Phased array antenna architecture

An antenna comprising:

• a housing;
• and
• a set of antenna array core modules located in the housing, wherein each antenna array core comprises:
• a plurality of radio frequency modules;
• a control layer capable of distributing control signals to the plurality of radio frequency modules;
• a mounting layer, wherein the plurality of radio frequency modules are attached to an upper surface of the mounting layer and is made from a heat conductive material capable of cooling the plurality of radio frequency modules, wherein the mounting plate further comprises:
• a pressure plate, wherein the plurality of radio frequency modules are attached to the pressure plate in which an upper surface of the pressure plate is the upper surface of the mounting layer;
• and
• a cold plate having a plurality of channels through which the plurality of bullet connectors extend, wherein a top surface of the cold plate contacts a bottom surface of the pressure plate and wherein the heat is conducted from the plurality of modules, through the pressure plate to the cold plate;
• and
• a signal distribution layer located below the mounting layer, wherein the signal distribution layer is capable of transmitting radio frequency signals to the plurality of radio frequency modules and wherein the arrangement of the plurality of radio frequency modules on the mounting layer, the control layer, and the wave distribution network form a layered architecture for the antenna core.

A radio frequency module comprising:

• a structural element having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is opposite to the second end;
• an antenna radiator board attached to the first end of the structural element, wherein the antenna radiator board includes a plurality of radio frequency radiating elements;
• a plurality of circuits attached to the structural element and electrically connected to the antenna integrated printed wiring board, wherein the plurality of circuits are capable of controlling radio frequency signals radiated by the plurality of radio frequency radiating elements in the antenna radiator board;
• a divider network having a single input and a plurality of outputs, wherein the divider network is attached to the structural element and is electrically connected to the plurality of circuits, the divider network conducts radio frequency signals received from the single input to the plurality of outputs, which are connected to the plurality of circuits in the ceramic package at the plurality of outputs;
• and
• a set of flexible circuits having a first end and a second end, wherein the set of flexible circuits have a plurality of circuit pads located on the second end of the structural element and a plurality of connections at the second end of the flex circuit in which the plurality of connections are electrically connected to the plurality of circuits, wherein the set of flexible circuits are connected to the second end in a manner that a surface of the second is exposed to form an exposed surface on the second end such that the exposed surface dissipates heat in an amount sufficient to maintain a selected operating temperature.