A new architecture for an ultra-resolution sparse UWB array

This paper proposes a new architecture for an ultra-resolution sparse ultra-wideband (UWB) array. The UWB array system consists of an array and a specially designed receiver that work together to achieve ultra angular resolution. The new UWB array proposed in this work does not synchronize pulses from each array element to superpose them in the main beam direction. Instead, the pulse radiated from each element is purposely delayed to avoid any temporal overlap among pulses. Due to the different location of the array elements, the relative time delay among pulses transmitted by the elements will be different at each observation angle, thereby forming a unique temporal "fingerprint" corresponding to each angle. By using the special receiver proposed in this paper, which can take advantage of these "fingerprints", ultra angular resolution can be achieved. Simulation results show that a three-element equilateral circular array, which has a 0.8m radius and uses 0.25ns duration pulses, can provide a correlation pattern with a 3 dB beamwidth of 3.2 degrees.