Phase-only sidelobe sector nulling for a tapered array with failed elements

The application of the phase-only sidelobe sector nulling method to re-optimize the pattern of a tapered array after the detection of element failures has been developed under a Hughes RF computer aided design project. This fault correction technique uses a nonlinear computer optimization code developed by Pierre and Lowe (1975) to reshape the pattern of a partially failed array by readjusting the phase weights of the remaining good elements. The sidelobe sector nulling can be utilized to suppress interference and sea clutter from sea surface or distant airborne jammers for a shipboard radar. However, if some elements of the array fail, then the nulling region will degrade significantly. By using the computer code a new set of phase weights can be found to compensate for the lost elements and maintain the sidelobe sector nulling performance.<>