Active phased array radar analysis

Abstract

A phased array antenna can electronically steer the direction of the antenna beam almost instantaneously. In an Active Phased Array Radar (APAR), this capability is used to allow the system to multiplex its time between many different functions; the primary functions are search and target tracking. Potentially, the APAR can be designed based on the task it is performing, such that any savings in radar time in meeting the requirement of one task allow that time to be devoted beneficially to other tasks. The primary goal of this research is to investigate the performance assessment and improve the techniques for control of an Active Phased Array Radar performing the tracking function. In order to reliably and efficiently track targets, a MS. Excel 5.0 Spread Sheet program is implemented so that tracking range must be rapidly changed. With this program we can explore the many degrees of freedom that future APAR's will bring, such as adaptable update rate, antenna beamwidth, transmitted power, frequency, etc.