Patent Publication Number: US-2023163485-A1

Title: Signal conditioning modules in phased array antennas

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/283,125, filed Nov. 24, 2021, entitled SIGNAL CONDITIONING MODULES IN PHASED ARRAY ANTENNAS, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     An antenna (such as a dipole antenna) typically generates radiation in a pattern that has a preferred direction. For example, the generated radiation pattern is stronger in some directions and weaker in other directions. Likewise, when receiving electromagnetic signals, the antenna has the same preferred direction. Signal quality (e.g., signal to noise ratio or SNR), whether in transmitting or receiving scenarios, can be improved by aligning the preferred direction of the antenna with a direction of the target or source of the signal. However, it is often impractical to physically reorient the antenna with respect to the target or source of the signal. Additionally, the exact location of the source/target may not be known. To overcome some of the above shortcomings of the antenna, a phased array antenna can be formed from a set of antenna elements to simulate a large directional antenna. An advantage of a phased array antenna is its ability to transmit and/or receive signals in a preferred direction (e.g., the antenna&#39;s beamforming ability) without physical repositioning or reorientating. 
     It would be advantageous to configure phased array antennas having increased bandwidth while maintaining a high ratio of the main lobe power to the side lobe power. Likewise, it would be advantageous to configure phased array antennas and associated circuitry having reduced weight, reduced size, lower manufacturing cost, and/or lower power requirements. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to these and other improvements in phased array antenna systems or portions thereof. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a phased array antenna system is provided. The phased array antenna system includes: a carrier having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a first antenna element and a second antenna element coupled to the first side of the carrier, the second antenna element spaced apart from the first antenna element by a space; and a signal conditioning module including a support structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, one or more signal conditioning elements coupled to the first side of the support structure, and a plurality of coupling elements coupled to the second side of the support structure, wherein: at least one of the plurality of coupling elements electrically couples the signal conditioning module to the first antenna element; and at least another of the plurality of coupling elements electrically couples the signal conditioning module to the carrier. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a signal conditioning system is provided. The signal conditioning system includes: a support structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; one or more signal conditioning elements coupled to the first side of the support structure; and a plurality of coupling elements coupled to the second side of the support structure. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a phased array antenna system is provided. The phased array antenna system includes: a carrier having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a first antenna element and a second antenna element coupled to the first side of the carrier, the second antenna element spaced apart from the first antenna element by a space; and a signal conditioning module including a support structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, one or more signal conditioning elements coupled to the first side of the support structure, and a plurality of coupling elements coupled to the second side of the support structure, wherein: the signal conditioning module is coupled to the first side of the carrier and disposed in the space on the first side of the carrier between the first antenna element and the second antenna element; at least one of the plurality of coupling elements is electrically coupled to the carrier; the signal conditioning module is electrically coupled to the first antenna element via the carrier; and the support structure is spaced from the carrier by the plurality of coupling elements. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the support structure may include a ground plane. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the ground plane may be disposed between the one or more signal conditioning elements and the plurality of coupling elements. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the plurality of coupling elements may include a plurality of solder balls and the ground plane provides at least partial electromagnetic isolation between the one or more signal conditioning elements and the carrier. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more signal conditioning elements include first and second filter elements coupled to the support structure. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second filter elements are configured to attenuate signals within one or more radio astronomy (RA) frequency bands. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more signal conditioning elements are at least partially covered by one or more layers of an isolation material. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, a shielding layer may be disposed on at least a portion of the isolation material. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the shielding layer may be conductive and electrically coupled to a ground conductor of the signal conditioning module included in the support structure. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the shielding layer and the support structure may form a continuous enclosure around the one or more signal conditioning elements. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the shielding layer may include a faraday cage. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the shielding layer may include a floating metallic layer disposed on one or more surfaces of the isolation material. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, a first antenna module coupled to the first side of the carrier includes the first antenna element and a second antenna module coupled to the first side of the carrier includes the second antenna element. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more signal conditioning elements comprise an amplifier. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the amplifier may be electrically coupled to the first antenna element. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the amplifier may include a power amplifier (PA) configured to operate in at least a transmit configuration; and the amplifier may be configured to transmit a transmit signal to the first antenna element in the transmit configuration. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the amplifier may be further configured to operate in a calibration receive configuration and receive a calibration signal from at least one of the first antenna element, the second antenna element, and another antenna element of the phased array antenna system. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, configuring the PA in the transmit configuration may include configuring a selection switch in a first position, wherein the selection switch may be disposed between the first antenna element and the PA. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, configuring the PA in the calibration receive configuration may include configuring the selection switch in a second position. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, a pre-amplifier filter may be electrically coupled between an input of the signal conditioning module and an input of the PA. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the pre-amplifier filter may be configured to attenuate signals in one or more RA frequency bands. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, a post-amplifier filter may be electrically coupled between an output of the PA and an output of the signal conditioning module. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the post-amplifier filter may be configured to attenuate signals in one or more RA frequency bands. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the amplifier may include a low-noise amplifier (LNA) configured to operate in a receive configuration; and the LNA may be configured to receive a receive signal from the first antenna element in the receive configuration. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the LNA may be further configured to operate in a calibration transmit configuration and transmit signals to at least one of the first antenna element, the second antenna element, or another antenna element of the phased array antenna system. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, configuring the LNA in the receive configuration may include configuring a selection switch in a first position, wherein the selection switch may be disposed between the first antenna element and the LNA. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, configuring the LNA in the calibration transmit configuration may include configuring the selection switch in a second position. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the signal conditioning module may be coupled to the carrier and disposed in the space on the first side of the carrier between the first antenna element and the second antenna element and the support structure may be spaced from the carrier by the plurality of coupling elements. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the first antenna element may be included in an antenna module, the signal conditioning module may be disposed within a cavity of the antenna module between the antenna module and the carrier, and the support structure may be spaced from the first antenna element by the plurality of coupling elements. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the first antenna element may be included in an antenna module, the signal conditioning module may be disposed within a cavity of the antenna module between the antenna module and the carrier, and the support structure may be spaced from the carrier by the plurality of coupling elements. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the support structure may include a ground layer disposed at least partially between the one or more signal conditioning elements and the plurality of coupling elements. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more signal conditioning elements may include an amplifier. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more signal conditioning elements may include one or more RF filters. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the support structure may include a ground plane. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the ground plane may be at least partially disposed between the one or more signal conditioning elements and the plurality of coupling elements. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the plurality of coupling elements may include one or more solder balls and the ground plane provides at least partial electromagnetic isolation between the one or more signal conditioning elements and a component of a phased array antenna coupled to the plurality of coupling elements. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the component of the phased array antenna coupled to the plurality of coupling elements includes a carrier of the phased array antenna. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the component of the phased array antenna coupled to the plurality of coupling elements includes an antenna module of the phased array antenna. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the signal conditioning system may be disposed in a cavity between the antenna module and a carrier of the phased array antenna. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more signal conditioning elements include first and second filter elements coupled to the support structure. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second filter elements are configured to attenuate signals within one or more radio astronomy (RA) frequency bands. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more signal conditioning elements are at least partially covered by one or more layers of an isolation material. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, a shielding layer may be disposed on at least a portion of the isolation material. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the shielding layer may be conductive and electrically coupled to a ground conductor of the signal conditioning system included in the support structure. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the shielding layer and the support structure form a continuous enclosure around the one or more signal conditioning elements. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the shielding layer may include a faraday cage. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the shielding layer may include a floating metallic layer disposed on one or more surfaces of the isolation material. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the support structure may include a ground plane. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the ground plane may be disposed between the one or more signal conditioning elements and the plurality of coupling elements. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the plurality of coupling elements may include a plurality of solder balls and the ground plane provides at least partial electromagnetic isolation between the one or more signal conditioning elements and the carrier. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more signal conditioning elements include first and second filter elements coupled to the support structure. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second filter elements are configured to attenuate signals within one or more radio astronomy (RA) frequency bands. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more signal conditioning elements are at least partially covered by one or more layers of an isolation material. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, a shielding layer may be disposed on at least a portion of the isolation material. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the shielding layer may be conductive and electrically coupled to a ground conductor of the signal conditioning module included in the support structure. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the shielding layer and the support structure form a continuous enclosure around the one or more signal conditioning elements. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more signal conditioning elements comprise an amplifier. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, a first antenna module coupled to the first side of the carrier includes the first antenna element and a second antenna module coupled to the first side of the carrier includes the second antenna element. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the amplifier may be electrically coupled to the first antenna element. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the amplifier may include a power amplifier (PA) configured to operate in at least a transmit configuration; and 
     the amplifier may be configured to transmit a transmit signal to the first antenna element in the transmit configuration. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the amplifier may be further configured to operate in a calibration receive configuration and receive a calibration signal from at least one of the first antenna element, the second antenna element, and another antenna element of the phased array antenna system. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, a pre-amplifier filter may be electrically coupled between an input of the signal conditioning module and an input of the PA. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the pre-amplifier filter may be configured to attenuate signals in one or more RA frequency bands. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, a post-amplifier filter may be electrically coupled between an output of the PA and an output of the signal conditioning module. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the post-amplifier filter may be configured to attenuate signals in one or more RA frequency bands. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the present disclosure will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1 A  is an example illustration of a top view of an antenna lattice according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1 B  depicts a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a phased array antenna according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2 A  depicts a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of an example antenna in package (AIP) module according to previously developed technology. 
         FIG.  2 B  depicts a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of an example AIP module according to previously developed technology. 
         FIG.  2 C  depicts a cross-section side view of an example manufacturing variance of the AIP module depicted in  FIG.  2 A . 
         FIG.  2 D  depicts a cross-section side view of an example manufacturing variance of the AIP module depicted in  FIG.  2 B . 
         FIG.  2 E  depicts a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of an example AIP module according to previously developed technology. 
         FIG.  2 F  depicts a block diagram of a cross-sectional side-view of an example AIP module according to examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2 G  depicts a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of an example AIP module according to examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 A  depicts a block diagram showing a signal leakage or coupling loop associated with an AIP module included in a transmitter antenna lattice according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 B  depicts a block diagram showing a signal leakage or coupling loop associated with an AIP module included in a receiver antenna lattice according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 A  is an example illustration of a top view of an antenna lattice including a plurality of AIP modules and a plurality of signal conditioning system in package (SC SIP) modules according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 B  is an example illustration of a cross-sectional view of phased array antenna according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5 A  depicts a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of an example signal conditioning system in package (SC SIP) module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5 B  depicts an exploded perspective view of an example SC SIP module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5 C  depicts a cross-section of the exploded perspective view of the example SCSIP module shown in  FIG.  5 B . 
         FIG.  6 A  depicts a block diagram of a top-down view of an example configuration of a SC SIP module in a transmitting phased array antenna according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 B  depicts a block diagram of a top-down view of an example configuration of a SC SIP module in a receiving phased array antenna according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  7 A  depicts a simplified example block diagram of a portion of the electronic system of an antenna assembly in a transmitting (Tx) phased array antenna. 
         FIG.  7 B  depicts a variation of the simplified example block diagram of  FIG.  7 A . 
         FIG.  7 C  depicts a simplified example block diagram of a portion of the electronic system of an antenna assembly in a receiving (Rx) phased array antenna. 
         FIG.  7 D  depicts a variation of the simplified example block diagram of  FIG.  7 C . 
         FIG.  8 A  depicts a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of an example AIP module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8 B  depicts a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of an example AIP module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). 
     Language such as “top surface”, “bottom surface”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and “lateral” in the present disclosure is meant to provide orientation for the reader with reference to the drawings and is not intended to be the required orientation of the components or to impart orientation limitations into the claims. 
     In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, it may not be included or may be combined with other features. 
     Many embodiments of the technology described herein may take the form of computer- or controller-executable instructions, including routines executed by a programmable computer or controller. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the technology can be practiced on computer/controller systems other than those shown and described above. The technology can be embodied in a special-purpose computer, controller or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured or constructed to perform one or more of the computer-executable instructions described above. Accordingly, the terms “computer” and “controller” as generally used herein refer to any data processor and can include Internet appliances and hand-held devices (including palm-top computers, wearable computers, cellular or mobile phones, multi-processor systems, processor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network computers, mini computers and the like). Information handled by these computers can be presented at any suitable display medium, including a cathode ray tube (CRT) display or liquid crystal display (LCD). 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to antenna apparatuses including antenna systems designed for sending and/or receiving radio frequency signals. 
       FIG.  1 A  is an example illustration of a top view of an antenna lattice  100 . Antenna lattice  100  of the illustrated embodiment is part of a phased array antenna (e.g., phased array antenna  120  shown in  FIG.  1 B ). The antenna lattice  100  includes a plurality of antenna elements  102  arranged in a particular pattern. The antenna elements  102  in the antenna lattice  100  may be coupled to a first side  103  of carrier  110 , such as a printed circuit board (PCB) and electrically coupled to additional components disposed on a second side of the carrier, opposite the first side of the carrier, such as additional components  108  shown in  FIG.  1 B . The additional components can include, without limitation, digital beamformer (DBF) chips, phase shifters, modulators, demodulators, electrical coupling structures, RF filters, or the like. 
     The spacing of the antenna elements  102  in the antenna lattice  100  may be determined by an operational frequency of the phased array antenna, such as a transmit frequency for a transmitting phased array antenna or a receive frequency for a receiving phased array antenna. The maximum spacing between adjacent antenna elements of the antenna elements  102  may be determined based on the maximum steering angle θ max  for which the antenna lattice  100  is configured to transmit and/or receive radio frequency (RF) signals. The maximum spacing d max  between adjacent antenna elements  102  as a function of maximum steering angle θ max  and transmit or receive signal wavelength λ may be determined based on Equation (1) below: 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     d 
                     max 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     λ 
                     
                       1 
                       + 
                       
                         sin 
                         ⁡ 
                         ( 
                         
                           θ 
                           max 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   1 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     As may be seen from Equation (1), as the maximum steering angle θ max  increases from the broadside angle of 0 degrees up to an end fire angle of 90 degrees, the corresponding maximum antenna element spacing d max  decreases. In the case of an antenna lattice with a designed maximum steering angle θ max  and corresponding antenna element spacing d max , any steering angles in excess of θ max  can result in grating lobes. Grating lobes are a special case of antenna side lobes where the signal power (in the case of a transmitting phased array) or the signal sensitivity (in the case of a receiving phased array antenna) of the side lobe is approximately equal to the signal power or signal sensitivity of the main lobe of the phased array antenna. If the phased array antenna is operated at a steering angle exceeding θ max  the main lobe will be directed in the direction of θ max , while one or more grating lobes will be directed at angles oblique to θ max . Grating lobes can result in the loss of a portion of transmitted power from the main lobe of the phased array antenna in the case of a transmitting phased array antenna. In a receiving phased array antenna, grating lobes may result in pickup of interfering signals coming from the directions of the grating lobes. 
     Equation (1) indicates that it is desirable to space the antenna elements  102  close together (e.g., with a spacing less than d max ) to avoid the emergence of grating lobes. Placing antenna elements  102  close together can also increase the total number of antenna elements in the array, which can in turn improve the gain and/or sensitivity of the phased array antenna  120 . However, there are also advantages to increasing the spacing between adjacent antenna elements  102  in the antenna lattice  100 . For example, maximizing the distance between antenna elements  102  in a uniformly spaced antenna lattice  100  as shown in  FIG.  1 A  can reduce the total number of antenna elements in the antenna lattice. Reducing the total number of antenna elements  102  in the antenna lattice  100  can reduce the cost and weight of the phased array antenna  120 . 
     In one illustrative example, the antenna elements  102  may be separated by a distance d A  slightly smaller than d max  for a selected maximum steering angle θ max  to avoid grating lobes at steering angles near θ max  that can result from manufacturing variances. The spacing d A  between antenna elements  102  can impose constraints on the location of various components of the phased array antenna such as the antenna elements  102 , and other circuitry (e.g., amplifiers, filters, beamformers, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, or the like). 
       FIG.  1 B  depicts a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a phased array antenna  120  including antenna elements  102  included in an antenna lattice  100 , a carrier  110 , and one or more additional components  108 . The antenna elements  102  are depicted as being disposed at a first side  103  of the carrier  110  and protruding from the first side  103  of the carrier  110 . In the illustration of  FIG.  1 B , the antenna elements may be included in antenna modules or antenna-in-package (AIP) modules as will be described in more detail below. In addition, in some cases, the antenna elements  102  may be fabricated directly within layers of the carrier  110  (e.g., the PCB) as will be also be described below. In such cases, the antenna elements  102  may not necessarily protrude from the surface of the carrier  110  as depicted in  FIG.  1 B .  FIG.  1 B  also illustrates additional components  108  of the phased array antenna  120  disposed on a second side  105  of the carrier  110  opposite the first side  103  of the carrier. The additional components  108  can include, without limitation, beamformers, RF filters, modulators/demodulators, oscillators, or the like. In some embodiments, one or more of the additional components  108  can also be disposed on the first side  103  of the carrier  110  and/or embedded within internal layers of the carrier  110 . 
     Antenna Modules Fabricated within PCB Layers 
     An example approach to fabricating a phased array antenna  120  (e.g., including an antenna lattice  100 ) is to fabricate a plurality of antenna elements included in the phased array antenna  120  within the layers of a PCB (e.g., carrier  110 ). This approach may be referred to as an integrated phased array or integrated antenna array. The antenna elements (e.g., antenna elements  102  shown in  FIG.  1 A  or  FIG.  1 B ) may include a dipole antenna, a patch antenna, a slot antenna, a micro-strip antenna, a uni-directional antenna, or the like. In an integrated phased array, the antenna elements may be formed of a board layer with associated components/circuitry of the phased array antenna  120  fabricated within the board layer and/or the PCB. In some embodiments the PCB can include additional layers so that radiated energy emitted from the antenna elements and/or radiated energy received by the antenna elements is not attenuated by layers of circuitry covering the antenna elements. In some cases, additional PCB layers are placed between the antenna elements and other components/circuitry within the PCB to satisfy antenna radiative requirements (e.g., certain distance between antenna radiative element and ground plane). The board layer or additional layers may be a special layer that is more expensive than other layers comprising the PCB. The height/thickness of such layer(s) may be (significantly) greater than that of the other layers comprising the PCB, contributing to overall weight and size of the PCB. 
     Each of the antenna elements  102  may be coupled to one or more amplifiers. For antenna elements  102  in a receiving phased array antenna, the amplifier may be a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and for antenna elements in a transmitting phased array antenna, the amplifier may be a power amplifier (PA). For antenna elements  102  in a transceiving phased array antenna, each antenna element can be coupled to both an LNA and a PA. In order to reduce coupling between the amplifier and the antenna element (as discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG.  3 A  and  FIG.  3 B ), the antenna element may be spaced a certain distance from the amplifier or shielded from the amplifier. In some cases, the antenna element can be fabricated on one side of the PCB and the amplifier can be placed on the opposite side of the PCB. Depending on the number of routing layers included within the PCB for supporting connections between antenna elements and amplifiers, amplifiers and beamformers, and other component connections, the trace lengths between antenna elements and amplifiers may become long and/or can have unequal lengths. Long traces can result in signal loss (or attenuation) and unequal trace lengths can produce unwanted phase shifts that can affect the beam pattern of the phased array antenna. 
     Integrated Antenna Modules 
     In some embodiments, each antenna element, associated amplifier, and associated circuitry included in the phased array antenna  120  may be configured together as an antenna in package (AIP) module.  FIG.  2 A  through  FIG.  2 E  illustrate example AIP module configurations. A plurality of such AIP modules may be located in a particular arrangement (e.g., antenna lattice  100  of  FIG.  1 A ) on a carrier  110 , for example, a substrate, board, PCB, baseboard, panel, layer, or the like to define a particular antenna aperture. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2 A , a spacer structure  208  can provide a spacing  212  between the antenna element  202 , associated amplifier  206 , and/or associated circuitry  204 , and the carrier  210 . In some cases, at least a portion of the antenna may be disposed on a first side  203  (shown as a top side in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  2 A ) of the AIP module  200 . The spacing  212  can create a cavity  214  between the circuitry  204  and the carrier  210 . 
       FIG.  2 A  depicts a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of an example AIP module  200  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. AIP module  200  may include, without limitation, an antenna element  202 , circuitry  204 , amplifier  206 , and a spacer structure  208 . Circuitry  204  may be disposed between the antenna element  202  and spacer structure  208 . Amplifier  206  may be disposed at a side of the circuitry  204  furthest from the antenna element  202 . Antenna element  202 , circuitry  204 , amplifier  206 , and spacer structure  208  may be physically and/or electrically coupled to each other. 
     Antenna element  202  may comprise a dipole antenna, a patch antenna, a slot antenna, a micro-strip antenna, a uni-directional antenna, or the like. Circuitry  204  may comprise one or more layers including one or more electronic components, RF circuitry, electronic circuitry, passive electrical elements (e.g., inductors, capacitors, resistors, ferrite beads, etc.), electrical conductive traces, and/or the like configured to facilitate signal propagation between and among antenna element  202 , amplifier  206 , and/or carrier  210  without undue signal degradation or distortion. For example, circuitry  204  may be configured to provide impedance matching. Circuitry  204  may also be referred to as RF circuitry, antenna associated circuitry, passive circuitry, or the like. In some cases, additional layers may be placed between the antenna element  202  and the circuitry  204  and/or amplifier  206  to satisfy antenna radiative requirements (e.g., certain distance between antenna radiative element and ground plane), contributing to overall weight and size of the AIP module  200 . 
     Amplifier  206  may comprise a power amplifier (PA) when AIP module  200  is implemented in a transmitter panel or an LNA when AIP module  200  is implemented in a receiver panel. Amplifier  206  may comprise an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which may be packaged as an integrated circuit (IC) chip. Amplifier  206  may comprise the active circuitry or components within the AIP module  200 . Although circuitry  204  and amplifier  206  are depicted as separate elements in  FIG.  2 A , in some embodiments, circuitry  204  and amplifier  206  may be implemented as a unitary element, circuit, or component. The amplifier  206  is illustrated with a height B. 
     Spacer structure  208  may be configured to provide a certain amount of spacing (shown as vertical spacing in the illustrated embodiment) between a the circuitry  204  of the AIP module  200  and the first side  203  of the carrier  210 , the spacing sufficient for housing the amplifier  206 : (1) to be located on between the circuitry  204  and the first side  203  of the carrier  210 , (2) without contacting the carrier  210 , and (3) to avoid being damaged when AIP module  200  is attached to the carrier  210 . Spacer structure  208 , also referred to as a support structure, spacer, frame, picture frame, solder balls and/or the like, serves to create a cavity  214  for locating the amplifier  206  proximate to or as close as possible to the antenna element  202  to minimize signal propagation distance between the antenna element  202  and amplifier  206  (e.g., to reduce RF transition loss or attenuation). The spacer structure  208  may comprise a structure coupled to the carrier  210  by coupling elements. In one illustrative example, the coupling elements can comprise solder balls that couple the spacer structure  208  to the carrier. In other embodiments, the spacer structure  208  may be formed from solder balls and/or pillars. The height A of the spacer structure  208  may determine a spacing A between the circuitry  204  and the carrier  210 . Similarly, the height B of the amplifier  206  and the height A of the spacer structure  208  can determine a spacing C between the amplifier  206  and the carrier  210 . 
     AIP module  200  and, in particular, spacer structure  208 , may physically and electrically couple to a first side  203  of the carrier  210 . Carrier  210 , also referred to as a baseboard, board, substrate, carrier, panel, layer, stack, PCB, or the like, may correspond to, for example, carrier  110  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A  and  FIG.  1 B . In some embodiments, carrier  210  may comprise a transmitter panel, a receiver panel, or a portion thereof. When viewed from the top, carrier  210  may be round in shape. Alternatively, carrier  210  may have a square shape, a rectangular shape, or other shape. A plurality of the AIP modules  200  may be arranged on the carrier  210  in a particular pattern, such as illustrated in  FIG.  1 A  or  FIG.  1 B . 
     In some embodiments, each of antenna element  202 , circuitry  204 , amplifier  206 , and the spacer structure  208  may be separately fabricated and then assembled together to form the AIP modules. Alternatively, antenna element  202  and circuitry  204  may be fabricated together; circuitry  204  and amplifier  206  may be fabricated together; antenna element  202 , circuitry  204 , and amplifier  206  may be fabricated together, or the like and then assembled together with the remaining components of the AIP module  200 . In some embodiments, a plurality of AIP modules may be fabricated on a single wafer, diced or cut into individual AIP modules, individual AIP modules tested for quality control, and then a support structure may be attached to each AIP module of the plurality of AIP modules that satisfy quality requirements to form a respective plurality of AIP modules. 
     Such modular approach to fabricating, testing, and/or locating a plurality of antenna elements and associated components/circuitry of a phased array antenna reduces manufacturing cost, weight, and/or the like. A plurality of antenna structures of a phased array antenna need not be fabricated together on a single board configured in the desired arrangement and then tested, in which individual antenna structures deemed defective are electrically isolated from the phased array antenna and not used. To account for manufacturing variances, a certain number of defective antenna structures, or the like, more than a desired number of antenna structures may need to be fabricated on the single board, which adds to the overall cost and weight. Alternatively, locating the antenna elements as well as the associated components/circuitry of the phased array antenna within a module on top of a board avoids having to locate antenna elements directly on top of a board layer and the remaining components/circuitry of the phased array antenna within the board layer and/or requiring additional layers in order to satisfy antenna radiative requirements (e.g., certain distance between antenna radiative element and ground plane). 
     In  FIG.  2 B , AIP module  220  may be similar to AIP module  200  except that amplifier  226  of AIP module  220  may be attached to a first side  203  of the carrier  210 , rather than physically connecting to the underside of circuitry  204 , as is shown for amplifier  206  of AIP module  200  in  FIG.  2 A . Otherwise, amplifier  226  may be similar to amplifier  206 . In still other embodiments, as described above for AIP module  200 , circuitry  204  may be included with amplifier  226 . The amplifier  226  is illustrated with a height B, similar to the amplifier  206  in  FIG.  2 A . The spacer structure  208  may provide the spacing A between the circuitry  204  and the carrier  210  as well as the spacing D between amplifier  226  and the circuitry  204 . 
     As noted above, in the configurations illustrated in  FIG.  2 A  and  FIG.  2 B , the spacer structure  208  may comprise a rigid structure coupled to the carrier  210  by coupling elements. In one illustrative example, the coupling elements can comprise solder balls. In other embodiments, the spacer structure  208  may be formed from solder balls and/or pillars. In either of the described embodiments, when the AIP module  200  or  220  is coupled to the carrier, manufacturing variances can result in inconsistent values of the spacings A, C, and/or D. For example, when solder balls are heated to form the physical and/or electrical connections (e.g., during a solder reflow process) between the AIP module  200  or  220  and the carrier  210 , the collapsed height of the solder balls can vary between individual AIP modules  200 ,  220 . 
       FIG.  2 C  illustrates an example AIP module  240  with a manufacturing variance resulting in a laterally unequal height of the spacer structure  208  after installation of the AIP module  200 . The AIP module  240  can correspond to the AIP module  200  shown in  FIG.  2 A . In the illustrated example of  FIG.  2 C , the spacer height E on the left-hand side of the AIP module  240  is greater than the spacer height G on the right side of the AIP module  240 , resulting in the distance F between the left-hand side of amplifier  206  and the carrier  210  greater than a distance H between the right-hand side of amplifier  206  and the carrier  210 . Similarly, portions of the circuitry  204  on the right-hand side may be closer to the carrier  210  than portions of the circuitry  204  on the left-hand side. In some embodiments, the spacing between the carrier  210  and the amplifier  206  and/or circuitry  204  can affect the RF characteristics of the circuitry  204 , amplifier  206 , and/or other electronic components (not shown), such as RF filters, modulators/demodulators, oscillators, or the like disposed within the cavity  214  of the AIP module  240 . Each AIP module can have a slightly varying height and/or tilt relative to the carrier  210 , which can result in performance mismatch between the AIP modules of the antenna lattice, which can in turn degrade the overall performance of the phased array antenna. For example, the amplifier  206  and/or circuitry  204  of AIP module  200  shown in  FIG.  2 A  may exhibit different performance characteristics when compared with the amplifier  206  and/or circuitry  204  of AIP module  240  shown in  FIG.  2 C . In some cases, a performance difference between different AIP modules can result from a non-uniform environment for the amplifier  206  and/or circuitry  204 , such as different impedances seen by each respective amplifier  206  and/or circuitry  204  based on the relative distance of conductors and other materials included in the carrier  210 . 
       FIG.  2 D  illustrates an example of AIP module  260  with a manufacturing variance resulting in a laterally equal but collapsed height I of the spacer structure  208  relative to the spacer structure  208  of AIP module  220  shown in  FIG.  2 B . The AIP module  260  can correspond to the AIP module  220  shown in  FIG.  2 B . As illustrated, the spacing I of AIP module  260  is significantly reduced compared to the spacing D of AIP module  220  shown in  FIG.  2 B . As a result, the spacing J between amplifier  226  and circuitry  204  is illustrated as being uniform from left to right, but the amplifier  226  and circuitry  204  are nearly in contact. As described above with respect to  FIG.  2 C , each AIP module can have varying height and/or tilt, which can result in performance mismatch between AIP modules of the phased array antenna, which can in turn degrade the overall performance of the phased array antenna. 
       FIG.  2 E  illustrates AIP module  270  that may be similar to AIP module  200  with an adjacent amplifier  246 . As illustrated in  FIG.  2 E , circuitry  204  may be disposed between antenna element  202  and carrier  210 . Circuitry  204  of AIP module  270  may physically couple to the first side  203  of carrier  210 . Amplifier  246  may also physically and/or electrically couple to the top of carrier  210 , rather than coupling to the circuitry  204 , as is the case with amplifier  206  of AIP module  200  (see  FIG.  2 A ). With antenna element  202 /circuitry  204  and amplifier  246  located adjacent to each other on the first side  203  of carrier  210 , the overall footprint of AIP module  270  and amplifier  246  may be greater than the width of AIP module  200  (see  FIG.  2 A ). In some cases, separating the amplifier (e.g., amplifier  206  of  FIG.  2 A ) from the circuitry  204  can eliminate the need for redundant layers in the AIP module  270 , which can reduce cost and weight of the AIP module  280 . 
       FIG.  2 F  illustrates AIP module  280  with adjacent amplifier  286  which can be similar to and perform similar functions as AIP module  280  and adjacent amplifier  246  shown in  FIG.  2 E , respectively.  FIG.  2 F  illustrates example coupling elements  282 , 284 . In one illustrative example, the coupling elements  282  and coupling elements  284  can include solder balls. Coupling elements  282  can physically and/or electrically couple the amplifier  286  to the first side  203  of the carrier  210 . Coupling elements  284  can physically and/or electrically couple the circuitry  204  to the first side of the carrier  210 . In some cases, other electronic components (not shown) such as RF filters, beamformers, modulators/demodulators, oscillators, or the like can be coupled to the first side  203  of the carrier  210  by coupling elements (not shown). As discussed above with respect to  FIG.  2 C  and  FIG.  2 D , manufacturing variances can result in the coupling elements  282 ,  284  having different heights resulting in inconsistent spacings between the carrier  210  and AIP modules  280 , amplifiers  286 , and/or other circuitry (not shown) at different portions of the phased array antenna, such as phased array antenna  120  of  FIG.  1 A . 
     In some embodiments, the circuitry and/or amplifier of AIP modules (e.g., AIP module  200 ,  220 , and/or  240 ) may be configured to provide a gain in the range of approximately 25 dB to incident electromagnetic waves received by the antenna (e.g., radiation) in a receiving phased array antenna, or a gain in the range of approximately 22 dB to electromagnetic waves to be transmitted by the antenna in a transmitting phased array antenna. In some cases, in addition to such received signal propagating along the signal pathway from the antenna to the carrier, signal leakage or coupling may also occur from circuitry/amplifier back to antenna. Signal leakage or coupling may cause a closed amplification loop to be created. Sufficient amplification, in turn, may result in generation of undesirable oscillation for the AIP module. 
       FIG.  2 G  illustrates AIP module  290  that may be similar to AIP module  200  shown in  FIG.  2 A  with the addition of a filter module  266  disposed adjacent to the amplifier  206  and coupled to the circuitry  204 . The filter module  266  can be configured as a pre-amplifier filter or as a post-amplifier filter. While the filter module  266  is illustrated as a single component coupled to the circuitry  204 , AIP module  290  can include one or more additional filter modules (not shown) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, AIP module  200  can include both a pre-amplifier filter and a post-amplifier filter. Filter modules  266  in each AIP module  290  included in a phased array antenna (e.g., phased array antenna  120  shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B ) may exhibit different performance characteristics as a result of manufacturing variations as shown with respect to  FIG.  2 C  and  FIG.  2 D . For example, the frequency bands filtered by each respective filter module  266  may be shifted by different amounts for each AIP module  290  in the phased array antenna, resulting in performance degradation for the phased array antenna. 
     In some cases, a transmitting phased array antenna including the AIP modules  290  may transmit more power in frequency bands that each respective filter module  266  is designed to reject. In another example, variations in the frequency bands filtered by each respective filter module  266  may cause a transmitting phased array antenna to transmit less power in the transmitting frequency bands that each respective filter module  266  is designed to allow to pass through and/or transmit power in frequency bands that each respective filter module  266  is designed to block. In addition or alternatively, variations in the frequency bands filtered by each respective filter module  266  may cause a receiving phased array antenna to receive less power in the receiving frequency bands that each respective filter module  266  is designed to allow to pass through and/or receive more power in the frequency bands that each respective filter module  266  is designed to block. In some cases, degradation of the performance of a phased array antenna system due to manufacturing variations can be measured in terms of insertion loss associated with each respective filter module  266 . The previously provided examples of performance degradation may cause the phased array antenna to violate one or more constraints and/or interfere with other communications systems. Illustrative examples of one or more constraints on a phased array antenna may include minimum transmitted power in the direction of the steering angle and/or minimum receiving sensitivity in the direction of the steering angle. Illustrative examples of interference with other communications systems may include one or more of the following: potential interference with geostationary (GEO) communication systems; potential interference with other (e.g., non-GEO) potential satellite communication systems, and regulatory constraints, such as FCC frequency allocations. In addition, there may be other constraints on the system to be defined in the future that can be affected by manufacturing variations for AIP modules in a phased array antenna system. 
       FIG.  3 A  and  FIG.  3 B  illustrate examples of signal leakage or coupling between circuitry and/or the amplifier and the antenna in an AIP module. 
       FIG.  3 A  illustrates an example block diagram  300  of an AIP module included in a transmitting phased array antenna. The amplifier  306  can correspond to amplifier  206  shown in  FIG.  2 A , respectively and the antenna  310  can correspond to antenna element  202 . The circuitry/amplifier  304 / 306  shown in  FIG.  3 A  receives an RF signal  301  from the carrier (e.g., the PCB of the transmitting phased array antenna) through a signal pathway  302  and can perform signal conditioning on the received signal including, without limitation, filtering and amplification. The output of the circuitry/amplifier  304 / 306  may be coupled to an antenna  310  by a signal pathway  308 . The antenna may be stimulated by the output of the amplifier  306  to transmit electromagnetic waves  312 . In some cases, a portion of the energy from the transmitted electromagnetic waves can leak or couple back to the amplifier  306  through a signal leakage or coupling path  314 . The electromagnetic waves returning to the amplifier  306  through the signal leakage or coupling path  314  may create a closed amplification loop. With sufficient amplification by the amplifier  306  and coupling through the signal leakage or coupling path  314 , the transmit configuration shown in  FIG.  3 A  may become unstable and in some cases may experience oscillation. 
       FIG.  3 B  illustrates an example block diagram  350  of an AIP module included in a receiving phased array antenna. The antenna  360  can correspond to antenna element  202  and the amplifier  356  can correspond to amplifier  206 . The antenna  360  can receive incident electromagnetic waves  352 . The incident magnetic waves can couple to the amplifier  356  through a signal pathway  358 . The output of the amplifier  356  may be sent to the carrier (e.g., a PCB of the receiving phased array antenna) through signal pathway  362 . In some cases, a portion of the received energy amplified by the amplifier  356  can couple back to the antenna  360  through a signal leakage or coupling path  364 . The signal picked up by the antenna  360  through the signal leakage or coupling path  364  can be amplified by the amplifier  356  and may create a closed amplification loop. With sufficient amplification by the amplifier  356  and coupling through the signal leakage or coupling path  364 , the receive configuration may become unstable and in some cases may experience unwanted oscillation. 
     In some cases, an AIP module that includes a spacer structure  208  (e.g., AIP module  200  or  220 ) can include shielding conductors to block, eliminate, or otherwise address the signal leakage or coupling through signal leakage or coupling paths  314 ,  364 . For example, the spacer structure  208  can include one or more shielding vias that can reduce the amount of coupling through the signal leakage or coupling paths  314 ,  364 . In the case of AIP module  200  and AIP module  220 , where the amplifiers  206 ,  226  are located within the cavity formed by the spacer structure  208 , shielding vias may be included around the periphery of the spacer structure  208  to address the signal leakage or coupling. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2 F  the signal coupling or leakage between the amplifier  246  and the antenna element  202  may increase as a result of a lack of shielding between the antenna element  202  and the amplifier  286  and/or the amplifier  246  and the carrier  210  (e.g., the PCB). 
     Multiple Module Configuration 
     In some embodiments, a multiple module configuration may be used to address both the non-uniform environment experienced by circuitry and/or amplifiers described with respect to  FIG.  2 C,  2 D,  2 F, and  2 G  as well as addressing the signal coupling or leakage described with respect to  FIG.  3 A  and  FIG.  3 B . 
       FIG.  4 A  illustrates a top view of a portion of a phased array antenna  420 .  FIG.  4 A  depicts an antenna lattice  400  including antenna modules  402  and signal conditioning modules  404  arranged on the surface of a carrier  410 . The antenna modules  402  and signal conditioning modules  404  can collectively provide at least a portion of (or all of) the functionality of the AIP module  200  shown in  FIG.  2 A . For example, the antenna module  402  can include an antenna element similar to antenna element  202  shown in  FIG.  2 A . The antenna element of antenna module  402  may include a dipole antenna, a patch antenna, a slot antenna, a micro-strip antenna, a uni-directional antenna, or the like. The signal conditioning modules  404  can include one or more signal conditioning elements including active circuitry or components (such as amplifiers) and passive circuitry or components (such as capacitors, inductors, resistors, conductive traces, ferrite beads, RF filters, or the like). More detailed descriptions of example signal conditioning modules  404  are described with respect to  FIG.  5 A  through  FIG.  5 C  and  FIG.  6 A  through  FIG.  6 B  below. 
     As described above with respect to  FIG.  2 A , the benefits to fabricating, testing, and/or locating a plurality of antenna elements (e.g., antenna modules  402 ) and associated components/circuitry (e.g., signal conditioning modules  404 ) of a phased array antenna as modular components can equally apply to a multiple module configuration of a phased array antenna. For example, instead of including redundant antenna elements that can act as replacements for non-functional antenna elements in an integrated antenna approach, faulty antenna modules  402  may be removed and replaced. Similarly, faulty signal conditioning modules  404  may be removed and replaced without requiring additional redundant circuitry on the phased array antenna PCB (e.g., carrier  410 ). In addition, with the multiple module configuration, a design change to the signal conditioning module may be accomplished without redesigning an entire AIP module  200 ,  220 ,  260 , and  270  (see the embodiments of  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B,  2 E, and  2 G ) but instead may only require a redesign of the signal conditioning modules  404 . In some cases, the antenna modules  402  and signal conditioning modules  404  may be interspersed within the antenna array. In the illustration of  FIG.  4 A , the antenna modules  402  and signal conditioning modules  404  are arranged in an alternating pattern. Each of the signal conditioning modules  404  may be electrically coupled and/or electrically couplable to one or more adjacent antenna modules  402 . By interspersing the signal conditioning modules  404  between antenna modules  402 , the length of routing traces between signal conditioning modules  404  and antenna modules  402  (and any associated loss) may be minimized. 
     One constraint that can result from the separation of a single AIP (e.g., AIP modules  200  and  220  of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B ) into two separate modules is that the surface area on carrier  410  occupied by a single AIP module of the phased array antenna  420  (e.g., included in antenna lattice  400 ) must be shared by two (or more) separate modules. As described above with respect to Equation (1), the maximum spacing d max  for a particular designed maximum scan angle θ max  can determine the maximum available space between adjacent antenna modules. As shown in  FIG.  4 A , the signal conditioning modules  404  may be designed to fit within spacing  415  between adjacent antenna modules  402 . In the illustrated example of  FIG.  4 A , the signal conditioning modules  404  have shape where the widest width region  413  of the signal conditioning module is less than the spacing  415  between adjacent antenna modules  402 . The signal conditioning modules  404  can have any shape, such as rectangle, square, round, oval, or the like without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG.  4 B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the phased array antenna  420 , which includes the antenna lattice  400  shown in  FIG.  4 A . In the illustrated example, the signal conditioning modules  404  have a height  407  that is less than the antenna module height  409  of the antenna modules  402 . In some cases, the antenna module height  409  may be constrained by a minimum distance between the antenna element in the antenna module  402  and one or more conductive layers, such as ground layers, power planes, routing layers, or the like included as part of the carrier  410 . In some cases, because the signal conditioning elements included in signal conditioning modules  404  do not need to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic waves over the air, the height of the signal conditioning modules  404  may not be similarly constrained by minimum spacing to the carrier  410 , allowing for the signal conditioning modules  404  to be smaller in height and formed from fewer PCB layers. In some embodiments, the signal conditioning modules  404  can have the same height and/or greater height compared to the antenna modules  402  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some cases, the overall weight of a signal conditioning module  404  and an antenna module  402  can be less than a single AIP module  200 ,  220  that provides effectively the same functionality. This can be achieved by obviating the need for redundant layers to provide physical separation between the amplifier module and the antenna element in an AIP, as described above with respect to AIP module  200  shown in  FIG.  2 A  above.  FIG.  4 B  also illustrates additional components  408  disposed on a second side  405  of the carrier  410  opposite the first side  403  of the carrier. The additional components  408  can include, without limitation, beamformers, RF filters, modulators/demodulators, oscillators, or the like. 
       FIG.  5 A  depicts a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of an example signal conditioning system in package (SCSIP) module  500  (e.g., signal conditioning modules  404 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. SCSIP module  500  may include, without limitation, one or more signal conditioning elements  502 , support structure  504 , isolation material  506 , shield  508 , and coupling elements  512 . The one or more signal conditioning elements  502  may be disposed at a first side  503  of the support structure  504 . Coupling elements  512  may be disposed at a second side  505  of the support structure  504 , opposite the first side  503  of the support structure  504 . In some cases, the SCSIP module  500  can optionally include a second isolation material  514  disposed at the second side  505  of the support structure  504 . 
     Signal conditioning elements  502  can include one or more electrical components, RF circuitry, electronic circuitry, passive electrical elements (e.g., inductors, capacitors, resistors, ferrite beads, etc.), electrically conductive traces, and/or the like. Although signal conditioning elements  502  are illustrated as a single component (e.g., a single IC chip) coupled to the support structure  504 , the signal conditioning elements  502  can include multiple components (e.g., multiple IC chips, surface mounted components, or the like). In one illustrative example for a transmitting phased array antenna, the signal conditioning elements  502  can include a pre-PA filter, a PA, and a post-PA filter. In another illustrative example for a receiving phased array antenna, the signal conditioning elements  502  can include an LNA, and a post-LNA filter, and optionally can include a pre-LNA filter. 
     Support structure  504  can include one or more layers (e.g., PCB layers) including electronic circuitry, passive electrical elements (e.g., inductors, capacitors, resistors, ferrite beads, etc.), electrical conductive traces, and/or the like configured to facilitate signal propagation between and among signal conditioning elements  502 , shield  508 , and/or coupling elements  512  without undue signal degradation or distortion. In some cases, support structure  504  can provide impedance matching between signal conditioning elements  502  and one or more antennas (e.g., antenna modules  402 ). In some cases, the support structure  504  can include a grounded conductor (e.g., a ground layer or ground plane) disposed between the signal conditioning elements  502  and the carrier  510 . In some cases, the grounded conductor can electrically isolate the signal conditioning elements  502  from the carrier  510  (e.g., from electrical conductors or other materials disposed on the carrier  510 ). By electrically isolating the signal conditioning elements  502  from the carrier  510  using the support structure, the performance of the signal conditioning elements  502  can be unaffected by variations in the spacing between the SCSIP module  500  and the carrier  510 , for example, due to variations in the heights of solder balls as described with respect to  FIG.  2 C  and  FIG.  2 D  above. 
     Isolation material  506  can include one or more layers of non-conductive material. For example, non-conductive materials that may be used for the layers of the isolation material  506  can include, without limitation, plastics, dielectrics, epoxy, or the like. In some cases, the isolation material  506  can have a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that prevents unbalanced forces from being applied to the support structure  504 , the signal conditioning elements  502 , and/or any other components that may be included in the SCSIP module  500  during temperature cycling. The isolation material  506  can form a protective layer above the support structure  504 . For example, the isolation material  506  may partially or completely envelop the signal conditioning elements  502 . As shown in the illustration of  FIG.  5 A , the isolation material  506  may be formed as a rectangular box (or rectangular cuboid) coupled to the first side  503  of the support structure  504 . In some cases, the isolation material  506  can extend to the edges of the support structure  504  as shown in  FIG.  5 A . In some cases, the isolation material  506  may be disposed over less than the full surface area of the first side  503  of the support structure  504  and may contain gaps between sections of the isolation material  506 . The physical dimensions of the isolation material  506  may be well controlled during manufacturing. For example, the isolation material  506  may be formed using an injection molding, overmolding, conformal coating and/or any other process that produces consistent dimensions of the isolation material  506 . 
     Shield  508  may be a conductive layer that is disposed onto the isolation material  506 . The shield  508  may provide isolation to prevent electromagnetic waves (e.g., RF signals) originating outside of the SCSIP module  500  from reaching the signal conditioning elements  502 . For example, the shield  508  may be used to prevent coupling or leakage between antenna modules  402  and the signal conditioning elements  502  as described with respect to  FIG.  3 A  and  FIG.  3 B  above. In some cases, the shield  508  may be electrically coupled to a conductor included in or on the support structure  504 . For example, the shield  508  may be electrically coupled to a conductor on either the top side of the support structure  504 , the bottom side of the support structure  504 , an edge of the support structure  504 , or the like. In some cases, the conductor included in or on the support structure  504  may be electrically coupled to a ground plane such that when the shield  508  connects to the ground plane the shield  508  can also be grounded. In some cases, the shield  508  may be a floating conductor. In some cases, the shield  508  may be a thin film metal deposited on the external surfaces of the isolation material  506 . For example, without limitation, the shield  508  may be deposited using a metal sputtering technique, chemical vapor deposition, electron beam evaporation, or any other technique for depositing metal onto a surface and/or applying a metallic surface coating. 
     In some cases, the shield  508  in combination with the support structure  504  can form a continuous enclosure around the signal conditioning elements  502 . In some cases, the shield  508  may be disposed on the isolation material  506  with one or more gaps. In such cases, the shield  508  can operate analogous to a faraday cage to block electromagnetic waves originating outside of the SCSIP module  500  as long as the gaps are sufficiently small at the transmit and/or receive frequency bands of the phased array antenna to prevent electromagnetic waves from coupling to the signal conditioning elements  502  through a coupling or leakage path. 
     In combination with the isolation material  506 , the shield  508  can ensure a consistent environment for the signal conditioning elements  502  within the SCSIP module  500 . For example, for multiple SCSIP modules  500  sharing an identical design, each of the signal conditioning elements  502  within the multiple SCSIP modules  500  will be positioned at the same distance (within manufacturing tolerances) of the shield  508  based on consistent dimensions of the isolation material  506 . In addition, when the shield  508  is grounded and the support structure  504  also includes a ground plane, the signal conditioning elements  502  may be shielded from leakage and/or coupling with antenna elements of the antenna lattice (e.g., antenna lattice  400 ) on all sides. 
     Coupling elements  512  may be physically and/or electrically coupled to carrier  510  (e.g., a PCB of a phased array antenna). In some embodiments, one or more of the coupling elements  512  may be used to provide connections between one or more antenna elements of a phased array antenna and the SCSIP module  500 . One or more of the coupling elements  512  can also be used to provide electrical connections to ground, analog or digital signals, DC power, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling elements  512  are shown as solder balls. 
     Second isolation material  514  can optionally be disposed on the second side  505  of the support structure  504 , on the same side as the coupling elements  512 . In some cases, the second isolation material  514  may be selected to have similar properties (e.g., dielectric coefficient, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), etc.) to the isolation material  506 . 
       FIG.  5 B  depicts an exploded perspective view of an example SCSIP module  520  according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, shield  508  is a hollow rectangular box with one missing side (similar to a shoe box lid) and has five sides corresponding to the five sides of the solid rectangular box shaped isolation material  506  that are not in contact with the support structure  504 . The signal conditioning elements may be physically and/or electrically coupled to a first side  503  of the support structure  504  and enveloped by the isolation material  506 . The support structure  504  may be physically and/or electrically coupled to coupling elements  512 , which can in turn be coupled to a carrier (e.g., carrier  510 ). The support structure  504  may include a ground plane and/or routing traces for electrically coupling the signal conditioning elements  502 , the coupling elements  512 , and the carrier (e.g., the PCB of a phased array antenna).  FIG.  5 C  depicts a cross-section of the exploded perspective view of the example SCSIP module  520  shown in  FIG.  5 B  across the cut line  525 .  FIG.  5 C  illustrates how the shield  508  fits over the isolation material  506  to provide isolation from electromagnetic waves originating outside of the SCSIP module  500  in conjunction with the ground plane of the support structure  504 . The shield  508  also serves to help provide a uniform environment for the signal conditioning elements  502  in conjunction with the isolation material  506 . 
       FIG.  6 A  illustrates a top-down view of an illustrative example of a SC SIP module  600 . The example SCSIP module  600  in  FIG.  6 A  is illustrated in a configuration for use in a transmitting phased array antenna. The example SC SIP module  600  includes a pre-PA filter  602 , PA  604 , and post-PA filter  606  all disposed on a first side  603  of support structure  608 . The support structure  608  may be a PCB that includes two or more metal layers. The pre-PA filter  602  is electrically coupled to the PA  604  by a routing trace  613 . The PA  604  is electrically coupled to the post-PA amplifier by a routing trace  615 . The pre-PA filter  602  is electrically coupled to a via  612  which in turn is coupled to a carrier of a phased array antenna (e.g., carrier  510 ) by a coupling element (e.g., coupling elements  512 ) disposed at a second side (opposite first side  603 ) of the support structure  608 , opposite the first side  603 . The coupling path between the carrier of the phased array antenna and the pre-PA filter  602  through the via  612  and the coupling element may be considered a first input of the SCSIP module  600  operating in a transmitting configuration. The post-PA filter  606  is electrically coupled to a via  616  which is in turn coupled to the carrier of the phased array antenna (e.g., carrier  510 ) by a coupling element (e.g., coupling elements  512 ) disposed at the second side (opposite first side  603 ) of the support structure  608 . The coupling path between the post-PA filter  606  and the carrier through the coupling element may be considered a first output of the SCSIP module  600  operating in the transmitting configuration. As shown, the pre-PA filter  602 , PA  604 , and post-PA filter  606  are arranged to achieve short lengths for the routing traces  613 ,  615  to minimize signal leakage or loss as well as maintaining an overall width of the antenna module that fits within the spacing  415  between adjacent antenna modules  402  in the antenna lattice  400  as shown in  FIG.  4 A  and  FIG.  4 B . 
     In the transmitting configuration, the SCSIP module  600  can receive a transmit signal from the carrier by the first input of the SCSIP module  600 , the transmit signal may in turn be filtered by the pre-PA filter  602  and amplified by the PA  604  to generate an amplified transmit signal. The amplified transmit signal may be output from the PA  604  and filtered by the post-PA filter  606  to generate a filtered and amplified transmit signal. The filtered and amplified transmit signal may be routed to a first antenna element of the transmitting phased array antenna (e.g., antenna modules  402 ) by the first output of the SC SIP module  600  operating in the transmitting configuration. 
     The pre-PA filter can filter the transmit signal received from the carrier prior to amplification by the PA as noted above. The transmit signal may be associated with a transmit frequency band. For example, the transmit frequency band can include, without limitation Ku band, Ka band, E band or any other frequency band allocated for RF communication. In some embodiments, the pre-PA filter  602  may be configured to filter (e.g., attenuate) the transmit signal in one or more frequency bands associated with radio astronomy (RA) (also referred to as RA band or RA bands herein) to prevent unwanted RA band signal components in the transmit signal received from the carrier  510  from being amplified by the PA. Filtering out the RA band can prevent interference with RA equipment. The pre-PA filter  602  can include, without limitation, a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, a band-reject filter (or notch filter), a band-pass filter, or the like. 
     The post-PA filter  606  can be configured to filter the amplified transmit signal as noted above. In some embodiments, the transmitting phased array antenna that includes the example SCSIP module  600  may be located in proximity to one or more receiving phased array antennas in a communication device (not shown). In some embodiments, the communication device can include both the transmitting phased array antenna that includes SCSIP module  500  and the one or more receiving phased array antennas. The post-PA filter  606  may be configured to filter (e.g., attenuate) frequency components that may be included in the amplified transmit signal output from PA  604  in one or more receive bands of the one or more receiving phased array antennas to prevent interference between the transmitting phased array antenna and the one or more receiving phased array antennas. The receive bands of the one or more phased array antennas can include, without limitation, L, S, C, X, Ku, K, Ka, V, W, Q, U, E, F, D, millimeter band, or any other frequency band allocated for RF communication. The post-PA filter  606  can include, without limitation, a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, a band-reject filter (or notch filter), a band-pass filter, or the like. 
     The SCSIP module  600  may also optionally be configurable to operate in a calibration receive configuration. In an embodiment that incorporates a calibration receive configuration, the SCSIP module  600  may include a via  614  coupled to the carrier by a coupling element at the second side (opposite the first side  603 ) of the support structure  608  which in turn is electrically coupled to the carrier (e.g., carrier  510 ). The via  614  may be electrically coupled to the PA  604  by a routing trace  607 . The coupling path between the carrier and the PA  604  through a coupling element may be considered a second input of the SCSIP module  600  in the calibration receive configuration. In the calibration receive configuration, the PA  604  can receive a calibration receive signal from the first antenna element. In some embodiments, the PA  604  may be coupled to control lines (not shown) that can provide commands to the PA  604  to change configurations between the transmit configuration and the calibration receive configuration. In the calibration receive configuration, the PA  604  can output an amplified calibration receive signal to the pre-PA filter  602  through the routing trace  613 , and the pre-PA filter  602  can filter the amplified calibration receive signal and generate an amplified and filtered calibration receive signal. The amplified and filtered calibration receive signal can be electrically coupled to the carrier through the via  612  and a coupling element disposed at the second side (opposite the first side  603 ) of the support structure  608 . Accordingly, the first input of the SCSIP module  600  in the transmitting configuration may be considered a second output of the SCSIP module  600  in the receiving configuration. 
     The SC SIP module  600  shown in  FIG.  6 A  provides only one illustrative example of a SCSIP module configuration. Many variations of the configuration shown in  FIG.  6 A  may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example,  FIG.  6 B  illustrates a SCSIP module  620  included in a receiving phased array antenna. As illustrated in  FIG.  6 B , the SCSIP module  620  includes LNA  624  and a post-LNA filter  626  coupled to a first side  603  of a support structure  628 . The LNA  624  is electrically coupled to a via  632  by a routing trace  635 . The via  632  is electrically coupled to a carrier (e.g., carrier  510 ) that includes the receiving phased array antenna by a coupling element (e.g., coupling elements  512 ). The coupling path from the coupling element to the via  632  and to the LNA  624  may be considered a first input of the SC SIP module  620  in the receiving configuration. The first input of the SCSIP module  620  may be coupled to a first antenna element (e.g., antenna modules  402 ) of the receiving phased array antenna. The LNA  624  is electrically coupled to the post-LNA filter  626  by a routing trace  633 . The post-LNA filter  626  is electrically coupled to a via  636 , which in turn is coupled to the carrier of the receiving phased array antenna by a coupling element (e.g., coupling elements  512 ) disposed at a second side (opposite the first side  603 ) of the support structure  628 . The coupling path between the post-LNA filter  626  and the carrier through the via  636  and the coupling element may be considered a first output of the SC SIP module  620  operating in a receiving configuration. 
     In the receiving configuration, the SCSIP module  620  can receive a receive signal from the first antenna element by the input of the SC SIP module  620 , the receive signal can in turn be amplified by the LNA  624  to generate an amplified receive signal. The amplified receive signal output from the LNA  624  may be filtered by the post-LNA filter  626  and routed to the carrier by the first output of the SCSIP module  620 . The post-LNA filter  626  may be configured to filter (e.g., attenuate) the amplified receive signal in one or more frequency bands associated with RA. In some embodiments, the SCSIP module  620  may be located in proximity to one or more transmitting phased array antennas in a communication device (not shown). In some embodiments, the communication device can include both the receiving phased array antenna that includes SCSIP module  620  and the one or more receiving phased array antennas. In some embodiments, the post-LNA filter may be configured to filter (e.g., attenuate) frequency components in one or more transmit bands of the one or more transmitting phased array antennas to prevent interference with the one or more transmitting phased array antennas. The transmit bands of the communication device can include, without limitation, L, S, C, X, Ku, K, Ka, V, W, Q, U, E, F, D, millimeter band, or any other frequency band allocated for RF communication. The post-LNA filter  626  can include, without limitation, a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, a band-reject filter (or notch filter), a band-pass filter, or the like. 
     The SCSIP module  620  may also optionally be configurable to operate in a calibration transmit configuration. In an embodiment that incorporates a calibration transmit configuration, the SCSIP module  620  may include a via  634  coupled to a coupling element (e.g., coupling elements  512 ) at the second side (opposite the first side  603 ) of the support structure  628  which in turn is electrically coupled to the carrier (e.g., carrier  510 ). The via  634  may be electrically coupled to the LNA  624  by a routing trace  637 . The coupling path between the carrier and the LNA  624  through a coupling element may be considered a second output of the SC SIP module  620  in the calibration transmit configuration. The second output of the SCSIP module  620  may be coupled to a second antenna element, different from the first antenna element coupled to the first input of the SCSIP module  620 . In the calibration transmit configuration, the LNA  624  can transmit a calibration transmit signal to the second antenna element. For example, the LNA  624  may be coupled to control lines (not shown) that can provide commands to the LNA  624  to change configurations between the receive configuration and the calibration transmit configuration. In the calibration transmit configuration, the post-LNA filter  626  can receive a calibration transmit signal from the carrier by the first output of the SCSIP module  620 . The first output of the SCSIP module  620  in the receiving configuration may be considered a second input the SCSIP module  620  in the calibration transmit configuration. The post-LNA filter  626  can filter the calibration transmit signal to generate a filtered calibration transmit signal and output the filtered calibration transmit signal to the LNA  624  by the routing trace  633 . The LNA  624  can generate an amplified and filtered calibration transmit signal and output the amplified and filtered calibration transmit signal to the second antenna element by the second output of the SC SIP module  620 . 
     While the SC SIP modules  600  and  620  shown in  FIG.  6 A  and  FIG.  6 B  provide illustrative examples, the configurations may be varied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the SCSIP module  600  may couple to the first antenna element in a transmitting configuration and to the second antenna element in the calibration receive element, similar to the configuration shown in  FIG.  6 B . Similarly, the SCSIP module  620  may couple to the first antenna element (or the second antenna element) in both the receiving configuration and the calibration transmit configuration. In some embodiments, a SCSIP module  620  in a receiving phased array antenna can include a pre-LNA filter between the LNA  624  and the first input without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other configuration variations of the illustrated example SC SIP modules  600 ,  620  can also be implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG.  7 A  and  FIG.  7 B  are example simplified schematic illustrations of a portion of the electronic system of a phased array antenna (e.g., phased array antenna  120  of  FIG.  1 A  and  FIG.  1 B ), including an antenna, a SCSIP module, a switch, and a transmit (Tx) digital beamformer (DBF) chip, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       FIG.  7 A  illustrates a simplified schematic illustration of a portion of the electronic system  700  of a transmitting (Tx) phased array antenna including. In some embodiments, the portion of the electronic system  700  shown in  FIG.  7 A  includes a Tx DBF chip  701 , which can correspond to, for example, additional components  108  of  FIG.  1 B . In some embodiments, the portion of the electronic system  700  includes SCSIP modules  704   a  and  704   b , which can correspond to SCSIP module  500  shown in  FIG.  5 A , SCSIP module  520  shown in  FIG.  5 B  and  FIG.  5 C , SCSIP module  600  shown in  FIG.  6 A , or SC SIP module  620  shown in  FIG.  6 B . The SCSIP modules  704   a  and  704   b  each includes a switch  707   a ,  707   b , respectively. The portion of the electronic system  700  shown in  FIG.  7 A  includes antenna elements  702 , which can correspond to antenna elements  102  shown in  FIG.  1 A  and  FIG.  1 B . 
     Referring to  FIG.  7 A , switch  707   a  is electrically coupled between antenna element  702   a  and PA  754   a . Switch  707   b  is electrically coupled between antenna element  702   b  and PA  705   b . As illustrated, the switches  707   a ,  707   b , can be included in the SC SIP modules  704   a ,  704   b  as discrete components. In one illustrative example, the switches  707   a ,  707   b , can be implemented as a pair of MOSFETs configured in a single-pole double-throw switch configuration. Other types of switches can also be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Each switch  707   a ,  707   b  can have a first position and a second position. In the illustrated example of  FIG.  7 A , switch  707   a  is depicted in the first position, allowing the amplified RF signal outputted by the PA  705   a  in the SCSIP module  704   a  to be the input to antenna element  702   a . In turn, the antenna element  702   a  radiates the amplified RF signal. Each of the M antenna elements  702  is configured to radiate an amplified RF signal generated by respective Tx RF sections  727  when the switch corresponding to the antenna element is in the first position. The switch  707   b  is depicted in the second position, allowing calibration signals received by the antenna element  702   b  to bypass the PA  705   a . As illustrated, when the switch  707   b  is in the second position, a calibration signal received by antenna element  702   b  can be routed to the mRx section  732  of Tx DBF chip  701  by calibration coupling path  709 . The calibration coupling path  709  can electrically couple to the mRx section  732  of the Tx DBF chip  701  and each of the SCSIP modules  704   a ,  704   b.    
     Tx DBF chip  701  includes, among other components, a receive (Rx) section  722  and receive calibration (mRx) section  732 . Tx DBF chip  701  is configured to generate RF signals (based on data provided by modem  710 ) to be transmitted by antenna elements  702  and to calibrate the Rx section  722  using the receive calibration (mRx) section  732  and antenna elements  702 . Tx RF sections  727  of the Tx DBF chip  701  are configured to ready time delay and phase encoded digital signals for transmission. The plurality of the Tx RF sections  727  may include M number of Tx RF sections  727 , one for each of the M paths for each of the antenna elements  702 . In the illustrated example of  FIG.  7 A , two antenna elements  702   a ,  702   b  are illustrated as examples of antenna elements  702 . Each of the Tx RF sections  727  may include other components such as a transmit digital front end (Tx DFE), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a low pass filter (LPF), a mixer, and a power amplifier (PA). Accordingly, Tx DBF chip  701  is configured to digitally process a data signal for transmission by a plurality of antenna elements  702 . 
     Receive calibration (mRx) section  732  is selectively electrically coupled to one or more of the antenna elements  702 . As noted above, the switch  707   b  in the second position allows a received calibration signal from antenna element  702   b  to be received by the receive calibration section  732 . Receive calibration (mRx) section  732  is configured to compensate for phase and/or time delay mismatch produced by Tx DBF chip  701 , or other DBF chips in a beamformer lattice that includes Tx DBF chip  701 . By selecting between which of the antenna elements  702  is configured to couple with the receive calibration (mRx) section  732 , each of the antenna elements  702  can be calibrated. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7 A , the Tx section  721  includes a plurality of Tx RF sections  727  and a single receive digital beamformer (Tx DBF) section  725 . Each receive Tx RF section  727  includes components such as a power amplifier (PA), a mixer, a low pass filter (LPF), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a receive digital front end (Rx DFE). In the SCSIP modules  704   a ,  704   b , PAs  705   a ,  705   b  can be configured to perform amplification of the signals output by respective Tx RF sections  728 . Accordingly, Tx DBF chip  701  is configured to calibrate the transmit (Tx) section  721  using the receive calibration (mRx) section  732 . 
       FIG.  7 B  illustrates a variation of the example simplified schematic illustration shown in  FIG.  7 A . In the example of  FIG.  7 B , the Tx DBF chip  701  and antenna elements  702  including antenna elements  702   a  and  702   b  can correspond to like numbered components in  FIG.  7 A .  FIG.  7 B  differs from  FIG.  7 A  in that, within the SCSIP modules  714   a ,  714   b , the switches  717   a  and  717   b  shown in  FIG.  7 B  are illustrated as being included as part of the PAs  715   a ,  715   b , respectively. Accordingly, in addition to performing the functionality of PA  705   a ,  705   b  of  FIG.  7 A , the PAs  715   a ,  715   b  included in SCSIP modules  714   a ,  714   b  can include switching functionality of switches  707   a ,  707   b  of  FIG.  7 A . 
       FIG.  7 C  and  FIG.  7 D  are example simplified schematic illustrations of portions of a portion of an electronic system  750  for a phased array antenna (e.g., phased array antenna  120  of  FIG.  1 A  and  FIG.  1 B ), including an antenna, a SCSIP module, and a receive (Rx) digital beamformer (DBF), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       FIG.  7 C  illustrates a simplified schematic illustration of a portion of the electronic system  750  of a receiving (Rx) phased array antenna. In some embodiments, the portion of the electronic system  750  shown in  FIG.  7 C  includes Rx DBF chip  730 , which can correspond to, for example, additional components  108  of  FIG.  1 B . In some embodiments, the portion of the electronic system  750  includes SCSIP modules, such as SCSIP modules  724 A and  724   b , which can correspond to SCSIP module  500  shown in  FIG.  5 A , SCSIP module  520  shown in  FIG.  5 B  and  FIG.  5 C , SC SIP module  600  shown in  FIG.  6 A , or SC SIP module  620  shown in  FIG.  6 B . As illustrated, the SCSIP modules  724   a  and  724   b  each include a switch  727   a ,  727   b , respectively. The portion of the electronic system  750  shown in  FIG.  7 C  includes antenna elements  702 , including antenna elements  702   a  and  702   b , which can correspond to antenna elements  102  shown in  FIG.  1 A  and  FIG.  1 B . 
     Referring to  FIG.  7 C , switch  727   a  is electrically coupled between antenna element  702   a  and LNA  725   a . Switch  727   b  is electrically coupled between antenna element  702   b  and LNA  725   b . As illustrated, the switches  727   a ,  727   b , can be included in the SC SIP modules  724   a ,  724   b  as discrete components. In one illustrative example, the switches  727   a ,  727   b , can be implemented as a pair of MOSFETs configured in a single-pole double-throw switch configuration. Other types of switches can also be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Each switch  727   a ,  727   b  can have a first position and a second position. In the illustrated example of  FIG.  7 C , switch  727   a  is depicted in the first position, allowing the RF signal received by antenna element  702   a  to be input into LNA  725   a . In turn, the LNA is configured to perform low noise amplification of the received RF signals and output the amplified received RF signals to Rx DBF chip  730 . Each of the M antenna elements  702  is configured to radiate an amplified RF signal generated by respective Rx RF sections  728  when the switch corresponding to the antenna element is in the first position. The switch  727   b  is depicted in the second position, allowing calibration signals received by the antenna element  702   b  to bypass the LNA  725   a  and allow a calibration transmit (mTx) signal to couple to antenna element  702   a  by calibration coupling path  729  and cause antenna element  702   a  to transmit the calibration signal for the purposes of calibration. The calibration coupling path  729  can electrically couple to the mTx section  731  of the Rx DBF chip  730  and each of the SCSIP modules  724   a ,  724   b . As illustrated, when the switch  727   b  is in the second position, a Rx RF signal received by antenna element  702   b  can be routed to a corresponding Rx RF section  728 . 
     Rx DBF chip  730  includes, among other components, a Rx section  722  and transmit calibration (mTx) section  731 , and a calibration computing section  743  including a calibration code generator  741 . Rx DBF chip  730  is configured to receive RF signals received by antenna elements  702  and to calibrate the Rx section  722  using the transmit calibration (mTx) section  731  and antenna elements  702 . Rx RF sections  728  of the Rx DBF chip  730  are configured to ready time delay and phase encoded digital signals for transmission. The plurality of the Rx RF sections  728  may include M number of Rx RF sections  728 , one for each of the M paths for each of the antenna elements  702 . In the illustrated example of  FIG.  7 C , two antenna elements  702   a ,  702   b  are illustrated as examples of antenna elements  702 . Each Rx RF section  728  may include other components such as a transmit digital front end (Tx DFE), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a low pass filter (LPF), a mixer, and a low-noise amplifier (LNA). Referring to  FIG.  7 C , the Rx section  722  includes a plurality of Rx RF sections  728  and a single receive digital beamformer (Rx DBF) section  726 . Each of the Rx RF sections  728  includes components such as a low noise amplifier (LNA), a mixer, a low pass filter (LPF), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a receive digital front end (Rx DFE). In the SCSIP modules  724   a ,  724   b , LNA  724   a ,  724   b  are configured to perform low noise amplification of the RF signal received at the respective antenna element  702   a ,  702   b . A data signal or stream may be provided to the modem  710  and comprises the output from the Rx section  722 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, coded calibration signals from the calibration code generator  741  are distributable to the mTx section  731  by line  753 . In the illustrated example, the calibration code generator  741  can generate CDMA coded calibration signals. Other encoding for calibration signals can also be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Transmit calibration (mTx) section  732  is selectively electrically coupled to one or more of the antenna elements  702 . As noted above, the switch  707   b  in the second position allows a received calibration signal from antenna element  702   b  to be received by the transmit calibration section  732 . Transmit calibration (mTx) section  732  is configured to compensate for phase and/or time delay mismatch produced by Rx DBF chip  730 , or other DBF chips in a beamformer lattice that includes Tx DBF chip  701 . By selecting between which of the antenna elements  702  is configured to couple with the transmit calibration (mTx) section  732 , each of the antenna elements  702  can be calibrated. Accordingly, Rx DBF chip  730  is configured to calibrate the Rx section  722  using the transmit calibration (mTx) section  731 . 
       FIG.  7 D  illustrates a variation of the example simplified schematic illustration shown in  FIG.  7 C . In the example of  FIG.  7 D , the Rx DBF chip  730  and antenna elements  702  including antenna elements  702   a  and  702   b  can correspond to like numbered components in  FIG.  7 C .  FIG.  7 D  differs from  FIG.  7 C  in that within the SCSIP modules  734   a ,  734   b , the switches  737   a  and  737   b  shown in  FIG.  7 D  are illustrated as being included as part of the LNAs  735   a ,  735   b , respectively. Accordingly, in addition to performing the functionality of LNAs  725   a ,  725   b  of  FIG.  7 C , the LNAs  735   a ,  735   b  can include switching functionality of switches  727   a ,  727   b  of  FIG.  7 C . 
     Although the example antenna elements  702  in  FIG.  7 A  through  FIG.  7 D  are illustrated as single port antenna elements, it should be understand that any type of antenna elements, including, without limitation, a dipole antenna, a patch antenna, a slot antenna, a micro-strip antenna, a uni-directional antenna, a dual polarized antenna or the like can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although specific configurations are shown for switches  707   a ,  707   b  in  FIG.  7 A,  717     a ,  717   b  in  FIG.  7 B,  727     a ,  727   b  in  FIG.  7 C , and switches  737   a ,  737   b  in  FIG.  7 D , other switch configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Although Tx DBF chip  701  shown in  FIG.  7 A  and  FIG.  7 B  are configured to transmit and Rx DBF chip  730  in  FIG.  7 C  and  FIG.  7 D  are configured to receive, a DBF chip capable of processing both transmit and receive signals may also be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a transmitting and receiving DBF may include a Tx section, an Rx section, a calibration transmit (mTx) section, and a calibration receive (mRx) section. 
     Multiple Module Configuration 
       FIG.  8 A  illustrates and example cross-sectional view of a multiple module configuration  800  including an antenna module  820  and a SCSIP module  830 . The antenna module can include antenna element  802 , circuitry  804 , and spacer structure  808  similar to antenna element  202 , circuitry  204 , and spacer structure  208  of AIP module  220  shown in  FIG.  2 B  with the amplifier  226  of  FIG.  2 B  replaced by SC SIP module  830 .  FIG.  8 A  illustrates the antenna module  820  coupled to a first side  803  of a carrier  810  (e.g., a PCB of a phased array antenna) by coupling elements  834 . The coupling elements  834  may include solder balls. As described above with respect to  FIG.  2 A , although a separate spacer structure  808  and coupling elements  834  are shown, in some cases, the spacer structure  808  and coupling elements  834  can be replaced by coupling elements, such as solder balls, with height sufficient to create the illustrated spacing between the circuitry  804  and carrier  810 . 
     As illustrated, the SCSIP includes a support structure  844  coupled to the first side  803  of the carrier  810  by coupling elements  832 . The coupling elements  834  may include solder balls. SCSIP module  830  also includes an amplifier  842 , which can correspond to PA  604  of  FIG.  6 A  or LNA  624  of  FIG.  6 B . SCSIP module  830  also includes an RF filter  846 . In some embodiments, RF filter  846  may correspond to pre-PA filter  602 , post-PA filter  606  shown in  FIG.  6 A , post-LNA filter  626  shown  FIG.  6 B , or any other RF filter. Although the SCSIP module  830  includes a single RF filter  846 , a SC SIP module  830  that includes multiple RF filters as well as other signal conditioning elements not illustrated in  FIG.  8 A  can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In some cases, the RF filter  846  can be configured to filter one or more frequency bands associated with radio astronomy to prevent unwanted RA band interference. In some cases, the RF filter  846  may be configured to filter one or more frequency bands associated with other antennas (e.g., phased array antennas) operating in proximity to the phased array antenna incorporating multiple module configuration  800 . For example, if multiple module configuration  800  is included in a transmitting phased array antenna (not shown) operating in proximity to one or more receiving phased array antenna (not shown) in a communication device (not shown), the RF filter  846  configured as a post-PA filter may be configured to filter out components of a signal amplified by amplifier  842  configured as a PA in the operating frequency band of the receiving phased array antenna to prevent interfering with the receiving phased array antenna. Similarly, if the multiple module configuration is included in receiving phased array antenna (not shown) operating in physical proximity to one or more transmitting phased array antennas in a communication device (not shown), the RF filter  846  configured as a pre-LNA filter may be configured to filter out components of a signal amplifier by amplifier  842  configured as an LNA in the operating frequency band of the transmitting phased array antenna to prevent saturating the LNA input with the signals from the transmitting phased array antenna. The RF filter  846  can include, without limitation, a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, a band-reject filter (or notch filter), a band-pass filter, or the like. 
     SCSIP module  830  can also include a shield  848  that can correspond to and perform similar functions to shield  508  shown in  FIG.  5 A . SCSIP module  830  can also include an isolation material  849  that can correspond to and perform similar functions to isolation material  506  shown in  FIG.  5 A . For example, the shield  848  and isolation material  849  in combination can form a continuous enclosure around the amplifier  842  and RF filter  846 . In some cases, the shield  848  may be disposed on the isolation material  849  with one or more gaps. In such cases, the isolation material  849  and the shield  848  in combination can ensure a consistent environment for amplifier  842  and the RF filter  846  of the SCSIP module  830 . 
     As described above with respect to  FIG.  5 A , the support structure  844  can include a grounded conductor (e.g., a ground layer or ground plane) disposed between the amplifier  842  and RF filter  846  and the carrier  810 . In some cases, the grounded conductor can electrically isolate the amplifier  842  and RF filter  846  from the carrier  810  (e.g., from electrical conductors or other materials disposed on the carrier  810 ). By electrically isolating the amplifier  842  and RF filter  846  from the carrier  810  by using the support structure  844 , the performance of the amplifier  842  and RF filter  846  can be unaffected by variations in the spacing between the SCSIP module  830  and the carrier  810 , for example, due to variations in the heights of solder balls (e.g., coupling elements  832 ) as described with respect to  FIG.  2 C  and  FIG.  2 D  above. In another embodiment, when the shield  848  is grounded and the support structure  844  also includes a ground plane, the amplifier  842  and RF filter  846  may be shielded from leakage and/or coupling with antenna elements of the antenna lattice including the multiple module configuration  800  (e.g., antenna lattice  400  as shown in  FIG.  4 A  and  FIG.  4 B ) on all sides. 
       FIG.  8 B  illustrates another multiple module configuration  860  similar to the multiple module configuration  800  shown in  FIG.  8 A  except that the SCSIP module  850  shown in  FIG.  8 B  can be coupled by coupling elements  852  to the circuitry  804  of the antenna module  820 , in contrast to the SCSIP module  830  being coupled to the carrier  810  by coupling elements  832 . The SCSIP module  850  can include amplifier  842 , support structure  844 , RF filter  846 , shield  848 , and isolation material  849 , each of which can be similar to and perform similar functions to corresponding numbered features shown in  FIG.  8 A . Similarly, the antenna module  820  can include antenna element  802 , circuitry  804 , spacer structure  808 , and coupling elements  834 , which can be similar to and perform similar functions to corresponding numbered features shown in  FIG.  8 A . 
     Illustrative examples of the apparatuses, systems, and methods of various embodiments disclosed herein are provided below. An embodiment of the apparatus, system, or method may include any one or more, and any combination of, the examples described below. 
     Example 1 is a phased array antenna system including a carrier having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a first antenna element and a second antenna element coupled to the first side of the carrier, the second antenna element spaced apart from the first antenna element by a space; and a signal conditioning module including a support structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, one or more signal conditioning elements coupled to the first side of the support structure, and a plurality of coupling elements coupled to the second side of the support structure, wherein: at least one of the plurality of coupling elements electrically couples the signal conditioning module to the first antenna element; and at least another of the plurality of coupling elements electrically couples the signal conditioning module to the carrier. 
     Example 2 includes the phased array antenna system of Example 1, wherein the support structure includes a ground plane. 
     Example 3 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the ground plane is disposed between the one or more signal conditioning elements and the plurality of coupling elements. 
     Example 4 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of coupling elements includes a plurality of solder balls and the ground plane provides at least partial electromagnetic isolation between the one or more signal conditioning elements and the carrier. 
     Example 5 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the one or more signal conditioning elements include first and second filter elements coupled to the support structure. 
     Example 6 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the first and second filter elements are configured to attenuate signals within one or more radio astronomy (RA) frequency bands. 
     Example 7 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the one or more signal conditioning elements are at least partially covered by one or more layers of an isolation material. 
     Example 8 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 7, wherein a shielding layer is disposed on at least a portion of the isolation material. 
     Example 9 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the shielding layer is conductive and electrically coupled to a ground conductor of the signal conditioning module included in the support structure. 
     Example 10 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 9 wherein the shielding layer and the support structure form a continuous enclosure around the one or more signal conditioning elements. 
     Example 11 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the shielding layer includes a faraday cage. 
     Example 12 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the shielding layer includes a floating metallic layer disposed on one or more surfaces of the isolation material. 
     Example 13 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 12, wherein a first antenna module coupled to the first side of the carrier includes the first antenna element and a second antenna module coupled to the first side of the carrier includes the second antenna element. 
     Example 14 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the one or more signal conditioning elements comprise an amplifier. 
     Example 15 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the amplifier is electrically coupled to the first antenna element. 
     Example 16 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 15, wherein: the amplifier includes a power amplifier (PA) configured to operate in at least a transmit configuration; and the amplifier is configured to transmit a transmit signal to the first antenna element in the transmit configuration. 
     Example 17 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the amplifier is further configured to operate in a calibration receive configuration and receive a calibration signal from at least one of the first antenna element, the second antenna element, and another antenna element of the phased array antenna system. 
     Example 18 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 17, wherein configuring the PA in the transmit configuration comprises configuring a selection switch in a first position, wherein the selection switch is disposed between the first antenna element and the PA. 
     Example 19 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 18, wherein configuring the PA in the calibration receive configuration comprises configuring the selection switch in a second position. 
     Example 20 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 19, wherein a pre-amplifier filter is electrically coupled between an input of the signal conditioning module and an input of the PA. 
     Example 21 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the pre-amplifier filter is configured to attenuate signals in one or more RA frequency bands. 
     Example 22 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 21, wherein a post-amplifier filter is electrically coupled between an output of the PA and an output of the signal conditioning module. 
     Example 23 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the post-amplifier filter is configured to attenuate signals in one or more RA frequency bands. 
     Example 24 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 23, wherein: the amplifier includes a low-noise amplifier (LNA) configured to operate in a receive configuration; and the LNA is configured to receive a receive signal from the first antenna element in the receive configuration. 
     Example 25 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the LNA is further configured to operate in a calibration transmit configuration and transmit signals to at least one of the first antenna element, the second antenna element, or another antenna element of the phased array antenna system. 
     Example 26 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 25, wherein configuring the PA in the transmit configuration comprises configuring a selection switch in a first position, wherein the selection switch is disposed between the first antenna element and the PA. 
     Example 27 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 26, wherein configuring the PA in the calibration receive configuration comprises configuring the selection switch in a second position. 
     Example 28 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the signal conditioning module is coupled to the carrier and disposed in the space on the first side of the carrier between the first antenna element and the second antenna element and the support structure is spaced from the carrier by the plurality of coupling elements. 
     Example 29 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the first antenna element is included in an antenna module, the signal conditioning module is disposed within a cavity of the antenna module between the antenna module and the carrier, and the support structure is spaced from the first antenna element by the plurality of coupling elements. 
     Example 30 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the first antenna element is included in an antenna module, the signal conditioning module is disposed within a cavity of the antenna module between the antenna module and the carrier, and the support structure is spaced from the carrier by the plurality of coupling elements. 
     Example 31 is a signal conditioning system including a support structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; one or more signal conditioning elements coupled to the first side of the support structure; and a plurality of coupling elements coupled to the second side of the support structure. 
     Example 32 includes the signal conditioning system of Example 31, wherein the support structure includes a ground layer disposed at least partially between the one or more signal conditioning elements and the plurality of coupling elements. 
     Example 33 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 32, wherein the one or more signal conditioning elements includes an amplifier. 
     Example 34 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 33, wherein the one or more signal conditioning elements includes one or more RF filters. 
     Example 35 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 34, wherein the support structure includes a ground plane. 
     Example 36 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 31, wherein the ground plane is at least partially disposed between the one or more signal conditioning elements and the plurality of coupling elements. 
     Example 37 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 35, wherein the plurality of coupling elements includes one or more solder balls and the ground plane provides at least partial electromagnetic isolation between the one or more signal conditioning elements and a component of a phased array antenna coupled to the plurality of coupling elements. 
     Example 38 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 36, wherein the component of the phased array antenna coupled to the plurality of coupling elements includes a carrier of the phased array antenna. 
     Example 39 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 37, wherein the component of the phased array antenna coupled to the plurality of coupling elements includes an antenna module of the phased array antenna. 
     Example 40 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 38, wherein the signal conditioning system is disposed in a cavity between the antenna module and a carrier of the phased array antenna. 
     Example 41 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 39, wherein the one or more signal conditioning elements include first and second filter elements coupled to the support structure. 
     Example 42 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 40, wherein the first and second filter elements are configured to attenuate signals within one or more radio astronomy (RA) frequency bands. 
     Example 43 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 41, wherein the one or more signal conditioning elements are at least partially covered by one or more layers of an isolation material. 
     Example 44 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 43, wherein a shielding layer is disposed on at least a portion of the isolation material. 
     Example 45 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 44, wherein the shielding layer is conductive and electrically coupled to a ground conductor of the signal conditioning system included in the support structure. 
     Example 46 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 45, wherein the shielding layer and the support structure form a continuous enclosure around the one or more signal conditioning elements. 
     Example 47 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 46, wherein the shielding layer includes a faraday cage. 
     Example 48 includes the signal conditioning system of any of Examples 31 to 47, wherein the shielding layer includes a floating metallic layer disposed on one or more surfaces of the isolation material. 
     Example 49 is a phased array antenna system including a carrier having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a first antenna element and a second antenna element coupled to the first side of the carrier, the second antenna element spaced apart from the first antenna element by a space; and a signal conditioning module including a support structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, one or more signal conditioning elements coupled to the first side of the support structure, and a plurality of coupling elements coupled to the second side of the support structure, wherein: the signal conditioning module is coupled to the first side of the carrier and disposed in the space on the first side of the carrier between the first antenna element and the second antenna element; at least one of the plurality of coupling elements is electrically coupled to the carrier; the signal conditioning module is electrically coupled to the first antenna element via the carrier; and the support structure is spaced from the carrier by the plurality of coupling elements. 
     Example 50 includes the phased array antenna system of Example 49, wherein the support structure includes a ground plane. 
     Example 51 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 50, wherein the ground plane is disposed between the one or more signal conditioning elements and the plurality of coupling elements. 
     Example 52 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 51, wherein the plurality of coupling elements includes a plurality of solder balls and the ground plane provides at least partial electromagnetic isolation between the one or more signal conditioning elements and the carrier. 
     Example 53 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 52, wherein the one or more signal conditioning elements include first and second filter elements coupled to the support structure. 
     Example 54 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 53, wherein the first and second filter elements are configured to attenuate signals within one or more radio astronomy (RA) frequency bands. 
     Example 55 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 54, wherein the one or more signal conditioning elements are at least partially covered by one or more layers of an isolation material. 
     Example 56 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 55, wherein a shielding layer is disposed on at least a portion of the isolation material. 
     Example 57 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 56, wherein the shielding layer is conductive and electrically coupled to a ground conductor of the signal conditioning module included in the support structure. 
     Example 58 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 57 wherein the shielding layer and the support structure form a continuous enclosure around the one or more signal conditioning elements. 
     Example 59 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 58, wherein the one or more signal conditioning elements comprise an amplifier. 
     Example 60 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 59, wherein a first antenna module coupled to the first side of the carrier includes the first antenna element and a second antenna module coupled to the first side of the carrier includes the second antenna element. 
     Example 61 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 60, wherein the amplifier is electrically coupled to the first antenna element. 
     Example 62 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 61, wherein: the amplifier includes a power amplifier (PA) configured to operate in at least a transmit configuration; and the amplifier is configured to transmit a transmit signal to the first antenna element in the transmit configuration. 
     Example 63 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 62, wherein the amplifier is further configured to operate in a calibration receive configuration and receive a calibration signal from at least one of the first antenna element, the second antenna element, and another antenna element of the phased array antenna system. 
     Example 64 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 63, wherein a pre-amplifier filter is electrically coupled between an input of the signal conditioning module and an input of the PA. 
     Example 65 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 64, wherein the pre-amplifier filter is configured to attenuate signals in one or more RA frequency bands. 
     Example 66 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 65, wherein a post-amplifier filter is electrically coupled between an output of the PA and an output of the signal conditioning module. 
     Example 67 includes the phased array antenna system of any of Examples 49 to 66, wherein the post-amplifier filter is configured to attenuate signals in one or more RA frequency bands. 
     Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for purposes of description, a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments described herein be limited only by the claims.