Phased-Array Radar Systems: Offers Tracking and Surveillance Benefits
While phased-array radar systems were originally conceived for use in military radar systems, phased-array radar systems are now widely used and have spread to civilian applications such as 5G MIMO for cellphones.
The advantages of phased-array radar systems are substantial. For starters, phased-array radar systems offer higher directivity because of the number of elements in an array.
Phased-array radar systems also provide electronic steering. This means cumbersome mechanical steering using servo motors can be avoided. In fact, the beam can be moved in the desired direction in less than milliseconds.
Used for both tracking and surveillance, phased-array radar systems can emit multiple beams simultaneously to deliver multifunction operations. Beam steering is possible in two planes using planar array configuration. Digital beamforming is also possible.
Additionally, advances in data converter technologies with advanced process nodes have made direct sampling of RF frequencies possible. A variation of this is hybrid beamforming where sub-arrays are created, each having its own signal processing and data converters.
Phased-array radar systems engineering comes with specific terminology such as “focal law” that needs to be learned and understood.
Focal law is a mathematical formula used for firing the phased array instrument. More generally, a file containing the entire set of hardware and software parameters for phased array operation, which defines the elements to be fired, time delays, voltages, for both the transmitter and receiver functions.
Electronic scan is another important term. Also termed an E-scan, swept index point, or electronic raster scanning, E-scans are performed at a constant angle and along the phased array probe length. E-scans are equivalent to a conventional ultrasonic probe performing a raster scan. For angle beam scans, the Focal Law typically compensates for the change in wedge thickness.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Phased-Array Radar Systems Engineering Bootcamp, a 3-day course that covers phased array radar principles, latest technological developments, software, system analysis, requirements, architecture, design and operation. Examine major subsystems and associated technologies with specialists in those areas.
Participants will learn about principles and the technology of the phased array antenna and radar system engineering, analysis, design, performance and implementation, verification and validation, and operation and maintenance.
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.