Distributed Phased Arrays and Wireless Beamforming Networks

Distributed phased arrays have advantages over conventional arrays in many radar and communication applications. Additional advantages are realized by replacing the microwave beamforming circuit by a wireless network, thus forming a wirelessly networked distributed sensor array. This article examines various aspects of a distributed phased array that incorporates wireless beamforming. First, the fundamental array theory and digital signal processing are reviewed. Basic equations are presented and compared to simulations for a ship-based radar application. Next the basic array architecture is described and the critical techniques and components that are required to realize the design are discussed. Methods are introduced for time and phase synchronization, transmit-receive isolation, sensor location issues, and bandwidth and frequency dispersion.

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