Advanced Microstrip Antenna Developments. Volume I. Technology Studies for Aircraft Phased Arrays.
Abstract
Work has continued on improvement of microstrip phased-array antenna technology since the first microstrip phased-array was flight-tested during the FAA 1974-1975 ATS-6 test program. The present development has extended this earlier work in three areas: the microstrip radiating elements, the array configuration, and the control circuitry. The effort has been successful in developing important new phased-array techniques. These techniques were demonstrated with working hardware, but a complete array was not within the scope of the program. Radiating elements with broad beamwidths were required to permit steering the array to angles near endfire. The most significant improvement was the development of a microstrip crossed-slot element. Dual-band or broad-band elements were developed to permit operation in both the receive and transmit bands. Several approaches were experimented with, the most promising of which was the use of stacked crossed-slot elements. This achieves broad beamwidth and dual-band operation in a compact device. Static arrays for end-fire operation were investigated, and a 4x4 array demonstrated promise for this application. Several phase shifters were developed; the three-bit switched-line phase shifters gave excellent performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA103837
Entities
People
- Gary G. Sanford