Two-Way Pattern Design for Distributed Subarray Antennas
Abstract
Modern phased array radar uses multifunctional subarray antennas in a distributed fashion. Distributed subarrays (DSAs) have the advantages of more efficient scheduling of track and search functions, rapid steering capability, decreased complexity in digital beamforming, and better angular resolution. However, the disadvantage of DSAs are the extra grating lobes caused by large subarray spacing, which can cause ambiguities in angle measurements and excess background clutter. A possible approach to suppressing the grating lobes is to design separate transmit and receive subarray antennas that have different radiation patterns. The purpose of this research was to develop a program based on the principle of pattern multiplication to synthesize and access the two-way antenna pattern for DSAs. The program, written in MATLAB, allows the user to study the two-way antenna pattern for different subarray architectures. The program was able to synthesize the pattern for isotropic elements, short dipoles, and half-wave dipoles in a planar array above a ground plane. A simulation tool also was developed to map the grating lobe and null locations of the antenna patterns in direction cosine space. Several DSA configurations were examined, and the results showed that undesired grating lobes can be suppressed by subarray nulls.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA567500
Entities
People
- Hock H. Cher
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School