Fiber Optic Feed
Abstract
This report details a Fiber Optic Feeding (FOF) concept for beamforming in phased arrays. Experimental data is presented which validates the basic underlying assumptions. Elaborations on this basic concept are presented which illustrate the power of this new approach to beamforming. All radar and communications functions have a realization in the architecture, including monopulse, multiple beams (on same or different frequencies), beamspace adaptivity (open or closed loop), and wide-band beam and null forming. It presumes an active antenna aperture but uses TR modules containing no phase shifters. Identical TR modules are used at each of the antenna elements and which require a minimum of digitally controlled components. The architecture is appropriate for arrays on any platform and accommodates sparse and/or conformal designs without the necessity of introducing significant microwave modifications. The approach can use existing state-of-the-art components to affordably implement high performance arrays. Of particular importance is the capability of forming time delay beams from an array without the use of phase shifters. (rh)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 06, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA229860
Entities
People
- L. Goldberg
- M. G. Parent
- P. D. Stilwell
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory