Towards a multi-channel scanning RF receiver based on Integrated Photonic

The stringent requirements imposed on electronic warfare (EW) receivers force electronic solutions to find a compromise between the demand for high performance (i.e., wide bandwidth, high sensitivity, and very linear response) and the need for light and small systems. Photonics overcomes these limitations, providing ultra-wide bandwidth, high tuning and flexibility, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. Recent advances in integrated photonics also promise a reduction in the weight and size of these systems, while demonstrating interesting characteristics for microwave applications. In this paper, we present the design and simulative results of a 6-channel EW receiver based on hybrid integration of SiN and InP photonics platforms. A digital feed-forward noise cancellation method is used to improve the overall noise performance. This receiver has a total bandwidth from 0.5 to 40 GHz and an instantaneous bandwidth between 1 and 2 GHz, thus covering the frequency agility of most modern radars.