Hardware implementation of analog beamformer for phased array radar (PAR)

Abstract

Beamformer is an indispensible part of any phased array system. Analog beamformer is the simpler method where the individual signals received from array of antennas are co-phased and summed to maximize the signal reception. The co-phasing is achieved through data independent weights which are predefined as per direction of arrival. These weights are applied to the analog phase shifter IC, which produces a set of phases in order to compensate the directional phase shifts. Signals are then combined with a power combiner. For realistic demonstration, signals from different locations are transmitted through a transmitter with a horn antenna. The beamformer successfully enhances the signal from the direction of interest.