Digital antenna unit for DOA analysis in ESM systems

In this paper, design and characterization of a novel “Direction Finding Antenna” unit (D/F DAU) are presented. The unit has been designed in order to localize electromagnetic emitters with precision direction finding capabilities. The Antenna is employed in the ELT avionics and naval modern ESM sensing system and utilizes an amplitude direction finding scheme. The main characteristic the D/F DAU is the ability to cover the signal pulses visibility in presence of simultaneous CWs emitters. An evidence of the used techniques, electromagnetic simulations, three dimensional outlines, measurements and obtained performances are explained. A paragraph of the article is focused to describe the characteristic of the Antenna to cover the signal pulses visibility in presence of simultaneous CWs emitters.