Radar system impacts due to spectrum attributes of frequency-steerable phased array antennas

Possible differences between boresight and off-boresight emissions of phased array radar systems can impact a radar system´s performance. This could result in a distorted transmitted radar waveform. In order to understand the significance of this distortion on a radar system, a simulation study was completed for a notional 3.5 GHz radar having both a continuous wave pulsed waveform and a linear FM waveform. This simulation study was verified using available measurement data. The radar system´s performance was then assessed by using radar ambiguity plots for each of these radar waveforms. It was concluded that some distortion is present even on-boresight in addition to the off-boresight emissions difference. Further understanding of the specific off-boresight distortion could lead to better clutter suppression.