Phased array scanning with sequential commands

Phase shift commands to steer a phased array beam are sent to the phase shifters sequentially. In a radar system, the phase shifters simultaneously change when they receive a strobe signal. In a communications phased array, the phase shifters can either change simultaneously or sequentially as they receive the commands. The sequential approach causes the beam to gradually move from one position to another. This paper shows this behavior and effects the element sequence.

I. Introduction

Phased arrays steer the main beam of the antenna by placing a linear phase shift across the elements. When the signals from all the elements add in phase, then this coherent addition results in a main beam peak [1].