A new design method for digital beamforming using spatial interpolation

The paper presents a new method for designing a digital beamformer using a uniform linear (or planar) array. By employing a spatial interpolation process at the digital signal processing section, the number of antenna elements, and the corresponding RF modules, analog/digital (A/D) converters, etc., are significantly reduced, while still retaining the same main beamwidth and the same sidelobe level (SLL) as the traditional beamforming method that requires a larger number of elements. In addition, the method provides for prescribing a narrow main beamwidth specification, while at the same time allowing for a prescribed low SLL specification. Illustrative design examples and a comparison with the traditional beamforming method are included.