A Low-cost X-band Active Front-end Module for Weather Applications

Dense networks of weather micro radars are optimally suited to yield enhanced sounding of the lower troposphere. However, sustainable instantiation requires leveraging on electronic beam steering within a cost-constrained design in order to reach a point of competition with traditional mechanically steered solutions. Implementation and instrumental validation of an active front-end module for monoaxial beam steering at X-band is detailed as a key component to assess feasibility.