Comparison of single-ended and differential beamforming on the efficiency of a checkerboard phased array feed in offset- and front-fed reflectors

We analyze the efficiency of a connected checkerboard phased array feed (PAF) being investigated in the Australian Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Pathfinder. Both rotationally symmetric and offset-fed reflectors are considered. The array is assumed to be loaded with single-ended amplifiers and we compare single-ended and differential beamforming of the amplifier outputs. The results provide information for analyzing the performance and cost of the checkerboard PAF in antenna configurations being considered for the SKA.