Quad transmit / receive module offers stackable modular solution E-scan radar

API Technologies (API) has announced that its Quad Transmit Receive Modules (QTRMs), part of the Company’s Active Antenna Array Unit (AAAU) solution for AESA radar, is now available as a standalone module. The QTRMs offer the industry’s first stackable building block solution for E-Scan (electronically scanned) radar. API Technologies’ E-Scan radar solution is unique in the market place, as it supports a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) approach to system maintenance. The QTRM units serve as the common module building block. The units can be easily added or swapped, which simplifies system integration, offers first line repair, and significantly reduces total cost of ownership, says the company. QTRMs can be integrated into a plank to form an antenna subarray. This antenna then serves as the centrepiece of an E-Scan radar system. Beyond the QTRM units, API offers a variety of plank configurations and cooling solutions to support different platform applications. All such configurations may be customized to suit application-specific requirements. Customers also have the option of purchasing the AAAU, API’s complete antenna array subsystem. Featured applications include radar, data links, coastal and harbour security, border control, satcom on the move, FOD (foreign object detection) for airport runways, and next-generation satellites featuring in-orbit configurable arrays. The UK designed and manufactured QTRM units ship factory calibrated. Customers and system integrators also have the ability to upload array offsets to support aperture tapering and similar requirements. Currently available in X-band, C-band, and S-band variants, the QTRM features full RF (radio frequency) and DC power. A built-in logic interface offers a variety of calibration options, as well as a BITE status for each T/R (Transmit/Receive) module, says the company. “With the launch of our AAAU platform in 2013, our aim was to get system integrators to think differently about E-Scan radar design and maintenance. Our QTRM delivers unprecedented ease of use and reduced total cost of ownership. It is these benefits that have driven positive customer response,” said Andrew Jagoe-Salter, Head of Business Development, RF, Microwave and Microelectronics, UK, API Technologies Corp. Bel Lazar, president and chief executive officer, API Technologies, said: “Our AAAU product platform, which includes the QTRM, represents a significant achievement in radar technology. Given widespread and growing adoption of E-Scan radar platforms, we continue to see great opportunities for this platform.”