Sum and difference pattern synthesis for arc arrays

Abstract

This thesis proposes algorithms for sum and difference pattern synthesis of arc arrays, and analyzes the performance of them. The pattern synthesis of arc arrays have been widely studied because of their omni-directional coverage and mechanical simplicity. In general, the two difference sets of array excitations are required to implement an optimal monopulse system; one for a sum pattern and the other for a difference pattern. The system using two different excitations has a complicate feeding structure and it is hard to make it. Therefore we propose two pattern synthesis methods, modified simple algorithm and beamforming using the convex programming. Symmetry and phase difference constraints are introduced to use a common feed structure for sum and difference beams. Simulation results show that the sum and difference patterns obtained by the two methods have desired low sidelobes. The achievable maximum sidelobe level given the beamwidth and angle estimation error performance of the obtained sum and difference patterns are analyzed.