An Array Antenna with Wideband Beam Steering Capability Emplyoing Spatial Signal Processing

Abstract

An array antenna with capability of beam steering in azimuth over a wide frequency band using only spatial signal processing is presented. Filters and tapped-delay networks employed in conventional wideband linear arrays are avoided by using a two-dimensional rectangular array structure. In this array, only constant real-valued weighting coefficients, realized using amplifiers or attenuators, are used to form a desired radiation pattern. In order to estimate direction of arrival of a wideband signal, the MUSIC algorithm in conjunction with an interpolated array technique is applied. In the interpolated array technique, a composite covariance matrix is generated, which is a simple addition of covariance matrices of narrowband virtual arrays, being stretched or compressed versions of a nominal array. A working prototype of this wideband array is presented. Its operation is assessed via full EM simulations and measurements.