Design of overlapped subarrays using an RFIC beamformer

Electronically scanned arrays require a minimum number of controls, N_min, given by the number of orthogonal beams that fill a prescribed scan sector (R. Mailloux, 1993). Most practical antenna arrays require considerably more than N_min control elements, but overlapped subarray architectures can approach this theoretical limit. The overlapped subarray network produces a flat-topped sector pattern with low sidelobes that suppress grating lobes outside of the main beam of the subarray pattern. Each radiating element of the array is connected to multiple subarrays, creating an overlapping geometry. It is possible to scan one beam, or a fixed set of contiguous beams, over the main sector of the subarray with a set of Nmin phase shifters. Alternatively, digital receivers can be connected to the N_min subarrays and multiple simultaneous beams can be formed digitally. Digital subarray architectures using a combination of element level phase shifters and subarray level receivers makes it possible to scan multiple beam clusters over all space. The conventional approach to the design and manufacturing of the overlapped subarray network is challenging and costly due to the complexity of the microwave network (J.S. Herd et al., 2005). However, the design of the overlapped subarray beamformer using radio frequency integrated circuits (RFIC) represents a novel approach for implementing an efficient trade-off between the agility and capability of fully digital arrays and the cost effectiveness of analog arrays.