VPP Processed Variable Phase Controller for Array Antenna Scanning

Abstract

An appropriate configuration of the magnetic bias geometry used in waveguide based phase control sections can help to reduce size, bulk and energy utilization. In this paper ferrite inserts for a toroidal phase controller are fabricated using a viscous plastic processing method. This technique has been exploited to produce a low reluctance magnetic geometry that avoids machining. The magnetostatic result for the bias geometry has been computed and used to analyze the phase control characteristics of a twin toroid phase controller. The microwave response in terms of S-Parameter over 8-12 GHz for various magnetization levels has been measured. The insertion loss of less than 1.1 dB has been achieved. The reflection coefficient (<22 dB) has been experimentally verified.