US 4,291,310 AGranted

Adaptive two-dimensional null forming receiving antenna system

AssigneeInternational Telephone and Telegraph Corporation

InventorBradford E. Kruger

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Abstract

An electronic two-dimensional scanning array system with a two-dimensional interferometer array arrangement associated therewith is disclosed. The scanning array is used for transmitting a pencil beam, and the interferometer arrays are employed in receiving, array signal processing also being employed. The azimuth interferometer array consists of two sub-arrays, one on each side of the scanning transmitting array. The elevation interferometer array is likewise divided into two sub-arrays, one across the top and the other across the bottom of the scanning transmitting planar array. Accordingly, null responses in azimuth and elevation are provided. Phasors, which may be controlled by tracking functions, steer the center and nulls of the interferometer receive beam together in such a manner that the maximum improvement of the ratio of array-signal-process received target power to received power from an interfering source angularly separated from the interferometer center beam is achieved.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A radar system capable of minimizing its receiving response to an interfering radiation source angularly separated from a target of interest, comprising:

first means for illuminating said target with radiant energy;
second means comprising at least one interferometer array having a pair of sub-arrays each with a plurality of elements mounted one on a first side of said first means and the other on the side opposite said first side, said sub-arrays being connected to provide an interferometer pattern having a main lobe and angularly spaced nulls in a first spatial angular coordinate on both sides of said main lobe;
array processing signal receiver means responsive to signals received through said second means as a result of illumination by said first means to provide target angle information;
third means responsive to said receiver means for developing a variable phase shift program for said sub-array elements to steer a null in said interferometer pattern within said first spatial angular coordinate so as to substantially eliminate received energy from said interfering radiation source, echo signals from said target being within said main lobe.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.