An iterative approach for deterministic beamformer design

An iterative method for designing the quiescent response which closely matches a prespecified desired response in the passband while simultaneously minimizing the sidelobe levels in the stopband is discussed. The method is based on the use of eigenvector constraints in the array and searches for a set of coefficients which combine the constraints to generate the quiescent response. Using this method, the sidelobe levels in the stopband are reduced from one iteration to another; the search continues until the maximum ripple in the passband reaches a prespecified level. Both min-max and least-squares criteria, which are used to specify the ripple levels in the passband, are discussed.<>