Analysis of a polarization agile communication system

A phased array system with polarization agility for the purpose of interference rejection is evaluated. Polarization agility is defined as a system which can transmit or receive any given polarization and switch its polarization in near real time. First, the efficiency that is sacrificed to gain polarization agility with a simple interleaved dual subarray (IDS) system is quantified. Second, the interference rejection which is gained with a random-polarization-hopping technique is analyzed. Third, various approaches for processing the received signal are discussed and compared. The combined analysis provides a full picture of the true costs and benefits of employing a simplified communication system with polarization agility.