Advances in microstrip multiple beam arrays

A novel microstrip multiple beam array has recently been described that combines the beamforming and array functions onto a single substrate. The concept has been demonstrated by a flat 6×7 element array with 5 beams and first order analysis of the radiation performance shows reasonable agreement. Two important advances are presented. Firstly the original flat array has been developed into a cylindrical array form. This will allow multiple beam coverage over a 360° sector. Practical results are given that demonstrate the concept. Secondly a more detailed analysis that includes coupling through the many possible signal paths in the array is presented. This has particular application to the flat array and some results are given, although in principle it can be applied to the cylindrical array also