An improved 2-D phased array spatial spectrum estimation method at subarray level

Most of the presented spatial spectrum estimation methods are based on element outputs. This paper studies the spatial spectrum estimation methods at subarray level which can be applied in multi-function phased array radars and gives the model of these methods. To improve the performance of the method based on the direct simplified array manifold, we post-process the digital subarray outputs by bringing in weighting network and construct simplified array manifold based on the Gaussian patterns. With the improved method we can control the available direction finding region flexibly and suppress sidelobe sources better. Theory analysis and simulation results express the validity of the method