Miniaturized TR Modules for Radar Imaging Payloads: A Review of Materials to Methods for Manufacturability

Radar Imaging payload of a satellite has Synthetic Aperture Radar comprising of large number of Transmit Receive modules that form the active elements. These modules essentially have the function of transmitting or receiving the horizontal and vertical polarized signals that generate multipolar beams. To produce reliable and large volumes for onboard use, the need for TR module design to be manufacturable is a critical requirement. In addition, the cost-effective payload requirements combined with weight volume constraints make these modules to be mandatorily miniaturized. The miniaturization uses advances in thermal packaging technologies with judicious combination of attachment and interconnect processes. Starting from the selection of materials with electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties and their suitability for high frequency operations, enhancing the density of electronics for high-reliability performance become the key success factors. This paper presents a detailed review of the materials for manufacturing methods of space grade TR modules.