A Lossless Beam-Forming Network for Linear Arrays Based on Overlapped Sub-Arrays

A novel lossless beam-forming network (BFN) architecture for limited field of view and multi-beam linear arrays is introduced. The BFN, which is based on the overlapped sub-array technique, presents a number of advantages if compared to previous architectures. The most attractive feature consists in a substantial reduction of the number of control elements and associated active devices (i.e., amplifiers, variable phase shifters, etc.). This advantage is achieved adopting a lossless topology with reduced implementation complexity together with a rigorous and analytical design methodology which allows to fully define the BFN at architectural level and to optimize the sub-array radiation pattern in a least mean square error sense.

[1]  R. Mailloux,et al.  An overlapped subarray for limited scan application , 1974 .

[2]  R. Mailloux,et al.  An array technique with grating-lobe suppression for limited-scan applications , 1972 .

[3]  S.M. Duffy,et al.  Design considerations and results for an overlapped subarray radar antenna , 2005, 2005 IEEE Aerospace Conference.

[4]  R. Mailloux.  Array and subarray pattern control features of subarraying feeds , 1981 .

[5]  Robert J. Mailloux,et al.  Wideband arrays using irregular (polyomino) shaped subarrays , 2006 .

[6]  Allen S. Dunbar.  On the Theory of Antenna Beam Shaping , 1952 .

[7]  Piero Angeletti,et al.  Beam Forming Networks Design Using Bi-dimensional Double Fast Fourier Transforms , 2008 .

[8]  Robert J. Mailloux,et al.  Phased Array Antenna Handbook , 1993 .

[9]  G. Borgiotti.  An antenna for limited scan in one plane: Design criteria and numerical simulation , 1977 .

[10]  G. Borgiotti.  Degrees of freedom of an antenna scanned in a limited sector , 1975 .

[11]  E. Dufort.  Constrained feeds for limited scan arrays , 1978 .

[12]  Piero Angeletti,et al.  Skobelev network optimisation by sequential quadratic programming , 2010 .

[13]  P. Shelton.  Multiple-feed systems for objectives , 1965 .

[14]  P. Woodward,et al.  A method of calculating the field over a plane aperture required to produce a given polar diagram , 1946 .

[15]  Robert J. Mailloux,et al.  Electronically Scanned Arrays , 2007, Electronically Scanned Arrays.

[16]  K. C. Kerby,et al.  Sidelobe level and wideband behavior of arrays of random subarrays , 2006 .

[17]  Энтони Дункан Крэйг,et al.  System for simplification of reconfigurable beam-forming network processing within phased array antenna for telecommunication satellite , 2008 .

[18]  D. Petrolati,et al.  Sidelobe optimization of Skobelev Networks , 2010, 2010 IEEE International Symposium on Phased Array Systems and Technology.

[19]  K.C. Kerby,et al.  Sidelobe level and wideband behavior of arrays of random subarrays , 2006, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation.

[20]  V. Galdi,et al.  Radiation properties of planar antenna arrays based on certain categories of aperiodic tilings , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation.

[21]  R. Mailloux,et al.  A class of phase-interpolation circuits for scanning phased arrays , 1970 .

[22]  R. Mailloux,et al.  Grating lobe control in limited scan arrays , 1979 .

[23]  P. Woodward,et al.  The Theoretical Precision with which an Arbitrary Radiation-Pattern may be Obtained from a Source of Finite Size , 1948 .

[24]  J. Stangel,et al.  Random subarray techniques in electronic scan antenna design , 1972 .

[25]  Jeffrey S. Herd,et al.  Results of X-band electronically scanned array using an overlapped subarray architecture , 2010, 2010 IEEE International Symposium on Phased Array Systems and Technology.

[26]  S. P. Skobelev,et al.  Methods of constructing optimum phased-array antennas for limited field of view , 1998 .