AN RF MULTIPLE BEAM FORMING TECHNIQUE
Abstract
The emergence of the phased-array radar as a contender for the solution of certain radar problems has placed emphasis on simultaneous beam forming techniques. Recent tests and experiments on a 900 mc RF beam forming matrix demonstrated the effectiveness of this technique for use in phased array receiving systems. The matrix forms n overlapping fixed beams in space from an n element linear array antenna in an ideally lossless and completely passive manner using an intricate inter-connection of directional coupl rs and fixed phase shifters. The major advantages of this beam forming technique are: (1) it forms simultaneous multiple beams each of which have the full gain of the array aperture, and (2) it is a passive device which could be made very reliable and rugged. The principle of operation is explained by using some simple matrix configurations. These simple configurations are then extrapolated to 8, 16 and 64 element matrices and some of the characteristics of the matrix are summarized. A sixteen element beam forming matrix was tested extensively in the laboratory and on an antenna range. The physical and electrical characteristics of the matrix are described. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 09, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0262017
Entities
People
- W.p. Delaney
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology