A Sidelobe Optimization Method using Spatial Code Based on Space-Time Coding Array

Space-time coding array (STCA) can realize transmitting diversity and directivity through introducing a very tiny time delay between the adjacent transmitting channels, which could utilize the high degree of freedom of the radar transmitting end. However, STCA also bring problems, especially in sidelobe performance. Such as the resonance problem, which is caused by the frequency spectrum mismatch and will bring sidelobe performance distortion. In this article, a sidelobe optimization method that applies the spatial code is proposed, which can control the array pattern to solve the resonance problem. The simulation results can verify the feasibility of the proposed method. The resonance problem is eliminated and the sidelobe is reduced significantly on the basis of maintaining the spatial beam scanning capability of STCA.