Phase Shifters and Drivers

Waveguide Switches and Resolvers

Antennas/Subsystems

Phase Shifters and Drivers

Dual-Mode Ferrite Phase Shifters

The MAG dual-mode phase shifter is the only reciprocal latching, ferrite phase shifter that has been made in large quantity. This phase shifter uses a quadrantally symmetric ferrite rod which is metallized to form a ferrite-filled waveguide. The cross section must have quadrantal symmetry so that circularly polarized energy will propagate through it without change of field distribution. The name "dual-mode" comes from the fact that the structure must support two orthogonal, linearly polarized modes for proper operation.

Rotary-Field Ferrite Phase Shifters

MAG analog rotary-field ferrite phase shifters are uniquely designed to provide an unlimited phase shift with modulo-360 degree phase control characteristics that are independent of frequency, temperature, power level, and ferrite material parameters.

Synthetic Aperture Radar Components

Synthetic Aperture Radars provide extremely high resolution imagery from long ranges in all types of weather, day or night. Microwave Applications Group(MAG) provides components for several well-known Synthetic Aperture Radar systems. Among these components are MAG’s Rotary-Field Phase Shifters and MAG’s low-cost Dual-Mode Phase Shifters.

Electronic Drivers for Dual-Mode Ferrite Phase Shifters

Most ferrite phase shifters are constructed from a continuous section of ferrite with the phase shift quantization, frequency compensation and temperature compensation allocated to the electronic driver. The driver accomplishes these tasks by operating the ferrite in a partially magnetized state. As the magnetization varies from negative saturation to positive saturation, the relative saturation of the ferrite is controlled by adjusting the magnetic flux density in the ferrite core.

Waveguide Switches and Resolvers

Switches

Microwave Applications Group (MAG) is well known as a supplier of ferrite microwave phase control devices since the 1960’s. U S Air Force AWACS E-3 Sentry aircraft, B-1B Lancer radar and many other programs have used ferrite devices developed, designed, and produced by MAG. Beginning in the 1990’s, we applied our experience to microwave switching devices. These switches use the principle of Faraday rotation to achieve a unique combination of high isolation, wide temperature range, and reciprocal operation at moderately high power levels. The material below gives a broad introduction to the principles involved, followed by examples of switch products currently being delivered. Our design capability extends well beyond these examples, and we invite inquiries regarding other specific applications.

L-Band Polarizer

This L-Band Polarizer sets a new standard for air-cooled ferrite control devices required to operate at high average power levels. Capable of switching between vertical linear and right-hand circular polarization, the L-Band Polarizer handles 65 kW peak and 6.5 kW average power. Maximum insertion loss is 0.4 dB, with 500 microseconds switching between states. The L-Band Polarizer allows the FAA LRR to switch between polarization modes dependent on weather conditions, providing feedback indicating the proper moment for switching.

Resolvers

Airborne roll resolvers transform data from aircraft to other coordinates, whether looking down at the earth or maintaining satellite contact. Also used where variable multiplexing is required

Antennas/Subsystems

MAG Electronically Scanning Antennas Brochure

This brochure contains general information on a variety of antennas developed by MAG for various programs. More specific information for several antenna systems may be found below.

I-30 Phased Array Antenna

The I-30 Phased Array Antenna is an electronically steerable antenna designed for test range instrumentation applications. The antenna consists of a phased array transmission lens with a space feed, a beam steering computer, and associated power supplies.

Ku-Band Electronically Scanning Antenna

This covers a small Ku-Band antenna designed to provide scanning capability for the terminal guidance system of a ground-to-air missile. Two-axis monopulse tracking is provided over an instantaneous frequency band of 500 Megahertz.

Millimeter-Wave Antenna

The MAG Millimeter-Wave Antenna Subsystem is phase scanned in both azimuth and elevation planes with a beamwidth of 18.5 degrees in elevation by 2.0 degrees in azimuth, and a scan volume of ±35 degrees in elevation and ±45 degrees in azimuth. Monopulse capability is provided in the elevation plane, and the antenna is capable of switching form one beam position to any other within 30 microseconds. Instantaneous system bandwidth is 500 MHz.

Transportable Phased Array Antenna System (TPAAS)

The MAG transportable phased array antenna systems (TPAAS) are a family of ruggedized, low-cost electronically scanning antennas designed for test range instrumentation applications. TPAAS antennas have been built at Ku, X, and C-Band frequencies.