Phase Array Radar (PAR)

Gamze Tan Sahin

Kubilay Ocel
Utku Can Sahin
Tugba Nur Atabey
Tunahan Aydın
Presentation Content
1) General Information Of Phase Array Radar (PAR), Working Princible
Of Phase Array Radar (PAR) And Historical Development
2) Types Of Phase Array Radar
3) Advantages And Disadvantages Of Phase Array Radar
4) Mathematical and Interference Representation of Phase Array
Radar
5) Implementation Area of Phase Array Radar
6) Questions
 General Information Of Phase Array Radar General
Information Of Phase Array Radar (PAR)
•A typical phased array antenna is a type of radar
based on the phase shift of propagating waves [1-2].
•In the array antennas, the radio frequency waves that
make up the antenna are divided into components to
form superposition and propagate.
•In this way, while the waves become stronger by
overlapping in the desired directions, they dampen
each other or reduce the signal strength in the
undesired directions [1].
•Phase array radars, which are a special type of array
radar, have wave components that provide radiation
with the power emitted from the transmitter.
•These wave components are called phase shifters. By
changing the phase or delay times of these phase
shifters by computer systems, wave components are
made to go in different directions.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phased_array
[2] Q. Cheng, S. Zheng, Q. Zhang, J. Ji, H. Yu, and X. Zhang, “An integrated optical
beamforming network for two-dimensional phased array radar,” Opt. Commun., vol. 489,
no. 126809, p. 126809, 2021.
 Working Prenciple
•The elements indicated by A are parts of the
antenna and receive their signal transmission
power from the transmitter called TX. The
component called C is the computer that provides
phase control in the system. The current on each
element passes through the θ element, which acts
as a phase shifter to be transferred to the
computer controller.
•Thanks to the phase shifting element called Θ, a
delay is applied to the radio waves and each wave
component begins to propagate after the wave
below it. As a result of this situation, the plane
wave travels at an angle of Θ with respect to the
antenna axis. The angle Θ of the wave can be
changed momentarily by changing the phase shift.
 Historical Development
•Phase array radar was first demonstrated in 1905 by Karl Ferdinand
Braun as a one-way transmission. (1905)
•During World War II, Nobel laureate Luis Alvarez presented the
ground-controlled approach system to guide the landing of aircraft
during the war. (1945)
•In the following years, scientists named Antony Hewish and Marton
Ryle also contributed to the study of phase array radar. The designs
have been used especially in radar systems and interferometric radio
antennas.
•. In 2004, Canifornia University of Technology developed a silicon-
based phase array radar operating at a frequency of 24GHz and
consisting of 8 elements as a receiver. (2004)
•The same team produced the CMOS phase array antenna operating at
the 24GHz frequency in 2005 and the integrated transceiver phase array
antenna operating at the 77GHz frequency in 2006. (2005-2006)
•In 2007, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency produced a
16-element phase array radar operating on a single silicon chip and
capable of operating in the 30-50GHz frequency band.(2007)
 Type Of Phase Array Radar
There are four most commonly used phase array radar types. These;
1-Passive Electronically Scanned Array Radar (PESA)
•Passive phased array radar is a radar system that detects targets using the phase changes of
reflected electromagnetic waves.
•It provides high routing precision with low power consumption and lower cost.
•Simple design and operation provides ease of use.
•It offers high reliability and durability.
•Can be a suitable option for applications with a limited budget.

[7] S.-Z. Yang, C.-Y. Li, H.-L. Cao, C.-C. Zhang, and W. Chi, “Research on pulse radiation of planar equiangular spiral antennas,” in 2008 Fourth Advanced International
Conference on Telecommunications, 2008, pp. 36–41.
 2-Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar (AESA )

•Active phased array radar is a radar system that works by using the phase changes of
electromagnetic waves emitted to detect targets.

•It has high guidance accuracy and can track multiple targets simultaneously.

•Its flexible and programmable structure can perform various radar tasks.

•It is ideal for air defense systems and air radars with its fast scanning and target tracking
capabilities.

•It provides enhanced radar performance and data processing capabilities.

[9] R. J. Mailloux, Phased array antenna handbook, 3rd ed. Norwood, MA: Artech House, 2018.
3-Hybrid Beamforming Phased Array Radar (HBFA)

•Hybrid beamforming phased array radar is a radar system that combines both passive phased
array radar to analyze external signals and active phased array radar to detect targets using signals
produced by itself.

•It provides high routing precision and the analog-digital combination offers flexibility.

•It provides lower power consumption and cost advantage.

•It combines the advantages of both analog and digital processing.

•It can be preferred in applications such as long-range radars, reconnaissance systems and 5G base
stations.
4-Digital Beamforming Array Radar (DBFA)
•Digital beamforming phased array radar is a radar system that provides advanced target detection
and tracking by digitally processing the received signals to detect targets.
•It has high guiding precision and flexible structure.
•It can track multiple targets simultaneously and cover a large scanning area.
•Thanks to its processing power and data processing capabilities, it can use advanced signal
processing algorithms.
•It is suitable for applications such as air traffic control, marine radars and weather radars.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Phase Array
Radar
PAR systems are widely used in many different sectors such as defence , aviation, space and
meteorology. When we examine the advantages and disadvantages below, its place in our
lives can be observed more clearly. If we talk about the general advantages of PAR systems,
these are shown in Table 2.
 ADVANTAGES
• High Target Detection Capability :PAR antennas
consist of many small antenna modules. Each
module can be controlled separately.PAR can
determine the direction and position of targets by
directing radar beams to determine the correct
position of targets(Fig.1). In addition, PAR can
update the locations of targets and track target
movements during each scan .
• High Accuracy :PAR in Phase Array Radar (PAR)
systems ensures accurate tuning of the target data.
This is due to the high resolution scanning and fast
data processing of the antenna system. In addition,
phase shifters in PAR antennas can control the
phase of radar beams. As a result, it is very
important in determining the exact location of the
target[13][14].

[12]D. S. Moore, “Review of the state of the art of UK AESA technology and the future challenges faced,” in 2008 IEEE Radar Conference, 2008, pp. 1–6.
[13] G.-K. Gaitanakis, G. Limnaios, and K. Zikidis, “AESA radar and IRST against low observable threats,” Aircr. Eng. Aerosp. Technol., vol. 92, no. 9, pp. 1421–1428, 2020.
[14] T. Kinghorn, I. Scott, and E. Totten, “Recent advances in airborne phased array radar systems,” in 2016 IEEE International Symposium on Phased Array Systems and Technology
(PAST), 2016, pp. 1–7
• Faster Scanning: PAR can scan and target faster than conventional radars. PARs scan
by rotating radar beams in a specific area for target detection and tracking.

• Reduced electronic media:RELECM(Reduced Electronic Countermeasures)

technology changes the frequency, polarization and other characteristics of radar signals,
making radar systems less noticeable. By changing these characteristics, it can be adapted to
various conditions and environments.
• Higher settlement:PAR has a higher operating reliability thanks to its redundant
modules.
DISADVANTAGES
• High Cost: PAR systems are more expensive than conventional radar
systems.One of the reasons why it is costly is the equipment included
in it. These equipments include antenna elements, electronic
materials, design components, etc. is in the form.
• Complex Design: PAR is highly complex to design and more difficult to
operate.
• Requires updating and maintenance: PAR is a technology that
requires constant updating and maintenance.
• High Power: PAR elements generate high frequency signals to direct
and control. Since these generated signals are electromagnetic waves
that require high energy, this process can cause high power
consumption.
Mathematical and Interference Representation of Phase Array Radar
The mathematical representation of a phased array radar involves describing the key parameters and
equations used to control and manipulate the radar beam. Here are some important mathematical
elements:
•a. Antenna Elements: A phased array radar consists of multiple antenna elements, each with its own
position in space and phase shift control. The position of each element is typically represented by its (x,
y, z) coordinates, and the phase shift of each element determines the direction of the radar beam.
•b. Beamforming: Beamforming is the process of combining the signals from multiple antenna
elements to form a coherent and directional radar beam. The mathematical operation involved in
beamforming includes adding the signals with appropriate phase shifts to achieve constructive
interference in the desired direction.
•c. Phased Array Factor: The phased array factor is a mathematical term used to describe the radiation
pattern of the phased array antenna. It takes into account the positions and phase shifts of individual
antenna elements to determine the overall pattern and shape of the radar beam.
•d. Signal Processing: Signal processing techniques play a crucial role in phased array radar systems.
These techniques involve mathematical operations such as filtering, modulation, demodulation, and
digital signal processing algorithms to extract useful information from the received radar signals.
Mathematical and Interference Representation of Phase Array Radar

• Definition (Array Pattern)

In the context of phased array radar, the array pattern refers specifically to the radiation pattern
of the phased array antenna. It is determined by the positions and phase shifts of individual
antenna elements within the array. By controlling the phase shifts of the elements, the array
pattern can be shaped and steered to achieve desired characteristics, such as a narrow
beamwidth, high gain, and efficient target tracking.
If the elements of an array of N antennas are weighted by a weight-vector w
(1)
then, the array pattern is defined as the function g(θ, φ) such as
(2)
The array pattern function, for a particular direction (θ, φ), provides the gain of the array for a
signal with that direction.
The array pattern is a function of the manifold vector S(θ, φ) (and consequently of the array
geometry and target is direction (θ, φ)) and any weight vector w (including any phase-shifters).
Mathematical and Interference Representation of Phase Array Radar

• Calculation of the Phase Shift in a Phased Array Radar

 For a general antenna array geometry with Cartesian coordinates
r  r1 , r2 , ..., rN   R 3 xN (3)
to steer the main lobe towards a specific (known) direction (θmain-lobe, φmain-lobe ), a vector of
phase-shifters should be used which should be equal to
   1 ,  2 , ...,  N   r T kmain
T
(4)
 This implies that
S  main ,  main  *
 exp  j 

 In this case the array pattern will be

g  ,    S  main , main  S  ,   ,  ,  ) (5)
H

 and if Eq. 5 is evaluated at θ = θmain, and φ = φmain then g(θmain, φmain) = N = max at main
lobe direction
Mathematical and Interference Representation of Phase Array Radar
Interference Representation:
Interference is an important aspect to consider in phased array radar systems. Interference can arise
from various sources and affect the radar's performance. Here are some interference-related
considerations:
a. Co-Channel Interference: In a scenario where multiple radars operate on the same frequency, co-
channel interference may occur. This interference can result from the overlapping of radar beams or
signal reflections from unintended targets.
b. Side Lobes: Side lobes are secondary lobes in the radiation pattern of the phased array antenna that
can cause interference. These lobes may transmit or receive signals in unintended directions, leading to
potential interference with other systems or undesired detection of targets.
c. Jamming: Jamming refers to deliberate interference introduced by an adversary to disrupt radar
operations. Jamming can take various forms, including noise jamming, deception jamming, and barrage
jamming. Radar systems employ techniques like frequency hopping, spread spectrum, and adaptive
processing to counteract jamming and maintain radar performance.
d. Clutter: Clutter refers to unwanted radar echoes arising from non-target objects, such as terrain,
buildings, or weather phenomena. Clutter can degrade the radar's detection capabilities and clutter
suppression algorithms are used to mitigate its effects.
Mathematical and Interference Representation of Phase Array Radar

Inter-target Interference Suppression Inter-target Interference Suppression

(Analogue) (Digital)
Implementation Area of Phase Array Radar
Phase Array Radar is used
in many important areas
today. Some of these can
be listed as air defense
systems, meteorology, air
traffic control, space
research, ballistic missile
defense systems and
maritime surveillance
applications.
 Phase Array Radar in Military
Technological developments start in military areas and
then integrate into our civilian life. Radar technology has
also occupied an extremely important place in the
military field for decades. Radars are used in the
detection, tracking and sometimes destruction of enemy
forces.
Rocket technology, like radar technology, is also
developing and its speed is increasing day by day. In this
direction, faster radars are needed that will not miss the
target. Mechanically, the movement of the antennas is
not good at capturing high-speed objects. On the other
hand, phase array radars can make changes in their field
of view without moving mechanically. This also provides
superiority in the military field. It also allows you to track
more than one target at the same time. In the image, a
phase array radar used in the military field is seen(Fig.3).

[15] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:96L6E_phased_array_radar_antenna
 In addition, these radars are also
located on fighter jets. They excel
with the ability to quickly change
the scanning area electronically,
the ability to track multiple
targets at the same time. They
are resistant to deceptive signals
sent by enemy radars. In the
image, there is a phase array
radar installed on a Russian-
made fighter jet(Fig.4)[16].

[16] https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/157254
Phase Array Radar in Meteorology
In recent years, the scarcity of frequency
spectrum allocated for long-range radars and
the increasing air traffic have popularized the
use of Phase Array Radar in weather
forecasting. Dual-polarization, low-power X-
band phase array radars offer an attractive
radar technology for short-range weather
observations. These systems provide two-
dimensional phase-phase steering without the
need for motors or other moving parts. An
example of these is the radar "Low Power
Radar", which can be seen on the side(Fig.5).
It is an X-band, dual polarization, phase-array
radar developed by Raytheon and uses low-
power solid-state radiation elements[17].
[17] P. Kollias, E. P. Luke, K. Tuftedal, M.Dubois, E. J. Knapp”, Agile Weather Observations using a Dual-Polarization X-band Phased Array Radar,” March 2022
Multifunction Phase Array Radar
There are phase array radars that
collect multiple functions in one body.
These are called Multifunction Phased
Array Radar (MPAR). Figure shows how
such a system that can time-share
between aircraft and weather
objectives without mechanically moving
the antenna could work (Fig.6). This
way, the radar can focus on aircraft or
weather events as needed[18].

[18] E.Kowalski, D. Conway, A. Morris C. Parry, “Multifunction Phased Array Radar Advanced Technology Demonstrator (MPAR ATD) Nearfield Testing and Fielding,” 2019
Phase Array Radar in Space Applications
On the other hand, phase array radars
are also involved in space applications.
Detecting and tracking objects is a
viable option. These objects may be
pieces of space debris or asteroids. It
detects the speeds of objects during
tracking and makes it possible to
determine the collision probabilities.
Eglin AFB Site C-6, which is used for
space surveys, appears in the
image(Fig.7)[19]. With its highest
radiated power of 32 megawatts, it
claims to be the most powerful radar in
the world[20].
[19] http://www.peterson.af.mil/library/factsheets/index.asp
[20] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eglin_AFB_Site_C-6
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