Specific Features of Multibeam Directional Patterns in Analog-Digitial Active Phased Antenna Arrays

Abstract

Formation of multibeam directional patterns in active phased antenna arrays (APAAs) with the known analog-digital signal control at the emitters is considered. Numerical simulation is used to study dynamics of interference of partial directional patterns (DPs) that leads to distortions and angular shift of the maxima and effects related to amplitude modulation of the emitter signals. A method to decrease the level of the DP side lobes using a system that forms intersecting subapertures in which a step of the digital-level subarray is less than the step of the analog-level subarray is proposed. Effect of peak correction of signal amplitudes at the emitters on the partial DPs of the multibeam APAA is studied.