Antenna and beamformer requirements for wideband phased array systems: A review

This review presentation will look at the unique requirements for the antenna and beamformer for today´s wideband systems which need high resolution. Unlike quasi monochromatic phased array technology, when dealing with wideband phased arrays, the designer needs to take into account the transfer function of the element as a function of scan angle, redefining the phased array problem and leading to new fields of research. Various types of wideband beamforming - analog (i.e. Rotman lens), digital and photonic will be reviewed and compared, based on the new criteria of the transfer function.