated further considering alternative circuit implementations. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:16631670, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27647