Cost Effective RF X-Band Transceiver System Design

With deep expertise in both RF and digital electronics—and as bootstrap designers ourselves—we were well-suited to tackle this challenge of designing a novel half-duplex transmit-receive frequency converter for X-band radar applications.

Leveraging our experience in RF system architecture and focused discussions with the client, we rapidly identified a cost-efficient approach and handed over a prototype within the small timeframe.

The key: minimise expensive, power-hungry digital components without compromising performance.

How did we achieve this? 

Step 1 – Collaborative Design Discussions 

Our exploratory sessions with our customers are crucial to harnessing the best of both our knowledge and experience. 

By getting as much context around the broader system that this transceiver would be part of as possible, we were able to anticipate the best approach to building a prototype with minimal risk. 

Step 2 – Maximising Hardware Efficiency 

Using our knowledge of digital and RF signal pathways, we engineered circuitry that was both high-performing and power-conscious. A monitoring system continuously controlled RF paths, reducing unnecessary power draw.

The low SWaP form factor meant that the mechanical shielding lid had to integrate very tightly with the RF circuitry. This is achieved using a mix of CAD modelling tools and highly rigorous design review processes between mechanical, RF and electronic designers.

A custom clamshell shielding enclosure was used to maintain good RF performance whilst providing a robust exterior.

Step 3 – Handing Over the Right Tools

To reduce BOM complexity and cost, we used widely available off-the-shelf components. This allowed us to cut part management for the customer and offer additional system features at no extra cost. 

We also developed a simplified dynamic calibration method and a factory test environment for our customer, making it simpler to link to an automated test environment.

The Result: High-Performance RF X-Band Transceiver System with Enhanced Capabilities

Our experience in offering highly efficient power amplifiers, filters and digital designs stood us in good stead for producing a robust and highly accurate X-band transceiver system. 

We integrated high-speed digital signal processing within our FPGA and implemented Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) for the signal source. 

The multilayer and multifunction PCB is a highly complex design incorporating mixed signal X-Band RF and FPGA processing in a single assembly. Great care was required to mitigate cross-talk between different circuit areas and achieve such a high level of functionality in a single PCB assembly.

Used to bridge the gap between a high-speed data converter and the X-Band RF, on transmit the transceiver design uses an AD9914 Analog Device DDS operating in parallel mode to generate radar pulses in an agile and reconfigurable way. 

The signals from the DDS are filtered and amplified before being upconverted to X-Band where they are further filtered. In the wider radar system, this low-power X-Band signal is amplified in a high-power amplifier.

The transmitter supports an extremely fast ns frequency switching scheme to allow rapid switching carrier frequency for the customer to take advantage of antenna squint effects.  Multiple high-frequency phase-locked loops (PLLs) with external doublers provide the required local oscillator frequencies.

On receive, signals are bandpass filtered at X-Band using custom designed thin film filters before being amplified, conditioned and then mixed down to an IF.

Further anti-aliasing filtering is carried out before the signal is presented to an onboard high-speed ADC.

High-speed coaxial GTY transceivers are then used to offload the received data.

Trust us with your RF design project 

We lead every project with engineering integrity and a commitment to stretching your budget for maximum value.

Whether you’re developing next-generation radar, networked sensing, or advanced communication systems, talk to us today.