Van Atta Array With Reconfigurable Scattering Characteristics Based on a Novel Feed Network

This article proposes a Van Atta array based on a novel feed network to achieve dynamic control of the array radar cross section (RCS). Different from existing Van Atta arrays that can only achieve retrodirective properties, this article proposes a novel array configuration. The proposed Van Atta array can simultaneously achieve self-adaptive scattering enhancement (SASE) and RCS reduction (RCSR) by a simple reconfigurable signal transmission path regulator (RSTPR). The RSTPR is realized by a reconfigurable power divider using a compact 1-bit phase shifter. In mode 1, the RSTPR appears as a crossover. In mode 2, the RSTPR is equivalent to two parallel transmission lines, allowing the signal transmission paths and phase delays in the feed network to be flexibly controlled. In the SASE state, the retrodirective characteristic is realized based on the co-polarized ports of antenna elements connected in pairs with equal-length transmission lines. While, in the RCSR state, the low observability is achieved through the orthogonal polarized ports of antenna elements connected in pairs with a 180° phase delay. It can achieve polarization conversation and phase cancellation without additionally designing cancellation subarrays. As a result, in the SASE state, the antenna array has a −6 dB beamwidth of the monostatic RCS of 74° in yoz plane at 9.6 GHz. In the RCSR state, the peak RCS suppression reaches 23.1 dB.