Atmospheric Distortion of Signals Originating from Space Sources

The phasefront distortion imposed on space signals by fine-grained refractivity variations of the atmosphere is an important consideration in the design of large-aperture antennas, antenna arrays, antenna systems for measuring spacecraft position and position-rate, and radioastronomy systems. The distortion caused by ionospheric and tropospheric refractivity variations imposes fundamental limitations on the capabilities of these antennas and antenna systems, particularly on systems which must operate at low elevation angles. The purpose of this paper is to present numerical estimates of distortion imposed on signals passing through the atmosphere. Atmospheric models based on available literature are selected for this purpose.     

圆柱共形缝隙阵列的相位补偿方法研究

对圆柱共形缝隙阵列的相位补偿方法进行了研究。首先根据对偶原理,给出了任意方向放置的缝隙单元的远场计算公式。然后根据叠加原理推导出圆柱共形缝隙阵列的远区场计算公式,并通过相位补偿方法使共形阵列的电磁特性接近于平面阵列。最后对9×9圆柱共形缝隙阵列、其对应的平面阵列以及相位补偿后阵列的远区场实际算例进行验证分析。结果表明,通过相位补偿可以对共形阵列的电磁特性进行改善。     

Superconducting antennas

The applicability of superconductors to antennas is examined with emphasis on the roles of external and internal fields. Six potential implementations have resulted. These are superdirective arrays, millimeter-wavelength arrays, electrically small antennas, matching of antennas, phasers for electronic scanning, and traveling-wave array feeds. Most superdirective arrays are still impractical, because of high Q and strict tolerances. Large millimeter arrays appear feasible, due to a major reduction in feed losses. For electrically small antennas, high Q again limits applicability. However, matching of small superdirective arrays and all electrically small antennas, including large transmit antennas, is very attractive, as matching network losses are greatly reduced. Switched-line phasers offer a major size reduction; phase control by means of temperature of a single line poses some problems. Traveling-wave array beam steering by means of temperature also appears possible. The last two utilize the kinetic inductance provided by thin films     

一种基于角度-多普勒补偿的均匀圆形天线机载雷达杂波抑制方法

采用均匀圆形相控阵天线的机载雷达杂波分布随距离变化而变化,各距离单元的杂波不再满足独立同分布的条件,造成统计型空时自适应处理(STAP)器性能下降。基于此,本文建立了均匀圆形天线机载雷达模型,对其杂波分布进行了分析,得出了空间角随阵元数非线性变化的特性造成其杂波距离维分布非均匀的结论。研究了一种均匀圆形天线机载雷达杂波抑制方法,该方法先通过修正的角度 多普勒补偿(MADC)预处理消除在杂波谱中心处的非均匀,再利用基于导数更新(DBU)技术进一步减小在其他方位杂波的非均匀程度。仿真结果表明了该方法的有效性。     

Reference Loop Phase Shift in an N-Element Adaptive Array

Adaptive arrays based on the LMS algorithm require the generation of a reference signal which is usually derived from the array output. A particular problem associated with this technique is that of a phase shift in the reference signal loop. The effects of this phase shift on the performance of an N-element adaptive array are discussed. It is shown that a reference loop phase shift causes the array weights to cycle, thereby frequency translating the signals at the output. The weight-cycling frequency is related to various system parameters of an N-element array. In particular, it is observed that the cycling frequency increases as the number of antennas (N) increases.     

A new system identification technique for harmonic decomposition

An extended and unifying system identification technique is presented for a class of systems that include all main signal models that arise in the harmonic decomposition problem. This technique unifies and extends the previously developed system identification techniques which are improvements on the Pisarenko harmonic decomposition (or, its spatial dual, MUSIC) as they arise in arrays of sensors. The advantages of the technique and some of its specializations include having no assumptions of stationarity on the stochastic processes involved. Another contribution of this technique is that it can also be used without any resort to probability theoretic concepts, thus bypassing the approximation of autocorrelations via time averages, yielding the system parameters exactly. This technique can be utilized to determine the dominant modes of vibrations of flexible structures as well. An analogy is established between arrays of sensors for target signal returns and those that can be used for vibrations in flexible structures. This enables the results developed for each one of these problems to be applied to the other     

Signal Acquisition Techniques for Receiving Arrays of Large-Aperture Antennas

This paper considers the signal phase acquisition problem for arrays of large-aperture steerable antennas. In particular, long-range signal acquisition is considered for those cases in which the signal-to-noise ratio in each antenna-receiver channel is too low to permit signal phase-lock in each individual receiver. Techniques are discussed which promise to extend the array acquisition sensitivity toward that of an equivalent-area single-aperture antenna. Several acquisition methods are analyzed mathematically and an approximate minimum power threshold estimated for each technique. A numerical comparison between the acquisition techniques for various assumed atmospheric conditions is presented which indicates the limitations on array sensitivity imposed by both the transmission medium and the acquisition technique.     

Effects of finite weight resolution and calibration errors on theperformance of adaptive array antennas

Adaptive antennas are now used to increase the spectral efficiency in mobile telecommunication systems. A model of the received carrier-to-interference plus noise ratio (CINR) in the adaptive antenna beamformer output is derived, assuming that the weighting units are implemented in hardware, The finite resolution of weights and calibration is shown to reduce the CINR. When hardware weights are used, the phase or amplitude step size in the weights can be so large that it affects the maximum achievable CINR. It is shown how these errors makes the interfering signals “leak” through the beamformer and we show how the output CINR is dependent on power of the input signals. The derived model is extended to include the limited dynamic range of the receivers, by using a simulation model. The theoretical and simulated results are compared with measurements on an adaptive array antenna testbed receiver, designed for the GSM-1800 system. The theoretical model was used to find the performance limiting part in the testbed as the 1 dB resolution in the weight magnitude. Furthermore, the derived models are used in illustrative examples and can be used for system designers to balance the phase and magnitude resolution and the calibration requirements of future adaptive array antennas     

Reference Loop Phase Shift in Adaptive Arrays

Adaptive arrays for use in communication systems require the generation of a so-called reference signal, which is usually derived from the array output. A particular problem associated with this technique, the problem of reference loop phase shift, is discussed. It is shown that phase shift in the reference loop causes the array weights to cycle, and also causes the array to frequency-modulate the signal. In spite of this frequency change, the array maintains a maximum SNR at the output.     

Target detection and tracking with HF radar using reciprocal SARtechniques

Sustained research and development at Memorial University of Newfoundland has led to an operational High Frequency Ground Wave Radar (HF-GWR) system for coastal surveillance. This radar system has demonstrated over-the-horizon detection of targets such as vessels, ice hazards and low-flying aircraft, and performed ocean parameter measurements over a large area. The industrial developers of offshore hydrocarbon reserves in ice infested regions have an urgent requirement for the long range detection and tracking of icebergs from their production platforms. However, due to space restrictions, a rig- or ship-based system can only accommodate a compact antenna array. The uniform trajectory and low velocity of icebergs is ideal for Reciprocal Synthetic Aperture Radar (RSAR) processing with long target dwell times. The proven ice detection capability of HF-GWR systems, coupled with the compact antennas suggested by the RSAR technique, can be used to develop a rig- or ship-based all-weather surveillance device for ice hazards. It is also anticipated that the results of this research will allow the use of shorter antenna arrays for many other applications. Preliminary results using real data from the operational HF-GWR system are presented     

Performance of phased-array antennas with mechanical errors

The performance of planar phase-array antennas with mechanical errors is investigated. Errors in array element positions as a result of structural distortions are considered as deterministic and predictable. Detailed calculations for two assumed modes of distortion reveal that their effects on antenna performance are the loss of peak response in the scan direction and the broadening of the mainlobe, while the far-out sidelobe structure remains relatively intact. For large antennas, performance improvement can be expected by suitable phase compensation. Performance of antennas with random errors in their element positions must be treated statistically. Expressions of average directivity and sidelobe level corresponding to arbitrary error magnitudes in element position, amplitude and phase of excitation as well as finite rate of failure of element modules were derived and verified by direct numerical calculations from the antenna directivity patterns. For a planar phased-array antenna typical for space-based radars, the standard deviation of element position errors must not exceed 1% of the operating wavelength in order to maintain a -10 dBi sidelobe level     

System quality factors for LPI communications

Quality factors are developed for low-probability-intercept (LPI) communication systems in order to provide a quantitative technique that allows the system engineer to evaluate LPI effectiveness in the presence of jammers and intercept receivers. LPI quality factors are derived from the system link equations, which describe the signal power gains and losses as a function of system link parameters. Quality factors for the essential components of the LPI system that provide some advantage to the cooperative transmitter and receiver over the jammer and intercept receiver are described. These include quality factors for the antennas, type of modulation, atmospheric propagation conditions, and interference rejection capability     

Base station antenna systems with built-in processing for thereduction of the effects of hardware imperfections

The effects of many mechanical and electrical manufacturing imperfections of antenna arrays can be minimized with an internal pattern database. Such deficiencies are the non-idealities of amplitude and phase characteristics of sub-arrays and active modules. The idea of the suggested method is to store measured pattern characteristics into the antenna's internal memory at delivery and later, during operation, to use this data to support, for example, a beam forming algorithm, or just to create a static optimum. Thus, the antenna "knows" its behaviour. This method is both more cost-effective than a fine tuning of the hardware items on the production line, and often, the only choice, if relatively inaccurate sheet metal antennas are considered; but naturally, requires some active RF hardware. Our tests demonstrate S-band patterns within 2 dB or 3° of the theoretical ones if an EPROM database at 1° intervals is used. The improvement of the depth of wanted minima can exceed 12 dB     

Mutual coupling effects and their reduction in wideband directionof arrival estimation

The performance of multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm using three different inputs over a wideband of frequencies is considered. These inputs are: 1) ideal voltages, 2) actual voltages which include coupling effects and are obtained with the method or moments, and 3) corrected voltages which are obtained from the actual voltages so that the mutual coupling effects are removed. Linear arrays of dipoles, sleeve dipoles, and spiral antennas are considered over 200 MHz to 400 MHz band     

GPS code and carrier multipath mitigation using a multiantennasystem

Multipath is a major source of error in high precision Global Positioning System (GPS) static and kinematic differential positioning. Multipath accounts for most of the total error budget in carrier phase measurements in a spacecraft attitude determination system. It is a major concern in reference stations, such as in Local Area Augmentation Systems (LAAS), whereby corrections generated by a reference station, which are based on multipath corrupted measurements, can significantly influence the position accuracy of differential users. Code range, carrier phase, and signal-to-noise (SNR) measurements are all affected by multipath, and the effect is spatially correlated within a small area. In order to estimate and remove code and carrier phase multipath, a system comprising a cluster of five GPS receivers and antennas is used at a reference station location. The spatial correlation of the receiver data, and the known geometry among the antennas, are exploited to estimate multipath for each satellite in each antenna in the system. Generic receiver code and carrier tracking loop discriminator functions are analyzed, and relationships between receiver data, such as code range, carrier phase, and SNR measurements, are formulated and related to various multipath parameters. A Kalman filter is described which uses a combination of the available information from the antennas (receivers) in the multiantenna cluster to estimate various multipath parameters. From the multipath parameters, the code range and carrier phase multipath is estimated and compensated. The technique is first tested on simulated data in a controlled multipath environment. Results are then presented using field data and show a significant reduction in multipath error     

GPS-Based Time & Phase Synchronization Processing for Distributed SAR

Distributed synthetic aperture radar (DiSAR), including bi- and multistatic SAR, operates with distinct transmitting and receiving antennas that are mounted on separate platforms. Spatial separation has several operational advantages, such as reduced vulnerability in military applications and increased radar cross section (RCS); which may increase the capability, reliability, and flexibility of future aerospace remote sensing missions. However, in this configuration, there is no cancellation of reference oscillator phase noise as in monostatic cases. There are additional technical problems associated with temporal synchronization of the transmit and receive systems. Therefore, highly accurate time and phase synchronization must be provided. Little work on these challenges has been reported. This paper presents a Global Positioning System (GPS)-based technique for achieving successful time and phase synchronization for DiSAR. This technique offers high-frequency stability. More importantly, residual time synchronization errors may be compensated for with a high-precision range alignment method, and residual phase synchronization errors may be compensated for with a subaperture autofocus algorithm.     

Measurements of Phase-Front Distortion on an Elevated Line-of-Sight Path

An experimental study has been made of phase-front distortion in microwave signals sent over a slanted path. This distortion is important in systems involving phase measurements between a ground station and a moving upper terminal. To insure path stability, the upper terminal was simulated by a series of mountaintop antenna arrays. Phasefront distortion is analyzed in terms of time variations in radio range on a single path and in terms of first and second range differences between pairs of paths. The cross correslations of pairs of range and range difference records are discussed, and the strong dependence of correlation on fluctuation frequency is emphasized. Mountaintop terrain effects on the spatial homogeneity of the phase front are found to be insignificant. Some of the phase-front statistics are found to be weakly dependent on time of day and on wind velocity at the lower terminal.     

Polarization Mismatch Errors in Radio Phase Interferometers

An analysis is presented which deals with the effects of polarization mismatch errors on the accuracy of a phase interferometer used for position location of unknown emitters relative to known calibration emitters. Closed-form expressions for the induced phase difference between interferometer antennas are derived for several combinations of receiving and transmitting antenna polarizations. Errors contributed by mechanical misalignment between antennas, as well as effects of power loss attributable to polarization mismatch, are also considered. The analysis leads to the conclusion that circularly polarized interferometer and transmitter antennas are best suited for the position location application, if it is assumed that polarization tracking of the interferometer antennas is not available. It is shown that a reasonable amount of ellipticity can be tolerated before the phase error becomes significant.     

CCRS C/X-airborne synthetic aperture radar: An Rand D tool for the ERS-1 time frame

The airborne synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) system developed for the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) is described. It consists of two radars, at C-band and X-band. Each radar incorporates the following features: dual-channel receivers and dual-polarized antennas; a high quality, 7-look, real-time processor; a sensitivity time control for range-dependent gain control; a motion-compensation system for antenna steering in azimuth and elevation; and baseband I and Q signal phase rotation. The system also uses a high-power transmitter with a low-power back-up. The SAR maps to either side of the aircraft, at high or low resolution, at incidence angles which in high resolution span 0° to 80°. Radar operating parameters, data products, key specifications and the motion compensation scheme used are presented. Properties of the real-time imagery are discussed and examples of C-band SAR data in the three operating modes are given     

Coding for Ambiguity Reduction in Pulsed Scanning Systems

A technique for suppressing the ambiguities arising in pulsed scanning systems is described. A system of multiple antennas is employed, and a coded sequence of pulses is radiated.