Digital phased arrays: Are they worth the cost?

Abstract

“Digital at every element” (elemental digital) arrays have many compelling advantages, at least in theory. A persistent drawback of elemental digital arrays has been their perceived high costs and the challenges of placing high performance data converters at each element. New device technologies and fabrication lines are beginning to break down the cost challenge, making elemental digital arrays of any size worthy of consideration for a wide variety of applications.