Passive Phase Multiplication as a Means Towards Low-Cost, High-Performance Phased Array Antennas

The significant benefits of large aperture, electronically steered phased array antennas remain uneconomic for most applications outside of defence and aerospace. Where progress has been made to reduce costs, it has invariably been at the expense of limited angular steering resolution and steering range. The novel solution of Passive Phase Multiplication (PPM) described herein provides dramatic cost reduction without the performance limitations of alternatives. This paper provides examples of 1-axis fine-steering linear arrays from 7 to 19 elements achieved with two phase shifters, and 2-axis steering of 225element (15 by 15) arrays with just eight phase shifters. When used as sub-arrays in very large apertures, a 96% reduction in phase shifters is feasible. Fine steering over +/- 45 degrees is achievable via 3-or-more switchable zones. Implementation using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) microwave substrates provides low loss and full reciprocity. When receiving, delivery of high-resolution angle-of-arrival (AoA) information is inherent. The results of modelling and experimental proof-of-principle are provided, with full antenna hardware demonstration expected this year.