Antenna beam scanning via aperture synthesis

A new concept for scanning antennas design is suggested. The concept is based upon a combination of a single radiating element movement with antenna aperture synthesizing. The radiator movement may be implemented either in direct way or virtually via switching of feeding circuitry of the antenna ID array. The latter may be done either electro-mechanically or electronically. In the paper, the case of electromechanical movement of the radiator is preferably considered. Various realizations of real and virtual movements of the radiator are briefly described. Examples of the concept implementing are presented. Advantages and drawbacks of the concept are discussed.