Integrated C-band Antenna-Feed Motherboard Design

This study designed a 16-channel C-band integrated antenna feed motherboard. The proposed design integrates chip-based T/R components, multi-channel differential transceivers, DC conversion modules, and patch radiator arrays into a single entity, utilizing integrated design and manufacturing technology. This results in a fully integrated signal transmission network. The dimensions of the integrated motherboard are 120 mm × 157.5 mm × 16 mm, with a compact form factor. Experimental testing demonstrates that the passive RF network achieves excellent amplitude and phase consistency, with values better than ±0.25 dB and ±2°, respectively. The active receive chain also exhibits superior performance, with amplitude and phase consistency better than ±2 dB and ±15°, respectively, meeting the system's performance requirements. Additionally, the incorporation of a miniaturized strip-line elliptic low-pass filter in the inner-layer feed printed circuit lines effectively suppresses third-order harmonics, with suppression performance better than 40 dB. The antenna-feed integrated motherboard combines high integration, multi-functionality, and cost-effectiveness, making it a highly practical solution for engineering applications. Its design and performance demonstrate significant potential for use in advanced multi-functional RF systems.