Spatial Ambiguity and Resolution for Array Antenna Systems

Abstract

The signal ambiguity function is derived and analyzed for radar (sonar) systems employing array antennas. It is shown that angle resolution is essentially independent of range-Doppler resolution in the main antenna beam and that the antenna directivity function can have a strong effect on waveform design. It is also shown that angle ambiguity is appreciably influenced by signal bandwidth; in particular, signal bandwidth can be traded for a reduction in angle ambiguity in an array whose element spacing is greater than one-half wavelength.