Electromagnetic interference analysis of integrated radar antennas on stealth mast

Abstract

The requirement of radar wave stealth for modern ships gives birth to integrated superstructure and integrated mast, which is also called stealth mast as well. The antenna arrangement patterns installed on stealth mast are totally different from those on traditional ones. In addition, due to the use of radomes made of frequency-selective wave-penetrating materials, various electromagnetic interference (EMI) styles and coupling characteristic appears. In order to thoroughly investigate the possibly evocable consequences from stealth mast that might jeopardize ship's overall electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), a typical stealth mast simulation model is built and ideal band pass frequency-selective surface (FSS) radomes are employed to cover the integrated radar antennas on stealth mast. Splitting into two circumstances when radar antennas play different roles in EMI pattern, electromagnetic fields inside the stealth mast are solved through utilizing the numerical technique of Finite Integration Time Domain (FITD) method. This paper studies and analyses the representative coupling results, and exposes the EMI issues that might possibly come around, that are emphasized by adopting non-ideal band pass FSS radomes in one case too. From the perspective of overall ship EMC design, the paper conclude with a series of EMI prevention measures and control methods, that are contraposing the emerging troubles standing in the way of surface warship's development for a new age.