The popularity of phased-array radar systems has mushroomed as agencies and organizations delve deeper into their benefits.
Phased array radar is a phased array antenna (PAA) radar and an electronic scanning radar. If antenna uses electronic approaches to realize the steering or scanning of antenna beam in space, this kind of antenna is called electronic scanning antenna or electronically scanned array antenna.
In line with the beam scanning method, electronic scanning antenna can be categorized into phase scanning and frequency scanning antennas. Both can be included in the concept of PAA.
Phased-array radar devices produce an angular scanning of the horizon without mechanical rotation of the antenna. This can be achieved by a voltage-dependent phase shift in the antenna elements. Such shifts can be generated in bulk ferroelectrics.
Unlike traditional radar, phased-array radar systems can emit multiple beams simultaneously to deliver multifunction operations.
Phased-array radar systems also offers higher directivity because of the greater number of elements in the array. This also allows surveillance and tracking in radar and the beam can be moved in the desired direction in less than milliseconds.
Additionally, beam steering (as well as digital beamforming) is possible in two planes using planar array configuration.
One famous phased-array radar system is AN/FPS-85 in Florida, a device used for space target tracking. The working frequency is 442 MHz, the effective receiving beam width is 0.8 degree, the azimuth angle in the searching space is 102 degrees, the elevation angle is 105 degrees, and the detection range is up to 4000 km.
It can simultaneously track over 200 targets and perform over 10,000 detections against thousands of space targets.
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.