A scalable planar 2-D active array antenna configuration that can realize amplified radiation through co-existing active devices is proposed, studied, and demonstrated in this work. The input and output of these amplifying active devices are directly integrated with the feed network and array elements, respectively, thereby eliminating the matching networks typically required in an amplifier circuit. A comprehensive analysis of the rectangular patch antenna (RPA) performance with different feeding techniques is initially analyzed and the choice of nonradiating edge feed RPA as array elements is justified for not only realizing the maximum radiation efficiency but also facilitating the direct active device integration. Subsequently, a physical arrangement of these array elements is devised to reduce cross-polarization. The design of $4\times {2}$ active array antenna unit cell operating at 5.8 GHz is then discussed through extensive analysis of active devices, optimization procedure, potential excitation signal control, and influence of faulty transistors. From simulations, this active array scheme has realized a higher matching bandwidth and exhibited an amplifier gain of around 13.6 dB, compared with its passive counterpart. Eventually, these unit cells are integrated through an equal power hybrid feed network for realizing an $8\times {8}$ active array antenna configuration that is fabricated and measured. The measured results of the experimental prototype match reasonably well with the simulation results, thereby confirming the proposed integration technique. The resulting paralleled configuration promises efficient handling of greater powers, making them suitable for high-power applications.

中文翻译：

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集成分布式放大晶体管的可扩展平面有源阵列天线，适用于高功率应用


这项工作提出、研究和演示了一种可扩展的平面二维有源阵列天线配置，可以通过共存的有源器件实现放大辐射。这些放大有源器件的输入和输出分别直接与馈电网络和阵列元件集成，从而消除了放大器电路中通常需要的匹配网络。对不同馈电技术的矩形贴片天线（RPA）性能进行了初步分析，并证明选择非辐射边缘馈电 RPA 作为阵列元件不仅可以实现最大辐射效率，而且有利于直接有源器件集成。随后，设计了这些阵列元件的物理布置以减少交叉极化。然后通过对有源器件、优化过程、潜在激励信号控制和故障晶体管的影响的广泛分析，讨论了工作在 5.8 GHz 的 4\times {2}$ 有源阵列天线单元的设计。从仿真来看，与无源阵列方案相比，这种有源阵列方案实现了更高的匹配带宽，并且放大器增益约为 13.6 dB。最终，这些单元通过等功率混合馈电网络集成，以实现制造和测量的 $8\times {8}$ 有源阵列天线配置。实验原型的测量结果与仿真结果相当吻合，从而证实了所提出的集成技术。由此产生的并联配置有望有效处理更大的功率，使其适合高功率应用。