Microwave Journal
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The Book End

May 1, 1997

Phased Array-based Systems and Applications

Nicholas Fourikis
John Wiley & Sons Inc.
426 pages; $74.95

Phased arrays are used currently in radar, communications, electronic warfare (EW) and radio astronomy and soon will be commonplace in airport safety and traffic systems, environmental sensing and systems to manage the Earth's resources. This book is dedicated to the radar engineer, researcher and practitioner with an interest in phased-array-based systems and applications. The book begins with a general description of phased-array-based systems and applications, offering examples of the many phased-array systems in operation today. Basic concepts of radar, EW and radio astronomy systems are explained. Chapter 2 describes filled apertures and their ability to generate several antenna beams simultaneously. Far-field antenna patterns and antenna measurements are discussed. Chapter 3 discusses narrowband and wideband arrays and their architectures. Active arrays are explained as well as the dramatic recent cost reductions brought about by MMIC transmit/receive (T/R) modules. Chapter 4 covers the core of phased arrays, T/R modules, their wide bandwidth, small size and relative low cost. The infrastructure required to produce affordable solid-state MMIC T/R modules is described and future cost reductions are discussed. The dilemma of selecting solid-state vs. vacuum tube components for high power applications is presented and a number of vacuum tube devices are described. Recent developments in high power solid-state modules are outlined and the devices are described in detail. The final chapter explains antenna elements, including horns, slotted waveguides, and conventional and bent dipoles. Microstrip antennas such as printed dipoles and patch antennas are described and their performance characteristics are given. Contrary to those that consider antenna design to be a dead art, this book explains the exciting developments that will forever change antenna design and implementation. The ideas are presented in a form that is easy to understand and practical to use.

To order this book, contact:
John Wiley & Sons Inc.
605 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10158
(212) 850-6336 or (800) 225-5945.

RF and Microwave Circuit Design for Wireless Communications

Lawrence E. Larson
Artech House Inc.
411 pages; $89, £68

This book presents an overview of wireless communications standards, digital communications techniques and RF system issues related to wireless communications and low power RF and microwave electronics. In addition, the book covers key circuit areas related to wireless system implementation. Chapter 1 presents an overview of wireless communications, including the market, frequency allocations and technologies required for implementation. Cellular telephony and pager, as well as personal communications services, satellite-based telephony and data transmission, low cost microwave links and wireless local area networks are described. Chapter 2 covers wireless communications standards and RF considerations in implementing those standards in the US, Europe and Asia. Chapter 3 describes RF integrated circuit design, with an emphasis on radio receiver architectures, receiver design and low power techniques.

Chapter 4 discusses digital RF modulation techniques and circuit implementations. The current modulation schemes are described and a variety of circuit configurations are explained. Chapter 5 reviews RF and microwave mixer design and fabrication, emphasizing mixers for wireless system use and practical circuit approaches. Chapter 6 covers frequency synthesizers used in wireless communications systems, with an emphasis on VCO designs, and phase-locked loop and direct digital synthesis implementations. The last chapter explores RF and microwave amplifier design. A variety of new circuit architectures have been developed that address wireless communications requirements specifically, including extremely high dynamic range with low power operation and high efficiency output with low voltage operation. This book is a condensed, practical approach to the circuit design needs of today's wireless communications systems, emphasizing monolithic design solutions. The text provides a good overview and level of understanding that will aid the transition to modern commercial wireless communications system and component design. To order this book, contact: Artech House Inc., 685 Canton St., Norwood, MA 02062 (617) 769-9750, ext. 4002; or Portland House, Stag Place, London SW1E 5XA, UK +44 (0)171 973 8077.