Adaptive antenna array signal processing using a distributed array processor

An adaptive antenna consists of an array of antenna elements whose output signals are adjusted in amplitude and phase (weighting) and summed together to form an array output, optimised towards some desired condition. This optimisation stems from the maximisation of the signal to noise ratio in many instances, or works on the minimisation of the output power, which in turn maximises the signal to noise ratio. Signal processors for adaptive antenna radar arrays need to process samples up to the order of 10⁸ samples/s and perform about 1 billion operations/s for optimum performance. The throughput rate required grows with increased demands for functionality and performance. All computers have limitations on their performance, but some of these can be overcome by using parallel processing techniques. The parallel processing technique examined in the paper is the use of a distributed array processor, either in its own right or as a technique for simulating systolic array hardware structures