True time-delay beamsteering for radar

Abstract

This paper showcases the benefits of true time-delay beamsteering for radar systems. The basics of array factor are reviewed and the problem of beam squint over wide bandwidths is shown. Available technologies to implement time-delay are discussed including RF photonics, MEMS, and MMICs. Finally, measured antenna pattern data from a MMIC-based time-delay module is presented, showing a lack of beam squint across 2 GHz instantaneous bandwidth.