Heterogeneously Integrated Phased Array Antennas

Phased array antennas have been widely applied in wireless communication and radar systems. With the development of semiconductor technology, integration and packaging technologies as well as digital processing capability, phased array antennas have gone through several developing phases and call for higher-level integration requirements. This paper presents a review on modern heterogeneously integrated phased arrays, elaborating on the integration requirements, challenges and implementation approaches. Firstly, the basic architectures of phased arrays are introduced. The main applications and new directions of modern phased arrays are subsequently discussed and associated with various key integration technologies, exhibiting the evolution trend towards heterogeneous integration. Secondly, integration of analog phased arrays is presented comprehensively with active phased array in tile style as the mainstream solution. Thirdly, digital arrays are discussed marking the future trend of phased arrays and exhibits the increasing needs for fully integrated mixed-signal circuits with both analog and digital functionalities. Key technologies associated with modern phased arrays are discussed. Calibration approaches concerning the practical performance of overall phased array system are highlighted and discussed in detail. Finally, the conclusion is drawn summarizing the future trend of heterogeneous integrated phased arrays as well as the prospects and challenges that lie ahead.