Beamformers

Beamformers are networks that perform vector manipulation of two or more inputs to produce two or more outputs which when fed to or from an antenna array represent coordinates in a three-dimensional system. Quantic TRM's design engineers utilize stripline, microstrip, coaxial, or ferrite technology to optimize the electrical, mechanical, and environmental requirements of any application. Our standard hybrids have either equal or unequal power splits depending on the impedance of the internal coaxial line. By controlling this coaxial line to very tight tolerances Quantic TRM's custom beamformers offer excellent amplitude balance. Our design capability includes integrating active circuits as necessary to provide switched and digitally controlled devices.

Send your requirements to info@quantictrm.com and allow us to offer an innovative, application specific solution. 

Broadband Beamformer

Serving both airborne and communication system applications the BFN44122 multi-octave component combines ferrite, coaxial and microstrip technologies achieving high performance in a low profile, small footprint (2.0 x 3.5 x 0.7 Inches). Engineered and manufactured in the USA, this unit is also used in military radar warning receiver (RWR) designs and early warning and countermeasure control systems. Internally, it incorporates eight - zero degree dividers, four - zero degree combiners, four - 180° combiners and 50 ohm coax delay lines.  

Features:

  • Excellent Loss
  • Compact
  • Wide Frequency Range (10 MHz to 18 GHz)
  • Excellent Phase/Amplitude Accuracy


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Butler Matrix Network

A unique combination of an eight-by-eight Butler Matrix with integrated phasing networks, this beamformer design is capable of handling a broad range of antenna patterns. The multi-layer architecture coupled with both microstrip and coaxial technologies provides extremely low loss and high power handling capability.  

Features:

  • Excellent Loss
  • Compact
  • Wide Frequency Range (10 MHz to 18 GHz)
  • Excellent Phase/Amplitude Accuracy  


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Broadband 4x4 for Airborne Application

This design employs ferrite, coaxial, and microstrip technology in order to cover a multi-octave bandwidth in a small package size. The design incorporates eight 0° dividers, four 0° combiners, four 180° combiners and a 50 ohm coax delay line. The housing is nickel plated aluminum and measures 2.5 x 6.0 x 0.6 inches, plus SMA connectors. Performance and workmanship are maintained over harsh airborne environmental conditions.  

Typical Specifications: 

  • Frequency Range: 500 - 2000 MHz
  • Insertion Loss: < 1.5 dB
  • Isolation: > 25 dB
  • VSWR: < 1.5:1
  • Phase Balance: ± 5°
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Airborne AFT Compensation Module 

The CIM AFT is a microwave distribution network for the aft looking antenna of a leading edge fighter aircraft. The three layer, stripline circuitry consists of multiple couplers and power dividers integrated into a small overall package, 6.0 x 1.75 x 0.7 inches. Interconnection is achieved via GPO male blind mate connectors on one surface and OSSP male connectors on the opposite surface. All RF connections and housing are hermetically sealed.   

Typical Specifications: 

  • Insertion Loss: < 1 dB
  • Isolation: > 38 dB
  • VSWR: < 1.5:1
  • Phase Stability: < 2° 3D Vector (temperature, frequency & length)
  • Environmental: Fill Mil Spec. for Airborne Environment Beamformers
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Airborne Distribution Network

The CIM Forward module is a microwave distribution network for the forward looking antenna of a sophisticated, contemporary fighter aircraft. The circuitry includes use of couplers, power dividers, and 3 dB hybrids all integrated into a small package, 12 x 1.6 x 0.5 inches. Comprised of numerous RF ports which employ male GPO blind mate coaxial connectors, this unit performs over a 3:1, and in some cases, a 9:1 bandwidth. The connector shrouds are machined into the unit housing and are on a single surface launched vertically. Connector shrouds are also located around the unit and launched horizontally to the stripline circuit. The housing is nickel plated aluminum and all RF connectors and housing are hermetically sealed.   

Typical Specifications: 

  • Insertion Loss: < 1 dB
  • Isolation: > 38 dB
  • VSWR: < 1.5:1
  • Phase Stability: < 2° 3D Vector (temperature, frequency & length)
  • Environmental: Fill Mil Spec. for Airborne Environment 
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One-by-Four Drop-In 

Depending upon the configuration selected by a simple circuit modification, this unit is actually multi-functional and can achieve many output phasings. Radial leads on a seam welded package allow for surface mount orientation, light weight and protection against harsh environments. This approach has been employed in many missile and aircraft applications.

One-by-Four Drop-In Datasheet

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Monopulse Comparator  

This stripline design is typically used to produce outputs proportional to the phase difference between the inputs from four antennas. This low cost, lightweight unit handles high power with minimum insertion loss in a relatively compact package. 

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One-by-Four (configure to Four-by-Four)  

Providing circularly polarized outputs for driving an antenna array, this beamformer can be easily re-configured into a four-by-four beamformer. This octave-band device is realized with stripline circuitry and provides low loss and high power handling in a small package.

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Switched Beamformer  

This design is a digitally controlled, switched beamformer that takes one input and provides four output phase states for each switch position. The unit handles high power and was designed for airborne applications. Multi-layer construction and the innovative use of coaxial, stripline and microstrip circuit techniques offer diverse functionality in a small package size.

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