Optically reconfigured active phased array antennas

An outline is presented of a study on the impact of active-module failure on the radiation pattern of phased array antennas. A linear phased array composed of 13 active elements was simulated. The interactive simulation program was based on the calculation of array factor by specifying each elements amplitude, phase, spacing and radiation pattern. Results of the simulation predict increases in the sidelobe level associated with reduction in the directivity gain. Degradation on the array factor is also more substantial on the elements closer to the center. For two symmetric elements a similar degradation was observed. As the radiating beam was scanned, asymmetric radiation patterns were predicted for the failed mode of operation. The effects of change in the radiating frequency on the radiation pattern was studied for normal and failure modes of operation. To study the effect of unequal interelement spacing on the radiation pattern under failure modes a linear progression of array spacing was introduced to the 13-element array. Results of this simulation for normal and failure modes of operation are also discussed.<>