Optimum design of feed structures for high G/T passive and active antenna arrays

In this work, noise analysis of parallel feed structures is presented. Signal and noise behavior of the feed structures are signified by the newly introduced concepts of “coherent” and “incoherent” impedance match of power-combining structures. It is also shown that a feed structure can be redesigned for low-noise operation without affecting the radiation characteristics. Optimum design of parallel feed structures for low-noise operation is explained. Also an optimum use of active elements in such structures is investigated to have a low overall noise temperature of the antenna array with minimum number of active elements. In the analysis, a new method is introduced where a “noise-equivalent line length” (NELL) is defined. This definition, which unifies the contribution of noise from different array elements, is used in the design of a parallel feed structure and as an active circuit replacement criteria in passive arrays