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An aperiodic phased array antenna for space-bome synthetic aperture radar | IEEE Conference Publication | IEEE Xplore

An aperiodic phased array antenna for space-bome synthetic aperture radar


Abstract:

An aperiodic phased array antenna architecture for space-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is presented. The proposed array antenna possesses several advantages compar...Show More

Abstract:

An aperiodic phased array antenna architecture for space-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is presented. The proposed array antenna possesses several advantages compare to traditional periodic arrays, including using phase-only control to fit different beam shaping and steering requirements, and consuming fewer RF energy to generate same receiving signal power level. An executive approach for the design of proposed array is introduced. Performance of proposed aperiodic array when being applied to space SAR application are evaluated. Positive evaluation results demonstrate the feasibility of proposed antenna as well as the effectiveness of the design method.
Date of Conference: 14-15 November 2016
Date Added to IEEE Xplore: 09 January 2017
ISBN Information:
Conference Location: Loughborough, UK

I. Introduction

For current advanced and next generation space-borne SAR missions, high gain, accurate beam shaping, and rapid beam steering are mandatory requirements for the antenna. Among several candidates including reflector antenna, passive phased array and active phased array, only the last one can meet all these requirements. However, in order to compensate an extremely high pathloss introduced by a large space-earth distance, usually in order of about 1000 km, the transmitting RF power of space SAR antenna must be on a very high level, and probably much exceeds the power generated by the solar array on board the spacecraft. Taking Cosmo-Skymed system [1] which was launched in 2007 and still operating now for example, the peak power demand for imaging (spotlight mode) is 17.3 kW (the majority goes to SAR antenna, especially the transmitting chain) while the solar array could only generate 4.5 kW (BOL) to 3.5 kW (EOL) DC power. The power gap is made up by a 336 Ah Li-ion battery which weighs up to 136 kg. With this power configuration, the max imaging duration for spotlight mode can only reach 10 seconds. Considering these facts, the reduction of power consumption would be significantly beneficial to the development and operating of space SAR systems. New materials, such as GaN [2], [3], can help making the active devices more power efficient. Nevertheless, further improvements are still highly needed.

References

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