A Structural Design of Phased Array Antenna for Airship-borne SAR

Airships, with their hovering capability, maneuverability, long hovering time, and low cost, are suitable as platforms for carrying synthetic aperture radar (SAR) antennas for space remote sensing imaging. To address the constraints of load-bearing capacity, vibration structure, as well as the electrical requirements of a certain type of airship, an active SAR phased array antenna structure combining integrated design with tile-type module technology is presented in this paper.A high integration, low profile and lightweight antenna system is achieved by means of a multidisciplinary coupled design involving mechanical engineering, electronics, mechanics, and thermodynamics. Based on the precision assembling and welding technology of large-size microwave substrates and connectors, an integrated welding solution for ultra-miniature push-in connectors, printed circuit boards and structural base plates is proposed to improve the rigidity and flatness of the array surface.A lightweight active module with high thermal conductivity is achieved by comprehensively utilizing multi-functional integrated chips, silicon-aluminum alloy materials, and laser sealing technologies. Results of prototype testing show that the electromechanical performance, rigidity and thermal design of the antenna all meet the required specifications, providing important reference for the multi-functional integrated design of active phased array antennas for airship-borne and airborne applications.