Design of a Secondary Power Supply for a Ka-Band AESA

DOI: 10.21293/1818-0442-2026-29-2-39-47

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Abstract: Relevance. The development of compact and energy‐efficient power supplies with a low level of electromagnetic interference is a critical task in the design of modern Ka‐band active phased array radar (AESA) transceiver modules. Purpose of the study. This study aims to develop and substantiate circuit‐design solutions for the construction of a secondary power supply intended for Ka‐band AESA. Methods. The research employed methods of circuit design, multi‐criteria selection of electronic components based on weight coefficients, and computer SPICE simulation of electrical circuit operation modes taking into account the parasitic parameters of components. Scientific novelty. A two‐level distributed power supply architecture is proposed and justified, featuring physical separation of intermediate bus channels and the integration of high‐frequency synchronous converters in an inverting configuration. This topology effectively minimizes the impact of common‐impedance coupling interference on sensitive microwave circuits. Results. A microcontroller‐based algorithmic control system for power‐up sequencing has been developed to prevent the electrical breakdown of microwave transistors. Simulation results confirm a power‐stage efficiency of 86-91% at output currents up to 15 A, while the ripple amplitude on low‐voltage channels does not exceed 15 mV. Practical significance. The proposed circuit solutions can be implemented in the design of onboard equipment and small‐sized radar systems to ensure high reliability and electromagnetic compatibility within densely integrated antenna array modules.

Keywords: DC/DC-converter, electromagnetic compatibility, circuit simulation, power sequencing, microcontroller, energy efficiency, secondary power supply, AESA

For citation:
Zotov F. A., Merkulov A. A., Tsitovich A. A. Design of a Secondary Power Supply for a Ka-Band AESA. Doklady Tomskogo gosudarstvennogo universiteta sistem upravleniya i radioelektroniki, 2026, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 39–47. DOI: 10.21293/1818-0442-2026-29-2-39-47

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