Experimental validation of a partially-overlapped, constrained-feed network for Limited-Field-of-View (LFOV) applications

This paper presents an experimental verification of the partially-overlapped, constrained- feed network first introduced in (Mailloux, 2001). Unlike (Mailloux, 2001), we chose to operate the network in a LFOV mode to significantly reduce the amount of measured data. A GA was used to optimize the complex weights of the network, resulting in a system that is capable of at least 25-dB sidelobe suppression over angular bandwidths as large as 11.54deg. Furthermore, at least 30-dB sidelobe suppression is achievable for bandwidths as large as 8.05deg. One of the major benefits of this system is that the weights at both the constituent-beam and subarray levels can correct for phase errors within the network. Since it is difficult (and/or expensive) to maintain consistent phase at this frequency, this self-calibration capability provides a big advantage.