Analysis of the Influence of Periodic and Fluctuating Multiplicative Noise on Distortions of Radiation Patterns of Phased Antenna Arrays

The analysis of distortions of radiation patterns of phased antenna arrays exposed to periodic multiplicative noise is carried out. The conditions are determined, when the effect of high-frequency noise on phase-shifter arrays or synthesized arrays completely distorts the structure of their patterns. In arrays with delay lines, this noise does not cause significant distortions of the pattern. When exposed to fluctuating multiplicative noise, information about distortions is contained in the modulus or in the average pattern of power radiation of the array. Multiplicative noise can lead to the expansion of the main lobe, increase the level of the side lobes of the pattern and smooth out directions of zero reception. Distortion increases with the increase in the frequency of harmonics of the noise modulation function. If the spectrum of this function is unbalanced, the maximum of the radiation pattern may be shifted. The influence of slow fluctuation noise leads to a certain decrease in the maximum and to smoothing the pattern in the area of its side lobes.