Design synthesis and characteristics of RF and microwave wideband amplifier for electronic warfare EW applications

Abstract

Wideband, wide open microwave intercept receivers are used in Radar Warning System, Electronic Support Measures and Electronic Intelligence (RWR, ESM, EINT) applications for Electronic Warfare (EW) purposes to detect, analyse, and identify radar signal signature and platforms. Microwave amplifiers find wide applications in Satellite Communication, Wireless LAN, WiMax services etc; The paramount need for deploying high performance wireless transceivers in Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) is to intercept the signal from radars and other intruders thereupon defence warplanes scramble up to intervene, intercept and destroy enemy planes and fighter jets. The successful build of various microwave receivers in interceptors esp. EW equipment under strong electromagnetic environment is a formidable task considering the prevalent noise floor in the wider bandwidth. Though interference in commercial gadgets is less emphatic, in the military regime, it exerts strong debilitating influence. Since the bandwidth is wide for such applications, tasks on mitigating noise and affording linearity in addition to a good dynamic range are manifold. A host of requirements from the stakeholders, vendors and application engineers is solicited, assessed and compiled before venturing into the design. These applications require a noise matched, high gain and low noise microwave wideband amplifier in front-end of the receiver architecture. The frequency of operation is over 4 GHz bandwidth from 1 to 5 GHz for EW applications and even itand#8223;s extended to optical domain also. However, the scope of research work is in the microwave range and the amplifier is designed to operate over the 1-5 GHz band. newline