WIDEBAND ELEMENT SPACING AND WEIGHTING
Abstract
This study was initiated to determine the effects of antenna element weighting (amplitude control) and spacing on the signal-to-noise ratio of wideband systems. The initial analysis is directed toward the linear array operating in an environment of white noise, uniformly distributed in space. These confinements are later removed to illustrate application to planar arrays, and non-uniform noise conditions. It is shown that the signal-to-noise ratio of an antenna system operating in a uniform noise environment is optimized when the array directivity is maximum. Optimization involves the application of a specific illumination function which can be achieved by element weighting, element spacing, or a combination. The application of wideband signals modifies the array pattern in the time space domain. Although the nature of the modification is dependent on waveform, the sidelobe displacement in time and space is a function of the number of elements comprising the array. An iterative technique of mathematical analysis is developed which permits solutions to large array problems where matrix inversion is difficult. Several examples of possible applications of the analysis are presented including a spectral detection technique, an approach to secure communications, and a concept of array adaptation to a non-uniform noise environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0819153
Entities
People
- Philip L. Randolph
- Wilfred E. Schneider
- William E. Rupp